Fantasy Baseball is here, Don't overlook these players. Do you know any more?

United States
March 11, 2007 7:04pm CST
Fantasy Baseball is one of the most involved games to date. It's tons of fun to play, and extremely rewarding when you discover the next Albert Pujols or Ryan Howard before your friends and competitors do. It's easy to draft in rounds 1-10, for there are plenty of superstars out there. But it's the sleepers that make or break a champion fantasy baseball team. Here's a couple to set your sights on: 1. Chuck James SP Atlanta - he had one of the lowest batting average against stats last year. It yielded him double digit wins in half a season with a relatively low WHIP and ERA. Plus, he's a homegrown rookie. Pitchers out of Atlanta tend to be big successes. 2. James Loney 1B L.A. Dodgers - he's got a big bat, and management is eager to get him in the line-up. They like him so much, it's a strong possibility Nomar moves to 3B (which he's informed management he's willing to do) just to make room for this kid. 3. Villaneuva SP Milwaukee - he'll probably be #4 or #5 in rotation. In 10 games last year he had a low ERA and WHIP, and managed to hold hitters to a .216 Batting average. Expect much the same this year, along with double digit wins. 4. Baker 1B, OF Colorado - He's a 1B by rights, but blocked by Helton. He's learning to play the outfield to get his bat in the line-up, for he's absolutely annihilated all levels of minor league pitching. 5. Votto 1B Cinci - He's a five tool player. He could outright win a starting position in spring training. But at worst, he'll platoon with Hatteberg.
2 responses
• United States
13 Mar 07
I went with some young 'sleeper type' guys in my draft. I took Nick Markakis in the 16th round and Wilson Betemit in the 21st. Betemit was twice minor league player of the year in the Braves organization and he has elibility as 2B, SS, and 3B in most fantasy leagues. Markakis hit .291, 16 bombs in under 500 at bats, and had a solid 2nd half which is always what you look for in rookie seasons to avoid sophomore slumps. Betemit hit .263, 18 bombs in less than 400 at bats and the versatility really enables me to juggle a lineup around though with Reyes as SS and Roberts at 2B I might not need to. If only I had gotten some more pop. Some other prospects to keep an eye on are: 3B Alex Gordon Royals OF Chris Young DBacks SS Troy Tulowitzki Rockies C Chris Ianneta Rockies 3B Kevin Kouzamanoff Padres RHP Homer Bailey (I played with this guy for two summers - he's got all the physical tools - that's certain) 7-1 1.59 ERA, 77 Ks in 68 IP in double A
• United States
14 Mar 07
Yep, I agree with all of your sleeper picks. Unfortunately, I'm in a very deep keeper league, and we play with an active roster, a bench, and a Triple A roster. Most of the guys you mentioned were already kept in my league. But yeah, of the above mentioned players I like Markakis the most.
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@Mike07 (505)
• United States
12 Mar 07
How about Delmon Young? And maybe BJ Upton. Corey Hart in Milwaukee if he plays.
• United States
12 Mar 07
Oh yeah, without question, Delmon Young is probably the most highly touted prospect in all of baseball right now. BJ Upton has been for a couple years running now, but if he doesn't find some consistency with his bat, he may fall off the charts quickly. I definitely like Corey Hart, and it's my understanding he has already secured the starting role in CF. He's also hitting the cover off the ball in spring training. Good suggestions.
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@Mike07 (505)
• United States
13 Mar 07
How about Rich Hill of the Cubs? He's going to have a high strikeout rate this year. And Cole Hamels also. The Phillies hsould have a good year with him. Mike Pelfrey of the Mets might be pretty good too. Lots of good young talent out there this year, and they don't make that much money either.
• United States
13 Mar 07
Yessir, Rich Hill will dominate all hitters this year, and play a large role in the 2007 Cubs championship season. I'm not sure why Mike Pelfrey has gotten the hype he's gotten. "Experts" claim this guy has electric stuff, yet in most of his major league outings ('06 and spring of '07) he's gotten hammered. I like another young pitcher on the Mets a good deal more. John Maine (slated for the #3 spot in the Mets rotation) is good, real good. He had great stats last year (one of the better batting average against percentages in the league), and he's mowing down hitters in spring training. He'd be a great number five starting pitcher for fantasy teams. You could probably get him late too.
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