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.
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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