Fantasy Baseballl Rankings: Underrated Hitters Ready for Breakout Seasons

Fantasy baseball is unlike any other sport, because you have to build a team for the long haul instead of playing it day by day. The key to winning is finding those overlooked players on the verge of doing something special. 

Hitters are the lifeblood of the game. Everyone likes pitching, and it's not something you can overlook, but a great offense can carry you further than a slew of arms with no one able to hit the ball out. 

With Major League Baseball transitioning to a pitchers' game, it is imperative to find as much hitting as possible. 

Here are some underrated hitters that you can expect big things from in 2012. 

Devin Mesoraco, C, Cincinnati Reds

To be fair, the only reason Mesoraco is flying under the radar is because he has only played in 18 games so far. 

The Reds' top prospect was called up late last season, but he should be the starting catcher from day oone this year.

It is going to take a little while for him to adjust to big league pitching, but when he does, he should be a top-five fantasy catcher. He has a great approach at the plate already, so he should be able to hit for a high average and his power is legit. 

There is no reason to think he won't hit around .280 with 20-25 home runs, as he plays a majority of his games in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park

Projected 2012 Stats: .275 BA, 21 HRs, 77 RBI

Cameron Maybin, CF, San Diego Padres

There is an argument to be made that Maybin had a breakout season last year when he hit .264/.323/.393 with 40 stolen bases. However, I believe the bat has more to offer than that now that he appears to be comfortable and well-adjusted to big league pitching. 

He is never going to be a big power hitter—playing in PetCo Park doesn't help matters—but there is no reason he can't leg out more doubles and triples.

His batting average is going to approach the .300 mark, and he could steal more bases if he wanted to. Since he is so fast and the Padres will have a slightly better lineup this year, he should score more runs. 

Projected 2012 Stats: .290 BA, 13 HRs, 48 Stolen Bases

Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Playing in Kansas City helped Hosmer's impressive rookie season go overlooked, but he is the real deal already. He got better each month in the big leagues last year, and there is no reason to think he won't keep improving in his first full season. 

He has a great power swing that will generate a lot of home runs, even in spacious Kauffman Stadium. Don't think of him as a one-trick pony, though. He makes a lot of contact and will hit for a high average too. 

Considering the lack of depth in the Royals' lineup, his RBI total is not likely to be as high as you would want it, but he could approach 100 because he is that good. If you are in a keeper league, he is a great first baseman to grab. He is going to be a fantasy superstar within two years. 

Projected 2012 Stats: .295 BA, 26 HRs, 97 RBI

Follow @adamwells1985