5 Late Round Fantasy Baseball Draft Targets

The first few rounds of a fantasy baseball draft usually go as predicted with few surprises. It’s the latter half of a draft that can make or break a championship in fantasy baseball.

Here are five players I’ll have my sights on in the later rounds of the draft and look to grab at least a round or two ahead of where they are projected.

Erik Bedard – Yahoo Average Pick 150+
Two years ago Erik Bedard was a top 5 pitcher. This year he’s not even in the top 100 and barely makes the top 50 pitchers selected by 4 of 5 Yahoo’s Fantasy Experts. Aside from an injured butt muscle, Bedard’s arm and shoulder appear fine and snagging him as the 4th or 5th starting pitcher of a fantasy baseball roster could yield solid dividends.

Pablo Sandoval – Yahoo Average Pick 160+
There are two things to like about Pablo Sandoval. First, he’s eligible as a catcher (Yahoo Leagues and CBS, not ESPN) and second, he’ll play everyday as the Giants’ first or third baseman. That means that a fantasy manager is much more likely to get 500+ at-bats from the catcher’s spot without rostering two players. Also, Sandoval might bat 3rd of 4th in the Giants lineup, so he has a great opportunity for RBI and run production.

Chris Carpenter – Yahoo Average Pick 200+
Early reports this spring indicate that Chris Carpenter is pitching well and healthy. That’s good news for a one time top 3 or 4 ranked starting pitcher. Carpenter’s also penciled in as the 4th starter in the St Louis rotation. That’s great news for fantasy managers who like to play pitching matchups.

Trevor Hoffman – Yahoo Average Pick 150+
Trevor Hoffman’s age and ballpark change makes most fantasy managers nervous and while his best days are certainly behind him, there really are no other solid closing options in Milwaukee. That means that barring a complete implosion, it’s quite possible Hoffman still picks up 30+ saves. In addition, even though his ability to strike out batters may have declined, his control still appears to be there.

Cameron Maybin – Yahoo Average Pick 180+
Cameron Maybin was barely on the draft radar of almost any fantasy baseball analyst a month ago but after batting .414 thus far this Spring, people are beginning to take notice. If Maybin can hold onto the leadoff spot in Florida all season, there is a good chance he can score 80 – 90 runs while hitting double-digit home runs and stealing 30 – 40 bases.