Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Sneaky Picks to Win Your Season

Veteran fantasy baseball owners understand picks in the last few rounds present an opportunity to take some chances. While other people are scraping the bottom of the barrel for players they will drop in two weeks, savvy owners will select and stash potential impact performers.

Let's take a look at three stars who will be worth the investment at some point during the season. They should provide more value in the long run than fringe players like Martin Prado or Tim Stauffer.

Ryan Howard

First base is a deep position since so many eligible players have power capabilities. So, instead of using an early pick on Albert Pujols or Adrian Gonzalez, you could select somebody like Eric Hosmer much later and supplement him with Howard.

The Philadelphia Phillies star is recovering from an Achilles injury that occurred late last season, but he's been cleared to begin workouts. Once he returns to full health, he should once again be a premier power threat.

This approach will allow owners to get an elite player at another position like Troy Tulowitzki or Robinson Cano while still getting solid production at first base.

Bryce Harper

Fantasy owners were disappointed when the Washington Nationals decided to send Harper to the minor leagues to begin the season. The move has caused his draft stock to plummet, but there's no reason to leave him sitting on the waiver wire.

The chances of him coming up to the majors at some point during the season are high. At the very latest, he'll be a part of September recalls, which is right around when the fantasy playoffs begin. He should make his debut before that, however.

He's one of the most highly-touted prospects in a long time with power potential that's extremely rare. Whenever he gets called up there will be a mad dash to claim him. The better option is drafting him late and just waiting for his inevitable call-up.

Jake Peavy

Peavy was one of the unluckiest pitchers in baseball last season and it's caused interest in him heading in 2012 to be timid at best. He's made it through spring training without any injury issues, however, which sets him up for a bounce-back year.

As of right now, starters like Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson are being drafted in the same vicinity as Peavy, who has far more upside. Owners shouldn't expect a complete season of 35 starts. But if he makes 25, he will provide terrific value to any fantasy team.

Draft Peavy in one of the last few rounds and don't be afraid to use him right away. He's got the potential to be one of this season's biggest fantasy steals.