A number of players every season exceed expectations, giving their MLB squad and fantasy owners alike more than they ever could have hoped for.  Here are a few hitters who have fully exceeded their pre-season expectations.

Vladimir Guerrero- .319 AVG/20 HR/ 75 RBI.    On pace for- .318 AVG/ 36 HR/ 138 RBI.

Left for dead by the Angels brass, Vlad has come back with a vengeance in 2010 to prove that he is far from washed up.  At the tender age of 35, it’s fair to say that not even the Rangers expected this sort of production from a player who had been becoming increasingly brittle and less productive since 2007.  He has hit the skids thus far in July, batting a paltry .175 for the month.

Outlook-  Vlad has been the offensive MVP for numerous fantasy teams this season.  While common sense would command that his numbers are about to undergo a market correction, he should continue to rake.  Vlad boasts a lifetime .366 avg in the Ballpark at Arlington, along with a career .332 avg in August.  Don’t let the rough patch in July fool you, hold on to Vladdy unless you are absolutely blown away by an offer.

Jose Bautista- .237 AVG/ 24 HR/ 56 RBI.  On pace for- .237 AVG/ 43 HR/ 101 RBI

Talk about coming out of nowhere, Bautista has already bested his previous career high in home runs of 16, and will likely eclipse his high of 63 RBI by the end of this month.  He is currently leading all MLB batters in home runs.  Bautista is surprisingly disciplined at the plate for a player with such a low batting average, sporting a BB:K ratio of 54:68.  He has likely been offered up by owners numerous times in fantasy leagues due to his unforeseen surge in production in 2010.  I can personally vouch that he’s been offered to me in at least 5 separate deals from one owner who apparently can’t take a hint. With 3 home runs in 5 games before the All-Star break, Bautista is showing no signs of slowing down.

Outlook- If you own him it’s most likely best to hold on to him and enjoy the ride.  You are more than likely not going to get fair market value for Bautista because of his track record.  While he may not hit 43 home runs this season, there’s no reason to think he can’t tack on at least 10 home runs for the remainder of the season.  While he doesn’t have the name brand power of Vlad, he does remind me of a poor man’s Adam Dunn.  Sit back and let the good times roll with Bautista as he continues to mash north of the border.

Aubrey Huff- .295 AVG/ 17 HR/ 54 RBI.  On pace for- .294 AVG/ 31 HR/ 99 RBI

Huff has been a man on a mission lately, posting an impressive line of .342/5/12 for the month of July.  Left for dead by many fantasy owners, Huff is only two years removed from a .304/32/108 campaign with the Orioles in 2008.  Huff is a career .282 hitter with 220 home runs in 10+ seasons as a big leaguer.  He doesn’t strike out very often either, allowing him to avoid prolonged slumps.

Outlook-  Huff is a player that should be targeted by owners not only because of his production, but also because of his multiple position eligibility (1B/OF).  I absolutely loveplayers with this asset and highly advise trying to steal him away from an owner who likely has him slotted in their DH spot or even on the bench.  The move to the West Coast has done wonders for his career and there’s little reason to believe he won’t keep up his current pace.  Don’t sell yourself short if you own him.

Brennan Boesch- .342 AVG/ 12 HR/ 49 RBI.  On pace for- 341 AVG/ 22 HR/ 93 RBI

Its scary to think where Boesch’s numbers would be had he begun the year in the majors.  With nearly 100 AB’s less than most starting outfielders in 2010, Boesch has done nothing but hit since being called up as an injury replacement for Carlos Guillen.  It’s no secret that Jim Leyland loves this guy, as his unbelievable rookie campaign will likely earn him the 2010 AL Rookie of the Year award.  Even more appetizing for owners is the fact that he finished the first half on a tear, hitting safely in 12 of 13 games while posting a .360 batting average.  If he keeps up his torrid pace, he’ll be looking to balance out his trophy case with a batting title next to his ROY award.

Outlook-  I traded Boesch along with Tim Hudson to acquire Adrian Beltre and Torii Hunter.  While I am beginning to wonder if I made the right decision, I do believe along with many people that Boesch will hit the “rookie wall” at some point.  His production thus far should afford him some leeway should his numbers start to take a nose dive.  Jim Leyland‘s “talent over experience” philosophy will only go to help that theory as well.  Boesch was a waiver wire addition for all owners, and is likely a 3rd/4th OF or DH for most squads.  I used him to upgrade 3B and get a more proven OF, and I would advise any owner to make a similar move should they need help in another spot.  If you own him, don’t sell yourself short out of fear.  Don’t be afraid to over-hype Boesch in a deal to squeeze the most out of an owner who is most likely in love with his production thus far.