Sandman’s Sleepers: Part I

March 13, 2009

Every Fantasy GM goes into his or her draft or auction with an idea of sleeper picks for that season. Each team owner’s idea of a sleeper reflects the prognosticating abilities of that Fantasy GM, and the impact of those sleeper picks may hold the fate of that team’s season. Here are a few sleepers for you to chew on for 2009:

1. Rajai Davis, OAK (OF)
Davis stole 29 bases in 214 at bats. Need I defend Davis’ inclusion in the Sleeper list beyond that? Rajai Davis is a talented speedster who has long awaited the opportunity for a starting job. San Francisco did not give him a shot. But, should Rajai notch 500+ at bats with Oakland, I shudder to think about the low-cost stolen base totals that might result. Draft or bid zealously on this potential bargain!

2. Chris Young, SD (SP)
After eating a line drive to the tune of a broken face, Young was not the same pitcher. It wasn’t so long ago that Chris Young was a top draft pick among NL starters (2007) and even in limited play last season, Young posted respectable numbers. So what does the future hold for this 29 year old lanky flamethrower? I think Chris Young’s future success will depend on the offensive and defensive support the patchwork San Diego Padres provide him – which means don’t expect 20 wins. But, the peripheral numbers should be there and he should come cheaply – so pencil Chris Young into the bargain bin!

3. Carl Crawford, TB (OF)
When did Carl Crawford become a sleeper pick? The answer is – after an injury-marred 2008 that resulted in very terrestrial numbers, and amid trade speculation, Carl Crawford has descended to bargain status. That does not mean that he will drop to later rounds of drafts or that he will be altogether forgotten by opposing Fantasy GMs. It simply means that if you can snag Crawford at a bargain price – DO IT. The man batted .315 with 11 homers and 50 steals just two years ago (2007) and put those same numbers up fairly consistently in the previous three seasons. While his statistical line will be wholly dependent on health, Crawford should be good for a season not unlike 2004 or 2007, albeit with fewer swipes.

4. Brett Gardner, NYY (OF)
Meet Melky Cabrera’s blazing fast replacement in Center Field. Gardner brandishes a slap-hitting approach, defensive prowess, and an uncanny ability to steal bases. If he survives the media scrutiny of New York, big things are expected of Breett Gardner. I would expect Joe Girardi to give Gardner a look in the 9 hole, but the Yankees are aware that their future leadoff hitter belongs in the leadoff spot, long term. Don’t think he will be this season’s Jacoby Ellsbury, but with the potential to swipe 30+ bases even in limited playing time, Gardner should come cheaply.

5. Andruw Jones, TEX (OF)
Yes, yes I know, I know. Andruw Jones is washed up. He’s done. But, I have to give the man some credit before dry-erasing him from the big board forever. After all, this shell of a former-phenom once lit up NL pitching as a mere teenager and exploded to National fame as a rookie in the post-season. First of all, Jones has hit 26 homers in 2007 and 41 homers in 2006, respectively. Jones’ injury-shortened 2008 campaign resulted in 3 homers and a surprising release by the Dodgers. Now that Andruw Jones has traded Dodger blue for Rangers blue, speculation abounds as to whether he will have a starting job. I imagine that with Josh Hamilton in center, and the likes of rookies Brandon Boggs, David Murphy, and Nelson Cruz roaming the remaining corners, Jones will have to hit to play in the Bigs. Nothing is assured, but if there’s a team and a stadium to make your comeback, Texas seems a wise pick.

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Articles | 2 Comments