Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Phil Hughes and More Starters You Must Draft

Starting pitching is so important to your fantasy baseball team's success, but the pitchers that help you win your league are often found in the later rounds.

It's often the sleeper starting pitchers that can be the difference between winning your league and finishing out of a money spot.

Let's look at three starting pitchers you should take in your draft to give your teams some nice depth.

Phil Hughes, New York Yankees

After a phenomenal 2010 season in which Phil Hughes was 18-8, he went just 5-5 in 17 starts last season for the New York Yankees.

Hughes has way too much talent to do poorly again in 2012, and he threw the ball well in spring training. He should be the team's fifth starter, but if that fails, the bullpen could be an option, especially if someone out there struggles.

Hughes is a quality pitcher playing on a team that will give him a ton of run support and is a late-round starter you have to consider drafting.

Johan Santana, New York Mets

Yes, this is the Johan Santana you are thinking of.

It seems like a long time ago that Santana was one of the best pitchers in baseball. Ever since he signed a huge contract with the New York Mets, Santana has battled tough injuries that have prevented him from being able to pitch games consistently.

Santana looked very good in spring training and appears to be throwing very well without any pain. If he can stay healthy, he will be one of the better pitchers in the National League.

The Mets don't have a ton of quality in their starting rotation, so Santana could start 25-30 games if healthy this year.

Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox

Chris Sale should be the fifth starter on the White Sox this season, and his ability to use his blazing fast ball well allows him to rack up strikeouts.

With little expectations this season, the White Sox can afford to be patient with Sale and allow him to develop if he hits a rough patch.

With tremendous poise on the mound and good stuff, Sale could be a solid addition to your team in the final round of your league's draft.