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 Marlins
McPherson was always regarded as one of the top prospects in the Angels farm system and was the main reason the team was willing to let Troy Glaus walk in free agency. He was named the Sporting News minor league player of the year in 2004. However, McPherson has had a series of injuries since being called upon by the Angels and finally ran out of options. McPherson missed all of 2007 with back surgery to repair a herniated disk, missed parts of 2006 with a rib cage injury, Dermatitus, and a strained oblique, and missed time in 2005 after having trouble with his back before finally having to have season ending hip surgery to repair a bone spur. However--if he can get past all that--he stand a chance at winning this award. Honorable Mentions:
- Barry Zito (Giants)
- Pedro Martinez (Mets)
- Mike Hampton (Braves)
- Nick Johnson (Nationals)
- Ben Sheets (Brewers)
- Jason Bay (Pirates)
- Jim Edmonds (Padres)
In 2006, Francisco Liriano was arguably the most dominant pitcher in the American League. His 12-3 record, along with his league leading 2.16 era stood well above the rest of the league. However, Liriano's brilliant 2006 season came to an end when he injured his elbow in game against the Oakland 
Unlike most comeback candidates, Julio Lugo isn't coming off of any type of injury from the previous season. He just wasn't that good in 2007. While Lugo blamed his struggles on a stomach parasite he had last January, there won't be room for any other excuses heading into 2008. Last season, Lugo hit .237/.294/.349, which was his worst line ever as a pro. Remarkably, Lugo set a career high last season in RBI with 73, and he also had his 2nd best year stealing bases. All Lugo needs to do is raise his batting average. If he can do that, all of his other numbers will follow suit while he bats in the Red Sox lineup. 
One of the most remarkable things in 2007 was how the Seattle Mariners were able to compete for the AL West title last season while one of their "best hitters" had his worst season ever as a pro. Compared to his previous seasons in the league, 2007 was a disaster for Richie Sexson. Sexson only batted .205/.295/.399 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI. Even more remarkable is that Sexson only managed to rack up 89 hits when he managed to hit 159 the season before. About a quarter of Sexson's hits last season were home runs. Sexson has never been this bad of a hitter before and he's now entering a contract year. Because of this, Sexson could be a prime candidate to win the award.
After two seasons in a row of decline, many people are starting to question if Dontrelle Willis can be an effective starter in the league. In 2007, Willis posted a 10-15 record with an era of 5.17 for the 
Much like Liriano, B.J. Ryan spent 2007 on the shelf after he injured his elbow and had to have Tommy John Surgery. Since 2004, Ryan has been one of the best relievers in the game and his 2006 numbers (2-2, 1.37 era, 38 saves) were the best of his career. If Ryan performs even half as good as his totals then, he will be in the running for this award. The main concerns for the Blue Jays will be his health, but they can afford to give him days off with the emergence of 
Arizona 
2B 
