132 replies to this topic

[treyjuice]

There is nothing like drafting a player who is about to have a breakout season. Either because he never got a chance to play everyday or he is just ready to take the next step from good to great these are the players that make fantasy championships.

Who are your bets to become a top hitter in 2013?

Here are a few of my favorites...

Anthony Rizzo: A sweet lefty stroke who has proven all he has to prove in AAA. Glimpses of a super star were seen last year in Chicago.


Pedro Alvarez: This post-hype sleeper has shown off some pure power and with a hole season of putting it together...well who knows


Logan Morrison: Broke onto the scene in 2011, character issues and injuries made last year a forgotten one. Will be bounce back strong and perhaps become a fantasy monster this year?

Brett Lawrie: Great physical tools, great lineup protection, maybe some maturity issues here but the guy can flat out play.


Jason Kipnis: Already proving to have plus power for a 2B, a little consistency will go a long way into turning this guy into a elite fantasy player.


Salvador Perez: This guy is a solid hitting catcher as he showed last year. A full season of AB's may make him a household name. Not to mention he is absolutely huge and his numbers last year stretched through a 162 game season would have been huge.


Mitch Moreland: Hopefully he plays against lefties, he has the ballpark and the lineup, a good value pick but can he become a yearly 30 HR threat?


Mike Moustakas: A nice step forward last year. He looks destined to be an elite fantasy player, the question is when will it come? Is he on the fast track or will it take him some time Ala Alex Gordon.


Allen Craig: The wrench stepped into Pujols old spot and didn't embarrass himself. Injuries are the key here because if he stays on the field he produces.


Jemile Weeks: Forgotten after a sparkling debut, he is going to hit atop an improved lineup and has blistering speed and bat skills. Jose Reyes playing 2B anyone?


Josh Rutledge: He make his playing time count in 2012 but will he hit a sophomore slump? A step forward turns this overachiever into a fantasy stud but will it come? More importantly will it come this year?


Desmond Jennings: Post hype sleeper alert. This guys has the speed and power but last year was kind of a lost one for Jennings. Has the tools to be a roto sensation, can he put it all together at such a young age?

I didn't get too much into numbers but rather just went off the top of my head on these guys. I certainly left it up to debate. Feel free to discuss your opinions and add some players to the list!

[ballfan4141]

some good ones but scott sizemore is going to take away from jemiles at bats. logan morrison.....everyones tired of waiting. mitch moreland......no.....the rest look good.

[brockpapersizer]

I like Aoki... a little too much.

[malta69]

I think Yonder Alonso is a post hype guy you've got to like. He had a nice string of games late last season when alot of owners stopped caring.  Nice value here

[Mexi1024]

I still really think that Choo can emerge into the top 20 talk of players in that Cincinatti lineup and in that ball park.

[ChrisFarley]

Dayan Viciedo
Starling Marte
Brandon Belt

[FouLLine]

Nick Markakis long forgotten can be had for nearly nothing.

Jesus Montero this guy is the real deal.  Post hype now.

Alcidies Escobar is Jose Reyes light.

[FouLLine]

Let's add Dexter Fowler too.

[MrMartyBarrett]

FouLLine, on 29 January 2013 - 09:36 PM, said:

Let's add Dexter Fowler too.

I hope so.  I think many of us have been calling for his breakout for years now.  Last year we saw more of the glimpes of what he can do, on a more consistent basis.  I'm buying him taking the next step this year.

Edited by MrMartyBarrett, 29 January 2013 - 09:41 PM.

[uspsjeter2]

Eric Hosmer - sophomore slump puts him off-radar.

Logan Forsythe- 15 HR/15 SB potential with PETCO fences moved in.

Wilson Ramos- a forgotten man in DC. 20 HR potential catchers are in short supply.

[parrothead]

Chris Parmalee
Logan Morrison - so I was driving around probably about a month ago and some guy on a Saturday was talking about baseball fantasy breakout guys on Sirius XM Fantasy, he was calling 30-90 for LoMo.  
Cameron Maybin - I know I know...
Brandon Belt - the SB's intrigue me, this guy was 20-20 in minors, but worried about power in park and runs with that bottom 1/3rd.
Jesus Montero - I agree this guy has a shot to emerge as 20+ HR top 10 C.
Justin Maxwell - if he wins job makes good things happen when he makes contact (needs to improve that).
Also agree with Dayan Viciedo.

A couple 3B:  I think Moustakas continues to progress, maybe goes 25+ HR 80RBI this year.  I like Chisenhall in Cleveland to have the kind of year many thought he was gonna have last year.

[Mexi1024]

FouLLine, on 29 January 2013 - 09:36 PM, said:

Let's add Dexter Fowler too.

He showed so much improvement last year. In the SB% as well as the slugging %'s. If they had had Tulo and Cuddyer healthy all season Fowler's counting stats would have been much better. Somehow Fowler ends up no a sleeper list every season. This may be the last year he does. Assuming he stays in Colorado all year. The wildcard with him is if he gets traded away at some point during the season.

[2ndCitySox]

Fowler is pretty damn solid in OBP leagues too

[ballfan4141]

monerto.....maybe with morse in the lineup that can help him. catcher is deep this year.

[South Jersey Bombers]

Paul Goldschmidt

Will Middlebrooks

Dominic Brown

[ballfan4141]

edwin encarnacion. no justin playing.

[mlove8680]

More of a 5th Outfielder/last couple rounds kinda guy. But I like Gerrardo Parra this season. Gibby said all 4 outfielders are gonna get 400-500 at bats and Kubel and Ross arent the healthiest guys, so there could be room for even more playing time. Seems like hes been around forever but is only 25. Entering his peak power years, could be this years Carlos Gomez.

[Ragnaroker]

I'd expect a nice year from:

Dayan Viciedo

Manny Machado

Eric Hosmer (bounce back?)

Andrelton Simmons (not as much)

[FouLLine]

MrMartyBarrett, on 29 January 2013 - 09:40 PM, said:

FouLLine, on 29 January 2013 - 09:36 PM, said:

Let's add Dexter Fowler too.

I hope so.  I think many of us have been calling for his breakout for years now.  Last year we saw more of the glimpes of what he can do, on a more consistent basis.  I'm buying him taking the next step this year.

Yeah.  Also keep in mind that the 143 games he played last year was the most in his career.  If he can get his 600 - 650 plate apperences I could easily see him being a 20/20 guy with close to a .300 average.

Edited by FouLLine, 30 January 2013 - 03:16 PM.

[baltimore_boy]

Willin Rosario. Without Tracy, he should play every day. Should hit 30 bombs and is a dark horse for 40. His power is legit and it also helps to have Coors.