When drafting your fantasy baseball team this year, there are several players you should highlight. Every fantasy owner knows about Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, and Manny Ramirez. These players will earn plenty of points but these are the guys that will win you a championship. Every fantasy owner enjoys the first round of a draft but the league champion always picks well in the later rounds. It's these lesser-known players that will make the difference in September.
FIRST BASEMEN San Diego Padres' Adrian Gonzalez
This guy has been ripping it the last two years for the Padres. Last year, he hit 36 home runs and batted-in 119 runs. More importantly, he will stay healthy.
San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval
In limited action, the 22-year old prospect hit .345 and drove in 24 runs. This year he'll be starting and healthy. Look out!
SECOND BASEMEN Florida Marlins' Dan Uggla
Although not truly under the radar, Uggla would be a crucial addition due to the lack of power-hitting second baseman. By adding Uggla, your fantasy team will eliminate a potentially ineffective player.
Chicago Cubs' Ryan Theriot
Here is your standard second baseman. Theriot does not put the power numbers up but guarantees a .300 average as well as sure hands. Theriot is a very strong late round pick
SHORTSTOPS Colorado Rockies' Troy Tulowitski
Despite a down year last season, Tulowitski will make a comeback now that he's healthy. He's proved it before, he'll prove it again.
Kansas City Royals' Mike Aviles
Similar to Pablo Sandoval, Aviles saw limited playing time but performed very well. The 27-year old hit .325 last year and can steal bases. Definitely a late round gem.
THIRD BASEMEN Kansas City Royals' Alex Gordon
Playing right next to Mike Aviles is Gordon who has proven he can do the job but is still flying under the radar. After being injured last year, Gordon still managed 16 home runs and 59 Runs-Batted-In. Expect big things out of Gordon.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Mark Reynolds
The power-hitting Reynolds put up 28 home runs and 97 RBI's while battling injuries last season. NOTE: Do not draft Reynolds for average as he hit .239 last season.
CATCHERS Baltimore Orioles' Matt Wieters
This year will be Weiters' rookie season but this kid is ready. The 22-year old destroyed the minor leagues and will earn plenty of playing time for the lowly Orioles.
Cleveland Indians' Kelly Shoppach
The 28-year old minor league veteran played in limited action last season and still managed 21 home runs and 55 Runs Batted In. This guy hit a grand slam in his first career at-bat and it will finally accumulate this season.
OUTFIELDERS Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton
Upton had a rough regular season last year but tore it up in the playoffs. If Upton can stay healthy, the playoff numbers will continue and then some.
New York Yankees' Xavier Nady
Despite having the coolest name in Major League Baseball, this guy can also play. Often under-the-radar, Nady will bust out this year and I am willing to put my respect on the line and say that Nady will make the American League all-star team.
Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes
Dukes' career statistics don't reflect what this kid can do. Now, with Adam Dunn in the line-up, Dukes will finally see good pitches and he will take advantage. A full-healthy season will put this kid in the spotlight.
You can reach these staff writers at sports@theeagleonline.com.
