Five Fantasy Baseball End Game Picks for 2012

As many of us know, Fantasy baseball leagues are won in the late rounds of our drafts. With that said, I will be posting several segments of "late round targets" for 2012. These are players that you could usually draft after the 18th round in a 15 team mixed NFBC style league. In no particular order here is my first list of 5 "late round targets".

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1) Devin Mesoraco

With Ramon Hernandez departing via free agency, and Yasmani Grandal being traded to the Padres in the Mat Latos deal, the path is now crystal clear for Mesoraco to win the starting job in Cincinnati. Currently the number one prospect in the Reds system, Mesoraco has an All-Star caliber bat, capable of 20 HR's with a solid batting average. He has my early vote for NL Rookie of the year. He will be on all my teams as I’m projecting 25 HR’s, .270 BA, 90 RBI, 90 runs.

2) Salvador Perez

Another catcher you can snag in the late rounds is KC's Salvador Perez. While the 21 year old may have hit slightly over his head after an August 2011 call up, Perez has always demonstrated a solid contact rate in the minors. He has also stellar reviews behind the dish from the organization, solidifying his role at KC's starting catcher. Perez won't hit for much power, but I project him a solid number two catcher that will provide a stable average and should just crack double digit HR's.

3) Nolan Reimold

Reimold was on many sleeper lists two years ago, but several injuries have plagued him since 2008. The Baltimore outfielder has some nice pop with some speed to boot! Strong September (5 HR, 6 SB, .278 BA in 64 AB). He could emerge as a $15-$20 player with a full season of play. A 25 hr, 15 SB campaign is a lot to expect, but I will be investing with confidence.

4) Matt Harrison

Harrison, has the perception of being a soft tosser despite the fact that he can jack it up in the 95 MPH range now. 2011 was a great year for him with growth in all areas of his game. Only 26 years old, Harrison could be a player that many people will not believe in. A strong September (2.64 ERA, 1.174 WHIP) should solidify a place for him in the Texas rotation. I am expecting a 3.75 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, with 125K's in 175 innings.

5) Chris Heisey

One of the biggest winners in the Latos trade that sent Alonso to the Padres is Chris Heisey. He will now get a crack at full time play for the Reds. This is a player with pop, that could hit 25-30 Hr's, double digit SB's with full time play. He has contact rate struggles, but his six HR's in Sept give us reason to dream. 20+ HR, 10 SB, .250 BA, 65 RBI, 65 runs. Heisey is a great end game pick as your fourth or fifth outfielder