Fantasy Baseball 2012: 5 Moves That Will Make You Look Like a Genius

Baseball is a sport that is tough to predict, as almost anyone can be a stud one year, while being a complete dud the next. And vice versa.

While there is never a sure bet, there are always your typical selections for fantasy baseball who always give solid results: for example, Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander or Miami Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes.

One decision can certainly send your season into a completely different direction, so here are five picks that are sure to give you good results this season.

1. Take Matt Kemp with the No. 1 Pick

You like Alex Rodriguez, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, huh?

Well, if you have the No. 1 pick, or if he slips to you, it would be foolish to pass up on Los Angeles Dodgers' center fielder Matt Kemp.

After posting a batting average of .324 with 39 homes runs and 126 RBI, Kemp is looking like a lock to be a beast this next season.

He was also walked 74 times, while having an on-base percentage of .399 for the 2011 season.

There is no denying that there can be a fallout from his huge season, but things are looking good for the new $160 million man.

Kemp is looking like the closest thing to a sure bet for the 2012 season.

2. Draft Matt Moore

While it may be a risk to take Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Moore in the early goings, all signs point to this yougin' being a force to be reckoned with this coming season.

He only made three appearances in 2011 but posted 15 strikeouts in 9.1 innings. It will remain to be seen how he will do on the big stage, but with the past success of pitchers like Matt Garza and James Shields, things are looking up for any top pitcher entering the Rays rotation.

It will remain to be seen if Moore will make the Opening Day roster, but even if he doesn't, there is no doubt that he could be one of the best pitchers that we will see this season once he finally does.

3. Don't Forget About Michael Young

With all the great players out there, some studs tend to get left behind.

Case-in-point for Texas Rangers second baseman/designated hitter Michael Young.

This past season, the 34-year-old hit .338 in 159 games. While he only had 11 home runs—10 less than the previous year—he managed to have 213 hits. That mark was his best since 2006, when he had 217 hits.

Young also had 106 RBI, the most he has ever had in a single season. While many will likely wonder if Young will be able to repeat his 2011 season, 2012 could be very promising considering the weight that has been taken off of his shoulders over the years.

4. Carlos Beltran Can Be a Late-Round Steal

While he is no Albert Pujols, Carlos Beltran could be a serious threat in the weak NL Central for the St. Louis Cardinals this coming season.

With both the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this past season—two teams in very strong pitching divisions—Beltran batted a combined .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBI and 156 hits in 142 games.

With the Cardinals, things could be much more promising as he should be able to take advantage of the weak pitching of the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. Sure, each team has its gem, but none really have depth that will threaten Beltran in the majority of his games.

Considering his age, Beltran will likely fall in the draft, which could be a major steal for anyone looking to nab a solid hitter for their lineup.

5. Roll the Dice on Jon Lester

There are a lot of solid pitchers at the top of the list, but after the very elite, the rest of the group gets meshed together.

One pitcher who could be a solid No. 2—or No. 3 for those of you in much larger leagues—is Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester.

Lester isn't coming off of his best year, pitching 191.2 innings with an ERA of 3.47 and 182 strikeouts. His numbers dropped off from his previous two seasons, which should make him available later on in the draft, making him essentially a steal.

The Red Sox are going to be under a new coach in Bobby Valentine, so there will be question marks, but look for Lester to take your team in the right direction in 2012.