Fantasy Baseball 2012: 4 Cincinnati Reds Poised to Break out This Season

It's finally here, baseball fans. It's fantasy season.

As you prepare for your draft in the days to come, here are four Cincinnati Reds to carefully consider.

While they may not be the biggest names, these sleepers could still provide your team with some big-time numbers and make you look like one heck of a fantasy owner.

Zack Cozart, SS

Last season, Zack Cozart only saw 37 big league at bats before suffering a wrist injury, but he still managed to impress in his short stint with the Reds, racking up 12 hits and a .324 batting average.

This spring has been no different, as he has continued to turn heads, recording 19 hits, including seven doubles and two triples through just 42 at bats.

Considering he will likely be the No. 2 hitter in Cincinnati's revamped lineup come Opening Day, Cozart could be well on his way to a solid 2012 campaign.

If he's still around late in your draft, consider yourself lucky and pick him up. 

Devin Mesoraco, C

The Reds didn't hesitate to make moves this offseason, but in the midst of trade talks, there was one name that remained untouchable: Devin Mesoraco.

While Meso struggled in his short time in the majors last season, he is still highly regarded as one of the National League's most coveted prospects and is a player who could very well take the league by storm in the year to come.

Considering the fact that power hitting catchers are at a premium in the fantasy baseball world, he could prove to be a huge late round steal for owners willing to hold out for him.

Sean Marshall, RP

While the Reds made quite a buzz this winter with their acquisition of San Diego's Mat Latos, reliever Sean Marshall may prove to be the club's biggest offseason addition.

Following the news of Ryan Madson's season-ending elbow injury, all signs point to Marshall taking over the closing duties—something he did as a member of the Chicago Cubs.

Given Cincinnati's high expectations for the 2012 season, wins could be piling up for the Reds, which would lead to more save opportunities for Marshall.

You may have to look long and hard to find him on your draft board, but he'll certainly be worth the extra effort. 

Ryan Ludwick, LF

Journeyman outfielders don't typically turn heads on the fantasy front, but veteran left fielder Ryan Ludwick has a chance to put up some absolutely monstrous numbers this season.

While his play hasn't been overly impressive the past two seasons, Ludwick's move to Cincinnati could prove to be a turning point, and a chance to regain his 2008 form.

Considering Dusty Baker's love for veteran players, Ludwick should see significant playing time and could even spend some time batting clean-up between lefties Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.

If that isn't a recipe for run production, I don't know what is.