Five Fantasy Baseball Sleepers For 2009
Every season, baseball has a number of players that have breakout years. Sometimes it is because they moved to a new ballclub, and sometimes they just find their swing. There are a number of factors that can lead to a player exploding and producing huge fantasy numbers. While no tried and true method exists to accurately predict these players, one can surmise the possibility by paying attention to what is going on around the league.
Here are my top five fantasy baseball sleeper picks for 2009:
1. Khalil Greene – Green has always shown a propensity for power at the shortstop position, but his move to hitter friendly St. Louis. Petco Park gobbled up many of his potential home runs in his tenure with the Padres. If you look at the numbers, Greene has always played much better away from home, and that bodes well for his trek to St. Louis. Greene is primed for a huge season this year. Do not miss out on this sleeper pick if he comes available at the right time.
2. Adam Jones – This Baltimore outfielder was once considered to be a top prospect, and still should be. He has the everyday job locked up in the Oriole outfield, and has great power and speed. Last season he fought injuries throughout, and that should drop his value in drafts. When he was on the field in Baltimore, he showed flashes of why he was so highly touted. This guy is a perfect example of a player flying under the radar. Grab him and you might get a solid 20-25 man.
3. Johnny Cueto – The fact that this young fireballer made a name for himself rather quickly in Cincinnati might put him on the edge of “sleeper” status, but the fact that he plays in a hitter friendly park will pull some owners off of him. That said, you should draft him right away if you get the chance. This guy is flat out talented and the Reds are a team on the rise.
4. Heath Bell – Bell is in the less than perfect situation of trying to follow San Diego legend Trevor Hoffman as the Padre’s closer. That would be enough to really intimidate other players, but Bell has some serious attitude. Baseball attitude that is. He is ready to step in and with the Padres, they should be able to put him in position to save a number of games this year.
5. Coco Crisp – This guy has been around for awhile, but he is only now getting his shot at the everyday position every player covets. Crisp will now be leading off and playing every single day with the Kansas City Royals after spending three tough years in Boston. Limited to part time play, I expect that he will explode this season. A player has difficult times platooning when they have been a starter every single year. I think his playing time will allow Crisp to get that groove back that made him a blossoming star upon entry to the Major Leagues.
