Fantasy Baseball Projections 2012: Young Stars Poised for Breakout Seasons

One of the toughest challenges in your fantasy baseball draft is finding the players who will have breakout seasons. 

These players are typically found in the later rounds of your league's draft and make for great keepers for those of you participating in keeper leagues.

Let's look at three young stars ready for breakout seasons.

Starlin Castro, SS, Chicago Cubs

The young Chicago Cubs shortstop really improved his game last year and certainly developed as a better all-around hitter.

Here are some statistical categories that Castro improved in last season:

Year	HR	RBI	R	AVG
2010	3	41	53	.300
2011	10	66	91	.307

Castro's ability to get better and work hard to improve his talent is really special. There's no reason why he can't continue his development this season.

I expect Castro to improve in all four of the above categories this year.

Addison Reed, RP, Chicago White Sox

Drafting White Sox reliever Addison Reed is a move that will benefit your fantasy team this year and into the future if you're in a keeper league. 

The young pitcher could certainly rack up 30 or more saves this season, but he likely won't be drafted until the later rounds. Many of the casual baseball fans in your league probably won't even know who Reed is.

Reed will also be a nice addition for people in Rotisserie-style scoring leagues with his ability to put up a solid WHIP and strikeout numbers.

Mat Gamel, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers decided not to sign a big-time free agent slugger to replace Prince Fielder, who signed a mega-contract with the Detroit Tigers this offseason.

Instead, young talent Mat Gamel will be counted on to take his talents to another level as he makes the jump from the minors to the major leagues.

Gamel will hit in a talented lineup and has enough power to hit over 20 home runs and drive in 65-plus runs.