MLB Tickets - Breakout Hitters in a Pitcher's League
August 13, 2010 by Stub_Hub
Even though the pitchers have mostly had their way this season, with home run totals as low as they have been in many years, there still have been quite a few hitters who have stepped up into the spotlight. Let's take a look at the biggest breakout hitters of the 2010 season (note: stats as of Aug. 5).
Delmon Young, Left Field, Minnesota Twins:
If you're wondering why the Twins are still in the divisional race with Joe Mauer having a subpar season and Justin Morneau missing a chunk of time in the middle of the season, Delmon Young is the answer. Young has never knocked in 100 runs, but with 83 already he should easily eclipse the mark and finish as one of the top run producers in the American League. His .331 average also ranks as one of the tops in the league and his OPS is hovering right around .900, which will only increase if he learns more plate discipline. Young is a natural hitter and though his home run total isn't great - just 14 so far - he also should be able to develop more power as he gets older. Though he may have been in the league for quite a while now, fans need to remember that he's still only 24.
Alex Rios, Center Field, Chicago White Sox:
As the White Sox head into the final stretch in an intense divisional battle with the Minnesota Twins, Alex Rios is one of the main reasons they're in a position to take down the title. Rios has finally broken out and has a legit chance to have 100 RBIs, 35 stolen bases and an average over .300. That type of all-around production can't be found in many places in the league, and the White Sox are glad that the Blue Jays gave up on him when they did. With that type of speed, the White Sox would like to see Rios walk a bit more, as his on base percentage is a mediocre .348, but they'll take what they can get. He also plays a pretty good center field.
Carlos Gonzalez, Center Field, Colorado Rockies:
Not many people were likely to have heard of Gonzalez before the season following two so-so years in the bigs. But Gonzalez has been outstanding in 2010, batting .319 with 23 bombs and 72 RBIs to keep the Rockies in the hunt most of the season. His on-base percentage isn't great (.349) but he's still a fairly inexperienced hitter at the pro level. Gonzalez certainly seems to have a bright future ahead of him and should sell plenty of MLB tickets.
Jose Bautista, Right Field, Toronto Blue Jays:
Though he had never hit 20 home runs in a season before 2010, Bautista is easily leading the league in homers with 33 and probably will be the only player in the league to touch 40 this season as power numbers are on the decline. His average isn't great (.263) but his run production can't be argued with and he's been the main reason the Blue Jays have remained above .500 for most of the season. At age 29, it seems that Bautista is finally blooming into an old school power guy.
Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds:
Votto has been good for a few years, as Reds fans certainly would know, but he hasn't broken into the level of Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard until this season. As of Aug. 5, Votto was hitting .324 with 27 long balls and 73 RBIs, making him one of the very best hitters in the entire league so far this season. It will be tough to hold off the other big bats to win the N.L. MVP, but it's also definitely not out of the question. Votto looks to be a superstar in the middle of the Reds lineup for quite a while.
