2011 was quite a season for Justin Verlander (RHP, DET) - Cy Young award, Most Valuable Player, found the cure for cancer. OK, the last part didn’t happen, but after a year like that, what could he possibly do for an encore?

(and another one gone and another one gone...) Current upheaval, potential upheaval or future upheaval in many pens.

When Tim Lincecum (RHP, SF) started the 2012 season by surrendering 16 ER in his first 13.2 IP, everyone chalked it up to small sample size. And since then, he has had some better outings. But after seven GS, the numbers have not yet recovered.

At mid-May, it's time to start looking at batters to target for the balance of the year (and batters to avoid).

For the past three seasons, Robinson Cano (2B, NYY) has been one of the steadiest producers in baseball. His owners pay a premium for this consistency so Cano's slow start in 2012 has led to some understandable frustration. Is there something more happening here than just an early season slump?

Rick Porcello (RHP, DET) added more velocity to his fastball from April 2011 to April 2012 than any other starting pitcher. Some other velocity changes might surprise you too.

A lot of players seeing movement up and down in ownership levels. But not much there worth going crazy for.

In his prime, Juan Pierre (OF, PHI) used exceptional contact skills and blazing speed to wreck havoc on opposing pitchers. Now in his mid-30s and with his fifth team in eight years, Pierre is still deploying exceptional contact skills and good speed to disrupt opposing pitchers.

Jose Bautista’s (OF, TOR) “black swan” moment began in September, 2009. From the beginning of that month to the end of last year, he hit 107 home runs. Fast forward to 2012, and it looks like Bautista’s plumage is beginning to fade.

This early, skills and results often do not match for relievers who may have around 10 innings pitched. You can take advantage of this.

Jose Reyes' (SS, MIA) first month-plus in South Florida hasn't been overly enjoyable. At right around .500, the team is playing worse than expected, and Reyes has yet to provide the spark a the top of their lineup.