First things first, I hate the term “sleeper.” If you’re a fantasy player with more than one synapse firing inside your cavernous dome then you’ve done your homework and you already know who these guys are. This column is for you single synapse guys out there. This is a list of 10 guys I expect to exceed expectations and their draft positions, providing you with exceptional value in the later rounds.

1.     Gordon Beckham, 3B/2B/SS, Chicago White Sox- This Beckham will likely do better on the field but worse in the marriage department than the soccer player with whom he shares a surname. Normally a .270 BA with 14 HR’s and 63 RBI’s wouldn’t garner attention on draft day but those are  what Beckham put up after getting called up two months into the season. With his multi-position eligibility and a full season to rake, Beckham could prove to be one of the most valuable infielders in this year’s draft.

2.     Chris Davis, 1B/3B, Texas Rangers- Davis is the ultimate fantasy tease. His power is Ruthian but he strikes out as often as Michael Vick trying to pick up chicks at a PETA convention.  At least that’s the impression most fantasy owners have, and with good reason. But…did anyone notice that after his Mendoza-like B.A. got him demoted to the minors he came back in September and hit .318 for the month? If he can carry a respectable average over 150 games, 30 homers is not out of the question.

3.     Clay Buchholz, SP, Boston Red Sox- Though it seems like we hear Buchholz’s name as a rising star every year, he is only 25 and this may finally be the season he puts it all together and nails down a permanent spot in the Red Sox rotation.  His innings and experience have gradually increased since his debut in 2007. His ERA was 4.21 last season and he posted roughly a 2:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Remember, this is a guy who threw a no-hitter as a 22 year old.  He still has that talent. Don’t forget him on draft day.

4.     Angel Pagan, CF, N.Y. Mets- In addition to having the most ironic name ever, Angel Pagan also has the Mets centerfield job until Carlos Beltran returns approximately 8 weeks into the season. With a good showing Pagan could shift to left field after Beltran’s return.  He hit over .300 in 343 at bats last season and provides some speed on the basepaths, having racked up 14 steals in 88 games last year.

5.     Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies- Halladay a sleeper? Hear me out. Halladay is a sleeper for the NL CY Young and MVP. I hate drafting pitchers early. Hate it with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns.  They only help my team once every 5 days. But this is different. All Halladay has done every year, in the American League, in the toughest division in baseball, is show up, strike out 200, and win about 20 games. Every year.  It’s like he’s a robot. I also believe that he’s mute. Has anyone ever heard or read a quote from him?  Against NL lineups with an actual major league offense behind him, Halladay will dominate in every statistical category. Pick this mute robot, put him in your lineup and relax for the next 6 months.

6.     Matt Thornton, RP, Chicago White Sox- Thornton isn’t closing for Chicago, yet. Post All-Star break last year Bobby Jenks’ BAA (batting average against) ballooned as fast as his waistline.  Thornton will start the year in middle relief, but his stuff is filthy and he’s got ‘future closer’ written all over him. If Jenks falters, or his legs can no longer support his gelatinous upper body, Thornton will never give that job back. Until that happens he’ll still give you plenty of quality innings, occasional wins and saves and phenomenal help in ERA and WHIP.

7.     Miguel Montero, C, Arizona Diamondbacks- In fantasy baseball there are no stats for handling a staff well or being a good defensive catcher. Only a handful of backstops provide you with solid offensive help. Montero is one of those guys. His OBP, slugging and batting average have increased each of the last three seasons. On top of a solid average he should give you around 20 home runs and 80 RBI’s this season.

8.     Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds- Speed kills. Speed changes the game. A routine ground ball is a threat when Stubbs is flying up the first baseline. A fielder rushes his throw to beat the speed demon and misses the mark. Suddenly a ground ball has turned into a man on second in scoring position. That’s what Stubbs will bring to the lead off position for the Reds this year. A routine slap single is a steal opportunity for the lightning quick Stubbs. A 50 steal season is not out of the question.

9.     Brandon Morrow, SP, Seattle Mariners- Morrow put in 69 innings last season with an impressive 8.14 K/9 ratio. This year the Mariners have quietly assembled one of the best fielding teams in the majors and their pitching staff figures to reap the benefits. As a virtual rookie Morrow will get hit now and then, but inside spacious Safeco Field he has the defense to make him look very good.

Aroldis Chapman, SP, Cincinnati Reds- 95 mph is a really good fastball. 97 mph is phenomenal. How about 102 mph? That’s what the Cuban defector brings. On top of that his ability to change speed from that fastball to his changeup will have major league hitters off balance. He may start the season in the minors but his upside makes a late round flyer well worth the wait.