When players are drafted in the first round, or receive a large signing bonus as an international player, clubs, media and fans have the expectation that those players will become a star. Though the percentages are usually better than for other players, the bonus babies don’t always reach their potential.

Then there are players who develop in your system, who become top prospects because of scouting reports, or performance, and they in addition, become the players who teams all want.

Then there are the pleasant surprises. As Jason Bergmann took a no-hitter to the seventh inning this past week, we were all reminded how unscientific baseball can be. Remember, this is not computer games, but human beings. Several of them because of heart, desire and ability to adjust, suddenly become successful players when no one sees it coming.

The 2007 season has been no exception. Here is a list of five players who are suddenly becoming contributing players in baseball. Whether it’s for the short-term or long-term, baseball people, the media and fans are all starting to pay attention to them.

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» Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers second baseman: Has 10 homers and 26 RBI. A 17th-round pick in 2003, he was known as a line-drive hitter; now he’s suddenly a long-ball threat.

» Jack Cust, Oakland Athletics designated hitter: Billy Beane, with his normal OBP acquisition, is hitting .310 with six homers and 14 RBI. A first-round pick in 1997, the 28-year old finally made it after playing for his fifth organization. He always had the power without a position, he has one now at DH.

» Josh Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds outfielder: He was touted as the best prospect in baseball when he was taken with the first overall pick in 1999 out of High School. Drugs, alcohol and personal issues never allowed him to succeed; he did not play above AA. But he’s now sober and the Reds took him in the Rule V draft. He’s now one of the best stories in baseball this year.

» Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, first baseman: A journeyman who has played with the Rangers, Tigers, Athletics, Red Sox, Yankees and now the Devil Rays, is starting to put it together at age 28. He already has seven homers and 20 RBI while playing Gold-Glove caliber first base.

» Kelly Johnson, Atlanta Braves second baseman: He went from a top prospect in 2000 to a marginal one by 2005. At age 25, he is having a nice season so far with a .275 average with five homers and 21 RBI.

Every year through Player Development and Scouting certain players, when we least expect it, step-up and become solid major league players. For the Nationals, Jason Bergmann is starting to perform like he wants to be on this list with four solid pitches. He has started to make the adjustments needed to succeed. We hope he continues on this exciting path.

As told to The Examiner’s John Keim.

Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden provides an exclusive column to The Examiner each week, ranging on topics from the Nats to the state of Major League Baseball.