1. Nomar Garciaparra - 3B - Los Angeles Dodgers
If Garciaparra wins this award, it will be the 2nd time he's won it in the past three seasons. While it is unusual for players to win this award twice (Andres Galaraga, Brett Saberhagen, Norm Cash, and Boog Powell are the only to do so), Garciaparra could pull it off. Garciaparra first won the award in 2006 after recovering from two injury plagued seasons the season prior. However, in 2007, it was Garciaparra's performance, and not injury, that qualifies him for the award. Not including his three injury plagued seasons, Garciaparra set career lows in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, rbi's, steals, and walks last season. Garciaparra went from an all-star selection and 13th in MVP voting in 2006, to one of the leagues worst third basemen. His performance has prompted the Dodgers to hold open competition this spring with prospect Andy LaRoche for the starting 3rd base job in Los Angeles despite Garciaparra being owed 9 million this season.2. Jason Schmidt - SP - Los Angeles Dodgers
Joining Garciaparra at the top of this list is fellow veteran teammate Jason Schmidt. After the Dodgers committed 47 million dollars over three years to Jason Schmidt last offseason, he turned out to be the biggest bust of the 2007 season. Schmidt went 1-4 with an era of 6.31 in six starts with the team last season before having to be shut down for the season with a shoulder injury. While he won't be ready for opening day, he could still join the Dodgers sometime in May. Schmidt is nowhere near the ace he was when he was with the Giants, but even if he gets half of his stuff back, he should remain a prime candidate for this award.3. Wily Mo Pena - OF - Washington Nationals
With the opportunity to play everyday in Washington, Wily Mo Pena could be in for a big season this year. Having been demoted to bench duties for much of his career, Pena has never really had the opportunity to blossom into the player that many people expected him to be. After the trade last season that sent Pena from Boston to Washington, Pena hit .293/.352/.504 with 8 home runs and 22 rbi in just over 130 at bats. The regular playing time should help him become the player that he was drafted to be. Not to mention, the new Nationals ballpark should be more favorable to hitters as well.4. Randy Johnson - SP - Arizona Diamondbacks
Yes. He's going to be 44 next season, but the big unit could be the deciding factor in what should be a very tight National League West race. Despite getting hurt last season, Johnson looked solid in the 10 games that he did start. He looked nothing like the pitcher that had an era of 5.00 for the Yankees in 2006. According to reports out of Arizona, Johnson is fully recovered and has been throwing "bullets" in his recent bullpen sesssions. Barring any setbacks, he should be able to make his first start on April 6th. Another reason the big unit might win this award is that he's going to be extremely motivated this season. Johnson is only 16 wins shy of 300.5. Dallas McPherson - 3B - Florida