He recorded his second straight 30-30 season (actually topping 40 homers for the first time) and nearly matched his slugging percentage from his MVP 2011 campaign. Braun has returned from his stint with Team USA at the WBC, but the BioGenesis controversy isn’t going away. A knee woe certainly didn’t slow him down in the WBC and shouldn’t be a factor as the season begins. Still, the positive test that was overturned last year really sticks in our craw. We’re expecting Braun’s baserunning skills to continue to slide this season, but not so much that he doesn’t ascend to the top spot on this list.

Ortiz has finally started taking BP, but has been unable to run the bases because of the injury, so you’d be wise to lower your projected at-bats for the big guy. The longer the pain lingers, the less likely it is he’ll be ready on Opening Day. MRIs have revealed inflammation in both of his heels, and let’s not forget that a similar injury last year limited him to 90 games. Uh oh.