For What it's Werth: Top 15 Outfield Sleepers

Bmac's Picks

Jason Heyward- Most experts have Heyward ranked in the mid 20’s among outfielders but he could easily finish within the top 20. Heyward is motivated coming off a sophomore slump and he has a lot of potential. He is only turning 23 this year so he is getting better and stronger every season. Heyward would be a solid grab if he drops in the later rounds of your draft.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=518792#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: 280 AVG, 84 R, 24 HR, 81 RBI, 10 SB

Jayson Werth- The Nationals paid all that money to Werth for a reason. He is only 33 and still has plenty of pop. It’s normal for a player to struggle after signing a huge contract, because of the pressure involved. Now, it’s a year later and Werth should bounce back to his old ways of hitting bombs to left field. 

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150029#gameType=%27S%27

Projections: .275 AVG, 91 R, 27 HR, 79 RBI, 18 SB

Carlos Beltran- Beltran isn’t in most experts top 30 for outfielders, but he still has some top 30 life left in him. He is probably lower down on lists, because he has had some trouble with injuries in the past. Last year he was able to play in 142 games and had good success at the plate. You’re not going to get steals from Beltran like you used to, but you’ll still get good stats everywhere else.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=136860#gameType=%27S%27

Projections: .298 AVG, 83 R, 23 HR, 78 RBI, 3 SB

Jeff Francoeur- Experts seem to think Francoeur’s season last year was a fluke, because he is not listed amongst the top 40 outfielders in most expert lists. Jeff is 28, in his prime, and he’s ready to rock. He’s hitting 5^th behind Butler and Hosmer, so he should get good RBI opportunities again and still has plenty of speed on the base paths.

 

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425796#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

Projections: 287 AVG, 78 R, 19 HR, 89 RBI, 18 SB

Nick Swisher- Swisher is ranked around 40^th in outfielders by most analysts, but he has been “Mr. Consistent” the last few years with solid numbers. In each of the last 3 seasons he has played in exactly 150 games, his run totals are within 10 of each other, his RBI totals are all in the 80’s, and homerun numbers are all in the 20’s. It helps when you’re in the Yankees line-up every year. Thus, Swisher should once again be a reliable player to bring you 80, 20, 80 for R, HR, and RBI.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430897&c_id=nyy&player_name=Nick-Swisher#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: 272 AVG, 85 R, 25 HR, 88 RBI, 1 SB

Mtaness's Monster

Alex Rios- Like a few players mentioned, last year was easily Alex Rios’ worst statistical output of his career. Being at the young age of 31 cannot be to blame for the horrendous performance Rios displayed last year, as if he suddenly turned into John MacDonald overnight…nobody wants John MacDonald syndrome. But he doesn’t suffer from this incurable disease, and he in fact just went through a bout of “I-can’t-hit-itus” and was cured in the off season. Expect a big bounce back so draft with confidence.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425567#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: .277 AVG, 77 R, 18 HR, 74 RBI, 18 SB

Denard Span- Having been drafted 20^th overall into the majors, having 2 out of 4 successful seasons at the place, and now at the age of 28, and returning from an injury shortened season, Denard Span could perhaps make the largest climb out of the basement of the fantasy world, and place himself into the top 25 of the outfield class. The only category he will not deliver in is power, but as long as he finds grass with the bat, then everything else will follow.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=452655#gameType=%27S%27

 

Projections: .283 AVG, 86 R, 7 HR, 61 RBI, 22 SB

Michael Cuddyer- All you have to do to make a prediction here is take the average year by Cuddyer and bump the numbers slightly, since this year Cuddyer leaves the deep pitted Target Field for the hitter friendly confines of Coors Field. Playing in Colorado takes any average hitter and helps them over produce. So draft Cuddyer late as his numbers will definitely benefit from hitting in a higher altitude, and if you doubt me then watch the MythBusters episode examining baseball in Colorado. 

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150212#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: .287 AVG, 95 R, 24 HR, 84 RBI, 7 SB

Alex Presley- Not too much to say here other than he is hitting the lovely prime rib age of 27, has tremendous speed, good contact and is leading off for the up and coming Pittsburgh Pirates. His stats don’t suggest being a relative of the great Elvis, but my instinct is that Alex will make his own name stand out amongst top 25 outfielders in the game. 

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=502100#gameType=%27S%27

 

Projections: .281 AVG, 84 R, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 28 SB

Nolan Reimold- He is 29 this year and yet to play in the majors for an entire season. However, Reimold has always been on the brink of breaking out, but has been set back by season ending injuries. He is a man with surprising speed, tremendous pop in his bat, and finally looking fully healthy this year. He has won the starting job, but don’t pull the trigger early and wait until the last couple rounds to draft him as nobody will have Nolan under their noses. 

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460099#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: .268 AVG, 75 R, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 13 SB

Where Great Minds Think Alike

Carl Crawford- Although you may have to wait to see Crawford in action, expect to lose your voice, along with the barrage of Red Sox fans, as Carl’s bat will be unstoppable this season. An off year caused primarily by an improper batting stance has been corrected, and the top ten outfielder from 2010 will reemerge. 

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=408307#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

Projections: .305 AVG, 92 R, 14 HR, 75 RBI, 45 SB (based on a 140 game season)

Logan Morrison- Having already demonstrated big power and good contact, Morrison is now in his third year hitting in a very deep lineup and primed for big numbers. Expected to be batting 5^th or 6^th in the lineup with plenty of opportunity for RBI, Logan Morrison should hit the top 20 ranks of outfielders this year. Plug him in as your second or third outfielder and you will be heavily rewarded.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=489149#gameType=%27S%27

Projections:  .272 AVG, 65 R, 28 HR, 89 RBI, 3 SB

Brennan Boesch- A left-handed batter who hits exceptionally well off of lefties is as rare as finding gold in the street, but that is precisely what you have in Boesch. He in fact performed better last season against lefties than righties posting a .302 AVG and .276 AVG respectively, but his power was only present against right-handed pitchers. Nevertheless, Boesch still slugged 16 homeruns in 115 games last year proving he has 20-25 homerun power. He will be left in the streets overlooked and neglected, but once plugged into your lineup his true gold essence will emerge as a number producing machine.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=453269#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: .285 AVG, 92 R, 24 HR, 70 RBI, 8 SB

Colby Rasmus- The only promise to be found in Colby Rasmus’ profile, for one day shooting out of the deep cavernous hole he dug himself last season statistically, is the fact that he was a high draft pick and had one good year at the plate. However, this is enough to convince us that Colby will perform closer to his 2010 numbers. He has big power and speed working for him, but he must connect for base hits in order for his talent to shine through. We believe playing in a more relaxed Toronto environment will help the timid 26 year old focus at the plate and deliver excitement.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=458675#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

Projections: .267 AVG, 80 R, 22 HR, 75 RBI, 10 SB

Andre Ethier- Power wise, last season was Andre Ethier’s worst year. He is only 30, which means last year’s performance was a weird blip on the screen that should be ignored in comparison to the three 20+ homerun seasons he has posted. Expect his average to drop slightly, but it’s a small price to pay when you should expect at least double the homeruns and more RBI. Draft him and don’t look back.

Player Profile:  http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444843#gameType=%27S%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012&level=%27ALL%27

 

Projections: .283 AVG, 85 R, 24 HR, 79 RBI, 3 SB

SpeeDee Youth with 'Jed'-i Power: This Year's Shortstop Sleepers

Mtaness' Monsters

Dee Gordon- Speed speed speed speed and speed. No, Juan Pierre and Dee Gordon are not related.  But you could very well make the claim that Dee Gordon is a younger version of Pierre: a 3 tool guy, unfortunately, but perfect for most teams who are desperate for steals and runs, as he may top the entire league in both categories. How fast is he? Try ‘24 stolen bases and 34 runs in 56 games’ fast. This is probably the fastest guy in the league, but also the smallest, weighing in at a measly 150 lbs.- so don’t expect more than 1 inside the park homerun. A .300 average is not out of the question, as he proved last season, as he makes up a great deal of it running out many groundballs for infield base hits. Thus, if you are drafting Gordon just know what to expect, as he is not going to satisfy you with anything other than his quick feet.         

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=543829#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .297 AVG, 101 R, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 68 SB



Jed Lowrie- This may seem like a long shot, but seeing as how this position lacks power, Jed Lowrie’s powerful Boom Stick is a great candidate to shine in what should be its first full season in Houston. “What Boom Stick?!” I know that Lowrie is not seen as a powerful batter, but this stems from the fact that over his first 2 years, totaling 113 games, Lowrie only hit 4 homeruns. However, in his previous 2 seasons, 143 total games, Lowrie rocketed 15 over the fence in Fenway. This year Lowrie turns 28, moves from splitting time in Boston to being a full-time starter in Houston, and still hits in a hitter friendly park where the pressure of playing in Boston is gone. You cannot expect much from his contact; however I do predict a slight increase due to the fact that he should play a full year, and with much less pressure surrounding him. Wait him out, as nobody will have him on their radar.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=476704#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .270 AVG, 68 R, 17 HR, 69 RBI, 2 SB

Bmac's Picks

Jhonny Peralta- Peralta is turning 30 this year and is right in the middle of his prime. You aren’t going to get speed with Peralta like most other shortstops, but, unlike the rest, you will get a great hitter with a lot of power. Among shortstops last year, Peralta was 3^rd in the league in average and 4^th in the league in homeruns and runs batted in. Peralta is not in most analysts top 12 shortstops, but he should be in the top 5-10 quite easily. Thus, adjust your draft as he is the most reliable shortstop to take later on

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425509#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 282 AVG, 70 R, 21 HR, 84 RBI, 1 SB

Zack Cozart- Zack only got to play in 11 games for the Reds last year, but in those games he hit .324 demonstrating the ability to hit at the major league level. Zack is going to start the season at shortstop for the Reds and is projected to hit 7^th in the order. He is now coming into his prime, and will turn 27 this year. He is coming up late, but has developed well recently so don’t be surprised if he’s in the running for rookie of the year midway through the season. If you are in a deep league or an NL only league, then Zack could be a great sleeper, but most experts have him ranked around 20^th for shortstops. However I would have him in the top 15, with potential for more, making him a suitable candidate for mixed leagues and shallower drafts as well.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=446359#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 283 AVG, 65 R, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 11 SB

Put a Freese on the Hot Corner: This Year's 3rd Base Sleepers

Bmac's Picks

Aramis Ramirez- Last year Ramirez held the 2^nd best average in the majors, amongst 3^rd basemen, and placed in the top 10 for RBI, runs, and homeruns.  It would make sense that he would be in the top 10 of any experts list; however, that is not the case. Most experts have him ranked around 11^th or 12^th amongst 3^rd basemen, but why? He is only 34, so he still has plenty of pop left in his bat, and the move to Milwaukee should offer more RBI opportunities, since the lineup provides better protection and production. Now Ramirez gets to hit behind Ryan “I’m innocent” Braun, one of the best hitters in the game. I would rank Ramirez in the top 7 for 3^rd basemen with the likely possibility to do even better. So if he drops to you in the late rounds of your draft, then go and claim your prize.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=133380#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .308 AVG, 82 R, 28 HR, 105 RBI, 1 SB

Mike Moustakas- Back in 2007 the Royals had the 2^nd overall pick in the draft, and who they decided to take was a young man whose last name is unpronounceable. That man was Mike Moustakas, and they drafted him because they saw great potential. He is starting to show that potential and this could easily be his breakout year. He is ranked between 16^th -18^th for 3^rd basemen by experts, but he should rank in the near proximity to 10^th. He is hitting behind a strong 3/4/5 of Butler, Hosmer, and Francoeur, which should provide some good RBI opportunities, and batting 6^th relieves a bit of pressure from Moustakas’ bat. This could be a great pick in the late rounds if you’re one of the last to take a 3rd baseman.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=519058#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 275 AVG, 73 R, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 3 SB

Mtaness' Monsters

Danny Valencia- Understandably, this name may conjure up thoughts in your mind such as “who the hell is this guy?” and “this guy is not sleeping, he’s dead”, or more respectably “there is no way this guy breaks out at third base”. However, you must dive deep into the realm of Danny boy to find the truth within his bat. Being drafted in the 19^th round of the 2006 draft does not equal ‘highly touted prospect’. But, what it says about a guy who works his way to the major league level is that he is able to adjust his game, mechanics, and attitude to be highly successful. Now Valencia is going into his third year where the future is looking brighter than ever before. His first season lasted 88 games where he batted .311 and drove in 40 RBI. His second season saw a great decline in his average, no real jump in power as he only slugged 15 homeruns, and unimpressive speed. So why do things look so bright? Because this offseason Valencia was noticed having a rejuvenated work ethic, having lost his conceited attitude, and came into camp in great shape and with more muscle. The Twins coaching staff is highly impressed with Valencia, and this year are expecting big things, as should you.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=502143#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .285 AVG, 79 R, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 3 SB

David Freese- I know what you might be thinking, and it probably goes along the same lines as what you initially thought about Valencia, but hear me out. If you are a doubter, then the reason why you don’t believe is because Freese has not played a full year in the majors. Although being in the show for 3 years, Freese has only played in 184 games. However, his totaled career number has been very impressive; consider the following stats: .298 AVG, 72 R, 15 HR, 98 RBI, 2 SB. Now going into the 2012 season, Freese is healthy, ready to play, and has little to no competition in losing his 3^rd base job. Right now he is projected to bat 5^th in the lineup, which means more RBI opportunities, but less runs scored. However, it is a good possibility that Beltran and Freese may switch their spots in the lineup, meaning  Freese will bat second instead, and be driven in for more runs, but have less opportunities for RBI. Whatever the case, the numbers lost in one category will be replaced in the other. Regardless, a full season for Freese will be a fruitful year, stamping his name on the top ten list for third basemen, and helping your team tremendously in the late rounds of your draft.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=501896#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .299 AVG, 70 R, 17 HR, 86 RBI, 2 SB



Over the 'Hill" or on the Rise? This Year's Second Base Sleepers

Mtaness' Monster

Daniel Murphy- Second base is one of the most overlooked positions in baseball, and Daniel Murphy's past performance is no exception. Having only played 3 seasons for the New York Mets, Murphy has demonstrated good power, exceptional contact, and decent speed. A career average of .292 would have placed him 4th amongst second base offensive statistics for the 2011 season, yet in 109 games he batted an astonishing .320 last year. Although his power was missing it was evident in the 2010 season where he slammed 12 homeruns in his first full year. Add to that his 63 RBI and 60 runs and the New York Mets knew they had something special. Going into this year I can guarantee brilliance as the young Met hits the highly anticipated age of 27 where everything goes right for youngsters waiting to breakout- and will he ever. Noone will be gunning for this up-and-comer so take him very late and watch as the stars align. He may not add great speed, but to be top ten in average, homeruns, and RBI for the position is a bargain in this stud piece.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=502517#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .295 AVG, 81 R, 19 HR, 79 RBI, 9 SB

Bmac's Pick

Aaron Hill- Is Aaron over the hill? Hill no! He has only one bad season and he plummets down the 2^nd base ranks. Most experts don’t even see him in the top 15, since last year he only hit 8 homeruns. But between the ‘09 and ‘10 seasons he averaged 31 homeruns! I’m not expecting him to hit 30 slammers again, but he would be a great late pick up for big power.  Even if you are not sold on him, he is a great steal as your back-up 2^nd basemen with the hopes that he reverts back to his old ways. He also became a successful base stealer last season, snagging 20 bags, which is something he was limited from attempting in the past. Now with the more aggressive Diamondbacks you can expect his stolen base numbers to increase higher than expected. He also seems to be really comfortable in Arizona, since immediately after being acquired in a trade last year he batted .315 in 33 games. Perhaps he really loves being in a warm city, because the move from chilly Toronto to “wow it’s scorchin’ outside!” Arizona really seemed to improve his game

Player Profile: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=431094#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 263 AVG, 74 R, 14 HR, 72 RBI, 20 SB

Where Great Minds Think Alike

Kelly Johnson- Kelly is our consensus pick for second base sleeper to look for in the late rounds of your draft. With over 20 homeruns in the past two seasons, Kelly Johnson is easily ranked top ten for second basemen in power. His Boom Stick only hit a measly .209 in Arizona last year, but managed to slam .270 in Toronto in 33 games. The new environment must have given him a fresh start to relax, live in a new city, and the ability to juice his bat with cheese and gravy smothered Canadian poutine. Most analysts have Kelly ranked between 13 and 18 among second basemen, but if you look at his 2010 season he has the talent to be in the top 10. Grab Johnson late while your loser friends are sleeping, and watch him have a season reminiscent of his 2010 year. He’s now playing in Toronto where even John McDonald can poke homeruns, and it helps batting in a top run producing lineup where he will regularly see good pitches with so much protection surrounding him.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430637#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 255 AVG, 79 R, 22 HR, 84 RBI, 17 SB

Ike Ike Baby: This Year's First base Sleepers

Mtaness' Monster

Mark Trumbo- Here is a clear example of one of the most underrated players going into the 2012 MLB season. Although coming off an outstanding first full season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Mark Trumbo is currently seen as a bottom tier first basemen. Why is this the case? Because Albert Pujouls has taken first base from Trumbo’s possession. However, this has forced Trumbo to chase after a weaker batter who will relinquish his position in fear of getting smashed by Trumbo’s Boom Stick. The same Boom Stick that smashed 29 homeruns and 87 RBI last year, with the added bonus of quick feet to boot(pun intended), having stolen 9 bags as well.

        So who is going to scurry away and allow a spot to open up for Trumbo? Alberto Callaspo. The only advantage Callaspo has on Trumbo is fielding ability, and as you should know that is insignificant in comparison to having a powerful slugger at the plate. Where you may suffer with Trumbo is with his .255 AVG last year, but no complaints can be made about a guy who easily satisfies 4 out of the 5 stat categories needed. Lastly, having only had 65 runs last year should be no concern, as a beefed up LA lineup offering protection to drive him in should boost those numbers dramatically. Expect Trumbo to become a top tier first basemen by the end of the season, playing from the third base side.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444432#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .265 AVG, 88 R, 33 HR, 96 RBI, 14 SB

Bmac's Pick

Eric Hosmer- The Florida born “hotshot” Hosmer waited until the weather warmed up before making his debut last year in May, and still managed to drive in 78 runs through 128 games. This year he is batting 4th behind the "Doubles Machine Batting Queen" Billy Butler. Hosmer is not in most experts top 10 for first basemen, but he easily should be. I’m not saying he will match Pujols or Cabrera numbers this year, but he will certainly come close. He also stole 11 bases last year, which doesn’t sound that impressive, but when compared to all other first basemen, he looks like Ricky Henderson. If you focused your draft on other positions first, Hosmer is a great middle-to-late round pick when 10 other first baseman have been taken already.








Player Profile: http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=543333#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .288 AVG, 81 R, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 10 SB

Where Great Minds Think Alike

Ike Davis- Although having only played 36 games last year due to injury, Ike Davis has demonstrated in the last 2 years why the New York Mets drafted him in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. A rookie season of 19 homruns, 71 RBI and 73 runs should satisfy any general manager's expectation of a highly touted prospect. His .264 average, however, was a little unsettling considering his amazing ability to smash pitchers in the minors. But last year's short season truly demonstrated his ability to excel in the show. Batting a strong .302, with 7 homeruns, 25 RBI and 20 runs through the first quarter put his name amongst the top ten in the league at the time. And we believe that he can easily be amongst the top ten first basemen this year. This is one guy who everyone will overlook so if you trust in the Ike then wait him out for a while and draft him when the time is right.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=477195#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .284 AVG, 84 R, 26 HR, 90 RBI, 2 SB

Sleepers and Bounce Back Players for 2012

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts live and die by the unexpected occurence of a seemingly terrible/washed-up first-basemen or starting pitcher rising from their deep slumber and tossing the world of baseball into a statistically confused frenzy. Why? Because they misread the potential performance that the likes of Lance Berkman and Ian Kennedy would have in the 2011 MLB season. We, however, did not. With such predictions as Alexi Ogando, James Shields, David Ortiz, and Jacoby Ellsbury having solid numbers from the onset of the 2011 season, we the Fantasy Baseball Superfans assure you that no other website, book, or magazine will be as accurrate at expecting the unexpected. Don't be the guy who ends up losing their fantasy league, because they missed out on this essential information. Read it, take it with you into your draft and regular season, and then leave us your feedback/questions.
Your Welcome!

CATCHERS

Bmac's Pick

ALEX AVILA- Most analysts ranked Avila between 8-10 amongst catchers for 2012. However, last year Alex hit his way into the all-star game, as an exceptional batter in a pitcher's ballpark. He just turned 25 a month ago, hitting that prime age for athletes, where his best seasons are ahead of him.  Last year it was common for Avila to receive a rest day, because the Tigers could put Martinez behind the plate for a game. But the 2012 Tigers have Gerald Laird as their back-up, who won't see much time being an offensive liability.  More importantly, having Martinez out opens up a slot in the line-up behind the best 3-4 combo in the league, where Avila should be batting 5th, hitting behind Fielder and Cabrera, forcing better pitches his way, and many more RBI opportunities. If you can grab Avila in the later rounds, when there have been 7-9 cathers taken, then you will be sitting pretty with a top 5 catcher.

Player Profile: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=488671#gameType='S'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .289 AVG, 72 R, 21 HR, 87 RBI, 2 SB

Mtaness' Monster

GEOVANY SOTO- If there was any sure bet on a catcher jumping into the top 5 this year, and potentially the top 3, it would be Geovany 'the power house' Soto. This is a catcher who has only hit less than 15 homeruns in one season, but is also someone who has been limited to no more than 140+ games in a year. This equals huge power, but high injury risk. When he had played 141 games (average full season for a catcher) his numbers were at the top of his class- .285 AVG, 66 runs, 23 homeruns, 86 RBIs, and 0 steals. His power, runs and RBIs have been fairly consistent through the last 4 years, however his average has been confusing: 2 years batting .280+, and the other 2 flailing recklessly at a .230 clip. This year he turned 29 and is still in the prime of his career, already having proven repeatedly what he is capable of, but having been held back by frustrating injuries heretofore. 2012 now sees a healthy Soto return to reclaim the top ranks of the catcher world, and prove the doubters wrong in not being considered a top offensive threat in the position. Expect great success and a renewed vigour from Soto, as the year before we turn the big '3' '0' we all are determined to accomplish as mush as possible with our lives- and Soto will pull through as long as he stays healthy. But, knowing his health risk it would be wise to grab a backup.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434567#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: .275 AVG, 65 R, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 1 SB

Where Great Minds Think Alike

WILSON RAMOS- The Washington Nationals have a bright future in having a bushel of young talented players- Ramos being a key ingredient in the mix. He just came off a solid rookie season and he's only improving. Ramos should easily be considered a top 10 amongst his catching peers this year. However most experts do not agree and charge Ramos with being the average Joe Blow catcher, which in reality equals a bag of burning fecal matter. In no way, shape or form are 15 homeruns, 52 RBIs and 48 runs in 113 rookie games average for a catcher! Even his .267 batting average is better than the norm. 

         And there will be no sophomore slump, but instead an explosive display of his talent as he returns from a frightening offseason. In case you forgot, Ramos was kidnapped, but luckily was rescued unharmed. When one survives an experience of this nature they make sure to grab life by the tits and ride it as hard as possible. This new zest for live should transfer into hard work and dedication to his career, leading to a strong sophomore season, as opposed to the slump the analysts predict.

Player Profile: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=467092#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

Projections: 270 AVG, 67 R, 21 HR, 70 RBI, 1 SB