Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2012: Up-and-Coming Youngsters You Must Draft

We all know who the sure things are in fantasy baseball, those guys who have a track record of dominating. But sometimes it's the up-and-coming diamonds in the rough who boost you to the title in your fantasy baseball league. That's why it's critical to identify these potential bargains before the draft and act swiftly before they get nabbed by your foes.

Here are three up-and-coming youngsters I see blossoming in 2012.

3. Matt Moore, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Matt Moore, a 2007 eighth-round draft pick, only played in three games last season, starting once.

But there's no doubt this kid has electric stuff.

First of all, Moore was the Rays' second-best prospect in 2011 behind Jeremy Hellickson, and we know how Hellickson worked out. Moore has a good fastball, late-breaking curve and deceptive changeup. In his only regular-season start of 2011 with the Rays, he worked five innings against the New York Yankees, giving up four hits and striking out 11 batters. In the AL Divisional Round, he allowed one run in 10 innings against the Texas Rangers.

Moore will be the Jeremy Hellickson of 2012.

2. Brett Lawrie, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays

The 2008 first-round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, Brett Lawrie was traded for Blue Jays ace Shaun Marcum in December 2010.

So far, the Blue Jays couldn't be any happier.

In his first 150 at-bats in the majors last season, Lawrie batted .293 with nine home runs, 25 RBI and seven stolen bases. He has the potential to be a 20-20 third baseman, which is big enough in itself. He's an exceptional young talent who can hit for average and power, and steal some bases along the way.

Lawrie should be a great bargain in 2012.

1. Desmond Jennings, OF, Tampa Bay Rays

Desmond Jennings is another reason why the Rays are a scary team in 2012.

He only hit .259 last season in 243 at-bats with the Rays, but there's no question his skill-set is phenomenal. In 63 games last season, he had 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Here's a guy that can legitimately get you 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases in 2012.

I expect Jennings' average to jump in 2012 atop the Rays' fearsome lineup and finally blossom into the player we all know he can be.