Fantasy Baseball 2012: Every Team's Under-the-Radar Fantasy Weapon

It's that time of the week again folks, as I am once again here to delve out your weekly dose of fantasy baseball advice.  I've given you the Top 20 players to consider in Round 1, a list of values that can be had in the middle rounds, but now it's time for my favorite part of scouting: the secret weapons.

Believe it or not, while the first and second rounders are all well and good, some of your team's best players will be found either towards the end of the draft or maybe even on the waiver wire following it.  In some cases, these picks/pickups can make or break your team.

I remember last year, I took then-Mariners rookie Michael Pineda (pictured) with my final pick, and he went on to become a strikeout and WHIP machine for the light-hitting Seattle squad.  Now that he's on the Yankees, chances are his win total will skyrocket.

That being said, let's dive right in and discuss each team's under-the radar secret weapon that could be a solid addition to your team.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Josh Collmenter

Before last season, I had never even heard of Josh Collmenter.  The portly right-hander started the season coming out of Arizona's bullpen and by mid-May, he was a starter.  Once in the rotation, he put up some impressive numbers on the season.

In 24 starts and 154.1 innings pitched, Collmenter went 10-10 with a 3.38 ERA and a remarkable 1.07 WHIP.  He gave up just 58 earned runs and opposing hitters hit just .237 off of him.

Yet, compared to the likes of teammates Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson, not to mention new arrival Trevor Cahill, Collmenter is still under the radar.  Sure, his year was solid, but people seem to remember him more for his wacky windup than his good first season.

Thus, unless you have a crazy Arizona fan in your league, chances are Collmenter will be available towards the end of your draft for you to take as your secret weapon.

Atlanta Braves: Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn may not seem very under the radar seeing as how he has led the NL in steals each of the past three seasons.  Yet, let's be honest.  Baseball fans today tend to be obsessed with high-octane offenses fueled by home runs and seeing as how Bourn has hit a total of 13 homers in six seasons, you can see why he gets passed over.

However, let's not forget that stolen bases count as a category in most fantasy baseball leagues.  For those of you who play regularly, you know as well as I do that lacking in just one category, particularly in head-to-head play, can sink your team.

Thus, given how he's hit or miss on batting average and practically nonexistent in the home run and RBI department, Bourn is a good man to have on your team because when it comes to swiping bags, the man is as good as gold.

Baltimore Orioles: Jai Miller

Jai Miller only appeared in seven games for the Oakland A's last year, but after getting traded to the Baltimore Orioles, he has a shot to compete for a starting spot.  Given the man's athleticism along with the numbers he posted at Triple-A Sacramento last year, he most certainly has a chance.

In 110 games, Miller hit .276 with 32 home runs and 88 RBI.  Seeing as how the Orioles are looking to improve their offense and bring in a power bat, the 6'3" outfielder could prove to be a valuable addition to the lineup.

Just what his role on the team is will depend on how he does in spring training, but if he does well from the get go, Miller could be someone you want on your squad to help out with the home run power and overall offensive support.  The best part is that most managers probably won't even give him a second look.

Boston Red Sox: Daniel Bard

It's official, folks.  According to new skipper Bobby Valentine, Daniel Bard will go from being a setup man to a starter entering spring training.

If you ask me, this experiment will go one of two ways.  Either Bard, who hasn't started a game since 2007, will go the way Joba Chamberlain did once he was made a full-time starter by the Yankees (aka lose his velocity and accuracy), or he will be the perfect void-filler in the absence of John Lackey.

The fact is that when it comes to fastballs, Bard's is one of the quickest and most deadly.  The same can be said for his slider.  If he can get over the hump and work some more pitches into his repertoire, then Bard can become one of the surprise starters of the year with that strong Red Sox offense backing him up.

Still, keep an eye on him in spring training so you know what his role with the team will be down the road.

Chicago Cubs: David DeJesus

David DeJesus hit a career-worst .240 playing for Oakland last year, but I'll chalk that up to the fact that the team basically encourages its players not to swing.  I mean, come on.  Am I the only one who thinks it's a little ironic that Josh Willingham hit a career-high 29 home runs playing in Oakland, but managed to hit just .246?

In DeJesus' case, we're talking about a player who has hit over .300 twice and can consistently get on base.  For his career, he has a .284 lifetime batting average to go with a .356 career OBP.

Thus, if you're like me and play in a league where OBP is a statistic that counts, DeJesus could prove to be a solid addition.  He won't smack home runs or get many RBI, but he'll be a solid pick for batting average and getting on base.

Chicago White Sox: Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn is surely going to have a rebound year after hitting just .159 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI last year, but mark my words, he's going to slip so far down in the rankings that I wouldn't at all be surprised if he doesn't get drafted at all.

Still, if he shows any signs of being his old self again, Dunn will be a hot commodity coming off the waiver wire.  The fact remains that he's a powerful lefty bat who is also great at getting on base and driving in runs.  Oh, and let's not forget the 365 career home runs at just 32 years old.

Simply put, with the impending emergence of Dayan Viciedo and the flurry of trades the White Sox have already made this offseason, Dunn is going to fly under the radar.  However, I anticipate he'll fly over it fairly shortly.

Cincinnati Reds: Mike Leake

Mike Leake rebounded from an average rookie season to have an above average sophomore campaign, in which he went 12-9 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.  Now that his Reds are in a key position to make a run at the NL Central title, I'm picking this upcoming season to be his best one yet.

There's just one problem.  As good as he was in 2011, Leake's potential for 2012 has been overshadowed by the Reds' acquisition of Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres.  Thus, with Latos and Johnny Cueto already headlining the top of the rotation, Leake has gotten lost in the shuffle.

Still, it should not be ignored that he made a significant improvement from his rookie season and on top of that, he's proving to be something of a strikeout pitcher.  Given the great depth that exists in starting pitching, keep an eye on Leake and consider taking him towards the end of your draft.  If he continues his improvement, the results will speak for themselves.

Cleveland Indians: Lonnie Chisenhall

Lonnie Chisenhall was a greatly-hyped prospect who got a midseason call-up to Cleveland last year after hitting .267 with seven home runs and 45 RBI in 66 games at Triple-A Columbus, and chances are he'll be the team's starting third baseman entering spring training.

The 23-year-old lefty bat had a hard time adjusting to the majors as he hit just .255, but he'll definitely improve.  We're talking about a man who hit .278 with 17 long balls and 84 RBI at Double-A Akron in 2010, so chances are he'll find his swing for the 2012 season.

Chisenhall is definitely a risk who is probably good for a final round pick so that you have a lefty bat on your bench, but don't be surprised if he has a breakout year and works his way into the starting lineup.  Given how much Cleveland improved last year, this young man is going to be instrumental in the future improvement of the team.

If he's fully locked in come spring training, he may just be worth taking in your draft just to throw everyone off.

Colorado Rockies: Drew Pomeranz

Drew Pomeranz certainly isn't under the radar in the media, as he was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to the Cleveland Indians.  Yet, in the fantasy baseball world, most managers probably won't give him a second look.

In four starts last year, Pomeranz went 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.  Those numbers may be a bit off-putting, but let's not forget that 2011 was his first year in professional baseball.  He made 20 starts in the minors between High-A ball and Double-A (for two different teams) and went 4-3 with an incredible 1.78 ERA to go with a 1.05 WHIP.  In 101 innings, he struck out 119 hitters.

That being said, combined with his performance at the major league level, it's safe to say that Pomeranz will be competing for a rotation spot come spring training.  Keep an eye on him and his progress in the days leading up to your draft and if he earns that spot, definitely consider drafting him towards the end.

Detroit Tigers: Don Kelly

The Detroit Tigers have two options at third base going into next season.  Manager Jim Leyland can start Brandon Inge and his .197 average at the hot corner, or he can opt for a potentially powerful lefty bat in Don Kelly.

In my humble opinion, Kelly is the better option.  Here's a guy who doesn't usually play everyday but when he does, he makes it count.  The moment he launched a solo home run in the decisive Game 5 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, the game was basically over.

If given the opportunity to play everyday, Kelly could be a big producer as long as he's patient at the plate.  He hit .245 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 112 games last season, so he has some pop.  Yet, his OBP was just .291.

Still, I believe in Kelly.  He's shown that he can perform well in clutch games and given how the AL Central has fairly little competition, 2012 could be a potential breakout year if he gets enough at-bats.

Houston Astros: Matt Downs

Before last season, most people had never even heard of Matt Downs.  He was an infielder who had spent some time in the San Francisco Giants' organization and actually hit .298 with 49 home runs and 265 RBI in five seasons in the minors.  However, he struggled at the major league level and when the team acquired Cody Ross, he was designated for assignment and claimed by the Astros.

Downs got his chance as a utility infielder/second baseman for the team last year, but ended up playing in 106 games and accumulated 199 at bats during which he made the most of his time.  The man ended up hitting .276 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI.  If he isn't a starter entering spring training, the Astros need to re-think how to field a winning team.

The fact is that second base is a fairly shallow position in fantasy baseball, with only a few names really standing out.  Downs plays on a bad team so there's really no telling how he'll perform, but his numbers from last year indicate an All-Star just waiting to break out.

I'm not saying I'd make him my starting second baseman, but I'd sure as hell like to have him on my bench as a secret weapon to break out in tough matchups.

Kansas City Royals: Lorenzo Cain

Now that Melky Cabrera has been traded to the Giants, the Royals have an opening in centerfield.  This position is prospect Lorenzo Cain's for the taking and given his talent, manager Ned Yost would be crazy not to give it to him.

Cain was acquired in the trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers and in 128 games at Triple-A Omaha, he hit .312 with 16 home runs, 81 RBI and 16 steals.  The Royals need a leadoff man with Cabrera gone and based on those stats alone, Cain is the perfect man for the job.

Just imagine what Cain could do in the majors if those numbers translate well to that level.  He'll do well in practically every offensive category and be an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Of course, that all depends on how Cain performs during spring training.  Definitely keep an eye on his progress so that you'll have a full report on him come draft day.  If he makes the team as a starter, he will be a definite candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Los Angeles Angels: Jerome Williams

Going into last season, Jerome Williams hadn't pitched in the majors since 2007.  Yet, in six starts made from mid-late August all the way to the end of the season, he went 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.  About a month ago, the Angels agreed to bring him back on a one-year deal so that he could round out a rotation that already features three studs in C.J. Wilson, Jered Weaver and Dan Haren.

Williams' performance last year was nice, but be careful when scouting him.  He's essentially a No. 5 starter, so there's no telling what kind of numbers you'll get from him.

Still, the fact that he went that long without pitching in the majors and then came back to perform like that is pretty impressive.  His WHIP may be a little higher than what's acceptable for fantasy, but the fact is the Angels are dangerous both at the plate and in the field this year with Pujols in that lineup, and as a result Williams could easily get double digits in wins.

Thus, keep an eye on him once he's on the waiver wire.  He isn't worth a draft pick, but he could be great if you need a pitcher in a pinch.  Who knows?  Maybe he'll stick around all season if he impresses you enough the first time.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Dee Gordon

At this point in his career, Dee Gordon is a poor man's Juan Pierre (in the prime of his career).  He's a lefty bat who hits well for average and has lightning fast speed, and that's about it.  Yet, don't let Gordon's lack of power fool you.

The Dodgers' shortstop prospect only appeared in 56 games last year, but he hit .304 to go with 24 stolen bases.  Just imagine how many Gordon could have stolen in a full season!  Keep in mind, we're talking about a player who hit .303 and swiped 176 bags over three-and-a-half years in the minors.

Thus, while there may be some heavier-hitting options at shortstop, don't rule out Gordon so quickly.  The kid has great speed and as I said before when we discussed Bourn, having some ideal base-stealers on your team is essential.

Miami Marlins: Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez is one of those pitchers who like Felix Hernandez, is a lot better than his record indicates.  He plays for the Miami Marlins who up until this coming season, did not have much to hope for in terms of offense.  In 2011, low run support limited him to an 8-9 record with a respectable 3.67 ERA.

However, Sanchez also struck out 202 hitters in 196.1 innings.  That being said, seeing as how the Marlins majorly upgraded their lineup by signing Jose Reyes this offseason, he could be due for a big year. 

If the team's offense clicks, Sanchez could put up great numbers in wins, ERA and strikeouts on his way to a potential All-Star berth.  He already has a no-hitter under his belt, so it's time to put up a great season to go with it.

When he'll be drafted is hard to tell, as some managers like to stock up on strikeout artists.  Yet, his low win total from last year could scare some people off and thus, he should be available in the final rounds.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mat Gamel

Given how Prince Fielder is a lock for so many high numbers in most offensive stats, I can see why some fantasy managers would be scared of Mat Gamel.  He only has 85 major league games under his belt and has hit just .222 with five home runs and 23 RBI.  However, let's take a look at what he did in the minors last year.

In 128 games at Triple-A Nashville, the 26-year-old Gamel hit .310 with 28 long balls and 96 RBI.  Like Fielder, he is also a left-handed hitter.  The power numbers may not be as epic, but chances are that Gamel is going to be locked in once spring training begins because Prince Fielder has some pretty big shoes to fill (literally).

Thus, if you're looking to add depth at first base, Gamel is a solid option.  He'll give you another lefty bat and if all goes well, some power off the bench.

Minnesota Twins: Ben Revere

The Minnesota Twins' offense was basically thrown together last year, mostly in part due to injuries suffered by Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.  Yet, among this group of ragtags emerged a pleasant surprise in outfielder Ben Revere.

In 117 games, Revere hit .267 and also stole 34 bases.  I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but stolen bases are an extremely important stat in fantasy baseball.

I'm not saying draft this guy to be one of your starting outfielders, but keep an eye on him in spring training.  If he does get a starting job, he'll be a good guy to have on your team solely for the high number of steals he'll accumulate.

New York Mets: Lucas Duda

Going into next season, Lucas Duda is basically penciled in as the Mets' starting right fielder.  Seeing as how the team is a complete and utter mess, he could be one of the only solid contributors in the lineup this season besides Ike Davis.

Duda split time between the outfield and first base in 2011 and was solid in 100 games.  He hit .292 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI to go with a .370 OBP and considering how Citi Field had the walls moved in during the offseason, this could mean a breakout year for the lefty-hitting Duda.

In terms of your fantasy team, you can't really go wrong with the guy.  He hits for a good average and has some pop in his bat, but there isn't much to write home about in the lineup except for him and the aforementioned Davis.

If you're looking to add some power to your bench or even to one of your utility spots, then Duda is a fine candidate for either approach.

New York Yankees: Michael Pineda

Michael Pineda's name hasn't been under the radar as of late, considering how the Yankees just traded top prospect Jesus Montero to the Mariners just to acquire him.  Yet, I'll say this much.  Pineda is going to do a lot better in New York than he could ever do in Seattle thanks to the Yankees' absolutely stacked lineup.

The hard-throwing righty stands 6'7" and weighs 260 pounds and is an imposing presence on the mound, almost Sabathia-like.  Seattle's anemic offense led to him going 9-10 as a rookie, but he posted a respectable 3.74 ERA and his WHIP was a phenomenal 1.09.  In 171 innings, he struck out 173 hitters.

That being said, now that he is on a contending team, the sky is the limit for Pineda.  Some may be scared off because of the arm soreness that plagued him towards the end of last season, but I'm anticipating him to have at least 15 wins to go with some high strikeout totals.

He's a lock to be available come the later middle rounds, so snag him if you need help with strikeouts or WHIP.

Oakland A's: Josh Reddick

Normally, I'd say that the Oakland A's are where good hitters go to die.  However, I have a feeling that outfielder Josh Reddick will be an exception to the rule.  The young outfield prospect hit .280 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 87 games for the Boston Red Sox last year before being traded to Oakland for Andrew Bailey this offseason.

The best part about Reddick is that he was able to hit for a decent average and also have a respectable OBP of .327, which will be key in Oakland.  Seeing as how he hits the ball well to all fields and plays good defense in the outfield, he could be due for a good season.

When it comes to drafting Reddick, that really depends on the managers involved.  I know some fantasy guys who like to have power-heavy teams with average pitching, but I also know guys who like to field small-ball teams with some sick pitching.  If you're one of these Mike Scioscia-types, then Reddick will be a great addition to your team.

Otherwise, he'll hit well for average and maybe 10-15 home runs.  That's about it.

Philadelphia Phillies: John Mayberry, Jr.

At this point, the battle for the starting left fielder's job in Philadelphia is between two men: Laynce Nix and John Mayberry, Jr.  In a lineup that's already full of left-handed talent, I'm going to give the position to Mayberry for the sake of argument because if given regular playing time, he could put up some great power numbers.

He only played in 104 games last year, but also hit .273 to go with 15 home runs and 49 RBI.  With a full season to play, he could easily put up greater numbers in all departments.

That being said, keep an eye on the battle for left field in spring training.  If Mayberry can establish his power bat quickly and showcase it consistently, then the job is his.  At that point, it's just a matter of keeping it up during the regular season.

I don't know about taking him with a draft pick, but it's safe to say that no other managers will be scouting him heavily.  If you need outfield depth early in the year, he should be available on the waiver wire.

Pittsburgh Pirates: James McDonald

Drafting a pitcher who plays for the Pirates is always a risk, as the team's offense is hit-or-miss and the pitching can be just as unpredictable.  Such was the case last season for James McDonald, who went 9-9 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.49 WHIP.

Those numbers may seem below average, but let's not forget that the Pirates experienced something of a rejuvenation last season.  This team is going to improve, and quickly.  At the back of their rotation will be McDonald, and I have a feeling 2012 is going to be his year.

Don't necessarily draft the guy, but see how he looks in the latter half of spring training, when the other team is playing most of its starters for the whole game.  If he can mow them down then and in the regular season, then he could be worth picking up off the waiver wire.

San Diego Padres: Huston Street

The Padres made two key offensive acquisitions recently, obtaining outfielder/first baseman Yonder Alonso from the Cincinnati Reds and outfielder Carlos Quentin from the Chicago White Sox.  These guys are talented, but also now play in the ridiculously pitcher-friendly Petco Park.  Thus, I'm anticipating the Padres' offense to struggle again this year.

However, it must be remembered that the Padres also traded for former Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street this offseason and seeing as how low-scoring teams tend to accumulate a lot of saves, this man could prove to be a cash cow for one lucky fantasy manager.

As I've mentioned countless times before, it's so hard to determine when closers will be drafted.  All I can tell you is that after one is taken, the rest will soon follow. 

That being said, give Street a look the moment the closers start going.  He had 29 saves in 33 opportunities last year and posted a 3.86 ERA.  Now that he's out of the hitter-friendly Coors Field, he may put up a greater amount of saves and his ERA may drop by at least a run.

San Francisco Giants: Madison Bumgarner

At just 22 years old, Madison Bumgarner has already established himself as one of the top young pitchers in the game.  He went 13-13 in 33 starts last year, posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.  He struck out 191 hitters in 204.2 innings and now that the Giants have acquired some offense in Melky Cabrera, he could be due for an even better season in 2012.

Still, as is the case with his teammate Matt Cain, people may shy away from Bumgarner come draft day.  The Giants' offense is known for scoring few runs and even though the pitching numbers may be solid, it doesn't really mean much if the wins aren't coming.

Yet, something tells me that the Giants will be a lot better in 2012.  They looked atrocious after the All-Star Break last year, not something they wanted in their first season after winning a World Series.  Thus, 2012 will have them playing with renewed confidence.

Thus, if Bumgarner is available in the later middle rounds of your draft, gamble on him.

Seattle Mariners: Mike Carp

It's no secret that the Mariners' offense is a complete and utter mess, with the only real consistency coming from an aging Ichiro Suzuki and an upstart Dustin Ackley.  Yet, in terms of power, there is one reliable man in Mike Carp.

Carp only appeared in 79 games last year, but he definitely made his mark when he played.  The 25-year-old hit .276 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI while posting a .326 OBP.  This type of production is just what the Mariners need going forward.

He'll have some competition with Casper Wells for the starting DH job, but something tells me that the lefty-hitting Carp will emerge victorious.  If he can pick up where he left off in 2011, then the Mariners could take one big step forward in getting back into contention.

Drafting him as a sleeper is a big risk, as Seattle players have tended to be disappointing the past few years (Thanks a lot, Ryan Rowland-Smith!).  However, if he's still available in the late rounds of your draft and you could use some depth in home run hitting, then Carp is a viable bat to have on your bench.  If he proves that last year wasn't a fluke, all the better.

St. Louis Cardinals: Allen Craig

I can tell you right now that most people aren't even going to consider drafting Allen Craig, as they might view him as a playoff folk hero and nothing more.  That's partially true, seeing as how Craig hit just .243 in the playoffs this year, but also hit four home runs with eight RBI in just 11 games.

However, take a look at his regular-season numbers.  In 75 games, he hit .315 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI.  Now that Albert Pujols is gone and Lance Berkman has moved to first base, it's more than likely that Craig will be starting in right field this coming season.

The only mark against Craig is that he underwent knee surgery after the World Series and though his rehab is progressing nicely, he may still miss the first month of the season.  Definitely keep an eye on him over the next month or so, but don't draft him as a starter.

If anything, take him towards the end of your draft if he's available and wait for a couple weeks until he comes back before inserting him into the lineup.  If he's healthy and good to go, then he may have a great year on the horizon.

Tampa Bay Rays: Matt Joyce

2011 was Matt Joyce's first year as a full-time starter in the big leagues and in 141 games, he proved why he was worthy of that.  He hit .277 with 19 home runs and 75 RBI and even stole 13 bases.  His OBP was an impressive .347.

Yet, despite his breakout season, Joyce has still flown under the radar as prospects like Matt Moore and Desmond Jennings or veterans like David Price and Evan Longoria continue to get more press than him.  Still, that isn't to say that Joyce isn't going to be a solid pick in any fantasy draft.

He clearly has pop and can hit well for average, and his speed appears to be decent as well.  Considering how he has done nothing but improve since coming to Tampa Bay, I'm anticipating him to have another solid season in 2012.

I'm not sure if he's worthy of a starting outfield spot, but definitely take him in the later rounds to fill up a utility role.

Texas Rangers: Neftali Feliz

Over the first two years of his career, we've known Neftali Feliz as a closer.  Suddenly, after blowing what could have been the deciding Game 6 of the World Series, he's being converted into a starter.

That being said, I have no clue where Feliz is going to be in the rankings come draft time.  A lot of it depends on how well he performs as a starter in spring training, but the fact remains that he's definitely flying under the radar now that Joe Nathan has been brought in to close and Japanese sensation Yu Darvish has just been signed to a six-year deal worth $60 million.

Honestly, I'm skeptical of how Feliz will perform as a starter.  He hasn't been a full-time starter since 2008 when he was in the minors, but he was impressive then.  However, as we've seen with Joba Chamberlain, turning a fireballer from a starter into a reliever and then into a starter again can be a bad idea.

The best advice I can give on Feliz is to watch him in spring training and decide from there.  If he's great, draft him.  If he's average, wait and see how he does during the regular season and pick him up off the waiver wire.

Toronto Blue Jays: Eric Thames

I don't know much about Eric Thames but based on what I've seen from him along with his minor league numbers, I have a feeling he's something special.  He logged 394 plate appearances in 95 games last season, batting .262 with 12 home runs and 37 RBI.  Yet, let's take a look at his numbers in the minors.

Playing for Double-A New Hampshire in 2010, he hit .288 with 27 home runs and 104 RBI, his OBP an impressive .370.  Thames only had seven home runs and 45 RBI in 53 games with Triple-A Las Vegas last year, but he hit an incredible .352 and his OBP was an amazing .423.  Simply put, out of the great number of outfielders the Blue Jays have, Thames is definitely a candidate to man left field.

Should he get the starting job, definitely consider drafting him to shore up a utility spot.  The Blue Jays are a group that rely heavily on the long ball and given Thames' talent with a bat, he could put up great numbers in both home runs and RBI.

Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper

I know I'm going out on a limb in including him, but allow me to make this prediction: Bryce Harper will be called up to the majors in 2012 and he will be as awesome as everyone says he is.  In just one year of minor league ball split between Single and Double-A, the former first overall pick has hit .297 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 26 steals.

Some may tell you that he won't be called up this year, but let me put it to you this way.  In 2010, the year that Stephen Strasburg began his professional career, I didn't think that he would be brought up to the majors so soon and thus I didn't consider drafting him.  Yet, someone in my league ended up taking him in one of the late-middle rounds, and the rest as they say is history.

Such should be the case for Bryce Harper.  He had his one season to adjust to playing the outfield, so now could be the time for him to shine.  Definitely draft this guy towards the end because if the Nationals are contending at or around the All-Star Break, GM Mike Rizzo will not hesitate to call Harper up to the majors so that the lineup can have that extra "oomph," for lack of better word.