While some teams in the MLB showed that spending lots of money won't always solve your problem. Devolping young and unknown players the right way was another direction for some teams. While rookies Bryce Harper and Mike Trout took most of the spotlight, there were a few others who changed the game.
Coming off another losing season, GM Billy Beane and the rest of his crew would need to find ways for their Oakalnd A's to get into the playoffs. They added cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, outfielders Josh Reddick, Seth Smith, infielder Brandon Moss, third baseman Brandon Inge, and starter Bartolo Colon. All these players would be key to the success of this A's team. They started off 11-13 and only 43-43 by the all-star break. Then they finally found there groove in July going 13-4 and then 18-10 in August. The A's finished at a surprising 91-71 and made it into the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
While the A's won from boat loads of underrated guys, the Orioles found the same method too. Led by one of the best pitching teams this season and an offense anchored by Adam Jones, this Orioles team finally found its winning ways. They cruised to a 29-17 record and wore down there opponetts by there late game heroics. Closer Jim Johnson led the league in saves with 51, Pedro Strop and CO. baffeled batters, and success against the A.L. East brought the Orioles to there first winning record since 2001. Although the Orioles lost in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Orioles comeback year was outstanding and have a bright future ahead of them too.
After getting catcher Buster Posey back and brining in outfielders Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan, the Giants were ready to go for another world series title. Led by starters Madison Bumgardner, Matt Cain, and Ryan Vogelsong, the Giants pitching dominated opposing batters. Matt Cain's prefect game on June 13th, against the Houston Astros was another highlight during the Giants regular season too. Catcher Buster Posey being healthy was a huge difference for the Giants as he lead the Giants in almost every hitting category. He also was the first ever catcher to win MVP since Hall Of Famer Johnny Bench won it in 1972. Melky Cabrera was leading the N.L. in batting average till he got suspended. The struggles of Tim Linecum were only a minor issue as they also lost closer Brian Wilson for the season too. Santiago Casilla would fill in that role and succseed, saving 25 games. The Giants leaned on third basemen Pablo Sandavol and there pitching to win the world series. Sandoval hit his first 3 homers in his first 3 at-bats in game one of the World Series as he was named world series MVP. They swept the Detriot Tigers to win there second title in the last 3 years.
During the 2012 MLB season there were 3 perfect games pitched (Phil Humber, Matt Cain, and Felix Hernandez) and there were a total of 6 no hitters (Not including the ones who threw the 3 perfect games)(Homer Bailey, Johan Santana, Jered Weaver). The 2012 MLB season also saw the first Triple Crown Winner in over 40 years, Detriot Tigers Miguel Cabrera (.330 AVG, 44 HR, 139 RBI). Swith Hitter Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres quielty lead the National League with 115 RBI this season too. Tampa Bay Rays closer Fernando Rodney set an MLB record with the lowest E.R.A., by a pitcher, with at least 50 innings pithced, 0.60.
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