Kuzul

Every year, there is a new closer or five who step up and have a big year. These guys bring big results for their team and for their fantasy owners. 

This always makes it a fun and worthwhile adventure to look for a sleeper closer. They can, and often do, pay off big time. 

 

Carlos Marmol, Cubs

Marmol’s season is off to a slow start. Actually, it is off to a no-start. He is out with a hand cramp, but will be back soon, and he is in a position to have a solid season. 

One thing we know about Marmol is that he is going to get strikeouts. Last year, he had a strikeout rate of over 12 batters per nine innings. 

In five years as a big league reliever, he has averaged 108 strikeouts a season. 

There is always that risk with Marmol that his control problems will get the better of him and knock him out of the closer role. However, he should get plenty of opportunities, and he will produce plenty of strikeouts and a few saves. 

Javy Guerra, Dodgers

Guerra’s draft stock has been hurt by the fact that many feel Kenley Jansen will take his job. That is not going to happen. Guerra is a solid closer.  

He was 17-of-19 in save opportunities after taking over the role last season. He also posted a sexy 1.02 WHIP and a 2.30 ERA.

These numbers are more than good enough to get the job done. He will get plenty of save opportunities, and you can expect a seven- to eight-strikeout-per-nine-innings mark. 

 

Rafael Betancourt, Rockies

Betancourt has been honing his skills as a setup man and is now ready to take over the closer role. He has a nice fastball/slider combo that allowed him to strikeout over 10 per nine innings last season. 

He doesn’t give up a large amount of fly balls, and playing in the high altitude in Denver shouldn’t, and hasn’t, hurt him. 

As long as he stays healthy, Betancourt can be penciled in for 25-30 saves, 3.00 ERA and 70-80 strikeouts. 

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Fantasy owners who missed out on Jose Bautista and other monster bats need not worry—James Loney and more will still be available to add some seriously underrated pop to your lineup.

Each year, participants look for steals. The expectation is that these late-rounders produce just enough to suffice.

The players on this list will do more than that.

They’re that final piece—the one that transitions your squad from middle of the pack to top dog.

Best of all, you can sneak them late.

 

James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Loney is consistent for a .288 batting average, 160 hits, 12 home runs and 85 RBI.

These aren’t bad stats at all.

Loney turns 28 this season, so he’s now in the thick of his prime.

That being said, there are no more excuses for Loney not to burst through the ceiling he’s made for himself.

The Dodgers’ financial situation has been solved. He’s surrounded by talented players such as Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. He’s playing in a contract year.

Loney is entering his seventh season in the majors. Look for him to produce his best season to date.

Projected 2012 stats: .292 BA, 179 hits, 19 HR, 94 RBI.

 

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

In just 48 games last season, Goldschmidt hit a respectable .250.

More impressively, he hit eight home runs and 26 RBI in the same span.

Furthermore, most of his production came late in the season, helping the Diamondbacks over the hump and into playoffs.

In four playoff games in 2011, he hit .438 with two home runs and six RBI.

Look for Goldschmidt, only 24 years old, to enter 2012 still hot.

His confidence is already high from last year and now he’s surrounded by an upgraded offense and pitching staff.

Goldschmidt will definitely be around late for you to steal.

Projected 2012 stats: .282 BA, 158 hits, 23 HR, 85 RBI.

 

 

Lucas Duda, RF, New York Mets

In just over half a season, Duda hit .292 with 88 hits, 10 home runs and 50 RBI.

He has the consistency to put up similar numbers in the same amount of games.

Duda will be a full-time starter in 2012, so all of his stats should rise with near 162 games.

One scouting report compares Duda’s production to that of Aubrey Huff, Raul Ibanez and fellow sleeper candidate Brennan Boesch.

With mumblings of David Wright possibly on the move, Duda may be forced into being “the guy” for the Mets.

For Duda, that’ll be even better.

Projected 2012 stats: .285 BA, 141 hits, 18 HR, 88 RBI.

 

Colby Rasmus, CF, Toronto Blue Jays

Rasmus is a consistent hitter who is only getting better with age.

Lucky for fantasy owners, he’s only 25 years old. His production should continue to rise.

In 35 games with the Blue Jays last season, Rasmus hardly dazzled.

But coming over late in the season from the eventual World Series champions to an out of contention AL East team could plague anyone’s season with letdown.

 

2012 is Rasmus’ time to shine.

The Blue Jays are poised to surprise many this year.

The team has patiently put together a young team of studs who can compete with the best. The addition of another wild-card spot helps those chances too.

Surrounded by talent, the expectation is that Rasmus will contribute at a high level.

He’s shown he can do it.

In his best season at 23 years old, he hit .276 with 23 home runs, 66 RBI and 12 stolen bases. Look for Rasmus to produce similar, if not, better numbers in every category this season.

Projected 2012 stats: .279 BA, 152 hits, 19 HR, 79 RBI.

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If you have a top pick, you absolutely must snag a pitcher like Justin Verlander—your fantasy rotation depends on it.

Like a quarterback in fantasy football, many hesitate to select pitchers with their first pick or two. Your hesitation will lead to an opponent’s victory.

Wins, innings pitched, ERA, WHIP and strikeouts count most in fantasy baseball.

Here is the 5-5-5 list. Five pitchers who will end up in the top five in all five categories.

Get them before it’s too late.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Verlander is similar to Aaron Rodgers.

Most scoffed at the friend who used their first pick on Rodgers, only to watch the quarterback put up 50 points every Sunday. That friend likely went to playoffs.

Verlander is no different. Draft him and he may single-handedly take you to the top of the leaderboard. Last season, he led the league in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP. His efforts landed him the AL CY Young and MVP awards.

Barring injury, nothing will change.

Since his Rookie of the Year season in 2006, Verlander has been in the top five for Cy Young contention three times.

Projected 2012 stats: 26 wins, 2.36 ERA, 260 innings pitched, 0.97 WHIP and 244 strikeouts.

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

If Verlander is off the board, there’s no disappointment in “settling” for Kershaw.

Kershaw is looking a lot like Justin Verlander 2.0 these days and is only 24 years old.

Kershaw finished second in wins, strikeouts and WHIP, and had a league best 2.28 ERA.

It’s worth mentioning that the two biggest sluggers in the National League—Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols—signed with American League teams.

Kershaw should continue to dominate the NL with ease.

Projected 2012 stats: 24 wins, 2.44 ERA, 244 innings pitched, 1.01 WHIP and 257 strikeouts.

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

Halladay might be taken as the first pitcher in any draft based on of his name alone.

The name Halladay has become synonymous with dominant. Rightfully so.

He’s been in the top five for Cy Young considerations seven times, winning twice. Since 2008, he’s averaged nine complete games and four shutouts.

In 233 innings last season, Halladay maintained a 2.35 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. He also struck out 220 batters on his way to 19 wins.

This season, with an aging offense and an injured Ryan Howard, the pitching staff will be tasked with shouldering more of the load.

Halladay won’t have any problems with that.

Projected 2012 stats: 22 wins, 2.67 ERA, 242 innings, 0.98 WHIP and 235 strikeouts.

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

If you miss out on Halladay, the next Phillies pitcher in line is equally amazing.

One might think switching to his fourth team in three years could mess with his psyche. Clearly it did not.

Lee pitched to 17 wins and six shutouts in 2011. In 232 innings, he kept a 2.40 ERA and 1.027 WHIP while striking out 238 batters.

Lucky for him and fantasy owners, it looks like Philadelphia will be his home the entire season.

Projected 2012 stats: 19 wins, 2.45 ERA, 255 innings, 1.00 WHIP, 247 strikeouts.

Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks

I’m sure you expected names like CC Sabathia or Jered Weaver in this spot. You’re right. Draft them high.

But what’s the point of list full of guys you expected to see?

Here’s one under the radar candidate.

A 21-game winner last season, Kennedy struck out 198 batters in 222 innings. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He also placed fourth in NL Cy Young voting.

Kennedy will be even better this year and will be able to carry a team like Halladay or Lee.

He’s baseball’s version of Cam Newton. A question mark that everyone laughed at when he was taken so high. Only Newton owners were laughing in the end. Kennedy is that guy.

Projected 2012 stats: 23 wins, 2.52 ERA, 246 innings, 1.02 WHIP, 228 strikeouts.

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch and Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer are two players that you must have on your 2012 fantasy baseball team.

At the moment, these guys are sleepers who can drastically impact your standings within your league. The problem is, they aren’t going to be sleepers for much longer, so you better hop to it.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ve seen so far from each player, how they are looking this spring and what you can expect from them this season.

 

Brennan Boesch, OF, Detroit Tigers

Boesch arguably has one of the prettiest left-handed swings you’ll see in the MLB. When he makes contact with the ball, he absolutely wails on it, and he has the potential to be a pure power hitter.

The problem with him has been his inconsistencies. He’s started off hot for two years now, but couldn’t keep the momentum going, ending last season with a broken hand.

When he’s on, though, he could be rather dangerous. Boesch has hit a great .274 with a slugging percentage of .629 and six home runs this spring, and he should see a lot of good pitches batting in front of guys like Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder this season.

This is his third season in the pros, and with the teammates he’s got around him, I expect him to play loose and comfortable. All he needs to do is make contact. When he does, great things happen.

He’ll knock in at least 20 bombs in 2012 and rack up a ton of RBI. This is a guy you need on your team.

 

Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Hosmer is a name that you better get used too, because he’s going to be the real deal for the Royals.  

He’s one of the hottest players in spring training right now, hitting a blazing .429 with 30 hits, 28 RBI, five home runs and a SLG of .757.

Hosmer is going to be a sleeper for about the next five minutes, so you may want to snag him while you can in your league.

The Royals are going to need a lot of hits to keep up in the AL Central this season, so they’re going to need Hosmer to step up.

What we’ve seen from him this spring would suggest that he’s a legitimate big league talent. I’d expect 25 home runs and a whole bundle of RBI. He’ll be one of the better hitters in the AL this season.

 

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You don’t think Adam Dunn all of a sudden just forgot how to hit a baseball do you?

After all, this was something he was remarkably consistent at doing over the past seven years. During that time span, Dunn cranked out at least 38 HR every season.

Then 2011 happened, and that was the worse season any major free agent has had in the history of sports, let alone baseball.

Dunn hit .159 with 11 HR and 42 RBI in 122 games. 

That said, how can he not improve?

If he hits .220 with 22 HR and 80 RBI, he nearly doubles his production in every major category.

Dunn let the mental aspect of the game eat him up, but it’s a new season, and having gone through what he did last year, he’s better equipped to deal with struggles.

The expectations won’t be as high, because quite frankly, almost everyone is down on him.

Make no mistake, Dunn will always strike out a ton, but in 2012, he will deliver numbers much closer to what the White Sox were expecting from him last season.

 

Kendry Morales’ Triumphant Return

Morales has been snake bitten by injuries over the past two seasons. After hitting a walk-off grand slam in May of 2010, Morales celebrated by leaping in the air and landing on home plate in celebration.

He broke his ankle in that celebration and before this spring, he had not played in a major league game since.

In 2009, Morales displayed his amazing potential by hitting .306, with 34 HR and 108 RBI. The following year, Morales homered 11 times in 51 games before his freak injury.

This is a big-time power hitter whose full potential we never got a chance to see.

He’s healthy now and ready to resume his enormous run-producing rate. Thanks to Albert Pujols, he can DH instead of playing first base and should be hitting with runners on base often.

 

Johan Santana Is Not Done Yet

The oft-injured Santana will likely slip in your fantasy draft. Be the smart one and snatch him up in the middle to late rounds. Santana had a rough shoulder surgery (repairing a torn capsule), and his innings will be kept down early in the season. Right now, he is making a transition from power pitching to location and command.

He was never throwing triple digits, but the velocity he lost was troubling. What I trust with Santana is his ability to control the corners and change speeds. It’s key for him and the effectiveness of his circle changeup.

Over the past two seasons, Santana is 24-18, so it isn’t as if he has missed an entire season.

He isn’t an 18 or 20-game winner anymore, but he has some value, especially considering where you can get him. 

 

Ozzie is the Man to Fix Big Z

Big Z disgraced himself in his Cubs’ exit, but he still has nasty stuff. His emotions have always been his biggest problem.

Carlos, meet Ozzie Guillen.

The two actually know each other very well, and that is one major reason I placed him here. Zambrano has to respect the man in charge; it got to a point where that wasn’t the case in Chicago.

Whether it makes sense or not, he has a ton of respect for Guillen, and that will help keep his emotions in check.

From there, it’s about keeping that sinker down. If he does that with the lineup the Marlins have, he could win 15 games this season.

 

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It seems like everyone who plays fantasy sports has their sleepers, busts, keepers, and break-out players lists. 

It is easy to make a list, but much more difficult to put that list to work in an actual fantasy draft. 

If you have read my break-out, sleepers, and busts slide show, you will see how I maximized my Yahoo MLB draft based on the players “Average Draft Position”—meaning what number they went overall. 

I will give you two scenarios:  One, drafting first overall in a 12 team league, and the other drafting 12th overall. 

This will give you a better idea of which players can and will be available at your particular pick in the draft. Team A will have the 1st overall pick and Team B will have the 12th overall pick based on a 12 team league. 

Here are how my two teams would shake out based on players current draft positions.

We will base this draft on the normal 5×5 Rotisserie Leagues. Our starters will be as follows which is standard in a Yahoo league:

C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, (3) OF, (2) Utility/DH, (2) SP, (2) RP, (4) P

The players average draft position is in the parentheses, while the number off to the side represents their actual draft position.

 

Below is how I would maximize my team from both draft slots on draft day.

 

Round 1

Team A – Troy Tulowitzki (4th) Draft Overall 1st

Team B – Evan Longoria (14th) – Draft Overall 12th

 

Round 2

Team B – Carlos Gonzalez (13th) – Draft Overall 13th

Team A –  Andrew McCutchen (28th) – Draft Overall 24th

 

Round 3

Team A – Tim Lincecum (27th) – Draft Overall 25th

Team B – Carlos Santana (40th) – Draft Overall 36th

 

Round 4

Team B – David Price (51st) – Draft Overall 37th

Team A – Brett Lawrie (50th) – Draft Overall 48th

 

Round 5

Team A – Jay Bruce (56th) – Draft Overall 49th

Team B – Yovani Gallardo (60th) – Draft Overall 60th

 

Round 6

Team B – Eric Hosmer (71st) – Draft Overall 61st

Team A – Howie Kendrick (80th) – Draft Overall 72nd

 

Round 7

Team A – Drew Storen (86th) – Draft Overall 73rd

Team B – Jason Heyward (90th) – Draft Overall 84th

 

Round 8

Team B – Matt Moore (93rd) – Draft Overall 85th

Team A – Brian Wilson (104th) – Draft Overall 96th

 

Round 9

Team A – Daniel Hudson (101st) – Draft 97th Overall

Team B – Ricky Romero (114th) –  Draft 108th Overall

 

Round 10

Team B – Joel Hanrahan (118th) – Draft 109th Overall

Team A- Brandon Beachy (121st) –  Draft 120th Overall

 

Round 11

Team A – Freddie Freeman (137th) – Draft 121st Overall

Team B – Jordan Walden (133rd) – Draft 132nd Overall

 

Round 12

Team B – Cameron Maybin (141st) – Draft 133rd Overall

Team A – Jesus Montero (155th) – Draft 144th Overall

 

Round 13

Team A – Huston Street (152nd) – Draft 145th Overall

Team B – Erick Aybar (157th) – Draft 156th Overall

 

Round 14

Team B – Peter Bourjos (174th) – Draft 157th Overall

Team A – Max Scherzer (169th) – Draft 168th Overall

 

Round 15

Team A – Jeff Francouer (181st) – Draft 169th Overall

Team B –  Jason Kipnis (200th) – Draft 180th Overall

 

Round 16

Team B – Wandy Rodriguez (194th) – Draft 181st Overall

Team A – Bud Norris (201st) – Draft 192nd Overall

 

Round 17

Team A – Wilson Ramos (213th) – Draft 193rd Overall

Team B – Dexter Fowler (206th) – Draft 204th Overall

 

Round 18

Team B – Lucas Duda (216th) – Draft 205th Overall

Team A – Matt Joyce (229th) – Draft 216th Overall

 

Round 19

Team A – Austin Jackson (238th) – Draft 217th Overall

Team B – Ryan Raburn (253rd) – Draft 228th Overall

 

Round 20

Team B – Brandon McCarthy (246th) – Draft 229th Overall

Team A –  Brennan Boesch (260th) – Draft 240th Overall

 

Round 21

Team A – Devin Mesoraco (265th) – Draft 241st Overall

Team B – Addison Reed (323rd) – Draft 252nd Overall

 

Round 22

Team B – John Mayberry (310th) – Draft 253rd Overall

Team A – Greg Holland (312th) – Draft 264th Overall

 

Round 23

Team A – Justin Smoak (347th) – Draft 265th Overall

Team B – Brandon Belt ( 357th) – Draft 276th Overall

 

RESULTS

Team A

C – Wilson Ramos

1B – Freddie Freeman

2B – Howie Kendrick

SS – Troy Tulowitzki

3B – Brett Lawrie

OF – Andrew McCutchen

OF – Jay Bruce

OF – Jeff Francouer

UT – Jesus Montero

UT – Matt Joyce

SP – Tim Lincecum

SP – Daniel Hudson

RP – Drew Storen

RP – Brian Wilson

P – Brandon Breachy

P – Huston Street

P – Max Scherzer

P – Bud Norris

————————————

BENCH: Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Devin Mesoraco, Greg Holland, Justin Smoak

 

———————————————————————————————————————————————

Team B

C – Carlos Santana

1B – Eric Hosmer

2B – Jason Kipnis

SS – Erick Aybar

3B – Evan Longoria

OF – Carlos Gonzalez

OF – Jason Heyward

OF – Cameron Maybin

UT – Peter Bourjos

UT – Dexter Fowler

SP – David Price

SP – Yovani Gallardo

RP – Matt Moore

RP – Joel Hanrahan

P – Ricky Romero

P – Jordan Walden

P – Wandy Rodriguez

P – Brandon McCarthy

————————————

BENCH: Lucas Duda, Ryan Raburn, Addison Reed, John Mayberry, Brandon Belt

———————————————————————————————————————————————

Below is a list of the notable Undrafted Players (players falling out of 277th Overall that I did not draft):

C Miguel Olivo

1B Adam Dunn, Justin Morneau

2B Jose Altuve

SS Alcides Escobar, Stephen Drew, Zack Cosart

3B Nolan Arenado, Danny Valencia, Casey McGehee

OF Chris Heisey, Colby Rasmus, Carlos Quentin, Jason Bay, Mike Trout

SP Trevor Bauer, Ryan Vogelsong, Julio Teheran, Drew Pomeranz, Jake Peavy, Trevor Cahill, Chad Billinglsey, Francisco Liriano

RP Jonathon Broxton, Kevin Gregg

———————————————————————————————————————————————

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on maximizing your draft based on the average draft positions. If you are in a deeper or shallower league you can adjust these players draft positions/rankings to maximize your team. Hopefully this can give you a better idea of who to target and when you should pull the trigger on getting them. Now go draft!

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This list will consist of my 2012 All-MLB Fantasy Breakout and Sleeper players by position. 

If you are in a standard five-by-five, 10 team roto or head to head league, this list probably is not for you, but it can help you target key breakout players and backups for your superstar lineups. 

However, if you are in a 12, 14, 16 or even 20 team leagues, you have come to the right place for help. 

Read on and have fun taking home the title this year.

Begin Slideshow

One of my main rules for fantasy baseball is quite simple: be wary of young players.

I’m of the belief that you should almost always take established veterans with your early picks. However, every year a few youngsters go on a tear, proving to be just as valuable as the vets at the top of the fantasy rankings.

So which young studs should you pick up this season? Just scroll down and find out.

 

Justin Upton

I think this is the year the 24-year-old Upton wins his first NL MVP award.

Last year, he cranked 31 homers and drove in 88 runs. He also stole 21 bases and posted career highs in contact rate (78.7 percent), OPS versus right-handed pitchers (.889) and on-base percentage (.369). 

Upton is definitely worth a top-10 pick this season. Snag him early and let him lead your team to fantasy glory. 

 

Clayton Kershaw

Like Upton, Kershaw won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season.

He’s still just 24-years-old, but as the 2011 Cy Young award winner proved last year, his youth isn’t exactly a problem.

He got more control of his command last year, which greatly improved his efficiency. He only averaged 2.08 walks per nine innings, which was 19th best among starting pitchers. The lefty also struck out 248 batters and posted a 2.28 ERA, while winning 21 games.

I wouldn’t select him ahead of Roy Halladay or Justin Verlander, but Kershaw would be a steal in the 15-20 range of your draft.

 

Starlin Castro

I’m expecting Castro to be one of the breakout fantasy stars of 2012.

Last season, he hit .307 while posting a .341 on-base percentage and an OPS of .773. He also drove in 66 runs and racked up 207 hits. Only Alex Rodriguez has more hits in a season at such a young age.

If he improves his power a little, the 22-year-old will be one of the best shortstops in the league. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses guys like Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes in terms of fantasy production this season.

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With the stunning news of Reds reliever Ryan Madson needing season-ending surgery on his elbow, fantasy owners must now play the waiting game to learn of Cincinnati’s interim (or long-term) closer.

Or, at the very least, you can start taking prospective fliers on these four candidates, via the draft or free-agent waivers.

 

Sean Marshall (LHP)
 

One of baseball’s most effective set-up relievers of the last few years, Marshall was acquired from the Cubs in December. And, by all accounts, he’s the favorite to become Cincinnati’s next closer.

In Marshall’s last 150.1 innings (spanning two seasons), he tallied 169 strikeouts (and just 42 walks), a 2.44 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a K/9 ratio north of 10—all numbers befitting of a closer. Marshall also posted six saves during that time. This back-end experience should warrant Marshall getting a first crack at leading the bullpen.

Aroldis Chapman (LHP)

Chapman (90 Ks in 63 innings, 12.8 K/9 ratio in 2010-11) might have been the easy choice if the Reds needed an emergency closer last season. But with the club committed to converting Chapman into a starting pitcher, going back to the bullpen may not seem like the most palatable option.

Speaking of which, Cincinnati still has options with Chapman and were reportedly thinking of letting the Cuban lefty start the season at Triple-A Louisville as a means of building up arm strength for a May or June call-up. However, that plan might get scrapped, in the wake of Madson’s injury.

With a fastball that routinely tops 100 mph, Chapman has the greatest closer upside of the four candidates listed here.

Logan Ondrusek (RHP)

At 6’8″ and 230 pounds, the 27-year-old Ondrusek certainly looks the part of a menacing closer, but he’s still a little raw for a bullpen ace. In his 120 major league innings (spanning two seasons and 126 appearances), Ondrusek only has 80 strikeouts, a 3.45 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and a pedestrian K/9 ratio of 6.0.

This isn’t to say Ondrusek would be a bad experiment at the closer spot, though. Not all players find their niche within the first three seasons in the bigs. Ondrusek would likely get plenty of run support from hitters like Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, Scott Rolen and shortstop Zack Cozart, the Reds’ best pure hitter (.444 batting, 1.196 OPS) in Cactus League play.

Homer Bailey (RHP)

On stuff alone, the 25-year-old Bailey would make a fine closer. But with his multi-pitch repertoire and an extra-time requirement to get warmed up each time out, the Reds won’t likely pursue this option.

From a selfish perspective, I have admired Bailey’s fantasy ceiling since his Single-A season with Dayton (10.9 K/9 ratio) and desperately hope he remains a starter.

Yes, Bailey hasn’t fully lived up to the Cole Hamels-esque expectations of a few years back, but I still believe Homer (nine wins, 106/33 K-BB ratio last season) can be a front-end starter for a pennant-contending club.

 

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night.

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During his last few years with the Chicago Cubs, new Miami Marlins starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano made headlines for his temper tantrums more than his work on the mound, but the change of scenery will bring Big Z back to relevancy in 2012.

Zambrano is an interesting name for fantasy managers every season. On one hand, he knows how to strike batters out and is a solid veteran; on the other hand, he can be a monster headache with all his random outbursts and foot-in-mouth type of comments.

That being said, the Marlins didn’t go out and acquire the former Cubs hurler without thinking they can control the big man. Who better to control Big Z than manager Ozzie Guillen, right? Exactly.

While I don’t expect Zambrano to pull any more of his usual outbursts during his first year on a new team, if he tries that stuff with Guillen, he’s going to get an earful and then some. There’s no way the new Marlins skipper is going to put up with temper tantrums from anyone but himself.

Zambrano had his worst season in MLB in 2011, and he still posted a 6.2 strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio. The native Venezuelan is a proven strikeout producer, and he’s a guy I’ve seen go either in the last round of drafts or undrafted in many fantasy leagues.

The newest Miami Marlin is only two seasons removed from a double-digit win year in 2010. Oh, and over his 11 seasons in the big leagues, Big Z strikes out an average of almost eight batters per nine innings.

If you’re sitting there questioning whether or not this former Cubbie is motivated, he’s actually spent the offseason working out according to the Miami Herald. Yes, you read that right: Carlos Zambrano has been working out!

The Herald stated that Zambrano has dropped an estimated two or three pants sizes since we last saw him take the mound. In fact, Big Z told reporter Clark Spencer that the only reason he didn’t keep shedding the weight was because his wife said he was beginning to look ill.

“She says I don’t look good, like I have cancer” the starting pitcher told Spencer.

I’m sure there have been plenty of managers who have been burned by this guy in recent seasons, but you can’t write off a proven veteran who boasts a career average of almost 200 Ks a year.

While I wouldn’t advocate drafting Big Z in, say, the 14th round of your draft or anything, he’ll be available in the final round most likely, and that’s a steal.

Now your league mates aren’t going to pat you on the back or scold you for taking their potential pick when you draft Zambrano, but you’ll have them kicking themselves later in the year when the Marlins hurler becomes one of your biggest strikeout producers.

While the congratulations are nice, it’s much more fun to watch your fellow managers wonder why they didn’t pick Big Z when they had the chance.

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