17. Delmon Young      Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Young is a lock for Rookie of the Year (unless you count Japanese imports). This bad boy is going to take it out on opposing pitchers immediately.  He looked great when he finally got the call last season and with a full season beckoning he will be on many “sleeper lists”.  To that point, don’t fall asleep at the switch - grab him.  With even slightly improved selectivity at the plate 20-20 is very likely this season.  And 30-30 is possible next year.  It is scary to think what the outfield of Young, Crawford, and Baldelli will accomplish if they stay together - and healthy.

18. Curtis Granderson    Detroit Tigers

Granderson was at the top of many sleeper lists last season.  He put up a solid, if unspectacular year at the top of the Tigers line up.  He also showed stamina, playing 159 games in his first full season.  Granted the average dropped 40 points in the second half (and he only mustered 1 SB during those 72 games), but that will not be a trend.  He is only 26 years old and will improve on the numbers of 2006.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that every category will improve once he demonstrates that he isn’t useless against lefties.

See Michael Cuddyer.  Or Raul Ibanez.  What is it with guys that reek of mediocrity for six years, and then suddenly go postal?  In fairness, Matthews’ jump was not as shocking as Raul’s or Michael’s.  And he has improved for four straight seasons.  But 2006 was a particularly strong effort.  Maybe it was an old fashioned salary drive.  He led all AL center fielders in average (.313).  And the SGP, OBP, and OPS were all (by far) the finest of his career.  And he played a swank defense for the Rangers.  He joins an improving Angels' team and there will be expected to produce for the first time in his career.  He is going to feel the pressure and will fall back to his career norms.  Expect about 15 homers and 60 ribbies.

I keep associating Nick Swisher with Ben Grieve.  Maybe it is the common theme of “baseball families”, I really have no idea.  I loved Grieve and really thought he’s be a productive hitter.  I was really wrong.  I feel the same way about Swisher.  But I don’t think I’m going to be really wrong in this case.  He never recaptured the April magic (10 dinger month), but the totals of 35 homers and 95 ribbies (plus over 100 runs) make him a great choice for all leagues.  Still, he needs to eliminate the nickname “Swish” (152 Ks in ’06), to become an elite slugger.  He may be too selective at the plate, believe it or not.