Ultimately, what will separate the first place team from the eighth place team will be the middle to late-round picks. Those players can make almost as much difference as the top, first-round players, but many people don't know their importance. Most simply throw away their late-round picks.
Here's a list of the top players at each position that I believe are solid middle-round picks. Keep in mind that these are not necessarily the top players. These are the players you should consider in later rounds, once the big names are gone. These are the players that will, ultimately, make the biggest difference in any fantasy league.
Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Besides Mauer, many people don't know what other catchers are out there, and will often pick a random player just to fill the spot. Yadier Molina, who is likely to stick around in your draft, is easily a top five catcher in MLB. At age 26, he hit .293 and went to his first all-star game. This youngster is likely to continue to thrive in that power-packed St. Louis lineup.
First Base: Kendry Morales, Anaheim Angels
With Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Mark Teixeira and all of the other great first baseman around the league, it's easy to forget about Morales. Morales made a run for AL MVP this past season with 34 home runs and 108 RBI. At 26, it's likely he will continue to grow and perform even better. It's also likely that he will be around come late rounds.
Second Base: Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
Like catcher, second base is often overlooked in most drafts. Hill had a breakout season last year at age 27. He hit 36 homers and drove in 108 runs, while leading the league in at-bats. Whether or not this miracle season will repeat itself is yet to be determined, but Hill is certainly one of the best late rounders out there.
Third Base: Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
Very seldom do we hear about talent in Washington. Zimmerman will be 25 next season, and, entering his prime, he is likely to build on the 33 home runs and 106 RBI he recorded this past season. A Nationals player will most likely be around late in your draft, but be sure to look out for Zimmerman, who can make a huge difference.
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzky , Colorado Rockies
With Jeter, Rollins and Hanley Ramirez, it's easy to pass up on Tulowitzky. Many forget that he led all shortstops with 32 home runs last season. He also hit .297 and drove in 92 runs. The fact that he didn't even make the all-star game proves that people don't know who he is. He is possibly the best shortstop in the league and, at age 24, perhaps the shortstop with the most potential. Don't be afraid to wait until the late rounds to pick him up, he’ll still be there. Go ahead and fill those early picks with more popular players.
Outfield: Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins
The 28-year-old put together a remarkable season, especially down the stretch, when he carried the Twins to the playoffs. He hit 28 homers, drove in 103 runs, and hit .300. The outfield is also a talent-packed position, so Kubel will likely be there in the late rounds.
Starting Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves
Jurrjens put together an extremely quiet season in Atlanta. He posted a 2.60 ERA with a league leading 34 starts, which shows you he is unlikely to wear down or get injured. He struck out 152 batters in 215 innings. He is just now entering his prime at the age of 24. Be sure to look out for him in the later rounds.
Relief Pitcher: Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
The AL Rookie of the Year put up a 1.84 ERA and struck out 91 batters in 83 1/3 innings. He is also entering his prime, so expect another great season. You can wait until the late rounds to pick him up, barely anyone will think of him.
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