There are some players that really interest me for the coming season. We all know the "stars." I think these players have some hidden value.

While everyone knows the names and reputations of the players on my list, I include them today because I have a good feeling about their upcoming season. These are guys I will want to give a second and third look as Opening Day grows closer. Some may break out, some may improve and some may not perform as I hope. For what it's worth, here is my short list for the American League. Certainly this is not a complete or exhaustive list of guys I like. Rather, these players just jump out at me and say "Hey-give me another look."

Gordon Beckham-2B White Sox...Beckham plays in an ideal ballpark for his swing. I think he will be among the league leaders at his position in home runs and runs scored. He has great eye-hand coordination and a sweet stroke with big power. I liked him the first time I saw him and I haven't changed my opinion. His move to 2B really puts the icing on the cake for me. Sure, there are some very attractive second basemen out there, but Beckham is due for a big Sophomore year. On most lists he isn't in the top 10 at his position. He's on my radar.

Carlos Quentin-Of White Sox...The Diamondbacks always felt Quentin was too hard on himself. He is. They always thought he was injury prone. He is. They always knew he had tremendous power. He does. I like him to bounce back in a very big way in Chicago after suffering with a severe problem with his left foot. Prior to that it was his wrist and prior to that his oblique. This is the year he stays healthy and hits 30 in Cellular Field. He won't be among the first off the board, but he has enough potential to warrant a second look.

Wade Davis-RHP Rays...When Scott Kazmir was shipped off to Anaheim, Davis was anointed for a role in the rotation. He pitched very well and he won himself a longer look for this coming spring. He's a huge presence on the mound at 6'5". He is learning how to pitch and not just throw. I see a nice year ahead for him, but he may slot as the #5 in the rotation. If that's true, it will impact his number of starts. He may be good enough to climb further up the food chain and land at #4 before mid-season. He's a keeper and a sleeper. Many other pitchers will be drafted before Davis. Few will give you his rewards if you're patient with him.

Michael Brantley-Lf Indians...I think he wins the job out of spring training. If so, Brantley should hit about .260, score some runs and steal lots of bases. He will hit next to Grady Sizemore and together, they will run more than last year under Eric Wedge. They should be in scoring position for one of my favorite players---Shin-Soo Choo. Choo will be gone early in most drafts. Brantley won't. Brantley could be a sleeper for steals and runs. His batting average and runs batted in will suffer, but he should come cheaply and improve as the year progresses. There will be worse speed options than Michael Brantley (especially at his low price.)

Brett Anderson-LHP A's...Oakland has a host of young, solid arms. Anderson may be the best. Not many people talk about him. He is poised and confident on the mound. He won 11 games on a club that couldn't hit. Overall, Oakland won't tear the fences down, but they should win some games. The big lefty is going to pitch his way into the hearts and minds of baseball fans. He's no longer a sleeper and he may not last very long in some drafts, but he can pitch. He would be worth much more on a different team. Give him a look.

Nolan Reimold-LF Orioles...I've seen lots of Nolan Reimold. I think he has legitimate power. I like the protection he will have in the Orioles lineup and I like his chances to hit 25 homers over the course of the season. I also think he'll hit .275 and knock in some runs. He's a feast or famine type hitter like the guy I list below. Somehow, I think there just may be a little more feast than famine. Problem? AL East pitching is very tough. Something to be considering--he plays at Camden, a good hitter's park.

Travis Snider-RF Blue Jays...See Nolan Reimold. What's not to like? Strikes out alot, true. Big power. If he figures out how to hit breaking pitches thrown by quality starters, then watch out! He's athletic. He's capable. He's primed for a good year. Problem? AL East pitching is very tough. Didn't I say that already? It's true. It can not be denied. Tough division for both Snider and Reimold.

Marco Scutaro-SS Red Sox...Was it a fluke or a breakout year? If it was a fluke, I was fooled. I like the thought of him in Fenway. I also like the hitters around him in the batting order. Regardless of where he hits in the order, Scutaro should be very solid. This was a very wise move by the Red Sox and he will bring dividends to those with faith.

Julio Borbon-CF Rangers...Hamilton should move to right and Borbon should be in center in one of the best hitter's ballparks in the world. No, he won't go deep, as in over the wall deep. However, Borbon can hit the gaps and run for daylight. Steals, steals and more steals. And batting average. And runs. And that Texas lineup. Wow-I want to see him over a full season. Don't sleep on him. Others won't.

Mike Gonzalez-RP Orioles...I generally don't get too excited about relievers not named Rivera or Nathan. But I do think that Mike Gonzalez has a chance to put up some numbers in Baltimore. The team is improved, he's a quality pitcher and he throws strikes. He isn't a household name among closers and he should be there for the taking. Take.

Next time---the National League