Fantasy Baseball: 10 Players Who Will Break Out in the Month of May
As most baseball fans know, the season is a marathon, not a sprint.
Therefore, those intensely involved with fantasy baseball have to continually be aware of the daily changes in the sport.
Football is only once a week and basketball is every few days, but not every day like baseball.
Since that leaves room for more injuries, trades, slumps or whatever the case may be, roster changes will occur quite a bit.
That said, here are 10 players to now put on your watch list, and then pick up once they start rolling in May.
Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox
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After winning at least 12 games from 2005 through 2009, Josh Beckett had a disappointing 2010 season, going 6-6.
Despite the slow start for the Red Sox, Beckett has somewhat gotten back on track this year.
He currently is 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 28 strikeouts.
That said, Boston needs to pick it up.
When Beckett takes the mound, you can bet on him raising his level of play to force the Red Sox back into early contention.
Catcher: Joe Mauer
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Now that Joe Mauer is on the 15-day DL, chances are that at least some of those who drafted him have now dropped him.
In the anticipation of his return, it's reasonable to believe that he won't hit the ground running.
However, since those 15 days will be over by early May, don't be surprised if and when Mauer returns and he begins to dominate.
Also, if the Twins are to make a run at another division championship, Mauer will definitely be needed.
First Base: Ike Davis, New York Mets
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If you have drafted players who can get on base but you still need another guy who can drive in runs, look no further.
Mets first baseman Ike Davis has 14 RBI, 18 hits and a .292 batting average through 19 games.
However, it's easy for him to go overlooked with other NL first basemen like Albert Pujols and Joey Votto.
Even other Mets players like David Wright and Jose Reyes receive more recognition.
But here's hoping Davis is available in your league because he is much improved from 2010.
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Second Base: Orlando Cabrera, Cleveland Indians
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Right now, whoever in Cleveland initiated the discussion to get Orlando Cabrera is looking like a genius.
He may not be much of a force at the plate with his .257 batting average, but he has driven in 11 runs while knocking 18 hits.
However, on the diamond he has turned himself and SS Asdrubal Cabrera into one of the best double-play duos in the bigs.
Cabrera's current .986 fielding percentage is the second best of his career (.988 in 2005 with the Angels), and he has turned 10 double plays.
Not to mention, he has played the majority of his career at SS, so his versatility has definitely helped the Tribe.
Third Base: Casey Blake. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Despite not being an everyday player, when Casey Blake is on the field, he produces.
Since 2003, he's averaged 144 games per year, so he's definitely going to be of value to those who drafted him (or picked up from free agency).
Not to mention, he has the versatility to play left field and first base, in addition to third.
That said, in 2011, he's batting .313 with four RBI, 15 hits and 11 runs scored.
Shortstop: Jason Bartlett, San Diego Padres
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For his first year with the San Diego Padres, Jason Bartlett is still somewhat getting used to Southern California.
He's only batting .246, but he does have 14 hits.
Defensively, though, Bartlett has 58 assists, 26 putouts and he has turned 12 double plays in 15 games.
However, he's never really been known for his bat, which only puts him more under the radar.
So, those who pick him up could earn a sneaky player for the month of May.
Left Field: Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
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Even though he's only batted .300 once in his career, Alfonso Soriano has hit at least 20 HRs each year since 2002.
Also, he's totaled at least 115 hits and 25 doubles each year since 2001.
Not to mention, he is also an everyday player who has dipped into the infield on occasion.
In any event, if Soriano is available, his .557 slugging percentage will be beneficial.
Center Field: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees
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For as stacked as the Yankees lineup is, a 10-6 record through 16 games is unacceptable in New York.
However, Curtis Granderson has not really been known for his batting average since he's only gotten over .300 once.
But his .273 average is his best since 2008, and the .691 slugging percentage is third amongst all outfielders.
Also, his six homers tie the league lead among the outfielders.
Right Field: Ben Francisco, Philadelphia Phillies
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On a team like the Phillies, it's easy to overlook the contributions of Ben Francisco.
He also gets the pitcher's best stuff since he's an easier out than players like Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
However, Francisco is still a solid player who has hit three homers and drove in 10 runs through 18 games.
A breakout year has yet to occur for Francisco, so being on a team like Philly, it's going to happen sooner than later.
Designated Hitter: Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
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The White Sox started off strong, but have since been a bit lackluster.
Adam Dunn is also no exception.
However, he does have eight RBI and eight hits thus far.
He's also tied for third among DHs with eight walks.
Dunn may not be too appealing, but he will pick it up since he has homered at least 26 times each year since 2002.
And has driven in over 100 RBI each of the previous three seasons.
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