Fantasy Baseball 2012: Why These 5 Rookies Are Worth a Late-Round Draft Pick

Fantasy Baseball is almost here!  It's drafting time and the most important thing in the draft is your late-rounders.

Look, any novice can draft Joey Votto in the first round.  Most journeymen know that Shane Victorino is an underrated player.  But it's the late rounds and the keepers that separate the men from the boys.

If you can find a couple late-round players who produce, you have a great shot at winning your league. Here are five players who will help you win this fantasy baseball season.  

Travis D'Arnaud, Toronto Blue Jays Catcher

Travis D'Arnaud is one of the best catching prospects in baseball.  He will start the season in Triple-A, but will be a starting Blue Jay by the summer.

Incumbent J.P. Arencibia is not a bad player, but D'Arnaud is a future all-star.  Draft him late in keeper leagues and keep an eye out on standard leagues.  Once he is a major-leaguer, he should hit around 20 homers and close to .300.  

Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners Catcher

Jesus Montero is one of the best, young, pure hitters in baseball. In fact, he may be the very best out there.

Montero was going to be a .300, 30 home run, 100 RBI monster as the Yankees part-time catcher and primary designated hitter.  Now, he will be the catcher at hitting desert Safeco Field.  

That move will depress his numbers a bit, but he should still hit above .280 and more than 20 homers. Since he will be catcher-eligible (even though he will eventually become a designated hitter), that has a ton of value.  

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Outfielder

Mike Trout is baseball's best prospect and the Angels will find a place for him in their lineup. Los Angeles' outfield may be crowded but Trout is so good that they will have to make room for him to play and produce.

Trout is ready and is a five-tool player.  He has the speed to steal 30+ bases while hitting 20 home runs and close to .300.  He should do that pretty early in his career, which makes him worthy of a flier as early as the later mid-rounds.

Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays' pitching factory continues to produce talent.  Matt Moore is the latest phenomenon from their system and he will be a Cy Young contender in his prime.

Moore is the most talented young pitcher in baseball.  He will be a threat to finish with an ERA under 3.00, 15-plus wins, and a WHIP under 1.2, even in his rookie season.

This year, he may be worth up to a mid-round selection, but he is the best rookie keeper in baseball. 

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals Outfielder

Bryce Harper is the most-hyped talent in baseball today.

He will be in the Nationals' outfield by the summer and will help the Nationals contend for the playoffs.  He is a five-tool player with particularly impressive power and is a future anchor of Washington's lineup.

So draft him late knowing he won't likely be in the majors immediately, but can help you win your league.