Fantasy Baseball 2010: Top 10 Sleeper Picks to Draft

While the first few rounds of a fantasy baseball draft should always be used to set the core of your team into place, the last few rounds are better used to take a gamble on high risk, high reward, players. Whether these players are season veterans returning from injury, or untested rookies who will see plenty of playing time in the upcoming season, they share the common thread of being fantasy draft day sleeper picks. Here then are the top 10 sleeper picks to select during your 2010 fantasy baseball draft.

Stephen Drew (Diamondbacks) SS

Drew has yet to live up to the potential that made him Arizona's first round selection in 2004, and his 2009 numbers were down from the year before. Still, if you are looking for a shortstop with a high fantasy ceiling, then Drew is your man. If Drew rebounds this season, look for numbers in the 25-30 homer, +.290 average range. If he remains available in the late rounds, Drew is worth a pick.

Tim Hudson (Braves) SP

Hudson missed most of last season with an injury, returning in September to post a 2-1 record with 30 K's, and a 3.61 ERA in 42 innings of work. While Hudson has always sported a high WHIP, he is also a 148-78 lifetime pitcher with a solid 3.49 ERA. Chances are Hudson may be overlooked this year in most drafts, if he is, take him in the mid-late to late rounds of your draft.

Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks) SP

Webb missed all but one game of the 2009 season, and is coming off surgery in his right shoulder which may scare off most fantasy owners this year. Still, this is a pitcher who was 40-17 over the course of the 2007 and 2008 seasons, and a return to form will mean an ERA around 3.00 and 180-200 strikeouts. Keep your eyes on him during spring training and take him if he is anywhere near the pitcher he was before the injury.

Billy Butler (Royals) 1B

Yes, Butler is coming off a 21-93-.301 season and he plays for the Royals. Still, the 6-1, 240 lbs Butler has not maxed out his power numbers. Last season along with 21 homers, he hit 51 doubles. Look for part of those doubles to translate into homers over the next few season, and look for Butler to be in the 30-35 homer range in 2010. If you miss out on an elite first baseman, then Butler may be a good mid to late round option.

Edinson Vólquez (Reds) SP

After a breakout season in 2008, Volquez suffered a season ending elbow injury last season. He is coming of elbow surgery in 2010, and may not return to being the pitcher he was starting out to be. Still, Volquez high side is hard to deny, and should he return to form, look for a 15 win, +180 K season from the 26 year old.

Geovany Soto (Cubs) C

After a fantastic rookie season in 2008, many owners took Soto high in their 2009 draft. Soto rewarded them with an 11-47-.218 season. Though he will always strikeout at a high rate, Soto still has +20 homer potential, and he is not the .218 hitter he was last season. Look for 18-20 homers and a +.260 average from Soto in 2010.

Garrett Jones (Pirates) OF

A career minor leaguer who has hit 158 homers in 11 minor league seasons, Jones got a mid year call up to the majors courtesy of the Pirates and fashioned a great rookie year (Jones enjoyed 77 at bats with the Twins back in 2007) collecting 21 homers, 10 steals and a .293 average in 82 games. Does that mean Jones is capable of a +40 homerun season? No, but it does mean he is worth a late round look.

Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals) SP

Zimmermann posted 92 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched as a rookie for Washington last season. Only 23 when the season begins, Jordan will have a chance to improve on his 2009 numbers. While he may still struggle some in 2010, Zimmerman will make a solid late round choice in keeper leagues.

Jay Bruce (Reds) OF

Now that Bruce is coming back from an injured plagued season in which he hit .223 with 22 homers in 101 games, the hype that surrounded him last year may be over. Still, Jay has unmistakable power and he is far from the .223 hitter he was last season. Look for numbers in the 30-90-.285 range from Bruce in 2010.

David Wright (Mets) 3B

Though he hit .307 last season, Wright's power all but disappeared and he ended the year with just 10 homers and 74 RBIs. Wright still stole 27 bases last season, and there is little reason to believe he will not be back to the +25 homer, 100 RBIs he enjoyed in 2005-2008. No longer a first round pick, Wright is still a great pick if he slips into the middle rounds.

Statistical Sources:

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players