Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Young Studs Poised for Breakout Seasons

Spring is almost here, and that means it is time to get ready for fantasy baseball. This is going to be an interesting year for fantasy players, because a lot of the top stars are so young and have yet to reach their full potential.

So much youth makes Draft Day an exciting and unpredictable time. We have all heard these names down on the farm for so long that by the time they actually reach the big leagues it feels like we know more about them than their own families. 

What we are going to do for you, loyal readers, is tell you which young stars are going to take a big step in their fantasy production this year. 

Here are three breakout candidates to keep on your fantasy radar as you start to gather information for your drafts. 

Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Like any rookie, Hosmer had his share of ups and downs last season. He started off hot with 12 extra-base hits in his first 23 games, but had no home runs in the month of June. Things got back on track in July, as he finished with a .317 average and 14 home runs over the final three months. 

There is a lot more potential in his bat. He is still adjusting to left-handed pitching at the big league level, hitting just .237 in 152 at-bats against them last season. He has a great track record of success in the minors against southpaws, hitting .360 in 2010, so he should be fine with more reps.

Hosmer is going to be a staple in the middle of the Royals lineup for years to come, and 2012 is going to be his breakout season.

Projected 2012 Stats: .305 AVG, 25 home runs, 85 RBI, 12 stolen bases

Logan Morrison, OF, Miami Marlins

Despite the fact that the Marlins insist on playing him in the outfield, Morrison's best position is first base. But that is another story for another day.

LoMo has had an interesting run in his two years in the majors. He had a great rookie season in 2010, hitting .283/.390/.447. He only hit two home runs in 287 plate appearances, so the fantasy reception was lukewarm.

He came back last season with 23 home runs, but his average dropped down to .247. In addition to that, the team sent him down to Triple A because they didn't like him using Twitter.

This is going to be his season to show exactly what he is capable of. His average fell thanks to a huge drop in batting average on balls in play. He might not have a BABIP of .351 like he did in 2010, but it won't be as low as the .265 he hit last year.

Projected 2012 Stats: .280 AVG. 23 Home Runs, 95 RBI

Justin Smoak, 1B, Seattle Mariners

It is hard not to look at Smoak's raw skills and fall in love. He has the potential to be a plus hitter with a lot of power and the ability to draw walks. Not that it matters for fantasy baseball, but he also plays good defense at first base. That is why the Mariners made him the key piece to the Cliff Lee trade with Texas two years ago. 

His career has not taken off as expected, but at 25 he is still young enough to figure things out. He struggled last year due to a thumb injury and the death of his father had to weigh heavily on his mind. 

Smoak is a sleeper candidate this season thanks to his raw tools and the fact that he is going to be given every opportunity to be the starting first baseman for the Mariners. I don't think he will reach his full potential this year, but he will make fantasy players take notice. 

Projected 2012 Stats: .275 AVG, 28 Home Runs, 90 RBI

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