Fantasy Baseball 2012: Top 25 Values for Your Upcoming Fantasy Draft

In approximately six weeks, pitchers and catchers will report to spring training.  This means that for all of you planning on playing fantasy baseball this coming season, the time to start scouting for your eventual draft is now.  From your first-round pick to that sleeper you're convinced will have a breakout year, this is the time to look at every team and see which players could put your team over the top.

As a veteran manager in the world of fantasy baseball, I can tell you all with a straight face that some of your team's best players will not be found in the first couple of rounds, but in the middle ones.  I remember in a draft I participated in last year, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels (pictured) was not taken until the fourth round. 

Sure enough, Hamels proved to be a great pitching option as his record was a modest 14-9, but his 2.79 ERA and 0.99 WHIP made him one of the best steals, or "values," of the 2011 fantasy season.

Hamels is just one great value who could be available come draft time.  Seeing as how I've been giving you loyal readers some fantasy advice for the past couple of weeks now, here are the top 25 value players to keep an eye on in your upcoming draft.

No. 25: J.J. Hardy

Not a traditional value by any means, Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is still someone all fantasy managers should consider given how the shortstop position is fairly thin in terms of key fantasy stats.  Last season—after two ineffective seasons that saw much of his power sapped—Hardy's power bat returned as he smacked 30 home runs and drove in 80 RBI in 129 games.

Hardy also hit .269 over that span as he was easily the most consistent power bat on a last place Baltimore squad.  There's always the possibility that he overachieved last season and that those totals were flukes, but there's also the chance that he's back to his 2007-2008 form that we saw when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Simply put, Hardy should be drafted for one reason: he put up those numbers in just 129 games, so just imagine what they would look like had he played all or close to 162.  If the A-list shortstops have all been drafted and you need to fill that spot, definitely consider Hardy.

No. 24: Carlos Santana

Easily one of the most-hyped prospects in baseball, switch-hitting catcher/first baseman Carlos Santana's struggles last year were kind of shocking.  He hit 27 home runs and had 79 RBI, but his .239 batting average was disappointing for a first full season.

Still, the fact remains that Santana is still young, as he will turn 26 on April 8.  Those home run and RBI totals are nothing to sneeze at, and if you're like me and play in a competitive head-to-head league that features on-base percentage (OBP) as a stat, then Santana is an important piece to have.

Given his off-2011, look for Santana to be a great value in 2012.

No. 23: Asdrubal Cabrera

Asdrubal Cabrera was one of the sleepers of 2011, as his injury-riddled and overall unimpressive 2010 made most fantasy managers pass on him.  They came to regret that as Cabrera went on to hit .273 but also broke out with 25 home runs and 92 RBI along with 17 steals.

Despite his impressive year, Cabrera will still fall in the draft rankings simply because there are so many better shortstops and other top players ahead of him.  Plus, there's always the possibility that he overachieved last year.

Still, Cabrera will hit for a solid average and maybe even bring in some steals.  If the power and RBI come back, then he'll jump up the ranks in 2013 after being one of the best values of 2012.

No. 22: Mark Buehrle

For the past few years, Mark Buehrle was the ace of a Chicago White Sox pitching staff that got very little run support.  On top of that, the lack of solid defense behind him led to a high WHIP and ERA.

That could all change now that the hefty lefty has signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Miami Marlins, who have a strong offense as well as some solid defenders in the field.  He won't be the ace of the staff, but his tendency to give up hits makes him a solid middle of the rotation guy.

If his supporting cast doesn't betray him, Buehrle will be a solid candidate who could post high win totals along with a solid ERA.  This is a gamble, but one that has potential to become a great value.

No. 21: Mike Napoli

Forget that he can play both catcher and first base.  Mike Napoli is going to be a great value in 2012 simply because he's finally on the right team.  Up until last year, the power hitter played for the Los Angeles Angels and was drowning in Mike Scioscia's smallball system.

Once he found his spot on the Texas Rangers, he took advantage of the team's hitter-friendly stadium and had a career season.  Napoli hit .320 with 30 home runs and 75 RBI despite being limited to just 113 games.  In 2012, barring another injury, look to draft him as either a catcher or first baseman and watch him have an even better season.

No. 20: Drew Storen

Closers are a tricky bunch when it comes to drafting.  Just when they'll be taken is completely unpredictable and once one goes, the rest usually follow.

That being said, once your league starts taking closers, make sure that you swoop down and grab Drew Storen if he's available.  He plays for a light-hitting team (for now) in the Washington Nationals, so you know that he'll have lots of close games to work with.

On top of that, his 43 saves, 2.75 ERA and 1.02 WHIP are hard to argue against.  This kid can throw; while he's not in the same league as Mariano Rivera and Brian Wilson just yet, he's going to be a great asset to both the Nationals and any fantasy team in 2012.

No. 19: Mike Stanton

As a typical power hitter, the case can be made as to why Mike Stanton is not a good value.  His batting average is..well, average, and he strikes out way too much.  On top of that, he doesn't have a proper RBI total for someone who hit 34 home runs last year.

To all of that, I have one thing to say: are you kidding me???  First off, Stanton was essentially carrying the offense last year after Hanley Ramirez got injured, and he didn't have much help.

More importantly, looking at the Marlins' lineup for 2012, they might actually have a shot if everyone stays healthy.  Something tells me that Stanton will be getting many more good pitches to hit and while the batting average could remain the same, the home run totals and the RBI will be through the roof for this kid.

If you're looking for a good value player to enhance your offense, Stanton could be the man.

No. 18: Andrew Bailey

Just how many saves Andrew Bailey will get for his new team, the Boston Red Sox, is up in the air.  Still, the man is a lock for a good ERA and WHIP.  Even though he posted a career worst in both categories last year, the ERA was still a respectable 3.24 and the WHIP an amazing 1.10.

As I mentioned before, closers tend to go quickly in fantasy drafts and to guess just when they'll be taken is taking a shot in the dark.  That being said, if you're looking for a decent number of saves to go with incredible ERA and WHIP, you won't find a better value in a relief pitcher than Bailey.

No. 17: Eric Hosmer

The Kansas City Royals will be headed back to the playoffs in the very near future, and they'll get there on the back of Eric Hosmer.  This young hitter has a strong lefty bat and shows great discipline at the plate for someone just 22 years old.  After being called up from Triple-A Omaha last year, Hosmer hit .293 with 19 home runs and 78 RBI.

There's a lot of depth at first base, so it's easy to say that a future All-Star like Hosmer will fall below surefire bets like Miguel Cabrera and Adrian Gonzalez.  Still, he has so much potential to go with the patience of a veteran.  Barring a sophomore slump, Hosmer is going to put up huge numbers in 2012 and could be a great value for any fantasy team.

No. 16: Brett Lawrie

Another second-year player who'll put up big numbers in 2012 will be Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie, who showed great poise on the major league level after tearing it up in the minors in 2011.  In just 43 major league games, the Canadian hit .293 with nine home runs and 25 RBI.

Given how the Blue Jays employ a hitting strategy that relies heavily on driving the ball either into the gaps or over the fence, Lawrie could be in for a breakout year in 2012.  The strikeout totals could be high but like Hosmer, he shows great patience at the plate for someone so young.

Thus, when it comes time to pick a third baseman and some of the bigger names are off the board, don't rule out Lawrie.

No. 15: Curtis Granderson

After years of being the guy who was so good with the bat but choked against lefties, Curtis Granderson had a career season.  Thanks to an adjustment in his swing, the Yankees' center fielder hit an average .262 but also launched 41 home runs and had 119 RBI (both career highs) to go with 25 steals.

Going into your upcoming fantasy draft, even though 2011 was the first big year Granderson has had, definitely keep an eye on him.  Chances are that other managers will be scared off by his batting average as well as his tendency to strike out, so I wouldn't at all be shocked if he was available come the middle rounds.

Keep in mind, he's a left-handed batter whose home ballpark is Yankee Stadium.  With that short porch in right field, Granderson is a home run gold mine who could become a great value for you in that department.

No. 14: Matt Cain

I'm going to say this right now, so those who plan on writing hate mail should get the pens ready.  Matt Cain is the most underrated pitcher in all of baseball, and that alone should be a crime.  He has been an absolute beast in terms of ERA and WHIP the past three years, posting marks of 2.97 and 1.11 over that stretch.

The only mark against Cain is that his overall stats tend to be underwhelming, and that isn't his fault.  He plays for the San Francisco Giants who, while a talented team, just don't provide much in the run support department.  He posted a 2.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP last year, but his record was an average 12-11.

Still, Cain is worth the risk because ERA and WHIP numbers like his are hard to come by.  When he's on, he's on.  If Melky Cabrera can prove to be the offensive spark the Giants need, Cain could be a great value player to have on your team, as his win total is sure to climb with a little extra oomph in the lineup.

No. 13: Victor Martinez

I'll admit that when I learned last offseason that catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez would be signing with the Detroit Tigers to play DH, I was skeptical.  The team plays in a pitcher's park and given how Martinez is a switch-hitter with phenomenal power, I thought his numbers would take a dive.

Sure enough, he only hit 12 home runs after hitting 20 in 2010, but the rest of his offensive stats were incredible.  The 33-year-old batted a career-high .330 and had 103 RBI as an instrumental piece of the Tigers team that went on to win the AL Central.

More importantly, Martinez looked to be in the best shape he had been in since his early days with the Cleveland Indians.  Given how he seems to have adjusted to Comerica Park's dimensions extremely well, he's definitely worth a gamble in upcoming drafts.  Seeing as how some may be scared off by his durability, you should definitely snag him if you need help with batting average and RBI.

No. 12: Stephen Strasburg

After missing most of last season whilst recovering from Tommy John surgery, Stephen Strasburg appears to be back in top form.  He only made six starts over the final month of last season, but was incredible.  Low run support only provided a 1-1 record, but 1.50 ERA and 0.71 WHIP—not to mention 24 strikeouts in 24 innings compared to just two walks—are just incredible.

Thus, when it comes time to draft for pitching, I say take Stephen Strasburg as soon as you have another ace headlining your rotation.  This young phenom is just 23 years old and will put up great numbers in every major pitching category under the sun.

Given how the Nationals will almost definitely be a sleeper team in 2012, even more so if they sign Prince Fielder, the team's entire starting rotation could be one that does some major work over the course of the season.  With someone as incredible as Strasburg heading the staff, it's only logical that you take him in your draft.

No. 11: James Shields

It seems that in more and more fantasy leagues each year, commissioners are including quality starts and/or complete games as a statistic.  If you're in one of these leagues, I strongly suggest that you take "Big Game" James Shields of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Shields posted a 16-12 record for the light-hitting Rays last season, but he posted a remarkable 2.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 225 hitters and tossing an MLB-best 11 complete games.  Even in losses, he would keep the Rays in it and pitch deep into games.  This is also another reason to draft him, seeing as how many leagues require a minimum number of innings pitched per week.

Thus, if you need an innings eater who will go out there and put up consistently good numbers start after start, Shields could prove to be a risk that pays off tremendously.

No. 10: Michael Morse

Last year, Michael Morse turned out to be the surprise of the Washington Nationals.  In his first season as an everyday player, Morse hit .303 with 31 home runs and 95 RBI, proving that in order for him to be great, he needs to play consistently.

Sure enough, Morse will almost definitely enter 2012 as the team's cleanup hitter, maybe even the No. 3 hitter.  He'll hit well for average and provide some pop in your lineup, should you need it.

More importantly, unless you play with guys who pay attention to literally every game, Morse will easily slip down to the later rounds.  If he's available and you need to round out your outfield or need depth at first base, snag him.  He'll put up great numbers that could set your team apart from the others.

No. 9: Lance Berkman

Going into last season, I wouldn't at all be shocked if most fantasy managers passed on Lance Berkman.  He was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career in which he hit just .248 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI.  To give you a better idea, those were his lowest totals in those three categories since he debuted in 1999.  Thus, it wouldn't surprise me if most thought he was done.

Instead, in his first year with the St. Louis Cardinals, Berkman had a tremendous bounce-back year and hit .301 with 31 home runs and 94 RBI.  He'll be back in St. Louis this coming season and has a decent lineup protecting him, so he'll get his share of good pitches to hit.

Berkman's age will definitely scare some people off, as we don't know if 2011 was a fluke or not, but he's still worth the risk.  A switch-hitting power bat is a rare and hot commodity; if you need home runs, look no further than Fat Elvis himself.

No. 8: Brandon Phillips

Brandon Phillips is a talented player and quite possibly one of the best second basemen in the game today.  His curse is that he plays for the small market Cincinnati Reds and thus flies under the radar while being overshadowed by big market talents like Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia.

Still, that doesn't at all take away from the fact that he hit .300 with 18 home runs and 82 RBI last season.  He has a good right-handed bat that should get him on base plenty and not only add some pop to your lineup, but he'll score plenty of runs too.

Given how the Reds are in perfect position to make a run at the NL Central flag, taking Phillips in the third or fourth round of your draft could prove to be a great bargain.

No. 7: C.J. Wilson

I know I've been critical of C.J. Wilson in the past, given how his performance in last year's postseason was horrific.  Still, fantasy baseball only counts for the regular season and in that department, Wilson is a reliable arm.  If you're looking for a solid No. 2 pitcher or even an ace, he would be a great pick.

The best part about Wilson is that he'll be ranked lower amongst the other baseball aces available for draft and while the win total will be hit or miss, he'll still put up great numbers in ERA, WHIP and even strikeouts.

He'll easily be available come the middle rounds, so if there's a pitcher who can be had for value in your upcoming draft, it's definitely C.J. Wilson.

No. 6: Ichiro Suzuki

2011 was the worst offensive season of Ichiro's career.  He had 40 steals but hit a career-worst .272 and failed to get 200 hits for the first time.  Seeing as how he turned 38 this past October, perhaps age has finally caught up with him.

However, I'm not at all convinced that Ichiro is on his way out.  The Mariners are in a terrible place right now as their offense is practically nonexistent, so I wouldn't at all be surprised if the general feeling of malaise got to the Japanese phenom and put him off his game just a little bit.

That being said, I'm going to say that the ever-focused Ichiro will be back full force in 2012 and be a batting average and stolen base machine like he has been his whole career.  His off 2011 will have him drop far in the rankings for sure, so picking him late could prove to be a great value pick for your team if he does indeed have a resurgence year.

No. 5: Cole Hamels

The Philadelphia Phillies will be out looking for vengeance next season, so the entire lineup will be extremely focused.  If the offense gels and is consistent throughout the season, then the team's entire pitching staff should be remarkable.

That's where Cole Hamels comes in.  Not only is he a solid lefty pitcher, but 2012 is the last year of his current contract.  Thus, you know he'll be in the zone.

Hamels will be a great innings eater and put up solid stats in ERA and WHIP, but his wins could be hit or miss.  He has what it takes to be a 20-game winner, but the Phillies' aging offense might prevent him from reaching that mark.

Still, it's Cole Hamels we're talking about.  He's always been a solid pitcher, and with the talent he brings to the table, he's definitely a dark-horse pick for ace of your staff.  More importantly, he'll probably be taken well after the Roy Halladays and C.C. Sabathias of the available pitchers.

No. 4: Roy Oswalt

It's no secret that Roy Oswalt had an off 2011.  Injuries limited him to 23 starts and he went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.  Thus, I'm not at all surprised that some may shy away from him come draft time.

However, let's not forget that before his back starting acting up, Oswalt was in the zone.  On top of that, when he's healthy, he's one of the most reliable arms out there.

He currently doesn't have a team, so it's hard to say just where Oswalt will end up in the draft.  Either way, he'll end up getting picked by somebody.  If he can stay off the DL for all of 2012, then he may just be one of the best values of all 2012 fantasy drafts.

No. 3: Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz is one of those hitters who has the potential to be a fantasy baseball monster, but his always landing on the DL prevents him from becoming one.  Last year, he hit .263 to go with 29 home runs and 87 RBI.  The crazy part is that he only played in 124 games due to injury.

Even still, managers aren't going to be scared of drafting Cruz.  When he's healthy, he's one of the biggest home run threats in baseball, not to mention RBI.

He isn't a first-round pick, but he won't fall too far either.  When you're ready to start building your outfield or even round it out, depending on your draft's trends, definitely pick him.  If he stays healthy, you'll be very happy you did.

No. 2: Cliff Lee

I'm honestly surprised that Cliff Lee hasn't been a perennial first-round pick the past few seasons as he has easily been the most consistent pitcher in the game.  In my draft last year, he wasn't picked until towards the end of the third round.

This coming season, it's hard to tell just where Lee will rank among the rest of the pitchers.  In 2011, his return to Philadelphia, he pitched to a 17-8 record to go with a remarkable 2.40 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.  In 232.2 innings, he struck out 238 hitters.

However, the most impressive stat of Lee's were his six complete games, all shutouts.  This man will have a bad night here and there, but will also be one of the best shutdown starters available.  The fact that his bad nights seem to come extremely at random could scare some people off, but definitely take him sooner rather than later.

He may be a first-round pick or maybe he'll drop to the fourth, but you'll be getting a good value either way.

No. 1: Hunter Pence

Easily the most underrated five-tool player in baseball, Hunter Pence is a player I'd kill to have on my fantasy team year-in and year-out.  He can hit for average, has great power to all fields, can steal bases, play great defense and he has an absolute cannon of an arm.

However, since he isn't a typical stolen base or home-run machine, Pence often slips to the early middle rounds of fantasy drafts.  This year, I'm not expecting him to be picked at any other moment.

That being said, Pence will definitely be a great value pick in 2012.  He'll hit well for average and definitely get around 20-25 home runs, but the most impressive stat will be his runs scored since he's finally on a team that puts up a lot of runs on a regular basis.

Given that, when it comes time to take your first outfielder, Pence is a man to watch.  He can simply do it all on offense and depending on which stats your league features in that department, Pence will be a pick that makes your fellow managers jealous.