Fantasy Baseball Sleepers (2009)
It’s that time of year again! This year I am playing fantasy baseball again on Yahoo! My pick of the year last year was Nate McLouth (Pirates) in one of the last rounds, who made the cut this year as one of my five keepers in a 16-team league. In 2007, I managed to snag Ryan Braun (Brewers), who I reluctantly traded last season for some pitching that led me to a league championship.
Who are the top sleeper picks this year? I’m not really sure, but here are some of my top guesses:
- Kelly Shoppach (Indians) – Catcher
With teammate Víctor Martínez playing more games at first, it’s likely that Shop will get the opportunity to continue the starting catching role this season. He was long predicted as the successor to Jason Varitek on the Sox, but due to Tek’s consistency from 2003-2005, Shop was traded away. Just like Hanley, this will probably end up as a move the Sox will regret. Take Shoppach in late rounds as a backup catcher. 
Ryan Doumit (Pirates ) – Catcher
Doumit has potential to be a top 5 catcher this season if he stays healthy. At 28, there’s a good chance he could end up as one of your keepers for next season, and you can probably get him in the middle rounds of a draft. After returning from an injury in the middle of last season, Doumit kept his average above .330.- Clint Barmes (Rockies) – 2B/3B/SS
Most people remember Barmes (Bar-Miss) as the guy who was injured bringing in groceries in the 2005 season. He hasn’t really been the same since, but he hit .290 in ’08 and should be poised to play a full season for the Rockies either as the starting second baseman or as one of the best utility men in the league. You should be able to get Barmes in the last round of a draft, or off waivers if the draft already happened. - Chris Carpenter (Cardinals) – Starting Pitcher
Carpenter returned from Tommy John surgery late last season. Fantasy owners who kept Carpenter on their roster all season were kind of disappointed to only get four starts out of him. With little run support, Carpenter went 0-1 with a 1.76 ERA. He will probably be overlooked by most teams in a fantasy league, but I would take him in the mid-late rounds after drafting at least two other solid starting pitchers. - Jonathan Sánchez (Giants) – Starting Pitcher
Even though he has a career ERA well above 5.00, Sánchez had 157 strikeouts last season. At 26, he has plenty of time to work on his control and attain an acceptable ERA. Consider him in late rounds after you have at least three or four other starting pitchers. - James Loney (Dodgers) – First Base
He’s 25, and in the absolute worst case you will get everything out of him except home runs. But, Loney’s working on his power and is worthy of being any team’s starting first basemen. He’s looking good in spring training, so if you don’t already have a keeper at 1st, consider Loney. - Edwin Jackson (Tigers) – Starting Pitcher
Would you believe me if I told you that Jackson is second in the Tiger’s rotation? Ok, the Tigers don’t exactly have the best rotation in the league. In fact, it’s probably the worst because the team is full of old or washed up pitchers (e.g. Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers, Dontrelle Willis, Freddy Garcia). Over the past two season with Tampa Bay, Edwin has gained significant experience. In 2008, he dropped his ERA more than 1 point to 4.42. The 25-year old is ready to step into a leadership role and I would look for that ERA to drop even further this season. - Gordon Beckham (White Sox) – Second Base
Beckham was one of my favorite players to watch in the Cape Cod Baseball League 2007 season. He’s going to start the season in AA, but I would expect him to move up quickly by mid-season. The White Sox have a lot of question marks in the infield, so there aren’t really any players blocking Beckham from moving in. Beckham probably won’t appear draftable in any league, but make sure to keep an eye open for him. - Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks) – Starting Pitcher
If healthy, The Big Unit can be a great option to fill a starting rotation. He’ll give you plenty of strikeouts and will probably land an ERA under 4.00. He will be a sleeper in mid-late rounds. If anything, the name “Randy Johnson” will probably strike a little fear into the hearts of your opponents. - Chris Ray (Orioles) – Relief Pitcher
Ray is another guy coming off Tommy John surgery in 2007. He didn’t get to pitch last season, but he should work his way back to the closer role to replace George Sherrill in mid 2009. Take him in later rounds after there are a couple of safer closers in your pen.
Update (4/23/09): Doumit and Carpenter are now on the DL, so ignore my advice on them. However, Carpenter’s appearances before his injury were very promising. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick him up when he’s ready again. Barmes is underperforming, but he is still a good utility man that can fill-in when necessary.
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