2012 Fantasy Baseball: Projections and Sleepers

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PART I -(Must read before your draft).

With spring training just around the corner, it could only mean fantasy baseball is too. 

This is a quick glance at the safest players to the riskiest ones, the sleepers, must-drafts and everything in between. 

 

Look for Part II to come out later this month.

Biggest Risk in First Round: Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Easily the best SS in the game. 

However, too much injury risk for a top-five pick.  Since 2008, Tulo has missed an average of 32 games a year. 

So if you're okay with your stud missing 30-35 games a year, take him.

Safest Pick in First Round: Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

In the last three years, Miggy has hit over .320 with over 30 HR and 100 RBI’s.  Cabrera has been Mr. Consistency for owners over the years.  Definitely a top-three pick this year.

First Round Talent Who Won't Go in First: Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Very disappointing last season for Han Ram. 

He hit just .243 with 10 HR and 45 RBI’s.  If Han Ram slips out of the first round it will be a steal.  The previous four seasons prior to 2011, Hanley hit over .300 with an average of 26 HR and 38 doubles. 

I would take Hanley in the second round over Tulo in the top five.

Not a First Rounder, but Will Have a Monster Year: Marlins OF Mike Stanton

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

No, not Mike “The Situation,” but Mike Stanton.  He will become what Jason Heyward was supposed to be—a star. 

Stanton has the ability to hit .280 with over 45 HR, 30 doubles and over 100 RBI’s.  His stats have improved from year one to year two, and expect the same in year three. 

Sleepers: Braves SP, Julio Teheran

Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

With Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson coming off injuries and Jair Jurrjens' inability to stay healthy, you can bet Teheran will get time this year—at worst, as a spot starter.

Sleepers: Braves SS, Tyler Pastornicky

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

With the Braves signing zero free agents this offseason, Nicky is in line to play SS for the Braves.  But before you go out and pick him, you need to take into consideration he is not a great hitter—yet. 

He has a very similar game to Elvis Andrus.  A solid .265 hitter with single-digit HR’s and 20-30 stolen bases. If Nicky does struggle, the braves will go to the vet Jack Wilson.

Sleepers: Cubs SS, Starlin Castro

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

If everything is clear with Castro's offseason issues, he is a great pick in the later rounds. 

Castro has Hanley Ramirez written all over him—they are very similar players.  Could see a big jump in HR’s and RBI’s this season. 

Sleepers: Tigers SP, Doug Fister

Leon Halip/Getty Images

If you watched last year's postseason, his name might ring a bell.  He did not have a great postseason, but Fister is a good pitcher. 

Since the trade from the offense-less Mariners to the powerful Tigers, Fister went 8-1 and had an ERA of 1.79 in the regular season. 

Now with the addition of Prince Fielder, you could see two 20-game winners in the D with Verlander and Fister. 

Sleepers: Padres 1B, Yonder Alonso

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

With no Joey Votto in the picture, Alonso looks poised to have a breakout year.  Give him 500 AB’s and look out. 

Really excited to see what Alonso can do this year.

Sleepers: Mariners SP, Blake Beavan

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The 6'7", 240-pound Texan has great potential.  With the surprising trade of Michael Pineda to the Yankees, the Mariners must think highly of Beavan. 

The wins might not be there (see Doug Fister), but still a solid pick.