2013 MLB Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

Spring is in the air and the time is now to scout for your 2013 MLB fantasy baseball sleepers. 

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a rookie when it comes to fantasy baseball, it's important to create a game plan for success. Knowing where to look in the later rounds for a difference-maker will be the deciding factor in your season. 

Wanting to become a champ and not a chump, realizing that your league can't be won with the first few picks but can be lost with the last few is critical.

The draft is your final exam in Fantasy Baseball 101.

Start here, do your homework.  

*The author of this article selected two players from each position.

The Way the Game Is Played Has Forever Changed

Before we get started, let's lay some groundwork. 

The thought process of this article may be somewhat different than you're used to. Thinking forward, there are plenty of prospects on this list.

By no means is this a prospects-only sleeper article, but the youth movement is evident.

There's a certain allure surrounding a young prospect. Drafting a relatively unknown player that bursts onto the scene not only gives you pride, but it proves your baseball IQ to your fantasy foes. 

The game of baseball changed for the better last season with the success of rookies Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. 

Taking the world by storm, these two players have changed the thought process of MLB GMs and fantasy owners alike.

The maturation process for prospects between being drafted and making their MLB debut has forever hit warp speed. If a team is struggling and has a top prospect in their system, why not call them up? If they sink, send them back down to polish their skills. If they thrive, their GM looks like a genius. 

This makes for many bold fantasy draft picks to come this year. After all, a five-tool player can only be a sleeper so long before they're considered a bona fide superstar.  

My sleepers last year did quite well, and while I certainly whiffed on a few choices, I definitely didn't fail. 

So, as you draft, don't be afraid to pluck a blue chip or two from the field. For those of you who decide to play the waiting game with prospects, don't sleep on the waiver wire. 

This Year's Super-Utility Sleeper: Emilio Bonifacio

At this time I would like to apologize in advance. I absolutely hate to repeat a player from last year's article, but there's no better utility man in baseball than Emilio Bonifacio.

His move to the Toronto Blue Jays made this choice a no-brainer.

As a fantasy guy, Bonifacio will be available to play multiple positions. This is an underrated asset on slow baseball days when there aren't that many games.  

As a baseball player in general, Bonifacio is a fire starter. He may have only played in 64 games last season due to injuries, but he still stole 30 bases. 

He's not known to be prone to injuries, so it's safe to say that 2012 was a fluke for the 27-year-old.

Now, as part of a ridiculous Blue Jays roster, he could steal 50 bases and score 100-plus runs. 

When he's lingering in the late rounds, don't pass on Bonifacio. 

Matt Harvey Will Give Mets Fans Something to Root for This Season

No R.A. Dickey for the New York Mets; no problem. 

Matt Harvey is set to emerge as the team's No. 1 pitcher. 

Granted, his 2012 sample size was relatively small, but he struck out 70 batters in just 59 innings.

That rate may drop a bit after opponents see him a few times, but he's got a healthy arsenal to keep them off balance.

The Mets may struggle to score runs this year, but Harvey will keep them in games.

He may not get as many wins as he'll deserve in 2013, but he'll be solid across all fantasy categories. 

Gerrit Cole Will Bring Power to the Pitching Rotation in Pittsburgh

Pirates fans have been waiting for Gerrit Cole, and he'll deliver this season.

Although he may not begin the season in the majors, he'll end it in a Pirates uniform. 

At 6'4", 240 pounds, his size alone is intimidating. That kind of size combined with a blazing fastball that can reach triple digits shows that a star is in the making. 

He's a guy who is worth drafting even though he won't reach Pittsburgh until midseason. The franchise is thirsty for a winning year and Cole will be the added boost that puts them over the hump.

If the Pirates struggle out of the gate, he could get his chance as early as June. 

In a recent outing on March 16, Cole caused veteran catcher Russell Martin to basically drool, stating, "He's freakin' good."(h/t Pirates.com)

Do yourself a favor and take him with your last pick. 

Now Is the Time for Jesus Montero to Live Up to the Hype

Jesus Montero made a splash in 2011, coming onto the scene to shine for the New York Yankees down the stretch. 

Then, a trade to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Michael Pineda was one of the more notable moves of last offseason.

Montero didn't quite live up to the hype in 2012, hitting only .260 in 135 games. This makes him a prime sleeper in 2013. Despite his average last year, he had 20 doubles and 15 homers, which is a bonus in leagues that track total bases. 

His potential at the plate is certainly attractive to fantasy fans, but his catching struggles may make some wary of taking him early in drafts. His playing time at the position could diminish if he proves he's not a premier catcher. 

Good thing most fantasy leagues don't take defense into account. 

Once your league gets to the second tier of catchers, it would be wise to snag Montero. Playing in the American League, his bat alone will find him a spot in the lineup on most nights.

This Will Be a Telltale Season for Devin Mesoraco in Terms of His True Potential

A year ago at this time the baseball world was abuzz about prospect catcher Devin Mesoraco.

Then, the season played out and Mesoraco didn't exactly impress. He hit just .212 in 165 plate appearances and rarely played down the stretch.

Bound to live up to his hype, Mesoraco has put in work this offseason and has shed 15 pounds (h/t Reds.com). 

A winning attitude has brought him respect in the Reds clubhouse and will ultimately bring him opportunity in 2013. 

He may not make an instant fantasy impact, but he'll be a valuable asset come October. 

Adam Lind Faces a Make-or-Break Season

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Adam Lind's career is on the line in 2013.

Never mind a make-or-break season, it can easily be said that Lind faces a make-or-break April. 

Blessed with plenty of power, Lind has to make contact. He hit just .186 in 34 games last season before being demoted to the minors. 

That's where Lind's luck may have changed. He hit .296 when he returned. Plus, his hitting coach at Triple-A Las Vegas, Chad Mottola, is now the Blue Jays hitting coach.

That familiarity will be a huge bonus for Lind.

The team hasn't been this loaded since their glory days of the early 1990s. Look for Lind to excel this season. 

Knocking in 75-plus RBI isn't out of the question. 

With added confidence, Lind makes for a nice sleeper pick this season. 

Don't Forget About Justin Morneau

Due to injury, taking Justin Morneau on your fantasy team is a risk.

But with risk comes reward, and Morneau is worth a shot. After all, those fears may be illegitimate. 

While it's true that Morneau has suffered from concussion issues in the past, he did play the entire 2012 season injury free.

Consider last season his year to get his sea legs back. It gave him the assurance that he can play without fearing injury. 

He's still just 31 years old and should look like his old MVP self again in 2013. The Minnesota Twins may not be very good this season, but having Joe Mauer in the lineup is always a plus for Morneau.

This year, the "M&M Boys" will be back in full force in Minnesota.

The expectations he puts on himself are high and he believes in himself. If Morneau believes in Morneau, what's stopping you from believing in him?

When he's sitting there in the later rounds of your draft, don't be afraid to take a chance on him. 

Howard Kendrick Is Now in His Prime and Should Surprise

Howard Kendrick is a player who could easily be forgotten about during your fantasy draft. 

At second base, he's never put up premier numbers, but this season will be his best yet. 

This year will be his fourth as an everyday starter, and the Angels batting order is as scary as it comes. 

Being that he's a career .292 hitter, there's no reason to not believe that he'll flourish this season. 

His one downside is that he's not known to earn the free pass. In 3,022 career at-bats, he's only drawn 140 walks. If he can become more patient at the plate, he also has the potential to score 100-plus runs in 2013. 

Don't sweat it when the top-tier second basemen come off the board; Kendrick will be a safe bet.  

At 37, Marco Scutaro's Age Makes Him a Sleeper

The San Francisco Giants became a championship-caliber team after second baseman Marco Scutaro arrived via trade from the Colorado Rockies last season.

He only hit .362 in 243 regular-season at-bats and took the NLCS MVP en route to a World Series victory last year with the Giants. 

Yes, he's 37 years old, but he's a wily veteran who does everything right and makes his teammates better. 

Picking up a viable second baseman can be easily lost in the shuffle of looking for fantasy power. If and when that's the case, Scutaro will be available. Don't think twice. 

Manny Machado Is Not an Undisputed Star Quite Yet, Making Him a Sleeper

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is on his way to becoming the premier player at his position.

But he's not there yet. 

With fantasy players looking to third for a fine blend of average, power and RBI, Machado will be bypassed until the later rounds. 

Remember, he's only 20 years old.

The amount of talent and potential he has is somewhere in the stratosphere. With only 191 at-bats last season, he's got plenty of learning to do. 

The Orioles need him to produce, and he'll only get better as the season progresses.

One assuring thing for fantasy takers: He's in Baltimore to stay.  

If you have patience with your fantasy players, Machado is your man. He'll pay dividends now and for the next decade. 

The Astros Have New Life in the AL, and Matt Dominguez Will Shine

Why is Matt Dominguez a valuable fantasy sleeper?

Why not!

The Astros, along with their young third baseman, have nothing to lose. 

Dominguez was dealt to the Astros as part of the Carlos Lee trade last season, and it seems as if Dominguez felt jilted over the deal. 

Now, he's confident and comfortable with the Astros. In 109 at-bats last season with the team, he batted an encouraging .284 with five home runs and 16 RBI. 

Someone will have to knock in the runs for the Astros this season, and Dominguez will be that guy. 

Young Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will be on base often, giving Dominguez the chance to drive him home. 

The 23-year-old Dominguez is mature for his age and will be a welcome surprise to fans this season. 

His strong glove in the field will ensure him plenty of plate appearances. 

Looking to take a chance? Roll the dice on Dominguez. 

Get Used to Hearing the Name Andrelton Simmons

The Atlanta Braves have had a terrific offseason, but it's young shortstop Andrelton Simmons who fans should be most excited about. 

Simmons hit .289 in 166 at-bats last season with the Braves, and those numbers will only swell this season. 

He's only 23 years old and is surrounded in the Braves batting order with nothing but talent. His defense will give him a spot in the lineup, and all he needs to do to succeed is get on base. 

This is easier said than done, but he has above-average plate discipline for a player his age. He'll be the Opening Day leadoff man for the Braves and will simply feast.  

Forget about the usual suspects at shortstop, Simmons will be a star by the time the playoffs roll around. 

Javier Baez Will Hit His Way onto the Chicago Cubs Roster

The Chicago Cubs already have a star shortstop in Starlin Castro, but Javier Baez is too good to hold back.

Yes, he too is a shortstop, but his bat is doing all the talking right now. Baez has boomed four home runs this spring, and Cubs fans are champing at the bit to see this kid on a daily basis.

Baez is only 20 years old and has plenty of improvements to make, but how long can a team that lost 101 games in 2012 shelve a budding star? 

The upper management of the franchise continues to say that Baez in on a schedule. That theory goes out the window the more balls he hits out of the park, though. 

When will he arrive at Wrigley? That remains to seen, but the franchise would be selling itself short if it's not this season. 

A poor start by the Cubs, and Baez will take over Major League Baseball by July. 

Anthony Gose Will Pay Dividends Coming off the Waive Wire

Going undrafted in the fantasy world and eventually coming off the waiver wire is the true definition of a fantasy sleeper, right?

Right.

This season, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Gose is that man who can't go without being mentioned.

The Blue Jays are as solid as any team in all of baseball, but it's a player like Gose who could propel them to the next level in 2013.

He'll only get his shot should an injury occur, but he'll make the most of it. He's reliable in the outfield, as he has the speed to sneak into the lineup.

In 56 games last year he only had an on-base percentage of .303, but had 15 steals. As of March 16, he's scored 10 runs in just 36 at-bats. He does have a tendency to strike out, but hey, he's only 22 years old. 

When the Blue Jays announce that Gose is getting called back to the majors in 2013, make a mad dash to the wire to snag him before it's too late. 

Jackie Bradley Will Be Loved in Boston

The Boston Red Sox have the future cornerstone of their franchise in camp right now, and his name is Jackie Bradley. 

The Red Sox need to turn the page, and the next chapter should begin and end with Bradley. 

For a franchise looking to start fresh, having Bradley on Opening Day roster would be wise.

He's a natural leader, and Bostonians should welcome him with open arms. 

Whether the club will travel north or south in the standings this season is a mystery, but Bradley will become a focal point. He's hitting above .400 this spring, and to think that he'll spend another year in the minors is a bit silly.

Yes, incumbent center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury stands in his way, but he's been plagued by injuries throughout his career. If Ellsbury doesn't produce by the end of April, there could be a changing of the guard in center field at Fenway Park.

Don't forget Bradley's name is the late rounds of your fantasy draft. 

Aaron Hicks Is Now the Future of the Minnesota Outfield

The Minnesota Twins are rebuilding to say the least. 

After dealing prominent outfielders Denard Span and Ben Revere in the offseason, fans had to be scratching their heads. 

The door is now wide open for center fielder Aaron Hicks to take over as a fan favorite in the Twin Cities.

So far this spring, he's making the most of his opportunity. While it's true that spring training numbers do not always translate to regular-season success, he's reaching base with regularity. 

Because he plays in quiet Minnesota, he'll go unnoticed by most. Maybe this will change when he's named the Opening Day center fielder with the Twins. 

The team still has sluggers Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, a duo that a guy like Hicks will undoubtedly benefit from. If and when he reaches base, the tandem will make sure he scores runs. 

The acquisition of Hicks may be unappealing to most, but he's a very low-risk, very high-reward type of player. 

Think Fast—Billy Hamilton Will Be a Steal

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard that Cincinnati Reds prospect Billy Hamilton stole 155 bases in the minors last season. 

That makes him the premier speed demon in the game right now, but he has to reach base in order to steal them. 

That's where Hamilton is struggling, but the Reds are being patient with their roadrunner. He's only batting .150 in 20 at-bats this spring and has struck out eight times. 

It seems like he's putting a ton of pressure on himself. 

March 16 was Hamilton's first game back since suffering from a mild hamstring issue (h/t Reds.com). He went 1-for-2 with a triple and a run scored. Maybe it just took some sitting back and watching the game for him to realize he belongs. 

The Reds are a playoff-caliber club, and Hamilton could easily become the catalyst in the Big Red Machine 2.0. 

The franchise will find his sweet spot and get him on base any way they can. Who knows, he may have to bunt for 30 singles this season. 

Once he reaches base, he's lethal. Make sure he reaches your roster. 

Those Who Think Ichiro Is Too Old Will Be Sorely Mistaken

What's not to like about Ichiro?

Sure, he's 39 years old, but he's Ichiro.

For whatever reason, he'll drop to unforeseen depths in fantasy drafts this season. 

Don't be the person that lets Ichiro slip past your grasp. He hit .322 after becoming a member of the Yankees, which proves he still wants play at a high level and win. 

It's safe to assume he'll hit around .300 and steal at least 25 bases. If fantasy drafts were blind and based on numbers and not names, Ichiro would go within the top three rounds. Unfortunately, because of his age, that won't happen this year. 

A hands-down first-ballot Hall of Famer, he should be the X-factor on your fantasy squad in 2013. 

Why Wait for Oscar Taveras in St. Louis, He's Ready Now

The St. Louis Cardinals are all smiles when it comes to outfielder Oscar Taveras. 

Even though the Cardinals have a stout outfield with Matt Holliday, Jon Jay and Carlos Beltran, something is going to have to give. 

Taveras bats lefty and can flat-out rake. He's hit everywhere he's been throughout the Cardinals system, and he's simply too enticing to turn down.

He's in a similar situation that Mike Trout was in last year with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Taveres is the odd man out as the fourth outfielder, but for how long?

He doesn't have the speed on the basepaths that Trout possesses, but he's just as electric. 

The Cardinals are one of the finest franchises in all of baseball, and Taveras is another prime example why. He's only 20 years old and simply a winner. Oh, the team acquired him as a sleeper for a mere $145,000 some four years ago.  

Now, the sky is the limit for this kid. More than any other prospect outfielder this year, Taveras is essential on every fantasy roster. 

Will he land on yours?

Phil Coke Is a Nice Backup Plan as the Closer in Detroit

The Detroit Tigers started spring training with the intent of giving young hurler Bruce Rondon every chance to become the 2013 Opening Day closer. 

Well, the 22-year-old flamethrower hasn't been overly convincing this spring. This means the Tigers will turn to reliever Phil Coke as their closer.

Some Tigers fans may have mixed emotions about Coke, but he became the late go-to guy in the playoffs last season for Detroit.

He's had an up-and-down run in the Olde English D, but his fiery personality makes him perfect for the closer role.

This proved to be true in the postseason in 2012 when his pitches noticeably had more life.

With Rondon looking like he could use some more time down on the farm, Coke will be available very late in your fantasy drafts.

Saves come at a premium in fantasy leagues, and the Tigers are set to win 95 games. This makes Coke a must. 

Kenley Jansen Won't Start the Season as the Dodgers Closer, but He'll End It

The Los Angeles Dodgers paid pitcher Brandon League $22.5 million this offseason to become their uncontested closer. 

Too bad for League, he has a short leash. Reliever Kenley Jansen is a prototypical monster on the mound. He's 6'5", 260 pounds and is one man every opposing hitter should fear.

He may not be the closer right now because of an irregular heartbeat which the organization hopes a procedure has corrected. He should be just fine and threw 65 innings last season, striking out 99. 

The new owners of the Dodgers haven't spent an obscene amount of loot to lose. Realizing that Jansen is their best option to end games with a "W" will come soon enough. 

Even if League begins the season as their closer, draft Jansen. You could even take a play out of your fantasy football handbook and handcuff the two. 

At the least, Jansen will be the setup man who will lower your pitching numbers across the board. 

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