J.J. Hardy, Shortstop, Baltimore Orioles

JJ Hardy, shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001. He didn't get a start in the major leagues until 2005, having played in the minors from 2001 through 2003 and sitting out the 2004 season due to injuries. In his first season as the starting shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, Hardy batted .247 and had 92 hits, 22 doubles, and 9 home runs in 124 games. The following season, Hardy was again injured and he played in just 35 games in 2006.

Michael Young, Third Base, Philadelphia Phillies

Michael Young, the new Philadelphia Phillies third baseman, played for 12 seasons with the Texas Rangers. He was first signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 but they traded him to the Rangers three years later. From 1997 through 2000, Young played in the minor leagues with the exception of two games that he played with the Rangers in 2000. The Rangers started him in the minors in 2001 but they called him up on May 25th. Young played with the Rangers until they traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2012 season ended.

Prince Fielder, First Base, Detroit Tigers

Prince Fielder, first baseman for the Detroit Tigers, grew up with a father who was a successful major league baseball player. Cecil Fielder played for 13 years in the majors, hitting 319 home runs. Young Prince often joined his father in the ballpark and at batting practice. He played baseball throughout his school years and in his senior year in high school, the younger Fielder batted .524, with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

Nick Swisher, First Base, Cleveland Indians

Nick Swisher, first baseman for the Cleveland Indians, was first drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2002. After spending a couple of seasons in the minor leagues, Swisher was called up by the Athletics in 2004 for 20 games. In his 2005 rookie season, Swisher batted .236 with 109 hits, 32 doubles, and 21 home runs in 131 games.

Carlos Pena, First Base, Houston Astros

Carlos Pena, first baseman for the Houston Astros, was first drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1998. Pena who had a batting average of .324 in college, didn't play with the Rangers until September, 2001. After only 22 games with the Rangers, they traded him to the Oakland Athletics. He had a very short career with Oakland, playing in just 40 games with a batting average of .218, when they traded him to the Detroit Tigers in July, 2002. In 75 games with the Tigers in 2002, Pena batted .243 with 69 hits and 12 home runs.

Jeff Francoeur, Right Field, Kansas City Royals

Jeff Francoeur, right fielder with the Kansas City Royals, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and he first wore a Braves uniform in July, 2005. He started his career in his first game with his first major league hit, a three-run home run. Francoeur continued swinging his bat and hitting the mark in his first season, ending with a .300 batting average, 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. In 2006, Francoeur's batting average dropped to .260, but he hit 29 home runs and drove in 103 runs. He also excelled in defense and stamina, playing in all 162 Braves games of the season.

Andre Ethier, Right Field, Los Angeles Dodgers

Andre Ethier, right fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was first drafted by the Oakland A's in 2001. However, he opted for a college education first and, after 2 years at Arizona State University, he was again drafted by the A's. After two years of playing in the minor leagues for the Athletics, they traded him to the Dodgers in December, 2005.

Carlos Beltran, Right Field, Cardinals

Carlos Beltran, right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, began his professional baseball career in 1995 when the Kansas City Royals drafted him. He played in the minor leagues until September, 1998 when he was called up to the majors. Beltran started the 1999 season in the choice leadoff batter position and playing center field. He played so well in his first year in the majors that he was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Beltran ended the 1999 season with a .293 batting average with 22 home runs, 108 RBIs and 27 stolen bases.

Alex Rios, Right Field, Texas Rangers

Alex Rios, right fielder with the Texas Rangers, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1999 and he played successfully for several years on Toronto's minor league teams. He finally had his first at-bat in the majors in 2004. In his rookie year, Rios played in 111 games and batted .286 with 122 hits.

Brian McCann, Catcher, Atlanta Braves

Brian McCann, catcher for the Atlanta Braves, started his baseball career in 2003 with the Braves' minor league teams. During the 2005 season, he played with the Braves, usually catching for John Smoltz. In his eight seasons with the Braves, McCann has had impressive success with his bat. He has won five Silver Slugger awards (2006, 2008-2011) and in 2010, he won the All Star Game MVP award.