JJ Hardy put together a career year in 2011 by applying the strong batting skills he'd shown in the past in conjunction with logging 500+ ABs for the first time since 2008. Even after missing a month with an oblique strain, Hardy made the most of his new home in hitter-friendly Camden Yards by posting terrific offensive numbers, particularly in terms of power.

It must be daunting to be Clayton Kershaw (LHP, LA). How does he top a season where he won the pitching Triple Crown, the National League Cy Young Award, and Gold Glove? We don't know, but we wouldn't suggest betting against him.

Howie Kendrick has established himself as a solid 2B option, but can he retain his 2011 power gains?

We might not recognize Marlon Byrd (OF, CHC) when he reports to Mesa, Arizona for spring training. According to mlb.com, the Cubs centerfielder has combined intense martial arts workouts with a dietary program that has helped him slim down from the 255 pounds he weighed at the end of 2011 to a svelte 215 today ...

While he wasn’t guaranteed a rotation slot in spring training, Brandon McCarthy (RHP, OAK) took advantage of an opportunity and made a positive impression. It was more than just his home park that led to the solid performance.

Hart's power breakout of 2010 carried over to 2011 and his 2H numbers suggest he still has room to grow. The trade-off in the last two years for this added pop has been waning opportunities on the bases and that trend may continue. With Prince Fielder likely gone and Ryan Braun facing a 50 game suspension, Hart will find himself in the middle of the order as the Brewers will be more reliant on his bat than his legs.

Will Pujols rebound as he switches leagues? ... Albert Pujols' (1B, LAA) 2011 production slipped to its lowest level since 2007. What should we expect as Pujols switches leagues for the first time?

Should we invest in Rafael Furcal? ... When the Cardinals signed Rafael Furcal (SS, STL) to a two-year deal this offseason, the first question the fanalytic community asked was "Would we have done the same thing?" General Manager John Mozeliak said Furcal's "leadership and experience was very evident during the pennant race and into the postseason." That may be true, but his mixed bag of skills suggest we take another look ...

A strong second half is hidden in Niemann's overall numbers, making him a potential bargain in 2012.

The 22-year-old Bumgarner delivered on big expectations in 2011.

Is established BA asset Butler prepared to provide additional power?