Fantasy Baseball Rakings 2012: Pedro Alvarez and Other Risk-Reward Type Sluggers

Winning fantasy baseball is hard enough on its own, but when you are drafting based on the unknown it becomes that much more difficult. That's why the concept of high-risk high-reward is a delicate balance that few can master. 

We often hear about players who look ready, or are on the verge of breaking out, if they just make one small adjustment to their swing or training regimen. 

These are not the kinds of players you can build an entire team around, but if you hit with two of them you are going to be in control of your league from day one. 

Here are the players who have high-risk high-reward consequences attached to them and are worth taking a gamble on. 

Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates

No one will deny Alvarez's power potential—he should hit between 20 and 25 home runs if he gets 500 at-bats. The problem is, he is not going to give you much of anything else. 

Even with that power he has, Alvarez is not going to hit for a high average, which will also drag down his RBI totals. He is a one-dimensional player who can pay dividends if he is given enough playing time. 

The Pirates should send him to Triple-A to iron some mechanical flaws out, but if he starts the season with the team and plays every day, you can bank on good power numbers. 

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Goldschmidt has been one of the most exciting power hitters in the minor leagues since hitting 18 home runs in 287 at-bats with Arizona's rookie league team in 2009. 

He did nothing to curb those expectations with eight home runs in 48 games with the Diamondbacks last year. 

Like Alvarez, he is not a great all-around hitter. He wants to crush the ball more than make contact. This will lead to good power numbers, but if he isn't hitting for a high average or getting on base, his playing time will decrease significantly. 

If you want a backup first baseman with power, it would be hard to find one better than Goldschmidt to fill the role. 

Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves

Saving the best for last, Heyward was supposed to be a superstar following his fantastic rookie season in 2010. Injuries and mismanagement threw everything off track last year, but he is back and looks better than ever. 

Just looking at Heyward's swing, not his spring stats because they mean nothing, he is back to where he was when he took the league by storm two years ago. 

As long as he stays on the field for 140 games, there is no reason to think he won't hit for a good average with 25-30 home runs. He is just 22 years old and there is still plenty of time for him to grow. 

Imagine what he can do when he reaches his peak years.

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