2012 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Stars Who Will Carry Your Team to a Title

Superstars are the lifeblood of fantasy baseball. They are the single biggest factors in winning or losing your league. 

Your mock draft is going to determine the success or failure throughout the season. As much as you want to see what is going to happen when the games start, everything you need to know is determined the second your mouse clicks to make a pick. 

With that in mind, here is a look at our one-round mock draft with a special emphasis on the stars that will singlehandedly carry a team to a title. 

No. 1 Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels

Despite seeing his numbers decline each of the last two years, Pujols is still the best and most consistent fantasy player out there. 

No. 2 Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera is on the verge of taking Pujols' spot as the best fantasy player on the board. He is three years younger, has a stronger lineup surrounding him to drive in more runs and playing third base is only going to increase his value. 

The eye injury that Cabrera suffered in spring training doesn't sound like it's going to be a big problem, which should alleviate any fears that the fantasy world had. 

Expect a season of at least 35 home runs, 120 RBIs and 100 runs scored. Those numbers make him a steal at the No. 2 pick. 

No. 3 Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Bautista has been the best power hitter in Major League Baseball for the last two years. While he is not likely to duplicate his performance from 2011, at least as far as batting average is concerned, he will still be one of premier bats available. 

No. 4 Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies

As long as Tulowitzki stays on the field for 140 games, he is going to be the fantasy baseball MVP. A power-hitting shortstop who hits in the middle of the order is one of the rare commodities you can find. 

No. 5 Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees

Cano has really emerged as one of the most consistent fantasy performers after some ups and downs in his first three seasons. He is an up-the-middle player who will hit for a high average with a lot of power and drive in at least 100 runs. 

No. 6 Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

With pitching taking over Major League Baseball, Kershaw is the best option out there. He has dominant stuff and plays in a division that does not have a lot of offense. 

Kershaw is a lock to give you at least 200 innings, 220 strikeouts, an ERA of 2.75 and WHIP of 1.05. 

No. 7 Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kemp proved that he is a superstar and not the player who was a mess in 2010. His should-have-been-MVP performance made him one of the best fantasy bargains last year, but you will have to pay a lot to get him. 

Have no fear, because Kemp will be worth it. He is going to go at least 30-30 again, which would make him a steal at the No. 7 spot. 

No. 8 Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

Ellsbury had a breakout performance in 2011 with 32 home runs, 105 RBIs and 119 runs scored. While I don't expect his power to stay at that level throughout his career, his swing did look a lot different and should allow him to hit 20-25 homers as long as he is healthy. 

Even if Ellsbury doesn't hit 25-30 homers again, he will score a lot of runs in that lineup and he steals a lot of bases. 

No. 9 Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

The market for first basemen is flush with talent, but Votto might have a little more upside in him as he hits his physical peak. 

No. 10 Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Upton is the best young star in the game today, with a lot more projection left in him. He is such an electric player, who has the ability to hit at least 35-40 home runs as he gets more confident and mature. 

With an improving lineup around him, Upton should see his RBI and runs scored totals jump up in 2012. 

No. 11 Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers

The reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner has proven to be the best and most durable starter on the market since his rookie season in 2006. 

No. 12 Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Boston Red Sox

Gonzalez proved why he was one of the best hitters in baseball last year, peppering the Green Monster in his first full season with the Red Sox. 

His power numbers did take a bit of a hit, with just 27 home runs—his lowest total since 2006. He is still one of the best players available and is worthy of his spot here, but he's not one of the big power hitters that is going to smash 30-35 homers anymore. 

Instead, he is going to shorten his stroke to hit for a higher average while sacrificing a small bit of power. 

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