MLB Tickets - National League Predictions

There are certain players that command the attention of baseball fans, ones that people will buy MLB tickets just to see. With the MLB season right around the corner, let's take a look at which players I think will shine in the National League this season.

Most Valuable Player - David Wright, New York Mets: Wright is getting better, but I think he takes a big leap this year. The Mets are going to win a lot of games in 2009 and he's going to get a lot of the credit as he takes a more vocal leadership role and puts up some phenomenal numbers. Projected stats: .320, 38 HR, 135 RBI, 18 SB

Cy Young - Johan Santana, New York Mets: I love Tim Lincecum as much as the next guy, but Santana just has so much more behind him. Santana had a phenomenal season after the break and will be the best pitcher in baseball if he can carry over that success into the early portion of 2009. This is the year I think the Mets break through, largely due to a huge year from Santana. Projected stats: 22 W, 2.70 ERA, 220 K

Rookie of the Year - Cameron Maybin, Florida Marlins: This kid has all the talent you could want in a prospect. He's got major power and speed potential. It looks as though the Marlins are ready to throw him into the mix and he should shine more and more as the season progresses. He was the main piece the team received from Detroit in the Miguel Cabrera trade and could have a similar level of impact as Cabrera did in his first full season. Projected stats: .275, 21 HR, 70 RBI, 35 SB

Batting Title - Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves: Jones has turned into one of those savvy vets who does what he needs to do with pitches, ala Derek Jeter. He's a better hitter now that he's ever been, proving that with a .364 average last season. That number is bound to slip a bit, but not enough to lose the batting crown to Pujols. Projected stats: .340, 20 HR, 80 RBI

Home Run King - Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers: If Braun can manage a little more consistency, he'll be an absolute beast. He's a streaky hitter right now, but when he's hot he's incredible. He goes on crazy tears, but if he can make the lows a little higher than they have been he'll have a huge season. Look for him to hit a lot of bombs in 2009. He'll be in the MVP race as well. Projected stats: .290, 46 HR, 110 RBI, 15 SB

RBI Leader - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals: The reigning MVP, no other hitter is as complete as Pujols. He hits for power, hits for average and can drive in runs. He's one of the most consistent players in the league and puts up huge numbers year in and year out. One could argue that he's the best player in the game. Projected stats: .330, 39 HR, 140 RBI.

Breakout Pitcher - Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers: Kershaw has a ton of talent as is a prime breakout candidate this season. He doesn't have to be the man in L.A., which will take some pressure off of him, as will having a stacked lineup hitting behind him. Projected stats: 3.90 ERA, 12 W, 180 K

Breakout Hitter - Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers: Kemp had a really good season in 2008, but a lot of people still don't know who he is. He'll change that this season. Projected stats: .305, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 39 SB.

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