March 26, 2012

Swing Theory

The new postseason setup, sleeper teams, future free agents and ballpark birthdays: everything you need to know for 2012—starting with a change in the balance of power

MOST POPULAR

PLAYER (DRAFT POSITION)	CONTRACT	YEAR EXPIRES
Justin Upton Diamondbacks (1st)	6 years/$51.25 million	2015
Ryan Zimmerman Nationals (4th)	6/$100 million	2019
Ryan Braun Brewers (5th)	5/$105 million	2020
Ricky Romero Blue Jays (6th)	5/$30.1 million	2015
Troy Tulowitzki Rockies (7th)	10/$157.75 million	2020
Cameron Maybin Padres (10th)	5/$25 million	2016
Andrew McCutchen Pirates (11th)	6/$51.5 million	2017
Jay Bruce Reds (12th)	6/$51 million	2016
Clay Buchholz Red Sox (42nd)	4/$30.5 million	2015

LEAGUES APART

This off-season 147 players who appeared in the majors last year switched leagues: 87 moved from the National League to the American; 60 took the reverse route. It wasn't just in quantity that the AL came out ahead—there's been a talent exodus out of the NL, particularly among sluggers. With Albert Pujols (Cardinals to Angels) and Prince Fielder (Brewers to Tigers) jumping leagues, here's how the AL now outmuscles its senior sibling.

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10 largest current contracts

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Active MVPs

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Active home run leaders (top 10)