BREAKOUT PLAYERS 2012: AL EAST

Although the American League East is known mostly for high-priced talent, 3 of the 5 teams have at least one prospect who has superstar potential and could make their mark in 2012. These prospects may be part of the reason why these teams have not made much noise on the free agent or trade markets. Here are 5 players in each AL East team who could have breakout years in 2012.


Baltimore Orioles, RP Jim Johnson: Though Johnson may be a little older than the average breakout  player, he really took off in 2011, and may become the Orioles' closer in 2012. In 2010, Johnson had a respectable ERA of 3.42, but opposing batters hit .296 against him. In 2011, he pitched to a 2.67 ERA and the opposition hit just .238. His WHIP was down from a high 1.41, to a very good 1.11.

Toronto Blue Jays, 3B Brett Lawrie: This one is obvious. The soon-to-be 22-year-old hit .293 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI in 43 games for Toronto in 2011. He seems like the type of player who could be a consistent 30-30 threat for years to come. It wouldn't be crazy to think that he could be an All Star as early as 2012.


Boston Red Sox, RP Mark Melancon: The former Yankees prospect did very well in the second half of 2011, as he posted an ERA of 2.43 and recorded 14 of his 20 saves for the Houston Astros. Now a member of the Red Sox, Melancon will most likely be a setup man because the NL West is not as star-studded as the AL East. Also, there is less pressure on a setup man as there is on a closer, and it is a good way to ease Melancon into the job of ultimately becoming the Red Sox Closer.


Tampa Bay Rays, SP Matt Moore: After a combined 12-3 season in Double-A and Triple-A, the hard-throwing lefty pitched only 9.1 innings for the Rays in September, but they still decided to start him in game 1 of the ALDS against Texas. Moore pitched 10 innings in the playoffs and allowed only 1 earned run. During the offseason, the Rays signed Moore to a 5-year, $14 million extension, which is a huge risk to take on a player who has only started 4 big league games, but if he pitches at all like he did in 2011, it'll be considered a bargain.

New York Yankees, C/DH Jesus Montero: For the last few years Jesus Montero has been considered by many to be one of baseball's elite prospects. He got called up in September, when he hit .328 with 4 home runs. He played so well in September that he has almost definitely locked up the Yankees' DH job, if he's not traded for a top pitcher.