Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: 50 Sleepers You Need on Your Teams

In the Pot Roast Invitational two years ago, I employed a new draft strategy.

From the 20th round on, I was only going to take prospects, guys who had only been in the league for a year or two, and players that I had a gut feeling about.

That strategy landed me Starlin Castro in the 20th round, Neftali Feliz in the 21st round and Buster Posey in the 23rd—all players who made a big contribution to my team.

My picks of Scott Sizemore in the 22nd, Julio Borbon in the 24th and Dexter Fowler in the 25th didn't pan out—but not all of your draft picks ever do.

The point is that there is value to be found in the late rounds, and you can capitalize on another owner's hesitance to draft the unknown, the unproven.

At the same time, sleepers aren't only found in the later rounds of your draft. There are a number of players being taken later in drafts than their production will show that they were worth.

We will look at where these players are being drafted in 10-team and 12-team leagues on ESPN.com and CBSSports.com, along with where they were selected in the 14-team B/R MLB writers draft.

For good measure, thrown in are some reasonable projections for their 2012 seasons—though they could be surpassed.

Without further delay, and in no particular order, here are your 50 sleepers for 2012.

*Completely off topic, but totally inevitable because this is about 50 sleepers, but Woody Allen's Sleeper is one of the 10 funniest movies I have ever seen. If you've not ever seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it.

Ben Revere, LF, Minnesota Twins

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 22nd round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 18th round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 20th round

2011 Stats: .267/.310/.309, 0 HR, 30 RBI, 34 SB

Why Draft Revere?

Ben Revere was my breakout candidate for the Twins, and while spring training statistics do not guarantee regular-season performance, Revere is hitting .343 with a .378 OBP, two RBI, five runs scored, three stolen bases and an OPS of .778.

While it's very unlikely that Revere will hit .343 on the season, Revere's renewed dedication to taking advantage of his greatest asset—his speed—should bring with it improvement over his .267 average and .310 on-base percentage last season.

His determination to get on base more often will lead to more stolen bases than the 34 he had in 2011, and with Denard Span and the top of the Twins lineup batting behind him, his speed will allow him to score on hits and fly balls that others normally wouldn't.

Reasonable Expectations:

.275 average, 3 HR, 45 RBI, 50 SB, 100 R

Ryan Doumit, C/OF, Minnesota Twins

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 26th round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: .303/.353/.477, 8 HR, 30 RBI

Why Draft Doumit?

At this point in his career, we know what Ryan Doumit is—a solid hitting catcher who can't stay healthy.

Doumit should see far less wear-and-tear this season than in the past as he'll be spending time as the Twins DH, as well as behind the plate and in the outfield, according to manager Ron Gardenhire.

Whether drafting Doumit as a starter or backup, you can certainly do worse than the .270 average and 10-to-15 home runs that Doumit will provide.

Reasonable Expectations:

.275 average, 12 HR, 50 RBI

Devin Mesoraco, C, Cincinnati Reds

10-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 14th Round

2011 Stats: .180/.226/.360, 2 HR, 6 RBI (18 games)

Why Draft Mesoraco?

Neither Devin Mesoraco or Ryan Hanigan has had a strong spring, further muddying the waters as to who will ultimately begin the year as the Reds starting catcher, but Mesoraco's upside is considerably higher.

He hit .289 with 15 HR and 71 RBI in Triple-A last season and certainly has the potential to produce similar numbers in the majors.

I don't advocate banking on Mesoraco as your starter when the season starts, but he could force his way into your lineup or serve as trade bait to fill another need as the season progresses and he solidifies his hold on the Reds' catching duties.

Reasonable Expectations:

.250 average, 10 HR, 65 RBI

Ike Davis, 1B, New York Mets

10-Team Leagues: 16th (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 13th Round (CBS), 17th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 8th Round*

2011 Stats: .302/.383/.543, 7 HR, 25 RBI (36 games)

Why Draft Davis?

There is no denying his potential—Davis has produced at every level he's played at and, if he can stay healthy, could be a perennial All-Star.

Therein lies the rub, of course—staying healthy, something that is seemingly harder to do for anyone who plays on the Mets these days. Davis saw his 2011 season cut short by an ankle injury and now he's battling Valley Fever, a disease that limited Conor Jackson to 30 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009.

But Davis claims that he feels no ill effects from the illness other than occasional fatigue, and his significant power potential should be in full force at Citi Field, with its newly re-configured outfield dimensions.

The fear of the unknown is what is keeping Davis from being selected much earlier—he is an absolute steal where he's going now.

Reasonable Expectations:

.285 average, 25 HR, 100 RBI

*This was my pick, and it was not intentional. I had moved Davis into the queue for later in the draft and accidentally selected him here.

Jason Kipnis, 2B, Cleveland Indians

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 15th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 18th Round

2011 Stats: .272/.333/.507, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 5 SB (36 games)

Why Draft Kipnis?

With a stranglehold on the second base job in Cleveland, Jason Kipnis will have all season to show that there is more to come from his small sample size in 2011.

Kipnis might not be outstanding at any one thing but he's solid across the board—and a 20/20 season is certainly a reachable goal for him in the years to come. If you miss out on the top-tier second basemen, Kipnis is an excellent consolation prize.

Reasonable Expectations:

.265 average, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 20 SB

Lucas Duda, RF/1B, New York Mets

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 15th Round (CBS), 17th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 18th Round

2011 Stats: .292/.370/.482, 10 HR, 50 RBI

Why Draft Duda?

Duda is a professional hitter with an excellent batting eye—he walked nearly 10 percent of the time in the majors last season, and 12.5 percent of the time in the minors. He knows how to get on base.

Couple that with his power potential, something that is only increased by the re-configured outfield walls at Citi Field (they were both lowered and moved in) and Duda is poised to have a breakout season for the Mets in 2012.

Reasonable Expectations:

.280 average, 20 HR, 80 RBI

J.D. Martinez, OF, Houston Astros

10-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writer's Draft: 20th Round

2011 Stats: .274/.333/.507, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 5 SB (36 games)

Why Draft Martinez?

The fact that Martinez went from a 2009 draft pick to the heart of the Astros lineup in 2011 was no fluke—J.D. Martinez can hit.

He strikes out more than you'd like, but he has pop in his bat and with regular the regular at-bats he'll get hitting third in the Astros lineup, he'll provide decent power and RBI numbers while not killing your average.

There's not much in the speed department, though that's not to say that Martinez is slow—he just won't contribute much, if anything, to your stolen base totals.

Reasonable Expectations:

.280 average, 15 HR, 75 RBI

Phil Hughes, SP, New York Yankees

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 19th Round

2011 Stats: 5-5. 5.79 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 47 K, 74.2 IP

Why Draft Hughes?

Two years ago Hughes was an All-Star, going 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 146 strikeouts over 176.1 innings pitched. Hughes is out to prove that 2011 was an aberration and that he's learned from his mistakes.

Thus far in spring training, Hughes has been doing just that, going 0-1 with a 2.83 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and eight strikeouts over 13.1 innings pitched.

He has the inside track to be the fifth starter in the Yankees rotation and the talent to not only get back to, but surpass his 2010 numbers.

Should he be moved to the bullpen at some point to make room for Andy Pettitte, Hughes has proven in the past that he can thrive in that role as well. Hughes' potential dual-eligibility only increases his value.

Reasonable Expectations:

15-10, 4.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 175 K, 200 IP.

Brandon Belt, 1B/LF, San Francisco Giants

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 23rd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 18th Round

2011 Stats: .225/.306/.412, 9 HR, 18 RBI (63 games)

Why Draft Belt?

Belt has power and a good eye at the plate, but what he doesn't yet have is a regular spot in the Giants lineup, which is somewhat surprising considering Belt's upside and the players blocking his path—Aubrey Huff and Brett Pill at 1B, Melky Cabrera and Nate Schierholtz in the outfield.

Belt's best position is 1B, and the Giants know that. But with Buster Posey likely to spend some time at 1B to give his surgically repaired ankle a break from catching, Belt may have to move to a corner outfield spot for the time being.

Whether he starts the season as a starter, on the bench or in the minors, Brandon Belt has too much upside to not take a chance on.

Reasonable Expectations:

.265 average, 20 HR, 70 RBI

Mike Aviles, 2B/3B/SS, Boston Red Sox

10-Team Leagues: 24th Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 20th Round

2011 Stats: .255/.289/.409, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 14 SB

Why Draft Aviles?

Aviles' versatility immediately gives him value—in most leagues, he is eligible at 2B, 3B and SS.

The fact that he's going to be the starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox helps as well. After being acquired by Boston at the trade deadline, Aviles hit .317/.340/.436 with two home runs, eight RBI and four stolen bases.

Aviles isn't going to wow you in any category, but he can be a solid contributor across many, plus serving as insurance for multiple positions on your team.

Besides, Adrian Gonzalez told me that he thinks Aviles is poised to have a breakout season—who are we to argue with a perennial All-Star?

Reasonable Expectations:

.280 average, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 20 SB

Addison Reed, RP, Chicago White sox

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 22nd Round

2011 Stats: 0-0, 3.68 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 10 K, 7.1 IP

Why Draft Reed?

While new White Sox manager Robin Ventura seems to be leaning towards making Matt Thornton his closer, Addison Reed is worth owning for a number of reasons.

Realistically, it's a matter of when (not if) Thornton falters or gets injured, Reed is likely to be first in line to slide into the role. Additionally, Reed has the innate ability to miss bats, evidenced by his 14.9 SO/9 rate in the majors last season and his 12.6 SO/9 mark over his minor league career.

Even if Thornton holds onto the spot all season, Reed's strikeout totals alone make him worthy of your consideration late in drafts.

Reasonable Expectations:

3-3, 2.80 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 60 IP, 85 K, 10 SV

Brennan Boesch, RF, Detroit Tigers

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 15th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 13th Round

2011 Stats: .283/.341/.458, 16 HR, 54 RBI

Why Draft Boesch?

Hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, teams are going to pitch to Boesch—and Boesch, who saw his 2011 season end prematurely due to thumb surgery, is poised to deliver.

Boesch has power to all fields, can hit for a high average and has some speed, though he hasn't flashed it in the past, with only 12 stolen bases over the past two seasons.

While I don't think he will put up Curtis Granderson numbers from the two-hole, I don't think he will be too far off. Boesch is a steal anywhere after the 10th round.

Reasonable Expectations:

.285, 30 HR, 95 RBI

Mat Gamel, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

10-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: .115/.148/.154, 0 HR, 2 RBI (10 games)

Why Draft Gamel?

He isn't replacing Prince Fielder, because you don't replace Prince Fielder. Mat Gamel agrees:

"

"I'm not here to replace anyone, man, Not too many people can do what Prince did. I believe in myself. I believe in my ability to help the team. I'm not trying to replace Prince Fielder. I'm not trying to be Prince Fielder. I'm going out there to be Mat Gamel.''

"

Gamel, 26, is finally getting his first real chance to show what he can do on the major league level, and if his spring training numbers—.256/.341/.538 with three home runs and eight RBI—are any indication of what's to come, then the power and RBI production he'll provide will make his low average less painful.

He is likely to have both 1B and 3B eligibility, which adds value to the pick. Gamel is a worthwhile late-round selection as insurance for your corner infield spots who has the potential to force his way into your lineup.

Reasonable Expectations:

.255, 20 HR, 75 RBI

Mark Trumbo, 1B/3B, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

10-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 15th Round

2011 Stats: .254/.291/.477, 29 HR, 87 RBI, 9 SB

Why Draft Trumbo?

It's true, Trumbo enters the season as a reserve/rotation player for the Halos, but after being pushed off of first base by Albert Pujols, Trumbo's defense isn't quite ready for prime time at third base, according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia:

"

"We win a lot of games with defense too, and there has to be that balance. As much as we're looking for offense, you can't break down that defensive continuity. We don't think Mark will. If he plays well enough, he'll not only make the plays we need but get his at-bats."

"

Between Trumbo's power potential and the uncertain health and performance of some players who are blocking his path, namely Kendry Morales, Vernon Wells and Bobby Abreu, he could be put back into full-time action at any time.

Additionally, Alberto Callaspo, the incumbent at third base, is a decent player, but as Trumbo's defense improves, he could supplant the 28-year-old Callaspo quickly.

If Trumbo is on the board entering the 20th round, he's worth taking a flier on due to his power potential and multiple position eligibility that is likely to come.

Reasonable Expectations:

.255, 20 HR, 80 RBI

Colby Rasmus, CF, Toronto Blue Jays

10-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 15th Round

2011 Stats: .225/.298/.391, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 5 SB

Why Draft Rasmus?

Sure, it seems like we've been talking about Colby Rasmus and how he should be a fantasy stud for years. But we forget that he's only 25 years old, and while he spring training numbers have been awful, we all know not to put too much stock into them, good or bad.

Rasmus has all the tools necessary to succeed, and he has to be hearing the footsteps of Anthony Gose, who is showing this spring that he'll probably be ready to assume a full-time spot in the Blue Jays outfield next season.

Rasmus knows that he needs to deliver in 2012 like he did for the Cardinals in 2010, when he hit .276 with 23 home runs and 69 RBI, if he wants to be a part of the up-and-coming Blue Jays going forward. Batting sixth, between Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie, Rasmus will have every chance to do that.

His average and strikeout totals will hurt, but his upside is considerable and worth a selection after the 18th round as a third outfielder or a powerful bat in reserve.

Reasonable Expectations:

.260, 20 HR, 75 RBI

Zack Cozart, SS, Cincinnati Reds

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: .324/.324/.486, 2 HR, 3 RBI (11 games)

Why Draft Cozart?

Cozart looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery that prematurely ended his 2011 season, hitting .447 this spring, and while he's yet to go deep, eight of his 17 hits have gone for extra bases.

He has some power, some speed and he'll be hitting in front of Joey Votto—which means he is going to see some pitches to hit. With Votto behind him, Cozart could be a sneaky source of runs for your fantasy team late in drafts.

Cozart's average won't be great and he strikes out more than you'd like, but Cozart presents great value as late as he's going in drafts. Had he played a full season last year, Cozart, not Devin Mesoraco, would have been my pick for the best breakout candidate on the Reds this season.

Reasonable Expectations:

.265, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 10 SB, 80 R

Yonder Alonso, 1B, San Diego Padres

10-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 20th Round

2011 Stats: .330/.398/.545, 5 HR, 15 RBI (47 games)

Why Draft Alonso?

Playing in spacious Petco Park certainly won't help Alonso's power numbers, but what some see as a detriment Alonso thinks is a bonus: "You can get a lot of hits. It's not so much the power game, but the simple game. It's something I feel like I can do. It makes you more of a hitter than a power guy."

Alonso will be the Padres' cleanup hitter, so he will often come to the plate with some speedy runners on base in front of him, namely Will Venable and Cameron Maybin—something that will help turn his line drives to the corners into RBI-producing hits.

His power numbers are not going to resemble those of your typical first baseman, but his high average and RBI totals will more than make up for the lack of long balls.

"

 

"

Reasonable Expectations:

.295, 15 HR, 85 RBI 

Logan Morrison, RF, Miami Marlins

10-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 14th Round (CBS), 13th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 10th Round

2011 Stats: .247/.330/.468, 23 HR, 72 RBI

Why Draft Alonso?

With a bizarre 2011 season behind him, one that included playing with a torn patella tendon and a mid-season demotion to the minors, Logan Morrison is ready to put up big numbers in 2012—30 home runs and 100 RBI. And he does not plan on stopping there:

"

Once I get there, once I reach those numbers, I don’t want to be satisfied because there is still more baseball to be played. My goals are to go out and play hard everyday, be in the lineup everyday and be healthy.

"

Morrison is unlikely to start the season with the Marlins, as he has been battling a sore knee and will need some game action in extended spring training to get his legs under him.

Whether or not he's able to reach his lofty goals remain to be seen, but once he makes his 2012 debut his power numbers and RBI totals will make you happy that you got him where your did in your draft.

Reasonable Expectations:

.270, 25 HR, 85 RBI

Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets

10-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 14th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 16th Round

2011 Stats: Did not pitch due to injury

Why Draft Santana?

It was only two years ago that Santana was routinely one of the first 10 pitchers selected in drafts, and the year off seems to have made some forget about Santana altogether.

He has been solid during the spring with a 3.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP as he works his way back into action, and is on track to be the Mets' Opening Day starter.

Santana may not be the Top-10 pitcher that he once was, but he is still a worthy addition to any fantasy team's rotation who will help in all categories.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 175 IP, 165 K

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 7th Round

2011 Stats: .250/.333/.474, 8 HR, 26 RBI (48 games)

Why Draft Goldschmidt?

Power. Goldschmidt has big-time power potential and batting seventh in the Diamondbacks lineup, he'll likely come to the plate with runners on, always a good thing for RBI totals.

He is unlikely to hit for a high average and it's a guarantee that he'll be among the league leaders in strikeouts, but he has shown increased patience at the plate this spring that, if he can carry it over to the regular season, would make him even more of a value where he's being picked.

Reasonable Expectations:

.265, 25 HR, 80 RBI

Mike Trout, CF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

10-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 18th Round

2011 Stats: .220/.281/.390, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 4 SB (40 games)

Why Draft Trout?

Trout is the complete package, but one that won't deliver right away. With the glut of outfielders and designated hitters on the Angels roster, Trout will start the season in the minors, waiting for his chance.

The good thing for Trout is that those blocking his path—Bobby Abreu, Vernon Wells and Kendrys Morales—either bring with them questionable performance, questionable health or both. Trout is simply too good of a player for the Angels to keep on the farm for long, and when he gets the call he'll be here to stay.

If you don't mind stashing him on your bench for awhile, Trout is worth a pick in the later rounds of your draft.

Reasonable Expectations:

.260, 10 HR, 45 RBI, 10 SB

Mike Moustakas, 3B, Kansas City Royals

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 15th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 12th Round

2011 Stats: .263/.309/.367, 5 HR, 30 RBI

Why Draft Moustakas?

He makes above-average contact and has some power, though it's still developing. Moustakas is a big part of the Royals' future, and hitting the heart of the improved Royals lineup, he will have plenty of chances to drive in runs.

At a weak third base position, Moustakas has a ton of upside and will likely outperform his draft round.

Reasonable Expectations:

.275, 15 HR, 80 RBI

Dayan Viciedo, LF, Chicago White Sox

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 20th Round

2011 Stats: .255/.327/.314, 1 HR, 6 RBI (29 games)

Why Draft Viciedo?

He's been patiently biding his time and with Carlos Quentin no longer blocking his path, Viciedo is ready to seize the opportunity with regular playing time.

He does not have great plate discipline which leads to a lot of strikeouts, but when he makes contact he has the power to drive the ball to all fields and into the stands.

You could do worse with your fourth outfielder than Viciedo in the late rounds.

Reasonable Expectations:

.265, 15 HR, 70 RBI

Bryan LaHair, 1B, Chicago Cubs

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 21st Round

2011 Stats: .288/.377/.508, 2 HR, 6 RBI (20 games)

Why Draft LaHair?

All LaHair has done at every level he's played at is hit, including six years and over 650 games at Triple-A, where he posted a .297/.368/.528 career batting line. Last year, he hit .331/.405/.664 with 38 HR and 109 RBI in Triple-A.

While Anthony Rizzo is waiting in the wings, LaHair is going to be the Cubs' 1B this season. Whether or not he'll be that productive on the major league level remains to be seen, but LaHair is worthy of a selection late in your draft based on that potential alone.

Reasonable Expectations:

.270, 20 HR, 85 RBI

Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 15th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 15th Round

2011 Stats: 2-2, 2.79 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 79 K, 71.1 IP

Why Draft Sale?

Sale enters the season as the fifth starter for Robin Ventura and the Chicago White Sox, something he's never done in the 79 major league games and 11 minor league games in which he's pitched since the White Sox took him in the first round of the 2010 draft.

He's shown the ability to miss bats throughout his short professional career and that's an ability that cannot be taught. Sale is likely to have his ups and downs, but he has the potential to put up big strikeout totals with a respectable ERA and WHIP.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-7, 3.50 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 150 K, 165 IP

Trevor Cahill, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

10-Team Leagues: 14th Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 11th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 16th Round

2011 Stats: 12-14, 4.16 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 147 K, 207.2 IP

Why Draft Cahill?

For a sinkerballer who generates a ton of ground balls, the cozy confines of his new home, Chase Field, should not affect Cahill negatively—and Cahill is on a team with a solid offense who will give him run support, something he was generally without in Oakland.

Cahill is not going to be the ace of the Diamondbacks staff with Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson already firmly entrenched, and he won't serve in that role for your fantasy team either.

But Cahill is an innings-eater who will put up respectable numbers and is worthy of a pick in the mid-teens or after to bolster your rotation.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-9, 3.65 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 145 K, 200 IP

Casey Kotchman, 1B, Cleveland Indians

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: .306/.378/.422, 10 HR, 48 RBI

Why Draft Kotchman?

Kotchman had a resurgence with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and there's no reason to think that he won't be able to replicate some of those numbers hitting in the Indians lineup this season.

Some have called him "John Olerud-lite" due to his plate discipline, and it's a fair comparison—Kotchman doesn't strike out much, nor does he have the 20-home-run power that Olerud possessed.

For a low-risk, high-reward corner infielder, Kotchman's about as sure a thing as you can find late in drafts at any position. He may not provide much in the way of power, but he'll certainly help your batting average and on-base percentage (if you play with that stat).

Reasonable Expectations:

.285 average, 12 HR, 55 RBI

Jarrod Parker, SP, Oakland A's

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 14th Round

2011 Stats: 11-8, 3.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 112 K, 130.2 IP (Double-A)

Why Draft Parker?

The Diamondbacks' first-round pick in the 2007 draft, Parker was one of the big pieces that the A's received in return for Trevor Cahill this winter.

He's pitched in one major league game, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings last September, and was optioned to Triple-A last week by the A's.

Don't take that as a reason not to take Parker late in drafts—he will be back with the A's sooner than later, something A's manager Bob Melvin alluded to:

"

"I know he's disappointed about not going to Japan, but that doesn't mean he's not in the running for the fifth-starter spot, He is going to be part of this team, if not right now, certainly in the future. He's as talented a guy as we have."

"

Parker has huge upside, and upon his return to Oakland, he could easily work his way up the ladder and supplant Brandon McCarthy as the team's ace by the end of the year.

Reasonable Expectations:

8-8, 4.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 105 K, 100 IP

Andy Pettitte, SP, New York Yankees

10-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: Did not pitch (retired)

Why Draft Pettitte?

While we cannot expect to see Pettitte back in the big leagues until May at the earliest, one thing is for sure—Andy Pettitte didn't come out of retirement to be a part-time player. He's back to reclaim his spot in the Yankees rotation.

He may be 40, but he is a young 40, not having put himself through the wear-and-tear of a full season in 2011. As long as he is in good health, there's no reason to expect anything but vintage Andy Pettitte when he makes his 2012 debut.

Reasonable Expectations:

8-6, 3.85 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 100 K, 120 IP

Sergio Romo, RP, San Francisco Giants

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 19th Round

2011 Stats: 3-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 70 K, 1 SV, 48 IP

Why Draft Romo?

With concern about incumbent closer Brian Wilson's elbow, Romo would be the one to slide into the closer role should Wilson miss any extended time.

One of the better setup men in the game, Romo had 23 holds last season, tied for sixth-most among all relievers. In leagues that play with holds as a statistic, Romo is a wise choice.

Even without holds coming into play, he'll help your ERA, WHIP and strikeout totals, with the chance to add saves to the equation as well.

Reasonable Expectations:

2-2, 2.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 80 K, 5 SV, 60 IP

Eduardo Nunez, IF, New York Yankees

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: .265/.313/.385, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 22 SB

Why Draft Nunez?

The left side of the Yankees infield is getting up there in age, and both Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter are sure to see more time than either would like at the DH spot, opening the door for Nunez to see weekly at-bats.

He's strictly an insurance option—he'll have eligibility at both 3B and SS, but he's someone that you can plug into your lineup when Jeter or A-Rod misses playing time.

Reasonable Expectations:

.270 average, 5 HR, 40 RBI, 20 SB

Erik Bedard, Pittsburgh Pirates

10-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 21st Round

2011 Stats: 5-9, 3.62 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 125 K, 129.1 IP

Why Draft Bedard?

When he's healthy, he remains among the best strikeout artists in all of baseball. Of course, that's the rub—it's not a question of if Bedard will get injured, only a question of when.

That being said, Bedard is worthy of a selection late in drafts as he'll help your ERA, WHIP and strikeout totals.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-7, 3.25 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 130 K 

Brian Matusz, SP, Baltimore Orioles

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 22nd Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: 1-9, 10.69 ERA, 2.11 WHIP, 38 K, 49.2 IP

Why Draft Matusz?

It was only three years ago that people projected Matusz to be the future ace of the Orioles rotation, and while it's hard to ignore his atrocious 2011 season, it's something you need to look past when drafting him—otherwise you won't make the pick.

Anything that could have gone wrong for Matusz last season went wrong, and Matusz entered spring training determined to get back on track. To date, he's been able to do just that, posting a 3.20 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, two walks and 18 strikeouts over 19.1 spring innings.

Matusz has the stuff and the makeup to become a weekly starter for your fantasy team—getting him after the 20th round will turn out to be a coup.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-12, 4.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 150 K

Adam Dunn, DH, Chicago White sox

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 20th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 17th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 20th Round

2011 Stats: .159/.292/.277, 11 HR, 42 RBI

Why Draft Dunn?

It can't possibly get any worse for Dunn who is coming off of the worst season of his 11-year major league career. So far this spring, Dunn has shown unusual patience at the plate, with 11 walks to only three strikeouts.

That is unlikely to continue into the regular season, and Dunn will once again hurt your average and strikeout a ton. But he'll provide power and RBI production that you'd expect from a mid-draft pick, not one at the end of the draft, and therein lies the value.

Reasonable Expectations:

.240 average, 20 HR, 75 RBI

Jemile Weeks, 2B, Oakland A's

10-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 14th Round (CBS), 15th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 12th Round

2011 Stats: .303/.340/.421, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 22 SB (97 games)

Why Draft Weeks?

Weeks has a solid swing and is exceptionally fast, as evidenced by his 22 stolen bases in only 97 games last season. He has little in the way of power, but his speed allows him to stretch line drives into extra-base hits—his eight triples last season were good enough for fourth overall in the American League.

Don't expect Weeks to contribute to your home run or RBI totals, but he'll help your average, stolen bases and runs scored, assuming the heart of Oakland's lineup produces. There's no shame in using Weeks as your starting 2B this season.

Reasonable Expectations:

.285 average, 3 HR, 50 RBI, 35 SB

Javy Guerra, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 15th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 14th Round

2011 Stats: 2-2, 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 38 K, 21 SV

Why Draft Guerra?

While Kenley Jansen has the big-time strikeout ability, it's Guerra who will start the year as the Dodgers' closer, a role he thrived in last season.

Guerra might not throw fire, but he has the ability to locate his pitches and get the job done. He is a solid choice as a late-round closer, though aside from a low ERA and saves, you're unlikely to get much else out of him.

Reasonable Expectations:

2-2, 2.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 50 K, 30 SV

Hector Noesi, SP, Seattle Mariners

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 25th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: 2-2, 4.47 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 45 K, 56.1 IP

Why Draft Noesi?

Thought to be a throw-in as part of the trade that bought Jesus Montero to Seattle, Noesi has pretty much locked down a spot in the Mariners rotation and could flourish in the pitcher's park that is Safeco Field.

While his numbers in his rookie season were not impressive, Noesi has an excellent fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s and a changeup. Both pitches have some run to them. His slider is still a work in progress, though, he had his moments where it has been effective.

Noesi has outstanding control of his pitches, something he exhibited in the minor leagues. Over the course of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Noesi threw 277 innings. He walked only 43.

He has the potential to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter in Seattle and the same on your fantasy team. He's worth a selection in the late rounds.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-10, 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 100 K

Jose Altuve, 2B, Houston Astros

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 23rd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 22nd Round

2011 Stats: .276/.297/.357, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 7 SB (57 games)

Why Draft Altuve?

Jose Altuve skipped over Triple-A last season and went from High-A to Double-A to Houston.

In 57 games with the Astros, the youngster showed that he can hit major league pitching with a .276 average, that he can run on major league pitching (7-of-10 on stolen base attempts) and can look over-matched against major league pitching (.297 OBP, only five walks to 29 strikeouts).

He won't hurt your average, he'll help with stolen bases and he has some power, though it's still developing and may not show itself this season.

Altuve is going late enough in drafts that he is worth taking as a backup to your starting 2B or to use at your 2B/SS spot, if your league plays with one.

Reasonable Expectations:

.275 average, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 20 SB

Peter Bourjos, CF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

10-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 21st Round (CBS), 20th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 11th Round

2011 Stats: .271/.327/.438, 12 HR, 43 RBI, 22 SB

Why Draft Bourjos?

He's got blazing speed, improving power and he's filling the Brett Gardner role for the Halos, hitting in the ninth spot with Erick Aybar, Kendrys Morales and some guy named Albert Pujols hitting behind him.

On speed alone Bourjos is worth a late-round selection, but he should contribute with home runs, batting average and runs scored as well.

Reasonable Expectations:

.280 average, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 30 SB, 75 R

Daniel Murphy, 1B/2B/3B, New York Mets

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 20th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 17th Round

2011 Stats: .320/.362/.448, 6 HR, 49 RBI

Why Draft Murphy?

Versatility is key in fantasy baseball, and Murphy fits the bill, with eligibility at multiple infield positions.

On the field, he's a professional hitter who has some pop in his bat, though he lacks in the speed department. He'll help your average and contribute with some home runs and RBI, making him a solid choice as a low-end starter on your fantasy squad, but one who could easily surpass his draft round.

Reasonable Expectations:

.285 average, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 5 SB

Jonathan Broxton, RP, Kansas City Royals

10-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 22nd Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: Undrafted (CBS), 18th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: 1-2, 5.68 ERA, 1.90 WHIP, 10 K, 7 SV, 12.1 IP

Why Draft Broxton?

With Royals closer Joakim Soria out for the season, Broxton is the logical choice to replace him. A former All-Star closer with the Dodgers, Broxton is fully recovered from elbow problems that plagued him for the past two seasons and ultimately led to season-ending surgery in 2011.

He'll need to deliver early to hold onto the job, but Broxton will be a late-round source of saves and can serve as your second or third relief pitcher.

Reasonable Expectations:

3-3, 2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 75 K, 30 SV

Sean Marshall, RP, Cincinnati Reds

10-Team Leagues: 25th Round (CBS), Undrafted (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 23rd Round (CBS), 24th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: Undrafted

2011 Stats: 6-6, 2.26 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 79 K, 5 SV, 75.2 IP

Why Draft Marshall?

Ryan Madson is out for the season and while Aroldis Chapman would be the logical choice to close, all signs point to Sean Marshall taking over the role.

Marshall has been one of the better setup men in baseball over the past two seasons and should be able to slide into the closer's role seamlessly. With a talented Reds team around him, Marshall will produce in the saves category and could see an increase in his strikeouts as well.

Reasonable Expectations:

4-4, 2.75 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 85 K, 30 SV

Josh Johnson, SP, Miami Marlins

10-Team Leagues: 5th Round (CBS), 10th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 3rd Round (CBS), 8th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 7th Round

2011 Stats: 3-1, 1.64 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 56 K, 60.1 IP

Why Draft Johnson?

It was only two years ago that he was a Cy Young award contender and a Top-10 pitcher taken in drafts. Then he got injured early last season and some people seem to have forgotten about him to some extent.

Johnson has been touching the high 90s with his fastball this spring and appears to be healthy. Johnson could easily be the ace of your pitching staff, and if he's sitting there in the fifth round or later, you'd be foolish not to take him.

Reasonable Expectations:

12-8, 2.85 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 165 K

Neil Walker, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates

10-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 15th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 14th Round (CBS), 13th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 8th Round

2011 Stats: .273/.334/.408, 12 HR, 83 RBI

Why Draft Walker?

Hitting cleanup for the Pirates, Walker will continue to see RBI chances with Andrew McCutchen hitting in front of him. While most have him ranked outside of the Top 10 fantasy 2B this season, Walker very well could wind up on that list by season's end.

He will maintain a respectable average while contributing in the power and RBI departments. Walker is an excellent pick in the middle rounds of your draft with the potential to outplay the round he was selected in.

Reasonable Expectations:

.275 average, 15 HR, 85 RBI (essentially the same as last season)

Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

10-Team Leagues: 13th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 11th Round (CBS), 14th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 8th Round

2011 Stats: .253/.346/.488, 33 HR, 116 RBI

Why Draft Howard?

If Ryan Howard were healthy, he would be drafted in the first three or four rounds of your draft.

He's being drafted 10 rounds after that, and he's due to return to the Phillies lineup in the next six-to-eight weeks.

Did I mention that we are talking about Ryan Howard?

Draft him.

Reasonable Expectations:

.260 average, 20 HR, 80 RBI

Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves

10-Team Leagues: 15th Round (CBS), 16th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 13th Round (CBS), 14th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 14th Round

2011 Stats: 16-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 158 K, 215 IP

Why Draft Hudson?

He will not make his 2012 debut until sometime in May, but Tim Hudson no longer has an issue with his back, which is what required surgery. It was the way the doctors operated—going in through his abdominal area—that has slowed his return.

Hudson's arm is fine and there is no reason to expect anything less than vintage Tim Hudson when he returns. This is the same Tim Hudson who was being drafted in the first 10 rounds last season.

Reasonable Expectations:

13-11, 3.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 145 K

Yunel Escobar, SS, Toronto Blue Jays

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 18th Round

2011 Stats: .290/.369/.413, 11 HR, 48 RBI

Why Draft Escobar?

You are not going to get much in the speed department from Escobar, and he's likely to miss some time on the disabled list, but Escobar is going entirely too low in drafts for what he provides.

He has excellent plate discipline that keeps his average and on-base percentage high, and he'll help in both areas. Escobar has some power in his swing and will contribute there as well.

Reasonable Expectations:

.285 average, 10 HR, 50 RBI

Mike Minor, SP, Atlanta Braves

10-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 21st Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 16th Round (CBS), 19th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 21st Round

2011 Stats: 5-3. 4.14 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 77 K, 82.2 IP

Why Draft Minor?

Minor finally has a clear path to the Braves rotation and has performed very well this spring, all but locking down his spot in the rotation.

He won't kill your ERA or WHIP and will provide strikeouts and wins—and more importantly, be a solid addition to your starting rotation, whether as a weekly starter or strictly on matchups.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-8, 3.85 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 140 K

Marco Scutaro, 2B, Colorado Rockies

10-Team Leagues: 19th Round (CBS), 17th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 17th Round (CBS), 15th Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 13th Round

2011 Stats: .299/.358/.423, 7 HR, 54 RBI

Why Draft Scutaro?

Hitting second in the Rockies lineup, in front of Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki in Coors Field, are all positive things for Scutaro's offensive production.

He'll get pitches to hit, and his gap power should translate into extra-base hits. With CarGo and Tulo waiting to drive him in, he should see a jump in runs scored as well.

Scutaro could surpass his 2011 numbers with the Rockies in 2012. At the very least, he's in line to repeat them, and that's great value to find late in the draft.

Reasonable Expectations:

.280 average, 10 HR, 60 RBI, 80 R

Edinson Volquez, SP, San Diego Padres

10-Team Leagues: 20th Round (CBS), 25th Round (ESPN)

12-Team Leagues: 18th Round (CBS), 23rd Round (ESPN)

14-Team B/R Writers Draft: 16th Round

2011 Stats: 5-7, 5.71 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 104 K, 108.2 IP

Why Draft Volquez?

He's gone from a hitters' park to the premier pitchers' park in all of baseball, and his penchant for giving up home runs should subside substantially.

There's obviously some risk with Volquez as he's struggled with his command on-and-off throughout his career, but Volquez strikes people out with authority.

At the very least, Volquez is a worthwhile pick late in your draft even if you only use him when he's pitching at home, though the upside is considerably higher than that.

Reasonable Expectations:

10-10, 4.25 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 160 K