2013 Fantasy Baseball Preview: American League West Breakout Candidates

Ryan LesterMar 28, 2013

There is something to be said about anchoring your fantasy baseball team with players that have already reached their potential.

That said, there is always a new crop, often made up of younger players, that take their game to the next level. Here’s a look at some American League West fantasy baseball breakout candidates.

Chris Carter, 1B/OF, Houston Astros

Carter hit 16 home runs in 218 at-bats for a .864 OPS. You’ll have to stomach his batting average (.214 lifetime) and his tendency to strike out. He does offer raw power, though.

A.J. Griffin, SP, Oakland A’s

Griffin went 7-1 last year with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 64 strikeouts in 82.1 innings. He was actually slightly better on the road (2.90 ERA vs. 3.21 ERA), which bodes well for Griffin’s prospects considering Overstock.com Coliseum is a pitcher’s park.

Justin Maxwell, OF, Houston Astros

Maxwell hit 18 home runs and stole nine bases last year in 315 at-bats. You’ll also have to live with his batting average (.217 lifetime).

Jesus Montero, C, Seattle Mariners

Montero posted a decent .260-46-15-62-0 line. He’s just 23, and the Mariners shortened the outfield dimensions. Look for a jump in power. He hit .278 with a .716 OPS after the All-Star Break, after posting .245 and .657 marks prior. Montero has been swinging a good bat this spring.

Brandon Moss, 1B, Oakland A’s

Moss hit 21 home runs in 265 at-bats. If he can keep that ratio in 500 at-bats, he’ll approach 40 bombs. I don’t think he’ll reach that territory, but he could reach the 30-HR mark.

Nick Tepesch, SP, Texas Rangers

Tepesch joins a rotation that featured three double-digit win totals last year and five the prior year. His peripherals won’t impress you, but he should add to your win total.

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