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.

Pujols’ slump a distant memory…So – did you sell low on Albert Pujols (1B, LAA) back in April? After hitting .217 with no home runs that month, the temptation was certainly there to bail on the costly superstar. But after hitting his first home run on May 6, he’s looked like “the Machine” of old.

After 400 ABs, it's fair to say about Danny Espinosa: "He was who we thought he was." After a promising - albeit frustrating - 2011 in which he amassed a 17 HR/21 SB combination, there were hopes that the less desirable parts of his game (namely, the 71% ct%) would improve to the point where his BA wouldn't be a boon to fantasy owners. Alas, it seems Espinosa's plate skills has regressed even further.

It wasn't so long ago that there were concerns that Matt Harrison (LHP, TEX) might never reach the point where he could command his pitches effectively enough to stick in the Texas rotation. Harrison has silenced those doubters in the past year and half by harnessing his stuff and posting strong numbers, to the point that he was named to the AL All-Star squad last month...

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.

With a big power breakout last year, Carlos Santana (C, CLE) was the top catcher in many 2012 drafts. A sluggish first half had many fanalytic owners questioning that selection.

Due to the gruesome ankle injury Buster Posey (C, SF) suffered in May 2011, we've had an extra-long wait to determine the proper context for his impressive 2010 Rookie of the Year campaign. Through the first four months of 2012, it sure looks legit.

The signing of Rafael Soriano (RHP, NYY) prior to the 2011 season was not a popular move given the depth in the Yankees bullpen at the time. Soriano's struggles during last season did nothing to silence his critics. Cut to this season, where a sudden vacancy in the closer's role has thrust Soriano back into prominence and all he's done is thrive.

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.

With a power surge in the second half of 2011, Billy Butler (DH, KC) was on many breakout lists going into this season. Sure enough, with over two months left, he’s close to matching his career high in HRs.

It might be difficult to remember that just four months ago, Ryan Braun's (OF, MIL) 2012 season was a great unknown. Though he had a history of stable and elite skills, his performance level was stained (legitimately or not) by a PED allegation. How would this roto-god respond on the field?