Stephen Strasburg    Washington Nationals    RHP
The former top overall pick had an impressive return from Tommy John surgery.  Picking up without a hitch, the 6’4” flamethrower posted a record of 15-6 while striking out 197 batters in only 159.1 innings.  He averaged more than four K’s per walk.  Strasburg was shut down due to an innings limit early in September 2012, but general manager Mike Rizzo was wise in preserving Washington’s ace for future pennant drives.

Cole Hamels    Philadelphia Phillies    LHP
Hamels has been among the most effective pitchers over the last three years.The 2008 World Series and NLCS MVP has three straight sub 1.20 WHIP seasons and averaged a strikeout per inning in 2010 and 2012.  Hamels went 17-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 215.1 innings in 2012.

Kris Medlen    Atlanta Braves    RHP
Medlen began the 2012 season in the bullpen, after missing most of 2011 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Once Fredi Gonzalez called on Medlen to join the rotation, the results were incredible. Beginning on July 31, Medlen won 10 of 12 starts, with two no decisions. His 2012 ratios were Koufaxian, a 0.91 WHIP and 1.57 ERA in 138 IP. A career 7.9 K’s per nine innings suggest Medlen may be a long term quality starting pitcher.

Gio Gonzalez    Washington Nationals    LHP
Escaping the Hamiltons and Beltres of the American League West probably helped Gonzalez post career numbers in all the major pitching categories.  In 2012, Gonzalez won a major league high 21 games with a 2.89 ERA.  His 2012 WHIP of 1.13 was well below his career number and his 9.3 K’s per nine IP was tops in the NL among pitchers who threw more than 162 innings.

Cliff Lee    Philadelphia Phillies    RHP
I thought long and hard about Matt Harvey in the fifth slot, his ratios and K’s per IP were as good as any on the staff. But Cliff Lee gets the call based on his consistency and pedigree. His 6-9 record in 2012 was deceiving, the Phillies scored two or fewer runs in eight of the losses. In three no decisions, Lee was supported by only one run.  Lee still managed to finish ninth in the NL in ERA, and his strikeouts to IP was above his career average.

Aug. 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 9-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen
Eric O’Flaherty   Atlanta Braves    LHP
Fredi’s LOOGY. Since 2010, O’Flaherty has pitched to a 1.59 ERA in his role as left handed specialist. He had a sub 1.20 WHIP in both 2011 and 2012.

Mike Adams    Philadelphia Phillies    RHP
Adams has had a fine eight year career out of the pen, and joins the Phillies in 2013. In 363.2 career innings his ERA is 2.28. Coming to the National League from the AL West should help Adams numbers.

Craig Kimbrel    Atlanta Braves   Closer
The best closer in baseball since the start of the 2011 season, nobody is really close. In the past two seasons Kimbrel has saved 88 games, striking out a ridiculous 15.7 batters per nine innings over that span. The two time All-Star’s WHIP in 2012 was 0.65.

1.  David Wright    New York Mets    Bats: R    5 (3rd Base)
David Wright leading off? What in the name of Jeff Torborg is going on?  Of all the players in the lineup, Wright profiles the best at leadoff.  His .391 on base percentage was sixth in the National League last year.  Wright gets the big Madoffs to slug for the Mets, last year Wright increased his double total while still hitting 21 home runs, raising his slugging percentage to .492.  The two time gold glove winner is a solid defender, but sometimes suffers from a case of the Mackey Sassers.

2.  Justin Upton    Atlanta Braves    Bats: R    7 (left field)
2013 is an odd year, so is Justin Upton due for a good season?  In 2009 and 2011, Upton averaged 27 home runs and 87 RBI.  In even years 2010 and 2012 he averaged 10 less homers and 20 less ribbies.  Upton has always been a reasonable bet to approach 20 steals.  At the end of 2011 he won a Silver Slugger, at the end of 2012 he was deemed expendable in exchange for Martin Prado.

3.  Adam LaRoche     Washington Nationals     Bats: L     3 (1st base)
The baseball Rodney Dangerfield has always produced, but garnered very little attention.  Since 2006 the former 29th round pick has put up at least 80 RBI and 21 home runs, except an injury marred 2011.  During last year’s Silver Slugger season, La Roche drove in 100 runs for the second time in three seasons and mashed 32 home runs, slugging a respectable .510.

Stanton, catcher and umpire admire another Giancarlo launching. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4.  Giancarlo Stanton     Miami Marlins    Bats: R    9 (right field)
Stanton is the only true slugger in the lineup, and the division.  His 6’5” frame produces tremendous swing speed and tape measure distance home runs.  In only 123 games in 2012, Stanton hit 37 home runs, driving in 86 runs.  Imagine the damage the aptly named “Bigfoot” would have done in a full season or with a better team.  His .608 slugging percentage led the National League.

5.  B.J. Upton    Atlanta Braves     Bats: R    8 (center field)
The Atlanta Braves showered B.J. Upton with a $75 million, 5 year contract, parting ways with Michael Bourn, who they did not feel had enough pop in his bat. The 28 year Upton old had his best slugging season since 2007, belting 28 home runs and stealing 31 bags.  His slugging percentage has increased each year since 2009, a trend the Braves hope continues.

6.  Ian Desmond    Washington Nationals    Bats: R    6 (shortstop)
In his third full season, Desmond enjoyed a breakout campaign.  Entering his prime at age 27, Desmond slugged at a .511 clip with 27 home runs and 21 steals.  The 2012 Silver Slugger shortstop has a bit of a tin glove, but his power and speed combination are worth the occasional fielding misadventure.

7.  Carlos Ruiz Philadelphia    Philadelphia Phillies    Bats: R    2 (catcher)
The Philly backstop has quietly carved out three solid seasons.  Despite some injuries, 2012 was a career year for Ruiz.  He hit 16 home runs in only 372 at bats and slugged .540 for Charlie Manuel’s crew.  His batting average topped .300 for the second time in three years.  After he returns from a 25 game amphetamine suspension in late April, Chooch should be ready to roll.

8.  Danny Espinosa    Washington Nationals    Bats: R   4 (second base)
Espinosa takes the NL East second base crown by Wally Pipp-ing Chase Utley and beating out fellow whiff maven Dan Uggla.  Espinosa offers a decent power and speed package for a middle infielder, but should cut down on his swing and look to make contact more often.  He hit 17 home runs while batting .247 and stealing 20 bases.

9.  Stephen Strasburg     Washington Nationals    Bats: R    1 (pitcher)
No DH in the senior circuit, so our pitcher hits.  Though no Micah Owings, Strasburg slugged at a respectable .426 and won the National League Silver Slugger for pitchers.