Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Last-Minute Players You Must Take

Fantasy baseball is a fickle game. The guys who came out of nowhere to add some much-needed spark to a lineup last year may be serious busts this year, or they might be even better this time around. You'll never know until you use a roster spot on them and either hate yourself or pat yourself on the back.

Meanwhile, a plethora of players will come out of the woodwork anew this year and you'll end up battling the other owners in your league for possession midway through the season in the hopes that you'll be the lucky one to snag an up-and-coming star.

As we look ahead to the start of the season, here are a few sleepers that could, against all odds, end up producing in 2012 and may be worth your consideration as late-round picks.

1. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners

Because the Mariners lineup has weakened over the last couple of years, leadoff man Ichiro's run totals and overall production have declined. The recent acquisitions of Miguel Olivio and Jack Cust, however, could change that. With a little bit of luck, Ichiro could return to the form that saw him score 100-plus runs for most of his career, rather than the 80 he scored in 2011.

Though Ichiro will be 37 this season, his production is projected to increase from 2011. Last season, he hit .272 (the first time in 11 seasons he didn't hit .300 or higher), but that—along with his .310 on-base percentage—could increase if he starts to hit more line drives, like he used to. His stolen base totals are back up after a dip in 2009, so look for him to have at least 35.

2. Adam LaRoche, 1B, Washington Nationals

He was a bust last year after playing in just 43 games, the fewest of his career, due to labrum surgery. He was clearly limited because of his injury, compiling a .172 average with three homers and a .288 on-base percentage with one stolen base—but his career totals tell a different story and suggest that, if mostly healthy, he can give you a solid option at first.

Throughout his eight-year career, most of which was spent in the NL, he averaged 151 hits in 631 plate appearances for a .267 average and a .337 on-base percentage. Keep an eye on him—if no one picks him up and he appears to be healthy, he could be a solid addition.

3. Marco Scutaro, 2B/SS, Colorado Rockies  

Scutaro will probably start at second for the Rockies, and now that he's playing at Coors Field instead of at Fenway Park and is likely to be hitting second in the order, he could easily hit double digits in home runs (he did it in 2009 and in 2010). After being limited to 395 at-bats in 2011, his numbers (59 runs, seven homers and 54 RBI) should jump in 2012.

In 2009, Scutaro had 162 hits, scored 100 runs and had a .379 on-base percentage, all career-highs. It's not a stretch to think he could approximate those numbers again back in the National League.

4. Yonder Alonso, 1B, San Diego Padres

He came to San Diego from the Reds in the Mat Latos trade and is starting to see the ball better in spring training, which has many figuring he will be the Padres first baseman come Opening Day.

Though his numbers will probably decline in PETCO Park, the one-time top prospect could easily hit 15 homers as a rookie. In 88 at-bats at the end of the 2011 season, he had five homers, 15 RBI, nine runs and a .545 slugging percentage.

Though a bit of a gamble, he's one of the best bets among upcoming rookies and is definitely worth a late-round pick.

And one last kind-of-a-joke-but-also-kind-of-serious pick:

5. Manny Ramirez, OF, Oakland Athletics

Obviously, this is more of a midseason pick-up option than a guy worth drafting in the late rounds (unless you want him taking up space on your bench during his 50-game suspension, which he'll serve to start out the season).

As a DH, he gets on base and he still has the potential to deliver power numbers, though he hasn't played more than 104 games since 2008. Who knows? He could have something left.