2011 Fantasy Baseball: Will The Late Rounds Provide This Year's Keepers?
It's the last few rounds of your fantasy baseball draft. Many people rush through them to get some sleep, but you can stay focused and get your sleepers. This list is the top five late-round offensive fantasy picks that can turn into this year’s keepers, and keepers for years to come.
There may be some familiar names, but look out for some little known faces that can jump start your fantasy season and help turn you into a league champ.
5. JP Arencibia, C Blue Jays
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Why pick him?
You could always draft Buster Posey in the second to third round, but I would much rather pick a top corner infielder (where the field is very thin this fantasy season) and save the catcher spot for a late round bargain like Arencibia.
Only one year older than Posey, he should easily surpass Jose Molina and take over the Blue Jay’s starting role. He has the potential to hit 20-25 home runs this season and will only improve on those numbers next year.
4. Mike Moustakas, 3B Royals
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Why pick him?
Moustakas is the third baseman of the future for the Royals. Although Mike Aviles is penciled in as the opening day starter, don’t be surprised if you see Moustakas in Kansas City as a back-up or being called up before the calendar hits May 1. He will be the starter before the All-Star break and make a considerable contribution on a subpar Royals squad.
3. Domonic Brown, OF Phillies
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Why pick him?
It’s only a matter of time before 38-year old Raul Ibanez’s performance dwindles or he gets injured. Enter Domonic Brown. On a loaded Phillies team, they want to see this up and comer grow as quick as possible and this is a great opportunity for him. Being surrounded by the likes of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino allow him to have no pressure whatsoever. All the kid needs to do is go out and perform. You also have the added bonus of Brown having the chance to fight with Ben Francisco for a starting position from day one in right field.
You can expect some good power out of him with 10-15 home runs, while the lineup will spoon-feed him RBI chances. Lock this guy up now, and you have a strong player on a strong team moving forward.
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2. Brandon Belt, 1B Giants
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Why pick him?
Aubrey Huff is not getting any younger, Travis Ishikawa is not a long-term answer, and Belt is a star in the making. He came out of nowhere last season to produce a .352 avg. and 112 RBI in all three levels of the Giant’s minor league system.
The team has shown they are not afraid to bring their big-time talent up to the major leagues, promoting Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner last year. He has the potential to make a splash this year, and will certainly be the first baseman of the future In San Francisco.
1. Dustin Ackley, 2B Mariners
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Why pick him?
Ackley is a player who will start opening day for the Mariners. He has great foot speed and can hit for power, having the chance to be a 20/20 guy at a weaker position. He is not going anywhere in Seattle, and is one player who can really be a shining star (along with King Felix) on this team.
Nab him late and watch your fantasy team be at the top of your league, as long as you don’t include defensive stats. Let’s just say he is still “adjusting” to second base defensively after a college career in the outfield.
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