As a late follow-up to our previous list of top National League hitters, here’s another arbitrary list of hitters, this time from the American League. Some nice surprises dot the rankings, including Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Jose Bautista and Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios, both of whom are having surprising career seasons.

Check out who else made the cut. Read more »

After releasing our Top 25 rookie rankings last week, we’ve decided to throw a few fantasy baseball type lists each week. This one is our top 10 “unexpected difference makers,” guys who have made deep impacts without costing arms or legs on draft day.

These rankings are hardly scientific, just a simple process of weighing a player’s overall impact vs. buzz and expectations for him in the preseason.

1. Jose Bautista, 3B, TOR: HR leader keeps going; hitting .362-8-26 after the break
2. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, COL: Has struggled of late, but remains on pace for 24 Ws
3. Alex Rios, OF, CHW: Strength in balance; 1 of 3 members of 15 HR, 20 SB club
4. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL: On pace for impressive .321-34-110-109-24 season
5. Mat Latos, SP, SD: True dominance for a 22-year-old with 88 hits in 123.2 IP
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B, BOS: Afterthought acquisition has arguably been Sox’ best hitter
7. Corey Hart, OF, MIL: Speed has deteriorated, but re-emerged as solid MLB hitter
8. Scott Podsednik, OF, LAD: 32 SBs are nice; also on his way to career-high RBIs
9. Aubrey Huff, 1B, BAL: Hit-or-miss veteran combines power, run production, high AVG
10. Angel Pagan, OF, NYM: Developing into speed threat with across-the-board abilities

The new generation of third basemen is making its mark on baseball, with possibly more young superstars than any other position in the game. Evan Longoria and David Wright are perennial All-Stars, and youngsters Gordon Beckham (who will play second base this season for the White Sox), Mark Reynolds and Ryan Zimmerman are well on their way.

The top 10 at the position is pretty sound, but anything after that and you’re wishing on a star with nearly no breakout prospects. Read more »

Adrian Beltre’s 16 home runs, 46 RBIs and $13.4 million salary are just one of many disappointments for the last place Seattle Mariners this season. The 16 home runs, well below his capability and the team’s expectations, lead a team that ranks 28th in runs scored, 23rd in home runs, and 20th in batting average in Major League Baseball. The good news for the Seattle faithful is that Adrian’s annual second half surge has begun - just without the power.

Entering Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox, Beltre had a 7-game hitting streak during which he hit .370 and scored 5 runs, but with no home runs or RBIs and just a .481 slugging percentage. He hasn’t homered since July 1, a span of 17 games and 68 at-bats, and he hasn’t driven in a run since July 9 - 9 games and 35 at-bats ago. Read more »