Who is due for a "Breakout" in 2007? 

1. Brandon McCarthy, RHP, Texas. The White Sox may worry about his gopher-ball rate, and Arlington is not a good place for any right-handed pitcher, but there are many, many people who believe McCarthy is Jack McDowell II.

2. Felix Hernandez, RHP, Seattle. Conditioning, maturity and familiarity all come into play here, but there are few greater talents.

3. Matt Cain, RHP, San Francisco. The first three names in this category were interchangeable in terms of the votes. "Don't be surprised if Cain doesn't jump into the Cy Young race, especially with Zito and (Matt) Morris as mentors."

4. Delmon Young, OF, Tampa Bay. He learned from last summer's problem, and the plate discipline will come. The bat, arm, etc., are scary.

5. Adam Wainwright, RHP, St. Louis. He proved his heart in October; now if Jason Isringhausen can come back, Wainwright can get the opportunity to take a significant starting role on a reconstructed staff.

6. Chad Billingsley, RHP, LA Dodgers.

7. Rich Hill, LHP, Chicago Cubs. Barry Zito II.

8. Adam Loewen, LHP, Baltimore.

9. Craig Hansen, RHP, Boston. It's just a matter of being who he is, not what the radar gun says.

10. Matt Kemp, OF, LA Dodgers. On a team with Russell Martin and James Loney, Kemp has a boundless upside. Experience will teach him about breaking balls.

11. Josh Barfield, 2B, Cleveland. An ideal place for his enthusiasm and skills.

12. Ricky Nolasco, RHP, Florida. In some ways, it's a shame that the injuries to Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez may force him to close, but Nolasco is an All-Star talent, starting or relieving.