Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Pitchers Destined for a Breakout Season

Fantasy players can get every big-name athlete on the market and still be unsuccessful in fantasy sports. It's not just about adding named players, it's about finding gems; finding that sleeper.

Here are three pitchers who are ready for a breakout 2012 season.

Doug Fister

Detroit's Doug Fister went 11-13 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with the Seattle Mariners and Tigers in 2011.

He started 21 games for the Mariners and its pathetic, dreadful offense last season. That's how you explain his win/loss record.

With Prince Fielder and the stacked Tigers lineup, expect Fister to easily have a career year if he can stay healthy.

Jeremy Hellickson

Tampa Bay Rays' Jeremy Hellickson is one of the best young pitchers in the game. He pitched well last season, posting a 13-10 record with an ERA of 2.95, pitching 189 innings and recording 117 strikeouts.

Expect his numbers to go up heavily in 2012. He will pitch over 200 innings and record over 160 strikeouts if he can stay healthy.

Hellickson's average pick selection is 101. He's still relatively cheap, and he's ready to break out in 2012. You won't find him any cheaper later in the year or if you do a draft next season—he will be a valuable commodity after he breaks out.

Francisco Liriano

Remember when Francisco Liriano was destined for greatness? Seems like ages ago.

Liriano has started 79 games in the past three seasons, so his health isn't much of a concern anymore. In those 79 starts, Liriano has been up-and-down at best.

He's had one good season in the middle of two porous ones. If the trend continues, Liriano will have a solid 2012 campaign.

In 2009, Liriano had a 5.80 ERA. In 2010, he had a 3.62 ERA, and in 2011 he had a 5.09 ERA. Liriano extends the trend another year by having a season much like 2010 where he recorded 201 strikeouts and pitched 191 innings.

Liriano obviously has the talent to have a good season. He just needs to be consistent from the first start to his last.