2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Hitters Sure to Produce All Season

MLB Opening Day is April 5; technically it opens Wednesday in Japan, and MLB fantasy drafts and auctions are in full swing.

In the offseason several high-profile free agents swapped cities. Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Prince Fielder brought his bat to the Detroit Tigers, and Jose Reyes joined the Miami Marlins revolution.

Finding consistent producers can be one of the most difficult tasks for any fantasy baseball manager. Avoiding injuries and players prone to slumps can be the difference between a good and great season.

Carlos Quentin, B.J. Upton and Ryan Zimmerman are just a few players who can put up good numbers but will also frustrate owners because of their inconsistency.     

Former Seattle Mariner Edgar Martinez was the prime example of a consistent hitter who would produce throughout the season. Players like Carlos Pena, Aramis Ramirez and even Adam Dunn have the potential to put up higher totals in individual categories but are also prone to slumps which can last for weeks or, in the case on Dunn, an entire season.

Here are four hitters you don't have to worry about because they are sure to produce all season.

Ryan Braun

In the past four years, Milwaukee Brewers OF Ryan Braun has played in over 150 games each season, has a .310 BA and puts up great numbers across the board—even if last year's MVP season is under a cloud of drug-related suspicion.    

Braun now has the Barry Bonds factor. Sticking it to the media seemed to motivate Bonds, and Braun looked and sounded like a motivated man during the press conference after his 50-game suspension was overturned.

Prince Fielder may be gone, but the Hebrew Hammer's determination to prove his critics wrong may render that a moot point.

Adrian Gonzalez

The Boston Red Sox's collapse last September will not be forgotten anytime soon, but Gonzalez had a fantastic season even if his numbers tailed off in the last month of the season. Prior to September, Gonzalez was arguably the most consistent hitter in baseball with only one streak of three or more games without a hit between April and August.

While his numbers speak for themselves, .338/.412/.547, his success is also tied to his durability. In his first five major league seasons, he has played an average of 160 games.

Hunter Pence

Hunter Pence has always been a solid player, and his move to the Philadelphia Phillies resulted in increased numbers. He hit safely in 44 of the 54 games he played for the Phillies.

Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have injury doubts to start the season, which means Pence will have to shoulder more of the burden for the first month or two.

However, after carrying the Astros for years, he should still be able to put up solid numbers for a depleted Philadelphia team. He may not be the flashiest or most impressive player, but he is the type that can win championships for fantasy owners because of his ability to produce from start to finish.

A.J. Pierzynski

Catcher is the position that continually flusters fantasy baseball owners. There are two schools of thought for selecting a catcher—either grab an elite catcher early or stock up on players in other positions and hope there is a viable option available in the bargain bin later.

Taking a catcher, especially in a one-catcher format, is a daunting task.

Sure, there are other players in other positions who will produce more, but, from the catcher position, owners could do a lot worse than Pierzynski. He will be available for cheap in auction formats and can be picked up late in drafts.

His stats are not great, but he will hit around .280, will drive in 50 to 60 runs and play 130 games or so.

There are catchers who have the potential to outproduce Pierzynski in nearly every category, but they also bring a greater risk. Pierzynski may not produce a lot, but the part-time wrestler is sure to produce enough from the catcher spot all season long to be worth a look.