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Sleepers in the 2008 Draft
2008-04-25 02:09:00 While everyone is talking who is going to be going in the first round, I am going to talk about some guys that aren't getting a lot of press that could very well make an impact at the next level.1) Xavier Omon RB Northwest Missouri State University-Yes I might be biased, but I have seen him play for the past two years in person and ladies and gentleman the man flat out has game. Over 2,300 yards this last season and is the only back in any division college football to rush for over 1,500 yards in four consecutive seasons. He rushed for over 600 yards in two playoff games (309 against Chadron State and 292 against Grand Valley State). Yes he doesn't have Darren McFadden speed but the guy has pretty good speed running a 4.55 40 yard dash. I can easily see Omon being taken in the late rounds (probably 6th or 7th round).2) Paul Smith QB Tulsa-Stellar senior year for Smith throwing for over 5,000 yards and 47 touchdowns. He also rushed for 13 more. His leader ship skills helped Tulsa w...
By: The Sports Flow
Jay Bruce
2008-04-24 07:09:00 Do not settle in just yet, for this is the calm before the storm. This force is Jay Bruce, and he may be in the lineup in the near future. This 21-year-old super-prospect has the ability to outshine the likes of his fellow young Reds teammates Joey Votto, ...
By: The RotoFeed
Hockey playoff pool sleepers may wake up this spring
2008-04-09 15:39:00 Where art thou, Chris Kontos?And where have you gone, John Druce? In the immortal words of Simon and Garfunkel, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Well, maybe not an entire nation - just those those looking for a stiff who can put up points when it matters most.You see them every spring, those sleeper picks that come to life once the games start to count for real, making you kick yourself for not having a bigger set of onions on draft day.Here is a look at ten sleepers that may surprise you this spring during the 2008 NHL Playoffs:10. ANTOINE VERMETTE, OttawaHard to consider a 50-plus point guy a sleeper, I know, but with injuries to captain Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher, Vermette is about to see more time than usual. Provided the Senators are around long enough, he should find the scoresheet a little more often.9. MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI, Montreal Grabovski only managed nine points in 24 games after being called up, but the kid tore it up in the AHL and has plenty of ...
By: Hockey.com
Fantasy Roundtable: Undrafted Sleepers
2008-04-04 18:25:00 The Question: Which undrafted player will provide the most fantasy value in 2008, and why? We’ll define undrafted as outside of the first 276 picks in a typical mixed league. Here’s who was selected: Jake Westbrook (Cle-SP) Ryan Church (NYM-OF) Franklin Gutierrez (Cle-OF) Scott Hairston (SD-OF) Hiroki Kuroda (LA-SP) I chose Alexei Ramirez. You can read the discussion here.
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Mike Jacobs
2008-03-31 16:12:00 I am digging the idea of Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs as a solid sleeper this year. I have the 27 year-old hitting .268-21-73-63-2 in 486 ABs, just a $0.30 value. It's not hard to see Jacobs in the $6-8...
By: The RotoFeed
Ryan Theriot
2008-03-30 19:58:00 There is a sleeping Cub causing a riot on the base paths. He is eligible at both second base and shortstop. He is leading off for one of the better teams in the National League Central. His name is Ryan Theriot. In 2007, his sophomore season, Theriot was used all around ...
By: The RotoFeed
Top Ten 2008 Sleepers
2008-03-30 16:25:00 Franklin Gutierrez, with his power and speed potential, makes an excellent sleeper choice. (Associated Press) With Spring Training drawing to a rapid close (and given that we’ve already had a couple games that count, we’re damn confused about whether the exhibition season is ongoing or not), a quick look at some of those early sleeper candidates ...
By: The RotoFeed
Deep AL-Only Sleepers
2008-03-29 17:39:00 I'm sure most teams are drafting this weekend, and many will have completed their drafts before reading this. There are two players I want to point out for those playing in very deep Al-Only leagues.The first is Tampa Bays Rays back-up infielder Elliot Johnson. Right now he is known for barrelling into New York Yankees catching prospect Franncisco Cervelli in the 9th inning of an early Spring Training game and breaking the catcher's wrist. Soon deep AL-Only leagues will know him as the Nick Punto of Tampa Bay - double digit steals and multi-position eligibility.The other is Yankees' middle reliever Ross Ohlendorf. In six major league innings last season, he struck out nine batters. I sense the Yankees want him to be the one to step-up in the 'pen and take over eigth inning duties from Joba Chamberlain. Ohlendrof is a converted starter so we have yet to see how well his stuff translates as a reliever. If last year's six-inning sample is representative, then he will be an excelle...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Third Basemen
2008-03-28 13:00:00 Sleepers, undervalued, profitable players, call 'em what you will. In general, some guys who may not be getting enough respect in your mixed league. We recently talked about Alex Gordon, who could certainly have fifth-round value this year. Edwin Encarnacion...
By: The RotoFeed
Sleepers and flops: Why is Jenks underrated?
2008-03-27 23:48:00 It’s always been my rule of thumb: take relief pitchers last. Read the full story.
By: MLB News Blog
Fantasy Sleepers/Breakout Players: Who Is Exceeding Their Career SLG By 200
2008-03-27 17:43:00 Here is a slightly different sleepers list from the ones I have been providing for the past ten days. These come courtesy of John Dewan of Acta Sports and examine those players who have exceeded their career SLG by 200 points this Spring. This stats has been shown to be a good indicator of potential breakout season. Or better said, ones that exceed the players previous career norms. Possible Breakout Players (Slugging percentage 200+ points better in spring training): C Chris Snyder Diamondbacks OF Mike Morse, Mariners C Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers 3B Melvin Mora, Orioles OF Grady Sizemore, Indians OF Brian Anderson, White Sox OF/2B Chris Burke, Diamondbacks SS Rafael Furcal, Dodgers &nb...
By: The RotoFeed
B.J. Ryan
2008-03-27 04:50:00 A year ago, B.J. Ryan was ranked among the top closers in the league. After establishing himself as an elite closer in 2005 and 2006, expectations were high for 2007. However after only five appearances, including two blown saves, Ryan landed on the 15-day DL with a strained ligament in ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-26 18:50:00 Here are six more sleepers with a heavy emphasis on deeper AL- and NL-only leagues. RP Dennis Sarfate Baltimore Orioles: I don't think Jamie Walker or Chad Bradford would close full-time if Gerogre Sherrill proves ineffective. Otherwise, why get Sherrill at all? Why not Sarfate? He has struck out 25 over 16.2 major league innings spanning 2006 and 2007. OF Ryan Raburn Detroit Tigers: With Brandon Inge slated to start in CF, someone has to fill-in around the diamond. With potential multi-position eligibility, pop and some speed, Raburn could be a nice 13th or 14th hitter on a deep Al-Only roster. SP Carlos Silva Seattle Mariners: Al starting pitching is weak, but someone has to win 13 or 14. Why not Silva who gets to pitch in a pitchers' ballpark in front of a decent defensive team? OF/3B Alfredo Amezaga Florida Marlins: With the release of Jose Castillo and the demotion of Dallas MacPherson, someone has...
By: The RotoFeed
Starting Jobs: Cantu, Ethier Could Be Sleepers
2008-03-25 18:36:00 A trip around the leagues as teams begin to pare down their rosters. — After waiving Jose Castillo last week and optioning Dallas McPherson to Triple-A today, the Marlins have decided which washed-up infielder will be starting at third base. Jorge Cantu—of Devil Ray fame—looks to be a lock for the hot corner job. His ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-25 18:34:00 Here is another list of potential sleepers - players who can out-perform their current expected values. SP Chien-Ming Wang New York Yankees: Consecutive 19 W seasons have never been so devalued. Add in the possibility of another uptick in Ks thanks to a lost arbitration case, and you have a mixed-league sleeper. RP Justin Speier LA Angels: With Scot Shields set to begin on the DL with forearm issues, Speier is the next in line for Saves if K-Rod's arm falls off. RP C.J. Wilson Texas Rangers: He is one of the last closers off the board. Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus told Jeff Erickson that the Rangers want Wilson closing, and there was nothing unusual about Wilson's early Spring soreness. C Jesus Flores Washington Nationals: In two-catcher NL-Only keeper leagues, Flores' 2009 value may exceed his 2008 one. Remember, both Johnny Estrada and Paul LoDuca are on one-year deals. SS Brian Bixler Pittsb...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Preview: Top 5 Sleepers
2008-03-25 15:13:00 FOXSports.com’s fantasy expert Mike Harmon breaks down the top 5 fantasy sleepers. See who he thinks will have a high impact from a low draft spot. Click here to view the video. Read the full story.
By: MLB News Blog
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers/Breakout Players
2008-03-24 17:14:00 We are in the final stretch heading into the regular season and the last of the 2008 fantasy baseball drafts. In keeping with that momentum, I'll be providing sleepers/breakout players everyday through Friday. Just like last week, these will be provided around noon EST. 3B Scott Rolen Toronto Blue Jays: Coming off an injury-plagued season, his value was down anyhow. With the finger issue, he could fall into the single-digits in AL-Only leagues. CF Carlos Gomez Minnesota Twins: He has won the CF job. With his competitors, Denard Span and Jason Pridie, sent to AAA, there is no one to take ABs. He could steal 50 if his hits just enough to keep the job all season. SP John Danks Chicago White Sox; Heard this one on Baseball HQ's free podcast. LF Matt Diaz Atlanta Braves: Without Brandon Jones on the roster, Diaz should get full-time ABs. With AVGs in excess of .320 the past two seasons, he could be a big-time sleeper with ful...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-22 12:11:00 With these six sleepers, I will have made one full run through all 30 majors league teams. This sextet has a little more emphasis on players who could help in mixed leagues via the free agent pool or in AL- and NL-only leagues as players who can be had for a third of the price of similar, more established ones. RP Manny Delcarmen Boston Red Sox: While Hideki Okajima is still considered the top set-up man in Boston, Delcarmen is the pitcher Red Sox staff has publicly said will get chances to close games if Jonathan Papelbon needs a breather or gets hurt. 3B Brandon Inge Detroit Tigers: He is slated to be the back-up catcher for the Tigers. He doesn't have catcher-eligibility right now, but be prepared to add Inge once he does. His skills should make him a Top 25 catcher. As a bonus, he could also gain OF eligibility, too. How many players can fill-in at OF, 3B, CR, DH and C? CF Jordan Schafer Atlanta Braves: While sl...
By: The RotoFeed
Carlos Quentin
2008-03-21 19:45:00 This time last year, there were two young Arizona Diamondback outfielders who many people were very excited about. One of them, Chris Young, went on to more than live up to expectations, as he blasted 32 home runs and stole 27 bases. Fast forward 12 months, and he is justifiably ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-21 17:17:00 Today's list of sleepers has more of a washed-up/written-off flavor. These players should get you thinking of other ones in similar circumstances. OF Luke Scott Baltimore Orioles: Left-handed power on a bad team? I'll take that for a potential 20+ HRs. INF Nick Punto Minnesota Twins: What?!?!?! Yes, Nick Punto. He is a manager favorite, and could bounce back with more judicious usage. Think better AVG (can't get worse) and double digit steals. RP Sean Green Seattle Mariners: Who doesn't need an end-of-draft $1 filler who can be jettisoned at the first opportunity for free agent saves? OF Angel Pagan New York Mets: A switch-hitter who has impressed this Spring and gets to grab righty ABs in a platoon and back-up Moises Alou can easily see 300 plae appearances. IF Mark Loretta Houston Astros: A forgotten man after losing in arbitration, but NL-only leagues needs to keep him in mind. He has multiple position eligibi...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-20 16:44:00 Here are six more fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2008 season. Remember any one of these could be a sleeper in deep AL-only leagues or standard mixed-leagues or shallow NL-only ones. These are not tailored for any specific league. They are just my thoughts on players who are under the radar. SP Jeff Neimann Tampa Bay Rays: With the AAA rotation filling quickly with more highly-regarded prospects, Neimann could be the 5th starter this season. I think using him in the bullpen would make him a closer-in-waiting though, and maximize his value given the hoard of younger, more-highly regarded starting prospects right behind him. 2B/OF Alexei Ramirez Chicago White Sox: Regardless of the waiver status of Juan Uribe, Ramirez is turning heads in White Sox camp. With comps to Alfonso Soriano being bandied about, one must keep an eye on Alexei. RP Rich Thompson LA Angels: With Dustin Moseley moving into the rotation, there are opportunities in ...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Shane Victorino
2008-03-19 17:30:00 Recently a friend suggested to me that Shane Victorino looked like a pretty good sleeper. I agreed - I've got him at .280-15-63-91-29 in 550 ABs. Maybe not a five-category guy, but a well-rounded addition to the middle of your...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-19 17:25:00 Over the next nine days or so, I am going to provide 5 or 6 sleepers per day in the run-up to fantasy baseball drafts occurring on the next couple weekends. It is my intention to provide one per team through Saturday, and start over on Sunday. While this schedule will account for 60 possible sleepers in a variety of formats, it will be in no way exhaustive. RP Scott Patterson New York Yankees: Assuming the Yankees are honest about moving Joba Chamberlain into the rotation mid-season, then someone has to emerge as a reliable arm/ Patterson dominated AA to the tune of 91 Ks in 74.1 innings with a mere 45 hits allowed and 15 BBs. A .170 BAA says something, no? OF Franklin Gutierrez Cleveland Indians: Man, he has seemed like a failed prospect for a long time. I recall drafting him in the days following his acquistion by the Indians in the Milton Bradley trade. With two OF jobs up for grabs in Cleveland, his 2007 season offers fantasy stud...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Shortstops
2008-03-18 22:46:00 Sleepers, undervalued, profitable players, call 'em what you will. In general, some guys who may not be getting enough respect in your mixed league. I would be concerned if I didn't get a Top 8 shortstop: Reyes, Ramirez, Rollins, Jeter,...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
2008-03-18 17:33:00 Is it time for me to empty my notepad of every possible fantasy baseball sleeper I can think of, or have thought of, over the past six months? Not quite, but, with drafts picking-up this weekend and next, I can't hold them back for too much longer. Here are a few of the players I am considering for various levels of sleeper status. Jeremy Accardo, RP Toronto Blue Jays: I am not sold on BJ Ryan returning especially since he reported some unusual discomfort following his Tuesday appearance. The prognosis for ulnar collateral replacement surgery is good, but who is to say Ryan isn't the next Jeff Zimmerman? Mark Teahen, OF Kansas City Royals: His power disappeared last season following September 2006 shoulder surgery on his lead hitting arm. I expect to see a return of that power this season. As long as one isn't paying for the 2006 power, then I would be happy to see the .285 AVG and 13 SBs again as a consolation prize. Milton ...
By: The RotoFeed
Rotogod Says: Sleepers, Deep Sleepers PART II - Fantasy Baseball 2008
2008-03-18 12:04:00 Rotogod here. With baseball season knocking, I’m going to revisit the topic of sleepers before the season starts for those who have yet to draft. Maybe you’ve finished your draft and you’re looking at some fringe guys you might need to consider eventually with deeper leagues. Share/Email This Technorati Tags: Akinori Iwamura, Alex Gordon, Alex ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Peter Gammons Version
2008-03-17 18:23:00 With fantasy drafts fast approaching, Peter Gammons of ESPN is always a good place to go to hear which relatively unknown players are making good impressions in the Spring. Given the total lack of focus on fantasy baseball, sometimes these are useful for the upcoming season and sometimes they are not. Regardless of their immediate utility, the information is still worth knowing. On Cameron Maybin, Marlins' manager Fredi Gonzalez: "There is no question about his ability; the question we have to answer is whether or not he could be hurt by struggling in the big leagues at this point." About Reds' rookie pitcher Johnny Cueto: One scout says [he]"is from another planet. He's like Pedro [Martinez]." On the Oakland A's burgeoning pitching prospects: The raves about Oakland's young pitching seems universal. Henry Rodriguez, at 19 years old, has been 96-100 mph with some sink and a changeup....Greg Smith, from the Dan Haren deal, is a sleeper to make the club, a Brian Banni...
By: The RotoFeed
Nate McClouth
2008-03-15 21:37:00 Fourth year outfielder Nate McClouth is battling to start and hit lead-off for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008. McClouth has never started full-time in his short career, but will have every opportunity to do so this season. Pittsburgh has several young outfielders on the horizon (namely Steve Pearce, Nyjer Morgan, ...
By: The RotoFeed
Sleepers and flops: Fields vs. Crede
2008-03-14 20:00:00 If there’s one stacked position in baseball this year, it’s third base. Read the full story.
By: MLB News Blog
Stair Sleepers!
2008-03-14 18:21:00 So now 2 of my kids have fallen asleep on the stairs! This time Jamie stopped half way down to the playroom and she fell asleep after a minute of watching her brothers play (it was on Monday when she wasn’t feeling well). Ethan came down from bed and slept on the stairs at Christmas ...
Fantasy Sleepers / Breakout Players: Ivan Rodriguez, Jonny Gomes & The
2008-03-13 17:31:00 Detroit Tigers' catcher Ivan Rodgriguez is 36-years-old and holds the Spring HR lead with six, two more than teammate Carlos Guillen. Beyond the fact a 36-year-old is hitting so many HRs, I have interest in Pudge because he is playing for the last long-term contract of his career, and I would like to find some predictable way to identify the breakout fantasy players before they breakout. To see what Pudge's 'breakout" would look like, I reviewed his 17-year career. Was I surprised. He has never been a big HR/RBI producer beyond a five-year span in the late 90s/early 21st century. Given the press, I would have thought he'd have been much more fantasy-friendly. I was also surprised how few walks he drew over his career. His career-high is just 55 with the 40-walk mark crossed just one other time. This was important because Pudge drew just 9 walks last season, and there is a lot of teeth-gnashing over that near-impossible-to-believe total. Pudge ...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Second Basemen
2008-03-12 17:26:00 Sleepers, undervalued, profitable players, call 'em what you will. In general, some guys who may not be getting enough respect in your mixed league. Unless Brian Roberts slips to the fifth round, I often find myself taking Kelly Johnson as...
By: The RotoFeed
Rajai Davis
2008-03-10 00:49:00 A throw in to the Matt Morris deal last year, Rajai Davis is an outfielder for the San Fransisco Giants. Why you should care is because Davis stole 23 bases in only 204 major league at-bats last year. He also stole at Triple-A, making it 50 steals for ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Sleepers: Contract Year Pushes
2008-03-08 22:41:00 After posting the list of 2009 free agents, I have continued to think about a way to identify those players likely to have a breakout season or a return to previous levels of production not seen for a few seasons. Ivan Rodriguez got me thinking about the possibility of a well-established veteran who has played under the terms of a long-term contract and who is about to get the last chance to wrap-up big bucks before retiring. Jorge Posada fit this bill coming into 2007. Pudge does now and does fellow receiver, Jason Varitek. With the Yankees' game on YES this afternoon, I thought of Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu. Both players fit that bill. Neither has performed near their peak levels for a few years - Giambi across the board and Abreu's power has vanished. I wouldn't be surprised to see either have a resurgence. Is there anyone else in a similar situation - well-established and playing for their last long-term contract? Off-Topic: Since subscri...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Injuries And Some Fantasy Sleepers
2008-03-08 13:17:00 Just about two weeks into Spring training, there have been a few new injuries that will bleed into Opening Day and effect the early part of the fantasy baseball season. By missing Opening Day, the draft values of the injured players will be suppressed and those of their fill-ins will increase. Here are four injured players and the players to watch that are beneficiaries of the injuries. Moises Alou: Out 4-6 weeks with a hernia, he has opened the door for Angel Pagan to grab more ABs. Pagan has been productive in limited action over the past couple seasons with HR and SB. At 26-years-old this could be the impetuts for a mini "breakout" season. Jim Edmonds: Out 2-3 weeks with a calf injury, he has opened the door for Scott Hairston and Chase Headley to get more ABs in the early part of April. Both OF are quality sleepers with Hairston the slight favorite to surprise on the upside given the expected Rookie-of-the-Year hype that will surround H...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: 2009 Free Agents
2008-03-07 17:50:00 With drafts occuring hourly, one source of potential sleepers/breakout candiates are players who will be playing for free agent money next winter. I don't necessarily believe in this, but I do not deny there will be players who have great seasons right before their free agent season. I just don't know how different that great season is from the other great seasons that will occur in 2008 that do not precede free agency. Cot's Baseball Contracts provides a list of 2009 Free Agents. Here it is in a little different format. With some many players listed, is it any wonder I have doubts about a contract-year push for better performance? Who do you think will breakout in the pursuit of a big free agent contract next winter? My guess: A.J. Burnett. I can see him staying "healthy" this season. POS Player Club Option POS Player Club Option POS Player Club Option 1B Rich Aurilia SF None OF Craig Monroe MIN None RP Joe Nathan MIN None 1B Ben Broussard TEX None OF Jay Payton BAL None RP Will...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers for Every Position
2008-03-07 15:54:00 What you say, you need fantasy baseball sleepers for 2008? You?re looking to get some value at your fantasy draft. Yeah, you and every other schmohawk who?s reading this. Luckily, there?s enough crap out there to distract enough people. So here?s a quick breakdown of 2008 fantasy baseball sleepers for every position. If you want ...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Kosuke Fukudome
2008-03-07 00:00:00 As an unknown commodity, Kosuke Fukudome is not getting enough respect in fantasy leagues in my opinion. He's being drafted around the 14th round, but looks like a poor man's Bobby Abreu to me. And Abreu goes in the fourth...
By: The RotoFeed
Dustin McGowan
2008-03-06 05:21:00 Dustin McGowan could have a tremendous year for Toronto as well as your fantasy team. This 25-year-old has a 6?3?, 225 lb frame, and potential to improve on his stats from last year that included 12 wins, 144 strikeouts, 4.08 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a .230 batting average against ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: $1 Pitchers
2008-03-05 18:32:00 Over the past couple days, I have seen questions arise within fantays chats asking about $1 end game starting pitchers. While I have not been thrilled with the names, that doesn't mean they are not good suggestions. One shouldn't expect $1 end-of-draft starting pitchers to be anything but a 1-in-3 or -in-4 proposition. Gambling on these pitchers is of more importance if you have eschewed more established pitchers in favor of building a good/great offense. In this case, you need to hit on more than 25% of your gambles. You can't win, emphasis win, your league otherwise. Last season, James Shields was the type of starter that helped hitting-heavy strategists win, emphasis win, their leagues, but who will be this seasons's Janes Shields? I don't know, but here are a few guesses. TB Rays Andrew Sonanstine: His WHIP is too good for the ERA, and he should be a contributing piece if the Rays breakout to 80 wins. Baltimore Orioles Daniel Cabrera: He...
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Hiroki Kuroda
2008-03-04 21:16:00 One starter who is catching my eye in my recent drafts is Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers. I love the upside he provides as someone you can draft in the last three rounds of a mixed league. My projection calls...
By: The RotoFeed
Sleepers and flops: Look out for White Sox?s Ramirez
2008-03-04 01:11:00 It’s quickly turning into one of the strongest positions in baseball. Read the full story.
By: MLB News Blog
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: First Basemen
2008-03-02 22:49:00 Sleepers, undervalued, profitable players, call 'em what you will. In general, some guys who may not be getting enough respect in your mixed league. With this position, it seems the undervalued players are likely to be youngsters. Certain younger types...
By: The RotoFeed
Hank Blalock
2008-03-01 09:44:00 Remember Hank Blalock? In 2002, he was rated as the third best prospect by Baseball America, only behind Josh Beckett and Mark Prior. Although his rookie season wasn?t impressive, his sophomore season was astonishing, as he hit .300 with 29 home runs as a 22-year-old. The following season, he was ...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Odds: John Santana's Debut, Cardinals & Giants Sleepers and A F
2008-02-29 19:44:00 Johan Santana is making his Spring Training debut this afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring CF Brian Barton, he got into trouble with an off the hands hit to left field by Chris Duncan and a change-up left over the plate that Pujols pulled down the third base line. This brought up 2008 reclamation project Juan Gonzalez. On the first pitch, Santana left one over the plate and Gonzo promptly deposited over it the left centerfield wall. As sad as the Cards line-up looks to be, Juan Gonzalez looks like he can stick. As a right-handed hitter, he should be able to, at the least, platoon with Chris Duncan in leftfield. * Yesterday, the Giants started 2B/SS Kevin Frandsen at SS for the injured Omar Vizquel. Mixed leagues needn't care too much right now, but NL-Only ones should pay attention. Frandsen hit 5 HRs in 264 ABs last season. With a starting gig at SS to open the season, he becomes a solid middle infield candida...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy mailbag: Pitching sleepers, mock draft tips, save Dumping
2008-02-29 12:14:00 Tim digs into another fantasy baseball mailbag to take on several strategic questions as well as name so deeper mixed league pitching sleepers.
By: The RotoFeed
2008 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Catchers
2008-02-28 06:58:00 Let's get back to basics and find undervalued players at each position. I'm definitely interested to hear your sleepers in the comments. We'll start with backstops today. I have a feeling the word is fully out on the Cubs' Geovany...
By: The RotoFeed
Rotogod Says: Sleepers, Deep Sleepers - Fantasy Baseball 2008
2008-02-27 12:37:00 Rotogod here. The fantasy baseball season is just around the corner and I’m sure you’re all thinking about your respective drafts, auctions or whatnot. I’ve covered flukes, injuries and rookies and for next week, I’m working on 2008 Rookies and Potential Impact II, as that piece as by far the most well received of any piece I’ve done to date. Today, I’m going to talk a bit bout 2008 fantasy baseball sleepers and deep sleepers. A good fantasy baseball manager enters a draft with list of players they have deemed to be undervalued or primed for a breakout and will target said players. The key is to not overvalue your sleepers, but there’s a fine line between where you value your sleepers and where the rest of your league does. If some over-excited fanboy takes Rickie Weeks in the third round of your draft, don’t sweat it, the value he had is diminished because he has to produce like a third-rounder just to break even. (more…) Share...
By: The RotoFeed
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Carlos Ruiz
2008-02-21 12:13:00 This year's fantasy baseball drafts have one consensus weak point - Catchers. There is quality at the very top in Russ Martin (ADP 29) and Victor Martinez (28). They are followed by 2007 disappointments Brian McCann (56) and Joe Mauer(57). From there, a two-and-a-half round wait until Joege Posada (92) is taken and another similar drop to Kenji Johjima (121). After Johjima is taken, fantasy players appear to move into sleeper mode by grabbing Jarrod Saltalamacchia (141) and Geovany Soto (157) of the Cubs. Given the relative blandness of most catchers fantasy performances, I can't really fault anyone. But are Soto and Salty really going to be much better than Jason Varitek at #212? That isn't the point. I wanted to mention a sleeper at catcher who plays in a hitter's ballpark and has no viable alternative competing for playing time. This well-kept secret? Philadelphia Phillies' backstop Carlos Ruiz. As a 27-year-old rookie, Ruiz hi...
By: The RotoFeed
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