There are tons of fantasy baseball sleepers out there in 2012, especially those in the outfield who can do much more than just catch routine fly balls.
As spring camps wind down and MLB‘s Opening Day draws nearer, fantasy baseball owners need be aware of the underrated talent and prospects who are more than deserving of a roster spot this year.
Join Bleacher Report as we take a closer look at some outfielders worth starting in your 2012 fantasy lineup.
Endy Chavez, Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles outfielder is coming on strong with the team this spring and seems poised to be in the rotation come Opening Day.
Chavez is batting .500 with the O’s this March and is expected to beat out Nolan Reimold in camp, according to RotoWire, paving the way for a potential starting spot in left field.
Chavez batted .301 with the Texas Rangers last season, going yard five times and successfully stealing 10 bases in 256 at-bats.
Will Venable, San Diego Padres
Venable already has two RBIs and three stolen bases with the San Diego Padres this spring and is coming off a season in which he stole 26 bases, hit nine homers and batted in 44 runs.
His .246 batting average from 2011 is expected to improve after Padres hitting coach Phil Plantier worked to correct Venable’s swing. Venable is batting .310 this spring, and the 29-year-old could see the field more than originally thought considering the injuries holding back Carlos Quentin and Chris Denorfia.
Gregor Blanco, San Francisco Giants
The spring, stolen bases leader Gregor Blanco “is as close to a stone-cold lock as any nonroster invitee could be,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Blanco has been tearing up the Cactus League with nine stolen bases and took home MVP honors in the Venezuelan Winter League. The 28-year-old is expected to be a top option if injuries set in for the Giants this season.
Blanco is also one of baseball’s best baserunners, posting 18 steals in less than 60 Winter League appearances.
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