Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: 3 Budding Players That Will Win Your League

Most experienced fantasy baseball owners would agree that championships aren't won in the first three or four rounds. Anybody off the street could grab a cheat sheet and navigate those first few picks with relative ease, but smart picks after the foundation is set will win titles.

Here are three budding superstars who should be targeted in the middle rounds to help put your team over the top. They will be top-tier selections in a couple years, so draft them now while they can still be had at a reasonable value.

Brett Lawrie

It's only a matter of time before Lawrie becomes a fantasy stud. He's got a rare combination of power and speed that should equate to at least 20 home runs and 20 steals, with the potential for more if he makes the necessary adjustments during his second season.

Rogers Centre, home of Lawrie's Toronto Blue Jays, is one of the best offensive parks in all of baseball, so that should help his stats even more. As long as he's able to quickly overcome a nagging groin injury, which shouldn't be a problem, he will thrive.

When everything comes together perfectly like it has for Lawrie, you are better off taking him a round or two early than letting somebody else snag him and kicking yourself for it all summer.

Eric Hosmer

When it comes to first base, many owners will overdraft a big name like Albert Pujols early in the first round. While he's not going to produce the same numbers as Pujols, Hosmer can be had several rounds later and will still put up big stats.

In his rookie season, Hosmer stole 11 bases, which gives him an advantage over just about everybody else at the position. His average should approach .300 and he'll crank out between 15 and 20 homers. Not elite numbers, but they will make sure your team doesn't lag too far behind at first base.

The best part is instead of using that high pick to take a 1B, you can take a superstar at another position with far less depth. It will give your team the advantage over the long haul.

Matt Moore

Some owners are hesitant to take young pitchers without much experience against major league hitters. Don't be one of those owners. Moore has all the tools to become an ace, and if you wait until next season his draft stock will be through the roof.

There aren't many opportunities to land a left-handed starter who struck out 15 hitters in nine innings in limited action last season. He will have no problem holding his own over the course of an entire season and his home park is one of the best for pitchers in MLB.

It all adds up to a terrific season ahead for Moore. Being ahead of the curve helps win fantasy titles. So, take a leap of faith on Moore and reap the benefits before he establishes himself as a star.