With the grandest fantasy sport draft of them all, fantasy baseball, coming up for most of you soon, I thought it would be fitting to post some thoughts concerning the all important category of “fantasy sleeper". Some of these guys are young, some are recovering from serious injuries, some have had a few bad years, and some have been forgotten.
Sleeper 1: Julio Borbon- Texas Rangers OF
In only 46 games last year Borbon stole 19 bases. This year he should get 500 at bats in a loaded Rangers lineup. Grab him if he is around towards the 16th round.
Sleeper 2: Jason Heyward- Everyone who's anyone has heard of this kid. It's not if this guy is going to be a star but will he be a star this year? My guess is no but .300 in the 2nd half, along with runs and power isn’t out of the question. My guess is he starts the year batting 7th and by the end may be in the 3rd spot. 17th round or so give Heyward a look. If you're in a keeper league, draft him MUCH higher.
Sleeper 3: Kyle Blanks- This kid is legit. 10 homers in less than 150 at bats last season. This season Blanks plays full time on a rebuilding team so 500 plus at bats isn’t out of the question. .280, 30 homers are not out of the question. I'd actually rank him right around Hunter Pence right now so take that for what you will.
Sleeper 4: Aroldis Chapman- The Cuban Defector throws over 100 miles an hour. Now I don't think he will dominate this season and I think wins won’t come easy. But I do think he can strike out 170 plus batters and be #4 fantasy starter depending on what your staff needs.Era might hover around 4.70 and walks will be an issue. Don't believe the hype people like Aaron Boone are giving the Reds. They'll be lucky to win 78 games.
Sleeper 5: Brian Matusz- The young lefty has the 3 spot nailed down for Baltimore. Had an excellent end to his first trip in the big leagues last season winning his last 3 starts and looking very "Kershaw" esc in the process. I'm thinking 12 wins and a 3.95 era with a whip around 1.30. 16th round or lower, snag him and you’ll have a steal!
Sleeper 6: Billy Wagner- 38 years old and fairly recently removed from shoulder surgery. Those are the negatives..... the only negatives. Wagner is hitting 100 again on the radar, and will be closing for the Braves, A team I think can win 90 plus games. 35 saves and a sub 2.50 era will happen this year if Wagner can stay healthy. Depending on your need for closers, rank him much higher on your rp chart then most of the mock rankings is currently.
Sleeper 7: Fausto Carmona- 2 years of hell for Carmona. Man has he been bad. Why will he change this year? Tim Belcher, new Indians pitching coach has gotten Carmona under control. Only 2 walks this Spring Training. Carmona pitched Winter Ball and was lights out. The guys back. 16 wins, sub 3.6 era and a 1.23 whip will happen this year. Should be the steal of fantasy pitching this season.
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