Top 2012 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

By KEN W PACZAS

In 2012, There are 7 key guys poised for big years. You will be able to draft them four or 5 rounds after where they should be drafted. Take advantage, and you can win your league.

Wilson Ramos C, Washington – Ramos is best known as the guy who got kidnapped in Venezuela this off season before a daring rescue saved him. However, now that Pudge is gone, 2012 he will become a household name. He is 24 and his ability to hit for power and average makes him an exciting prospect as a catcher. He hit .267 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI with just 389 at bats. He is now the full time catcher and should hit 20 home runs and bat for 80 RBI in this improved National line up.

Dee Gordon, SS, Dodgers – Gordon is the man you want to target if you want to own the stolen base category. In just 56 games last year, Gordan swiped 24 bases. If he plays in 156 games in 2012, that projects him at 67 stolen bases and possible league lead. Unlike other players who steal bases, he also hits for average. Last year he batted .304, and is only 23.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Padres – In Maybin’s first season with the Padres, he hit .264, with 9 HRs, 40 RBI, and 40 steals, 26 came after the break. In 2012, he is cemented as an every day player, and those numbers should increase in every category.

Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians – Choo struggled with injuries and a much publicized DUI in 2011, but Choo has been nothing but consistent, hitting .300 or better in three full seasons. At age 28, he is in the prime of his career, and with an improved team around him, his numbers should bounce back nicely.

Matt Moore, P, Rays – Moore might not make the rotation, but if he does, watch out. Moore pitched 5 innings against the Yankees in September and struck out 11. Against the Rangers in the ALDS, Moore gave up one run in 10 innings of work. Moore was lights out dominant in AA and AAA, striking out 210 and walking just 46 in 155 innings. The Rays might want to start him in AAA till June, but if they don’t, he will be their second best starter. PERIOD.

Jason Heyward, OF, Braves – Heyward was TERRIBLE in 2011, hitting just .227 with 14 home runs. He even lost playing time down the stretch. However, he is just 22. He has lost 20 pounds and refocused on what made him a deadly hitter in 2010. He was banged up and pressed too much. Heyward still has 30 HR, 20 Steal ability and though he might not hit it this year, he will be more 2010, then 2011.

Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox – I know, Crawford is not a sleeper. Yet, if you look at where people are rating him, he should be. In 2011, he was the #3 overall player, #1 OF heading into the season in the fantasy world. Now Espn has him at 92, the 28^th best OF behind the likes of Jason Werth, Adam Jones and BJ Upton. Are you kidding me? Don’t give me the pressure of Boston. Newsflash, they love hustlers and nobody hustles more than Crawford. His terrible year came at 29, so you can’t make the argument his skills are in decline due to age. Truth of the matter is, he was hurt, and pressed too much trying to live up to the contract. However, with 6 years left, Boston is going to do everything they can to fix him and get him out of this rut. I truly believe in 2013, when they make their list, Crawford will once again be a top 12 player. I fully expect him to bat .306, 19 HR, 42 SB, and 88 RBI.