On Saturday, I posted my NL-Only hitting sleepers for 2012, and today I publish my AL-Only hitting sleepers. One of them is a guy I drafted in the FakeTeams Dynasty League, and another is a guy I traded for in my AL-Only keeper league, so let's take a look.
Eduardo Nunez, NYY
I have written several times this offseason that I think Nunez could be a 30+ base stealer if given 400+ at bats, and he just might get that this season. Now that the Yankees have traded their DH Jesus Montero, it could be a sign that they want to move Alex Rodriguez to the DH spot more often this season, and this would open up third base for Nunez.
Eric Thames, TOR
I traded for Thames in my AL-Only league this offseason. Actually, he was a throw-in with the #2 pick in the draft. Thames hit .262-.313-.456 with 12 HRs, 37 RBI, 58 runs scored and 2 stolen bases last year, in 362 at bats. Thames was the Blue Jays starting left fielder in the second half of 2011, where he hit .277 in July and .275 in August before slowing to a .211 BA in September. John Sickels wrote about him back in May 2011, saying he has good strike zone judgement, can hit for average and should hit lefties well enough to be an everyday player. I think Thames could be a .270-20-75 hitter in 2012.
More AL-Only sleepers after the jump:
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Also, if you are looking for more FakeTeams rankings, check out this link to all of our 2012 rankings for fantasy and points leagues. If you want other writers opinions, check out Fantasy Rundown, where they provide links to rankings from all over the internet.
Nolan Reimold, BAL
Orioles new GM Dan Duquette was quoted yesterday saying he wants Reimold to be his everyday left fielder in 2012. In 267 at bats last season, he hit .247-.328-.453 with 13 HRs, 45 RBI, 40 runs and 7 stolen bases, but he hit .281 in September with 5 HRs, 17 RBI, 16 runs and a solid 14-9 K/BB rate. The hot September may have been a small sample size, but apparently the Orioles see more in him. He could be a 20 HR, 10 stolen base hitter you can get late on draft day.
Lorenzo Cain, KC
Cain hit 16 HRs in AAA last year, but that won't be a big part of his game. You are drafting him for his speed potential, and he should be given the green light should he hit this season. Kansas City was second in the AL in stolen bases last season and they should be running more this year with Cain taking over in center field. I look for him to steal 30+ bags this year.
Mike Carp, SEA
Carp surprised me with his performance last season with the Mariners, as he hit .276-.326-.466 with 12 HRs and 46 RBI in 290 at bats. He should get regular playing time again in 2012, and should be a decent source of power late in mixed league drafts. I can see him hitting between 20-25 HRs and driving in around 75-80 runs this season.