I know the general rule is to wait until the football season is over, but if you’re like me, and you’re fantasy football season ended without a playoff berth you’ve been anxiously waiting for baseball to kick into gear. We are about a month away from pitchers and catchers, so why the heck not.

Get an early jump start on your fantasy baseball research with these 5 sleeper picks….

(5) Jay Bruce – OF – Cincinnati Reds

Anyone remember that stretch last year where Bruce went bizerk? Well, he’s been in the bigs 3 years with 21, 22, and 25 home runs respectively. At the ripe age of 24 it’s time for The Bruce to make his mark. The .281 average was very very comforting last season. I think he goes for 35 and 110.

(4) Grady Sizemore – OF – Cleveland Indians

Listen, before you start spazzing, understand I am a little bit of a gambling man. Sizemore is seductive. He’s been hurt the past two years. Is he going to be hurt a third year and essentially end his career? I would like to think no. That 33 HR 38 SB season has me giddy.

(3) Jeremy Hellickson – SP – Tampa Bay Rays

See ya later Matt Garza, you will not be missed with this stud waiting in the wings. Started 4 times in August for the Rays last season… 3-0, 2.05 ERA, .76 WHIP. Oh and 25 K’s in 26 innings. Love him.

(2) Daniel Hudson – SP – Arizona Diamondbacks

All this top prospect did when he was traded to the D’backs was go 7-1 with a 1.69 ERA, .84 WHIP, and 70 K’s in 79 innings. Obviously, he can’t sustain that over a season, but even on the shitty Diamondbacks we could see a 3.00 ERA and 15 Wins.. did I just say that?!?!

(1) Gaby Sanchez – 1B – Florida Marlins

But first base is the deepest position.. Well, late late late you can get this guy, who hit 18 home runs and drove in 85 in his first full season. I expect big things from this guy, hitting in the middle of the Florida Marlins lineup.