If you would like to be a guest writer for a site that is always on the first page of Google for organic search results, then check out our guest writer submission page and get published.

Fantasy baseball owners are no different than anyone else. Whether you are looking to buy a car, invest in a stock, pick up a CD of your favorite band or draft a player for your fantasy roster, everyone is searching for a deal. In fantasy sports, deals come in the form of players who are under-valued by your fellow fantasy owners at the draft table. These players are called fantasy baseball sleepers and can help you get the edge and possibly win your league. Most of these players have a good reason to be under-valued: they may be coming off an injury-riddled season; perhaps they have experienced a recent downturn in statistical production; maybe they have switched teams and have an undefined role with a new club. Whatever the reason, your competition at the fantasy draft may let these players slip down in their respective rankings. It’s your job to grab these fantasy sleepers at a place in the draft where they can produce better numbers than the players they will be drafted alongside.

Here is a list of fantasy baseball sleepers, one at every position, who may be expected to provide a value to your roster and who may exceed the expectations of your fellow fantasy opponents.

MUGSHOT: Shin-Soo Choo's 2011 season was a disaster that included a DUI.

Catcher – Nick Hundley (SD)

Sure, he plays in a terrible hitter’s park and has struggled mightily with injuries the past 4 seasons. However, if the definition of a fantasy baseball sleeper is a player who will slip down the list to a position where he can be drafted for value, then Hundley fits the bill. Nobody knows this guy and if he stays healthy he could challenge the 20 HR plateau.

First Base – Adam Lind (TOR)

After putting up a monster season in 2009, Lind was suddenly on everyone’s radar. However, back-to-back years of mediocre overall numbers have caused many fantasy baseball owners to shy away from the Blue Jays’ DH/1B. If the Jays land a big free agent bat in the off season, Lind may have some of the pressure taken off of him and he may respond. He had an amazing first half in 2011. He could easily do it again over a full season.

Second Base – Aaron Hill (ARI)

Talk about a fall from grace. After setting franchise records for HR at second base, Hill went from hero to goat to finding himself traded to the National League West within a 2 season span. His BABIP in 2010 was.196 and.268 in 2011. You have to believe that number simply has to increase. Coupled with his invigorated approach at the plate in Arizona, Hill may just pay dividends in 2012.

Third Base – Mark Reynolds (BAL)

Everyone’s favourite whipping boy switched positions in 2011 and saw an improvement in his offensive statistics as a result. Perhaps the pressure of playing the hot corner affected his play at the plate. His slash line as a third baseman:.210/.315/.451. After the move to first base:.250/.345/.566. The Orioles expect to play him at 1B in 2012 but fear not, he will still qualify at 3B in fantasy leagues.

Short Stop – Dee Gordon (LAD)

A frightening lack of patience at the plate is the only thing holding Gordon back from stealing 80 bases. He walked a mere 7 times in 233 plate appearances in 2011. If he can find a way to add walks to his.305 batting average, he may steal his way into fantasy conversations next season. In the meantime, consider him sleeper material.

Outfield – Shin-Shoo Choo (CLE)

Injuries and a DUI led to a horrific season for Choo. A bona fide top 50 fantasy pick heading into 2011, he may have fallen off the radar for many not willing to overlook last year’s fiasco. A return to the 20/20,.300 average seasons of 2009-2010 is very likely. He shouldn’t fall too far in most drafts but he may be a deal.

Designated Hitter – Adam Dunn (CHW)

The most consistent offensive player in major league baseball fell flat on his face in a historic way last season. Players of this consistency and talent level don’t come along very often. What did we learn in 2011? That Dun is a human being, not a robot. That’s all. Expect him to regroup and return to form with 35+ HR and 100 RBI.

Starting Pitcher – Adam Wainwright (STL)

Pitchers can not only return from Tommy John surgery, they can thrive afterward. See Tim Hudson, Billy Wagner and Josh Johnson for recent proof of this. Heading into 2011, Wainwright was a top 5 pitcher. Entering 2012, he won’t be on many top 30 lists. Let him slip and grab him just after the middle tier hurlers start to go (think Doug Fister and Max Scherzer for comparisons).

Relief Pitcher – Sergio Santos (TOR)

No one expected Santos to land the closer’s role in Chicago. However, in 2011 he did exactly that. With less competition in Toronto’s bullpen and playing for a team that may very well contend in 2012, Santos could be a draft day steal.

There are no sure things in baseball. This is especially true in fantasy baseball. However, if you take a chance or two on a few sleepers in your draft, you may just get the edge on your opponents. After all, having the edge is what it takes to win in fantasy baseball. Good luck in 2012!

Emilio Bonifacio with not Emilio Bonifacio's girlfriend.

Ever draft a great fantasy baseball team, only to see it go down the tubes quickly due to unanticipated injuries to your new fantasy baseball studs?  We’ve all been there.

But, how do you avoid the injury bug in fantasy baseball?  Well, the first way is to avoid those injury prone players.  Injuries are not about bad luck, at least not always.  Some player are just more prone to injury than others (Grady Sizemore anyone?) so try to avoid them.  (Shameless plug to see pictures of Grady Sizemore’s girlfriend here.   Heck, we could have chosen a lot of other guys that are injury prone too.)

The second way is through drafting multi-position players and guys who will be moving to other positions for the new season.  On our radio show this morning, we targeted Trevor Plouffe, Emilio Bonifacio, and Kyle Seager as three such players who qualify with the often used 10 game minimum at shortstop, but also qualify at other positions.  In these cases, you are getting DH, outfield, and third base production respectively at the shortstop position.

We were going to give you a list of players who qualify at multiple positions, but the guys over at Fantasy Baseball Tools had already done it for us, so here’s a link to their list of multi-position players.

Editor’s Note — These pictures were not part of the photo essay and investigative story done by BallparkBob for a previous post on Fantasy Baseball Dugout.

SHATTERED: The Marlins' aquariums are made of fiberglass designed to take a direct foul ball hit off the bat of Jose Reyes.

Here are our 2012 fantasy baseball sleepers at the shortstop position.

UPSIDE: The trade of Jesus Montero and retirement of Jorge Posada means that A-Rod and Jeter will be spending more time as DH, thus giving Eduardo Nunez more playing time in the Yankees infield.

1.  Dee Gordon, Los Angeles Dodgers — Stolen bases are over-rated in the fantasy game when compared to the real game of baseball.  And, Dee Gordon, son of ex-Major League reliever Flash Gordon, will light up the stolen base charts in 2012.  In just 224 at bats and 56 games last year, Gordon swiped 24 bases and was caught on 7 occasions.  If he plays in 156 games instead of 56 in 2012, that projects to 67 stolen bases and a possible league lead.  Coupled with a .304 average last year, Gordon, 23, offers exciting fantasy baseball potential for 2012.

2.  Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds — The 26-year-old Zack Cozart got the call to the Majors last year, but suffered two injuries.  He had Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing arm in August and had an ankle operation in September.  Since ’06, the Reds have paired 21 different shortstops with Brandon Phillips, but Dusty Baker thinks Cozart may be the keeper and he won’t get pushed a lot as Wilson Valdez and Paul Janish are behind him.  In the minors: 2010, 17 homers and 30 steals in 610 plate appearances; in 2011, 7 homers, 9 steals and a .310 average in only 350 plate appearances.  Cozart hit 2 dingers in just 37 at bats last year for the Reds so he can bring some power to your lineup.  We project Cozart at 15 homers, 20 stolen bases, and a .260 average for 2012.

3.  Eduardo Nunez, New York Yankees — It isn’t often that we have a guy on the sleeper list who is definitely going to be a back-up, but when you are the primary substitute for Cano, Jeter, and A-Rod, you have to think that you’ll get some time on the field.  Nunez did just that last year with the Yankees as he appeared in 112 games with a .265 average, 5 homers, 30 RBI, and an eye opening 22 stolen bases.  The trade of Jesus Montero means that A-Rod and Jeter will spend more time in the DH role, thus opening up an infield spot for Nunez.  Nunez in the infield with A-Rod as DH is a better option than Andruw Jones at DH.  If you think these aging superstars will spend some down time in 2012, Nunez is a solid sleeper pick.

TAYLOR MADE: Pastornicky goes right into the fire this year as the Braves starting shortstop.

4.  Taylor Pastornicky, Atlanta Braves — The Braves are not afraid to throw a young player with no experience into the fire and Taylor Pastornicky seems to be the Freddie Freeman of 2012 in Atlanta.  Pastornicky hit .314 with seven home runs and a .773 OPS in 117 combined games with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett last year. He struck out just 45 times in 512 plate appearances so he’s going to put the ball in play.  At age 22, and with just 27 games at Triple-A, it would be logical that the Braves would rather see somebody else at SS in 2012 and keep Pastornicky down for another season, but at this point, Atlanta has not made any moves other than to pick up Jack Wilson to mentor Pastornicky.  This is one to watch in Spring Training.  If Pastornicky wins the job, anticipate a .250 season with 5 homeruns and 15 stolen bases.

5.  Mike Aviles, Boston Red Sox — Mike Aviles has been on our sleeper list before with the Royals.  He’s never racked up the kind of AB’s, however, that he will in Boston this season.  Aviles line last year in just 91 games and 286 AB’s, was .255/7/39/14.  Rookie Jose Iglesias, who hit just .235 at Pawtucket last year, is behind him.  If Aviles can put up 500 AB’s, he can have a line of .290/10/60/25 in 2012.

6.  Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins — With the acquisition of Jamey Carroll to play shortstop, Trevor Plouffe is penciled in as the Twins primary DH for 2012, but having played 45 games at shortstop last year, he will qualify in all leagues as a shortstop.  We like the idea of a guy with DH power being listed as a shortstop.  Plouffe hit 8 homers in limited time last season (286 AB’s), but he added 15 homers in just 220 AB’s at Rochester.  Plouffe will likely be the primary DH in Minnesota and can end up with 15+ homeruns.  Get his pronunciation right at your draft:  “Ploof.”

7.  Jed Lowrie, Houston  Astros — Jed Lowrie moves to the Astros in the deal that sent Mark Melancon to Boston.  Lowrie doesn’t do anything really well fantasy baseball-wise, but he’s going to get a chance to play every day in Houston and that will up his 309 at bats he received in 2011.  Lowrie won’t hurt your team batting average at .260 and can pop 10 homers for you, but don’t expect him to help your stolen base totals.

8.  Emilio Bonifacio, Miami Marlins — Coming off of a 40 stolen base season, Bonifacio is not going to be a surprise to anybody.  But, if all you do to prepare for your draft is read those out of date magazines on the newstand, you may miss the fact that Bonifacio spent 67 games at shortstop.  He’s also eligible at third base and in the outfield, thus making Bonifacio a speed demon with speed for 2012.  Plus, its fun to say his name.

9.  Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners — If 10 is your league’s magic number for position eligibility, Kyle Seager will be eligible as a shortstop this year for you.  That’s good, because the Brendan Ryan will be the Mariners’ starting shortstop with Seager moving to third base.  Seager hit .333 at Double-A and Triple-A last year and popped 7 homers while swiping 11.  In 53 games in the Bigs, he hit .258 with 3 homers and 3 steals.  Seager doesn’t have the power to pop many out of Safeco, but he has gap power and will hit doubles and help your team batting average.  He’s a solid late round pick in most leagues for 2012.

HOME GAME: The Phanatic makes his way to his hometown on the Gallapagos Islands.

POSER: The Phanatic poses with a native of the island.

(See more of the Phanatic’s home pictures after the jump.)

TONGUE THING: The Phanatic does the tongue thing with a seal on the Gallapagos Islands.

RACE: After being distracted by the seal, the Phanatic falls behind in the challenge race with the giant tortoise.

MILE HIGH POTENTIAL: Michael Cuddyer's eligibility at second base and his move to Colorado make the veteran a 2012 sleeper at second base.

Second base, along with catcher, is the position many managers look for when it comes to position scarcity, meaning that there’s less good ones available.  Hence, players like Ian Kinsler and Robinson Cano have increased value in your fantasy baseball draft.  But, if you have to draft a second baseman deep in the rounds, here are some guys they just may turn out to be keystone gems.

1.  Michael Cuddyer, Colorado Rockies — When most baseball fans think of Michael Cuddyer, they don’t think about a second baseman, but Cuddyer, depending on your league’s rules, may be just that.  Hence, his value in moving to hitter friendly Coors Field is increased even more.  In 2011, Cuddyer played first base and right field for the Twins, but he also appeared in 17 games at second base, not to mention pitching one inning.  That qualifies him as a keystoner in most leagues.  Cuddyer, 32, hit 32 homeruns for Minnesota in 2009.  He can match that total in Colorado this year.

2.  Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians — Kipnis was slowed by an oblique and a hamstring injury in his rookie season last year.  Kipnis, however, showed considerable promise last year in his time in Cleveland and is likely the overall most talked about second base sleeper for 2012.  The rookie second baseman hit .272 with 7 homers, 19 RBIs, 24 runs scored and five steals in just 36 games in his inaugural season.

3.  Jose Altuve, Houston  Astros — Jose Altuve was hitting .389 in the Minors when the Astros gave him the call to the show last year after Houston had abandoned all hopes.  Altuve hit .276 with a pair of homers, seven steals, 12 RBIs and 26 runs scored in 221 at-bats during his inaugural season.  We like the 7 stolen bases and think he’ll get his chances to steal on an Astros team that will struggle to score runs.  At 5′ 7″, Altuve doesn’t have the power to ever be considered an elite second baseman, but as a MIF guy, he won’t hurt your batting average and can give you 20 stolen bases.

4.  Alexi Casilla, Minnesota Twins — Alexi Casilla was on his way to his best season ever before a hamstring pull sidelined him in  August.  That was a big injury for Casilla in that his biggest contribution to your fantasy baseball team is his stolen base totals.  Casilla hit .260 with 15 stolen bases and just 2 homers in 323 AB’s last year.  Australian Luke Hughes, who has considerably more pop, will push Casilla for starting time at second base.

5.  Daniel Murphy, New York Mets — Daniel Murphy was on his way to a career year before a torn MCL ended his season in early August.  Murphy ended up hitting .320 with six homers, five steals, 49 RBIs and 49 runs scored in 391 at-bats.  Murphy missed the entire 2010 season so he remains an injury risk and while we don’t think he’ll be able to duplicate another .300 season, it’s nice to have a second baseman on your team who will actually help your team batting average.  Moving the fences in at Citi Field will also help Murphy exceed the 12 homers he hit in 2009.

ROYALTY: The future is bright for Johnny Giavotella

6.  Johnny Giovotella, Kansas City Royals — Johnny Giovatello, the Royal’s minor league hitter of the year, batted .338 in the minors with 34 doubles, nine homers and 72 RBIs. He blazed his way to Kansas City on Aug. 5 by hitting .391 in June and July and was named a Topps Triple-A all-star. For the Royals, in 178 at bats, he hit .247 while enduring some growing pains at the Big League level.  Giovotella projects to be a .270 hitter with 10 homers this year for the Royals.  He had 5 stolen bases in his short stint in the Bigs, but he’s not projected to be much more than a 10 stolen base guy while playing the entire season.

7.  Jemile Weeks, Oakland Athletics — Weeks put up big numbers in his rookie season, but given that he had only 406 AB’s, we listed him as a sleeper.  Weeks hit .303 with a pair of homers, 22 steals, 36 RBIs and 50 runs scored.  With his ability to get on base, the speedy youngster could exceed 30 steals next season.  He’s a fun player to watch.

8.  Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners — He came up with a lot of hype and proved that he belonged in the Majors in 2011.  Dustin Ackley hit .273 with six homers, six swipes, 36 RBIs and 29 runs scored in 333 at bats in his inaugural Major League season.  At age 23, fantasy owners can expect him to improve in both areas in the coming seasons.

9.  Omar Infante, Miami Marlins — Rather than test the free agent market, Omar Infante decided to stay in Miami.  Infante got off to a slow start in his first season with the Marlins but turned it on in the second half, hitting .314 with six long balls.  He won’t do much for your stolen base or power numbers, but if your league counts runs scored, the singles he hits and an improved Marlins lineup, could give you a lift.

10.  Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles — The veteran Brian Roberts, husband of 2011 Baseball’s Hottest Wife Diana Roberts (see photo gallery here), has been hampered by back and head injuries each of the past two seasons and appeared in just 39 games in 2011, never returning after sliding headfirst into the first-base bag at Boston in mid-May. If the O’s don’t have Roberts healthy at the start of next season, utility man Robert Andino and new acquisition Matt Antonelli figure to be the two top candidates to step in at second, but since the Orioles didn’t shop for a new keystoner in the off-season, we think Roberts will be back.  That being said, this is one to watch closely in Spring Training for Roberts has been a solid contributor, especially in the stolen base category in years past.

Michael Pineda to the Yankees: Fantasy Analysis

In getting traded to the New York Yankees, Miguel Pineda immediately gets thrown into a spotlight/pressure cooker situation. He’s projecting right now as no. 2 in the Yankees rotation behind CC Sabathia — so you know he will be in line for some wins if he can keep it consistent. After his All-Star start to the 2011 season – he struggled with getting wins down the stretch.

Obviously, wins aren’t as important in fantasy baseball as they are in real life. This is one of the great inaccuracies of fantasy baseball, but one of the biggest reasons great pitchers on bad teams still have a lot of value (see Hernandez, Felix circa 2010). As we start projecting player rankings for the 2012 draft season, look for Pineda to be a top 25 starting pitcher. It would seem that Pineda could be one of the biggest draft day values in fantasy baseball 2012 – and he should be a solid no. 2 in fantasy baseball, too.

For 2012 fantasy baseball analysis of Jesus Montero,

Jesus Montero to the Mariners: Fantasy Analysis

After what seemed to be years and years of waiting, Jesus Montero can FINALLY become a starting catcher. Ironically, incumbent Yankees catcher Jorge Posada finally retired this week.

The Mariners youth movement was hurt by the loss of Pineda, but they now have a great core of players who are all under 25. King Felix obviously is now the crown jewel of their pitching staff. Montero, first baseman Justin Smoak, second baseman Dustin Ackley, third baseman Kyle Seager, and left fielder Mike Carp are all 25 or under.

While he projects on the Mariners depth chart as a DH, Montero will retain eligibility at catcher. Because of his availability as a catcher, he becomes an instant top 10 catcher in fantasy baseball simply based on how his 2011 production projects over 162 games. After about 9 catchers in fantasy baseball, the value drops significantly – especially in terms of power numbers. Check out our top 25 catcher rankings for 2012 to see who’s ahead – and behind – of Montero in our rankings.

Leryn Franco, Paraguay

Not a hot baseball wife, but we suddenly have an interest in javelin throwing.