Catcher: Rod Barajas, New York Mets
While Barajas is probably an immediate surprise for most of you, let me remind you that Barajas leads all Major League catchers with nine HR's throughout the first month. While it's clear he's got power, his extremely fast start has only yielded 17 RBI's, but many of which have come in clutch opportunities. His unimpressive .240 batting average is something that needs to improve, but he's stepped in and delivered many times for his team. Late inning HR's are something that every baseball fan loves, and while his name might not appear at this spot later in the year, this veteran is off to a great start.
Next Month's Prediction: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles
First Base: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
It was between Cabrera and his AL Central rival Paul Konerko, who currently has five more HR's than him, but this former Florida Marlin third baseman is absolutely killing it right now. He's batting .372 with seven HR's and 30 RBI's, which is needless to say a ridiculous start, and it's making Tigers fans quickly forget about his reoccurring off-field issues.
Next Month's Prediction: Mark Teixiera, New York Yankees
Second Base: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
In my opinion, Cano is the most talented second baseman in the league. His work ethic and sometimes inconsistency holds him back from being considered that by the rest of MLB fans, but the bottom line is he can hit for power and average, and has amazing ability. He's batting .355 with nine HR's and 21 RBI, and just like Barajas, many of his HR's have been in clutch situations.
Next Month's Prediction: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Third Base: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are the hottest team in baseball, mainly because Longoria is as talented as they come. He consistently makes unreal plays in the hot corner, and is boasting a .345 average that goes along with 7 HR's and 23 RBI. As long as he stays hot, the Rays will be in good shape.
Next Month's Prediction: Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
Shortstop: Alex Gonzalez, Toronto Blue Jays
A new addition to Canada's only team, Gonzalez has provided his team with nine HR's and 25 RBI throughout the first month, and while his .265 average can be improved upon, he's still providing his club a great deal of power from a position that typically doesn't supply it.
Next Month's Prediction: Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
Outfielders: Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers
Captain clutch last year is at it again, slugging 10 HR's in the first month, along with a .376 average and and league-leading 32 RBI. With Ethier's current production, and superstars like Kemp and Ramirez, the Dodgers form one of the most-feared outfields in the MLB.
Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves
If you haven't heard about this "kid" yet, it's time to get open up your eyes and ears, because he is the future of Atlanta baseball, and possibly the MLB. The kid is put in quotations, because he looks about 40, plays like he's 30, and has single-handedly changed the face of the organization from Chipper to Jason.
Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies
You might blame his power numbers last year on the hitter-friendly Citizen's Bank Park, but then again his power numbers aren't what's so impressive this year. He's batting .359, with six HR's and 24 RBI. He's come onto the scene in a big way in Philadelphia, and has been a critical contributor to the Phil's fast start.
Next Month's Predictions:
Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Marlon Byrd, Chicago Cubs
Starting Pitcher: Ubaldo Jiminez, Colorado Rockies
Sooner or later, this will be Roy Halladay, but for now the credit goes to the guy whose giving the National League headaches. He's 6-0 in his first six starts, with a .87 ERA, and a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. He's introduced America to the rarely seen 91 MPH change-up, and a fastball clocked as high as 101 MPH. His numbers are impressive in any situation, but remember he's pitching in Colorado, where HR's slice through the air easier than anywhere in the country. The only problem for hitters is, they have to see the pitch first before they can hit it out.
Next Month's Prediction: Phil Hughes, New York Yankees
Relief Pitcher: Matt Capps, Washington Nationals
He's 11-for-11 in save opportunities, and has helped fuel the Nationals to one of their franchise best starts to a season. As the Washington faithful wait excitingly for their future star in Stephen Strasburg, they'll have a very fun relief pitcher to watch in the mean-time.
Next Month's Prediction: Kevin Gregg, Toronto Blue Jays
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