As spring training draws closer and baseball aficionados dream of pitchers and catchers reporting, one begins to salivate as he or she await another season of 162 games.
During this long stretch into the spring, fans begin to dissect their rosters, and debate potential trades, signings, and call-ups. Due to the fact that it is impossible to compare pitchers to outfielders to infielders, the players will be listed in no order and by team.
Washington Nationals
1) Stephen Strasburg: Even though he won’t be playing this season, he deserves a spot on this list just by his young fame and his ability to sell Nationals’ tickets and jerseys—an almost impossible endeavor.
2) Ryan Zimmerman: Best third baseman in the NL East.
3) Jayson Werth: For mega-millions, he better produce. Has shown himself to be a five-tool player with Philadelphia.
Florida Marlins
1) Josh Johnson: Great young pitcher, battling for the second spot in the NL East with the newly reinstated Cliff Lee.
2) Hanley Ramierez: Hits for power, plays his position well when he wants to hustle and, overall, great player.
3) Mike Stanton: Rookie last year who showed a ton of promise. Will be a power hitter and will most likely wreak havoc in the NL East for years to come.
Atlanta Braves
1) Tim Hudson: Solid starting pitcher.
2) Brian McCann: Best catcher in the NL East.
3) Derek Lowe: Crafty veteran starter that has the potential to win 20 games this year.
4) Dan Uggla: Moving from Florida to the Braves, this power hitting second basemen should excel in a better line-up. Needs to improve defense, but still makes this list.
5) Jason Heyward: Rookie who was a definite threat out of spring training. Sophomore year should show that he continues to be a power hitter.
6) Tommy Hanson: Quality young starter.
NY Mets
1) Johan Santana: While he’ll be out a while with shoulder surgery, one of the best pitchers in the NL East and used to be the best in baseball.
2) Jose Reyes: After a rough year two years with not so great numbers, still a stellar talent that still has the chance to prove himself. Gifted with speed.
3) David Wright: Will lead the Mets in RBIs.
4) Jason Bay: Coming off a bad year, he is looking to bounce back at a huge Citi Field where he’ll have tons of room in those cavernous alleys.
5) Carlos Beltran: Should be completely recovered from his injury last year and put up numbers reminiscent of 2006.
6) Mike Pelfrey: This 6’7″ giant will be the Mets’ No. 1 until Johan comes back. In 2010, he had his lowest ERA in the pros thus far, at 3.66. He looks to go from 15 wins to over 20 in 2011.
Philadelphia Phillies
1) Roy Halladay: Best player in the NL East.
2) Cole Hamels: A left-hander that looks to bring the Phillies back to the playoffs for yet another season.
3) Cliff Lee: The Ace in the Hole that the Phillies are thrilled to acquire. A dominating playoff pitcher that hopes he can show off his playoff prowess with the Phillies.
4) Roy Oswalt: A right-hander who has found new life in Philadelphia. Rounds out the Phillies’ Fab Four.
5) Ryan Howard: Premier RBI guy in the NL East.
6) Jimmy Rollins: After injuries last year, he looks to get healthy this year and return to his MVP form.
7) Chase Utley: Best second basemen in the NL East.
8) Shane Victorino: A Gold Glove outfielder with speed and pop.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com