Top Rookies for Fantasy Baseball in 2012: Fan’s Take

The rookies have long been a major part of fantasy drafts since the sport of fantasy baseball became a popular thing to play. One of the most difficult challenges for fantasy GMs each year is determining which rookies have "it" and which rookies don't. A year ago, those who took a chance on Craig Kimbrel, Freddie Freeman, Vance Worley, Jeremy Hellickson or Mark Trumbo were rewarded for their choices. Which 2012 rookies could have the same fantasy success in 2012?

Yu Darvish, SP, Texas Rangers

Darvish has thrown just nine innings this spring, allowing three earned runs on six hits and seven walks. His control has been off, but he should be able to find the strike zone as he continues to throw to big league hitters. He won't be the ace of any fantasy staff this season, but that will come with time.

Yoenis Cespedes, CF, Oakland Athletics

The 26-year-old Cuban-defector got his first Major League hit on opening day, giving Oakland fans hope for his success this season. Also paying attention to his performance were fantasy GMs who either drafted him in the later rounds already or were hoping to snag him later in their drafts as they fill other positions first.

Jesus Montero, C/DH, Seattle Mariners

One of the pieces in the Michael Pineda trade with the New York Yankees, Montero will attempt to do his part at making the Mariners contenders in the American League again. In Yahoo leagues, he is only eligible at utility, but once he gets enough appearances at catcher, he can be inserted into the lineup in that capacity, which would bolster that position for anyone using secondary-level guys.

Tyler Pastornicky, SS, Atlanta Braves

The Braves allowed Alex Gonzalez to leave the team through free agency in the offseason mostly because of Pastornicky. The team acquired the shortstop in the deal that sent Yunel Escobar to the Toronto Blue Jays, while also bringing Gonzalez to the team.

Pastornicky is a .278 career minor league hitter who won't put up numbers like Jose Reyes or Hanley Ramirez, but could be a reliable Mike Aviles type player.

For a look at Fantasy Projections for the 2012 season, go here.

More from this contributor:

Which Fantasy Stars Need Bounce Back 2012 Season?

Fantasy Impact of Joakim Soria's Injury

Andy Pettitte Returns to New York Yankees

Top Braves Fantasy Stars for 2012

Braves 2012 Starting Rotation

Hobson Lopes has been a life-long Atlanta Braves fan, thanks to TBS, and can be followed on Twitter @HobsonLopes.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.