The Miami Marlins had high hopes for 2012 with a new ballpark and fat payroll, only to quickly see their season go up in smoke. If there's a silver lining to the year that wasn't, it's the emergence of younger players like Steve Cishek (RHP, MIA) who has jumped Heath Bell (RHP, MIA) to become the club's closer in August.

Oft-injured Carlos Quentin (OF, SD) missed the first two months of the season after going under the knife this spring to repair a knee. But since his return, he's pretty much been the slugging, slow-footed outfielder Padres brass thought they were getting when they traded for him last winter.

Dexter Fowler (OF, COL) has been viewed as a five-tool threat since his early years in the Rockies farm system. But inconsistent play has frustrated owners still waiting on him to break out. Finally, there seems to be progress with Fowler batting over .300 with double-digit steals and home runs.

Fortune, not improved skills, propels Headley ... Among the names most rumored to be moved at the trading deadline who ultimately stayed put was Chase Headley (3B, SD). After a disappointing 2011, Headley has boosted his power while staying aggressive on the basepaths.

The Mets have no doubt wilted in the July heat. But you can't blame Ike Davis (1B, NYM) for the club's mid-summer collapse. After Valley Fever and early season struggles that had pundits wondering if he'd be on the bus to Triple-A Buffalo, Davis has responded with 10 HRs over the past month; 6 of them in a one-week span.

There are many reasons why the Washington Nationals pitching staff leads the NL in ERA, WHIP batting average against. And Jordan Zimmermann (RHP, WAS) is among them. With a 2.35 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, the 26-year-old continues to build on last year's breakout season.

There's a litany of reasons why Philadelphia is pulling up the rear in the NL East, and Jimmy Rollins (SS, PHI) isn't among them. That said, the 33-year-old remains behind last year's pace for HRs and SBs and is swinging and missing at pitches with increasing frequency.

Vance Worley (RHP, PHI) started strong his rookie season with a sub-3.00 ERA through June. He may have tailed off a bit as summer wore on, but an ERA just over 3.00 set expectations high for his sophomore season. The 24-year-old hasn't disappointed.

We may be halfway through 2012. But with the exception of his uniform colors and home ballpark, it seems very much like 2009 to Aaron Hill (2B, ARI). The veteran infielder is having a resurgent season, combining power with a .300 average and flashing some speed.

Big things were seen in James McDonald's (RHP, PIT) future when he was a prospect in the Dodgers' farm system. But it is only now, at age 27 and in his third year with the Pirates, that he's finally delivering on the expectations with a 2.19 ERA and 0.95 WHIP through his first 14 starts.

It appeared in mid-May that the wheels had finally fallen off for Alfonso Soriano (OF, CHC). The former All-Star was batting .230 with nary a home run. But something apparently clicked, and he has been among the NL's hottest bats since then with 12 HRs and a near-.300 average.