2013 Fantasy Baseball Preview: National League West Breakout Candidates
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 who take their game to the next level. Here’s a look at some National League West fantasy baseball breakout candidates.
Brandon Belt, 1B, San Francisco Giants
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Belt has been launching home runs this spring. He improved his averaged by 50 points (from .225 to .275) last year but took a step back in power. It appears he’s ready to take off in that category.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Cardinals
Goldschmidt is coming off a solid .286/82/20/82/18 line and appears primed to do even more damage in 2013. He’s enjoyed a strong spring and figures to be among the top fantasy first basemen this year.
Jedd Gyorko, 2B/3B, San Diego Padres
Gyorko will play third base until Chase Headley returns and then will likely slide to second base. He hit .328 with 24 home runs and a .968 OPS for Triple-A Tucson last year. He can rake.
Sergio Romo, RP, San Francisco Giants
Romo recorded 14 saves with 63 strikeouts, a 1.79 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP in 55.1 innings. He was nearly untouchable during the postseason with a 0.84 ERA and a 0.47 WHIP. He should put up big numbers in a full season as closer.
Josh Rutledge, 2B, Colorado Rockies
Rutledge hit .277/37/8/37/7 filling in for Troy Tulowitzki. He slides over to second base and should provide a solid HR/SB combination for fantasy owners. Rutledge also has shortstop eligibility, which gives some added flexibility.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers figure to have a strong lineup, which should afford Ryu plenty of opportunities to collect wins. He's had a strong spring, which is consistent with his recent success in Korea. There’s big potential here.
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