Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Top Overall Breakout Candidates

We are this close to the official start of the Major League Baseball season, which means fantasy drafts are in full swing. While the stars are going to determine how happy you are, the sleepers will carry you to victory. 

But you have to pick the right ones. Anyone can name a sleeper; it takes real talent to figure out who is going to give you the best bang for your metaphorical buck. 

Whether these sleepers are rookies or players who have been in the league for a few years but failed to live up to their expectations, there are plenty of great options to be had. 

Here are the top sleepers that you need to get on your fantasy roster as soon as possible. 

Mat Gamel, 1B/3B, Milwaukee Brewers

With Prince Fielder taking his talents to Detroit, Gamel is finally going to get a chance to prove that he was worth all the hype that he was getting early in his minor league career. 

His numbers down on the farm have always been stellar, he has a good swing that will allow him to hit for a high average and good power, and most importantly, he is going to get every opportunity to be the everyday first baseman. 

While no one will mistake Gamel for Fielder, he should be able to hold his own. There will be an early adjustment period, but if you are patient, the results will be worth it. 

2012 Projected Stats: .270/.330/.465, 22 Home Runs, 77 RBI, 73 Runs Scored

Brandon Belt, 1B/OF, San Francisco Giants

At some point the Giants have to give Belt a starting job. I know that sounds crazy, especially considering his ability to work counts, hit for a high average and power and play stellar defense at first base. 

Even if the Giants send Belt to purgatory—or in this case, Triple-A—it won't be long before he is back with the big league club. Their lineup is so bad, outside of Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval, and Belt is ready for the big time. 

As long as he is given 450 at-bats with the Giants, Belt will be a lock for 20 home runs and 10 to 15 stolen bases. 

Please, San Francisco, do the right thing and let him play. If for no other reason than to spare us the plague that is Aubrey Huff. 

2012 Projected Stats: .265/.350/.470, 24 Home Runs, 71 RBI, 12 Stolen Bases

Addison Reed, RP, Chicago White Sox

It is going to be a rough year in the Windy City, but Reed will be one of the few bright spots for the White Sox. 

The one caveat that you have to point out is, because the White Sox will not win a lot of games, Reed's save chances could be limited. But his stuff is perfect for the back of the bullpen and he should rack up a lot of strikeouts either way. 

While the closers market is flush with high-end talent, Reed will provide you with numbers close to that of the elite players and you can get him much later. Don't be afraid to wait a few rounds to grab him instead of someone like Craig Kimbrel. 

2012 Projected Stats: 67 Innings Pitched, 33 Saves, 82 Strikeouts, 3.10 ERA, 1.17 WHIP

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