2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Rookies Who Will Carry Your Team to Victory

Rookies are all the rage in Major League Baseball right now.

Prospects have become so well-regarded in all circles of the game that at times they can be overrated. That is definitely not the case with the players we have on this list. 

Everyone has heard these names for months, but now it is time to see just what they can do with a full season in the big leagues. 

We have seen rookies come in and make instant impressions in recent years--just look at Craig Kimbrel and Eric Hosmer last year—and these players will have no problems making an instant impression. 

Here are the rookies that will carry fantasy teams on their own. 

Matt Moore, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Given the hype surrounding Moore right now, it seems like there is inevitably going to be some freak accident or injury that derails his season. 

Until that happens, make sure that he is one of the pitchers on your roster. Moore has some of the best pure stuff in the big leagues already, with a mid-90s fastball that he throws with the easiest delivery, a knockout breaking ball and a change-up that keeps hitters off balance. 

Even if the Rays limit his innings, which shouldn't happen because he has had a good progression throughout his minor league career, he should average around a strikeout per inning, with an ERA in the low-to-mid 3.00s and a WHIP near 1.00. 

Jesus Montero, C/DH, Seattle Mariners

Montero's bat alone makes him worth a spot on your fantasy team, but the fact that you can put it at the catcher spot elevates him into very special territory. 

The Mariners had to make a bold move to upgrade their anemic offense, and Montero certainly makes up for a lot of the holes they have. 

His bat has always been special, with the ability to work deep counts and shorten his swing to keep his average high. His power is off the charts thanks to incredible bat speed that allows him to let the ball travel deep before committing to his swing. 

Even if SafeCo takes away some of his home runs, Montero will be more than capable of handling an everyday role for your fantasy team. 

Yu Darvish, SP, Texas Rangers

Even though I don't consider Darvish a rookie because the Japanese League is ridiculously close to being equal to Major League Baseball, going by the book he is still in his first year and eligible for the award. 

No rookie is going to be more scrutinized this year than Darvish because of the $100 million the Rangers spent to sign him. He has the stuff, size and mentality to handle himself as a top-of-the-rotation starter right away. 

We have seen Darvish struggle with his command this spring, but don't let that scare you. Everyone is working through issues, trying to find their footing right now. When the games count, he will prove he was worth all the money the team spent on him. 

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