Illustration by Sam Manchester/The New York Times; Photographs by Getty Images and Associated Press

From left, Josh Hamilton of Texas is back after leading his team to the 2010 World Series; Justin Verlander of Detroit is a most valuable player candidate in the American League; Roy Halladay pitched a no-hitter last October for Philadelphia, and no one would be shocked if he did it again; Albert Pujols of St. Louis is probably the most feared hitter in the postseason; Milwaukee's Prince Fielder is almost as fearsome as Pujols; Justin Upton is the biggest name on a fairly anonymous Arizona club; Evan Longoria hit the homer that put Tampa Bay in the playoffs; and the Yankees' Derek Jeter finished the season at .297, proving he isn't anywhere near done.