Over a month into the 2015 season, sample sizes have become large enough for fantasy baseball owners to consider promising early starts.
For some young breakout stars, it’s already far too late. Everybody purchased stock on Joc Pederson, Devon Travis and Chris Archer long ago. Brand names such as Alex Rodriguez and Bartolo Colon warranted immediate attention, as both are well-known veterans playing in the Big Apple.
Nobody needs to be told about McDonald’s, but the new mom-and-pop burger shop in town often proves more delicious. Before word of mouth causes a line to form around the corner, patrons can enjoy the quaint restaurant and say they went there before everyone else did.
These players don’t have a marketing team boosting their fantasy ownership rates. They didn’t generate buzz in the minors or ever post gaudy numbers. Many go ignored playing in small markets and/or for mediocre clubs. Yet they can all contribute more than some brand-name counterparts.
With an exception of two pitching studs not getting their proper due, the list contains players available in more than half of Yahoo Sports‘ fantasy leagues. Not all are must-adds for standard mixed-league gamers, but at least keep them in mind.