Fantasy Baseball 2012: 4 Unsung Roto-League Hitters to Ride on May 8

The following slideshow touts four unsung hitters from 12-team leagues who may experience fantasy nirvana on May 8.

There's one more tie that binds this foursome: Each player would be an excellent buy-low option in trade talks right now.

However, Omar Infante would probably have to be included in a larger deal involving name-brand superstars.

Enjoy the show!

4. (OF) Jose Tabata, Pittsburgh Pirates

Tuesday opponent: Edwin Jackson, Nationals

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While it's true that Tabata (one homer, five RBI, nine runs, two steals, .311 batting since April 23) has rebounded from a bitter cold snap in early April, he has yet to fully recapture his fantasy cachet from the preseason.

With Alex Presley getting a rest tonight and Andrew McCutchen coming off a nasty flu bug, the pressure's on Tabata to bring the wood (and great speed) against Edwin Jackson.

3. (OF) Alejandro De Aza, Chicago White Sox

Tuesday opponent: Justin Masterson, Indians

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In his last five outings, De Aza has tallied two RBI, two three-hit games, four runs and two steals—the kind of all-around numbers fantasy owners crave from a No. 4 or 5 outfielder.

De Aza currently ranks second in the American League with 23 runs (behind Ian Kinsler), so that aspect of his game has never been questioned.

But given his athletic, sturdy build, fantasy GMs would love to see a supplemental uptick in RBI and homers.

2. (OF/2B) Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Tuesday opponent: Ivan Nova, Yankees

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A top-60 overall pick in the March/April drafts, Zobrist only qualifies as 'unsung' because fantasy owners have begun to lose faith in his 20/20 potential.

At the very least, they are reluctant to keep starting Zobrist (two homers, .195 batting since April 23) during his extended funk.

The injury loss of Evan Longoria has yet to affect Tampa Bay's overall record; but it'll take more than a deep, talented starting rotation to keep the Rays in first place while Longo recovers from a hamstring tear.

It'll require Zobrist and infielder Sean Rodriguez to end their hitting woes.

1. (2B) Omar Infante, Miami Marlins

Tuesday opponent: Aneury Rodriguez, Nationals

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This pick seems like a no-brainer. The perfect-in-May Marlins are riding a seven-game winning streak; and they'll encounter Rodriguez—making his seasonal debut—on the hill tonight in Houston.

It also helps that Infante (five HRs, 12 RBI, 15 runs, one steals, .311 batting) has evolved into Miami's most complete hitter (among infielders), even though Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes command the lion's share of attention.

As a fun exercise, give a friend or co-worker three guesses to name the Marlins' current leader in doubles and batting average, and it's a virtual certainty that Infante gets nary a mention.