2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: James Loney, 1B Dodgers

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: James Loney

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Bats: Left

Position: 1B

FBS Breakout Rank: 9/30

James Loney was a 1st round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002.  After several seasons in the minors, he displayed the ability to hit for average with power and some speed.  Since making is MLB debut in 2006, Loney has developed his power, matured into a consistent hitter, and he has surpassed the growth milestone of 1500 at bats and finished strong last season. At the age of 26, expect Loney to emerge as one of the elite major league first basemen in 2010.

Loney is primed and ready for a breakout season, entering the prime of his career.  Though his stats have been consistent over the past three seasons, Loney has underachieved in average and home runs to this point in his career and will reach those expectations this season.  To start, Loney will have a stable Dodger lineup and improved experience against NL pitching.  With added protection in the lineup and vital improvements to the Dodger lineup, Loney will increase RBIs, runs, average, and home runs.  He can even reach 10 stolen bases if things work out perfect in 2010.

The Dodgers are a young team hungry for the World Series.  With the prospect of an emerging Matt Kemp, a full season with Manny Ramirez, and other offensive improvements James Loney will breakout with the rest of the Dodger offense.

The True Guru Projections: .311 BA, 20 Hrs, 101 RBI, 80 Runs, 9 SB

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