Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2012: 5 Early Pickups to Save Your Failing Season

The 2012 MLB season is finally underway and that means fantasy baseball is back. Every fantasy owner intends to get off to a strong start in his league. However, that doesn't always happen.

The MLB season is long and difficult to predict. So far in 2012, there have been some interesting things. There are some top players struggling and causing fantasy owners to panic. You have players that are supposed to be carrying your team, but are dragging them down instead.

Have you gotten off to a bad start in your fantasy league? Does it look like there is no hope for the rest of the season? Before you jump ship and trade away Albert Pujols for a bag of sunflower seeds, here are five free-agent pickups that could save your falling season.

Bartolo Colon (Oakland Athletics, Starting Pitcher)

Colon had a solid start to the 2011 season with the New York Yankees. He started to run out of gas towards the end of the season. Colon revived his career and earned himself a contract with the Oakland Athletics in 2012.

He has gotten off to another nice start in 2012. In four starts, Colon is 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA and 19 Ks. If Colon is available, pick him up. He may run out of gas by the end of the season, but he will help your struggling starting rotation until your stud pitchers can get back on track.

Chase Headley (San Diego Padres, Third Baseman)

The Padres lineup is not filled with players you want on your fantasy team. One Padre you should pick up is Chase Headley. He has gotten off to a fast start and has contributed in all categories.

Headley is hitting .292, with four home runs and 12 RBI. He has 14 hits, 11 runs and has stolen two bases. This could be his breakout season where he puts it all together. For owners who need a consistent hitter that can contribute in a variety of ways, Headley is a solid pickup.

Nolan Reimold (Baltimore Orioles, Outfielder)

The Baltimore Orioles are surprisingly sitting on top of the American League East. Their offense has outperformed their expectations and the person who sets the table for them could be available in your league. Reimold is not your typical leadoff hitter, but that has paid off well in 2012.

Reimold will get fantasy owners hits, runs and stolen bases, while also hitting for some power. He has hit .341, with four home runs and eight RBI. Reimold will give owners a boost in all the offensive categories.

Raul Ibanez (New York Yankees, Outfielder)

Throughout Ibanez's career, he has consistently produced and hit for power. He signed with the Yankees to be a DH and part-time outfielder. Owners may have been hesitant to draft Ibanez, in fear that he may not have gotten consistent playing time. His early production and an injury to Brett Gardner, will give him consistent playing time.

So far in 2012, Ibanez has hit .286. He has two home runs and nine RBI. If owners need help in the HR and RBI category, they should pickup Ibanez. He will consistently put up numbers in the explosive Yankees lineup. 

Jonathon Niese (New York Mets, Starting Pitcher)

The New York Mets have gotten off to a surprisingly strong start. Their starting pitching is a big reason for that start. Niese recently signed a five-year extension with the Mets. This has seemed to allow Niese to settle down, as he has gotten off to a nice start.

After two starts, Niese is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA. At 25 years old, Niese could be entering his prime. Niese could win a bunch of games this season, if the Mets continue to find ways to win.