With pitchers and catchers reporting last week and Spring Training is upon us; which means the fantasy baseball season has officially begun.  The American League Central is chock-full top-tier fantasy talent, but let’s take a look at some of the younger faces of the division who will make a big impact for fantasy owners in 2013. 

1.  Chris Sale (23), Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

Sale is entering his second full season as a starter for Chicago, after initially being brought in as a closer.  Last season Sale posted a very impressive 17-9 record with a 3.05 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched.  Now with a full season as a starter under his belt, Sale could eclipse the 200 innings mark this year and is the clear ace in Chicago.  Expect big things from Sale in 2013. 

2.  Eric Hosmer (23), First Baseman, Kansas City Royals

At just 23 years of age, Hosmer will be entering his third season with the Royals, and second as an everyday starter.  In his 2011 Rookie campaign, Hosmer showed everyone what he was capable of with an impressive 19 home runs, 78 RBIs and .292 batting average in just 128 games played.  2012 was not Hosmer’s year; he hit just .231 with only 14 home runs and 60 RBIs, but was able to steal 16 bases while only being caught once.  Hosmer should bounce back just fine from his sophomore slump and have a true breakout season. 

3.  Addison Reed (24), Closer, Chicago White Sox

Reed burst onto the scene in a big way last year, racking up 29 saves, 54 strikeouts and only 18 walks in 55 innings as the White Sox’s rookie closer.  His 4.75 ERA left a big to be desired, but that can be chalked up to inexperience.  Now with a year of seasoning, Reed is primed to dominate the ninth inning all season long, provided that Chicago can get there with the lead. 

4.  Mike Moustakas (24), Third baseman, Kansas City Royals

Moustakas and Hosmer have been tied together since being drafted by the Royals.  Like Hosmer, Moustakas made his debut at roughly the same time in 2011, then played his first full season as a starter in 2012.  In his first full season, Moustakas hit 20 bombs and 73 RBIs, with a .241 average and a .412 slugging percentage.  Now going into his second full season starting at third base for the Royals, Moustakas is poised to put up better numbers than last season. 

5.  Dayan Viciedo (23), Left Fielder, Chicago White Sox

At just 23, Viciedo has already spent parts of the last three seasons at the big league level; finally catching on as an everyday player in 2012.  In his first full season in the majors, Viciedo hit .255 with an impressive 25 home runs and 78 RBIs while slugging .443.  Viciedo will need to limit his strikeouts (120 last year with only 28 walks) and learn to be more patient at the plate to get on base more.  If he can do that and continue his powerful production, Viciedo will have a huge impact on the White Sox’s push for the playoffs in 2013.