MLB Fantasy Baseball 2011: Mike Stanton and Each MLB Team's Fantasy Sleeper
Well, folks, today is Opening Day. At long last, baseball is back. Not only does this time of year bring back my favorite sport, but it also brings the start of one of my favorite things about it: fantasy baseball! With fantasy baseball comes one of my favorite activities: analyzing each team's potential sleeper!
In fantasy sports, a sleeper is a player who initially goes unnoticed but then has a monster season. A good example from 2010 is Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies. This year, the top sleeper might be young Florida Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton (pictured at left), among many others.
The season might have started already, but some leagues have not had their drafts. Thus, to help them out a little bit, here are the potential sleepers from all 30 MLB teams.
Atlanta Braves: Nate McLouth, OF
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To put it bluntly, Nate McClouth's 2010 season was one to forget. His slow start was bad enough to warrant a demotion to Triple-A ball, and he didn't fare much better there.
Still, McLouth was called up in September and managed to bat .263 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .358 over the course of 23 games. This spring training, he hit .310 to secure his regular spot in center field and the No. 2 spot in the starting lineup.
No matter how well he does, McLouth is always going to be a risky pick. He does not hit lefties well, and unless you have some great outfielders both in your starting lineup and on your bench, don't draft him. Still, if you're in the need of someone who can get on base, plays good defense and even steals a base from time to time, McLouth is worth a gamble.
Like all fantasy sleepers, the odds of McLouth having a monster season are slim. Still, if he catches on and returns to his 2008 All-Star form, he will be a welcome addition to any team.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Ian Kennedy, P
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2010 was the first full season in the majors for Ian Kennedy. Overall, it was a pretty good one. After missing most of 2009 with an aneurysm in his shoulder, Kennedy went 9-10 with a 3.80 ERA, 168 strikeouts (in 194 innings) and a 1.20 WHIP on an underachieving Diamondbacks squad.
Kennedy has the potential to be a top ace on any team with his deadly changeup and late-moving fastball, but chronic control issues relegate him to sleeper status. He'll improve in 2011, but will be a gamble given his proneness to cold stretches and tendency to walk hitters. Also, his reliance on his changeup results in lots of home runs for the batters he faces (he gave up 26 last year).
Still, in leagues where strikeouts and WHIP count for a lot, Kennedy is a good option to keep on the back burner. He may have his control issues, but there is no denying that when he's on, he is ON.
Baltimore Orioles: Matt Wieters, C
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I know, I know. Matt Wieters isn't the true definition of a sleeper. That may be, but he is still fairly low on the catching depth chart compared to the Joe Mauers and Brian McCanns of the sport. Thus, he is a sleeper.
Further adding to Wieters's sleeper status is his underachieving 2010 season. A switch-hitting catcher with tremendous power, he only batted .249 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI in 133 games. With people "off the bandwagon", as ESPN put it, Wieters is certain to be available in the middle-to-late rounds of any draft.
He may not jump out of the starting gate like a bat out of hell, but it would be wise to show patience with Wieters. He's only 24 and has an extremely bright future. Once he heats up and becomes the power threat the scouts promised he would be, he'll be a hot commodity and top option for a team needing help with batting average and home runs.
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Boston Red Sox: Jed Lowrie, SS
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As of now, Marco Scutaro is the starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. Overall, his first season in Boston was average, as he batted .275 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI in the leadoff spot with Jacoby Ellsbury on the disabled list. Those stats aren't bad, but they make you scratch your head considering Scutaro is due $5.5 million this season. Thankfully, the Red Sox have a reliable backup solution at the position in Jed Lowrie, should Scutaro falter.
Lowrie's switch-hitting ability brings something to the table that Scutaro doesn't have, and his ability to play multiple positions doesn't hurt either. His natural fly ball-hitting ability is perfect for Fenway Park, and thus, his home run totals could be generous. To add another good thing, he can hit well for average, as he posted a .287 mark in 2010.
Lowrie is sure to fall to the later rounds given the better shortstops ahead of him, but teams needing depth at the position should seriously consider adding him. The only flaw he has is his tendency to get injured. If he stays healthy and supplants Scutaro as the starting shortstop, team managers can be sure to expect a great return on their investment.
Chicago Cubs: Tyler Colvin, OF/1B
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Tyler Colvin started the 2010 season as the Chicago Cubs' fourth outfielder. After Kosuke Fukodome underachieved down the stretch, the former Clemson star stepped in and immediately produced. In 141 games, Colvin only batted an average .251.
Yet, he also hit 20 home runs and had 58 RBI. The crazy part is that as of now, he is once again expected to begin the season as the fourth outfielder/backup first baseman as the three outfield spots are occupied by Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and for some reason, the underachieving Fukudome.
Call it a hunch, but something tells me that manager Mike Quade will get fed up with Fukudome's lack of production and make Colvin a regular starter. That being said, if you're looking for depth on your bench, draft Colvin in the later rounds and let him sit there until he starts getting more at-bats. If his production warrants a bump-up into the starting lineup, make it so!
Chicago White Sox: Edwin Jackson, P
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Last season, Edwin Jackson was one of many pitchers to throw a no-hitter. Pitching against the Tampa Bay Rays, Jackson walked eight hitters en route to a 1-0 victory for his Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite that one stellar start, Jackson went just 6-10 with a 5.16 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in Arizona before being traded to the White Sox at the trading deadline.
Ironically, Jackson fared much better in Chi-Town, posting a 4-2 record over 11 starts with a 3.24 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He has a potent and experienced offense backing him up this season, and chances are that his overall numbers will improve in 2011.
Jackson is always a risk given his control issues and 1.49 career WHIP, but he's only 27 and has the potential to be an effective pitcher on the right team. If you're still in need of pitching in the middle rounds of a draft, he is definitely worth a gamble. The White Sox are expected to contend this season and if Jackson is on, they could be a sure lock for the division.
Cincinnati Reds: Travis Wood, P
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During the Reds' truly miraculous run to a division title last season, Travis Wood was a pitcher called up at the start of July for a spot start or two in the back of the rotation. Today, he is the No. 2 starter as his 5-4 record, 3.02 ERA and incredible 1.08 WHIP (not to mention opposing hitters' .222 batting average against him) were enough for team management to keep him around.
The only downside to Wood is that he is a true control pitcher. Rather than try and blow hitters away with his stuff, he relies a lot on his pitches' location. Thus, chances are that he might have some bad starts down the stretch.
Yet, in the event that last year's success carries over into the 2011 season, Wood will be a valuable asset on any fantasy team. He isn't good enough to justify an early draft pick, but he will be available on most draft boards in the final round. If your rotation needs to be rounded out, give this man a chance.
Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley, OF
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The Indians acquired Michael Brantley in 2008 in the trade that sent C.C. Sabathia to the Brewers. He is a talented young outfielder with great speed and ability to hit well for average. On a team that doesn't have many sleepers, Brantley could be a good final-rounds pick for a team in need of steals to occasionally come off the bench.
He is expected to be the starting left fielder in Cleveland at the start of this season, and if he stays healthy, his overall stats should improve off of last season. With Grady Sizemore still rehabbing from microfracture surgery, look to Brantley to solve your batting average and base-stealing needs.
Colorado Rockies: Dexter Fowler, OF
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After a breakout 2009, Dexter Fowler regressed in 2010. His batting average dropped from .266 to .260, and his steal total dropped from 27 to 13. Yet, now that he is more used to Jim Tracy's managerial style, 2011 could be the year he shines.
Fowler isn't the type of outfielder who is going to knock the ball out of the park regularly or hit for a high batting average, but he is a patient hitter with blazing speed. In leagues where OBP counts, he will be a welcome addition to any team. On top of that, he is expected to be the Rockies' leadoff hitter and should steal a lot of bases.
Much like with Brantley, Fowler is a good option for steals off the bench, and if his play warrants it, a spot in the starting lineup.
Detroit Tigers: Ryan Raburn, OF
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This spring training, Raburn's bat was so hot that he beat out incumbent left fielder Brennan Boesch for the starting job. Given his performance in 2010, this isn't a shocker. In 113 games, he batted .280 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI.
If Raburn holds on to his starting job, he is sure to be a dangerous outfield sleeper. He is a patient hitter, so he's sure to be on base consistently.
Teams won't fight over him in the draft room, so he would be an ideal option at a utility spot. Perhaps take him in the middle rounds to up the home run total in your lineup. Combined with his power and run-scoring ability, Raburn is a great all-around sleeper pick.
Florida Marlins: Mike Stanton, OF
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Compared to everyone else on this list, Mike Stanton is not a conventional sleeper. He was the talk of Florida last year before he even got called up from the minors, and after he made his debut on the major league level, many were beyond impressed.
He hit 22 home runs with 59 RBI in 100 games, but still only batted .259. That's low considering how experts pegged him as a .300-plus hitter. Still, 2011 should be a great year for the young outfield stud.
Stanton as 40-plus home run power along with tremendous plate discipline. If outfielders are flying off the board in your draft, get him if he's available. He is sure to pay dividends in all major offensive categories as the Marlins look to make a statement in the tough NL East.
Houston Astros: Brett Wallace, 1B
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On a team without much sleeper potential, Brett Wallace could be worth a gamble. He was a September call-up for the Astros last year and only hit .222 with two home runs and 13 RBI. Yet he had an impressive spring, as he batted .379 with a .411 OBP.
Much like Brantley and the entire Indians squad, the success of Wallace and the Astros is not guaranteed. Yet, he is a good option for your last overall pick. If the spring numbers translate into the regular season, the void left by the departure of Lance Berkman may be filled.
Kansas City Royals: Alcides Escobar, SS
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Again, we come to a team that does not offer much regarding fantasy sleepers. Alcides Escobar is new to the team after coming over from Milwaukee in the Zack Greinke trade, and he is looking to improve after a below-average 2010.
Escobar hit eighth in the order in Milwaukee last year, in front of the pitcher, and he only managed a .235 average with four home runs, 41 RBI and only 10 steals. This year, he is batting seventh and has the steal-friendly Ned Yost as his manager.
Given the aggressive nature of Yost, Escobar is definitely a steals sleeper. If the later rounds are coming and your team is in need of steals, he is worth a gamble. Kansas City as a whole won't have a great season, but Escobar could prove to be the lone bright spot on the basepaths.
Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem: Hisanori Takahashi, P
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If there is someone who is a true renaissance man when it comes to pitching, it's Hisanori Takahashi. In his debut season with the New York Mets (in 2010), this man simply did it all. He appeared in 53 games and started 12.
He posted a 10-6 record with a respectable 3.61 ERA and slightly high 1.30 WHIP, but also struck out 114 batters in 122 innings. On top of that, he saved eight games. Why the Mets didn't bring him back remains a mystery to me.
As of now, he is serving a long relief/lefty specialist role in Anaheim. Yet, if Scott Kazmir proves to be a dark spot in the rotation once again, giving Takahashi the opportunity to start would be a wise move for manager Mike Scioscia.
Regarding when to draft him, I'm going to back off a little bit. Takahashi's uncertain role doesn't really make him an ideal draft candidate. Yet, if you're in the hunt for ERA and strikeouts, it's certain that he will be available on the waiver-wire. If so, give him a shot!
Los Angeles Dodgers: Hiroki Kuroda, P
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Hiroki Kuroda's stats for 2010 do not translate to how talented he is on the mound. He posted an 11-13 record, but with a 3.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP as the Dodgers underachieved down the stretch.
Now that Manny "The Distraction" Ramirez is out of town and outfield star Matt Kemp expected to bounce back after an off year, Kuroda is sure to continue improving his game in the U.S. even at the ripe age of 36.
Kuroda is usually brushed aside because of his win-loss record, but he is still a viable option in leagues where losses don't count. He has a decent strikeout pitch and is great on WHIP, so giving him a look in the later middle rounds or even final rounds could be a good idea for a team needing depth at pitching.
Milwaukee Brewers: Carlos Gomez, OF
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At one point, Carlos Gomez was the top prospect in the New York Mets' system. Experts saw him as the leadoff man of the future, hitting well for average and stealing bases left and right. Then, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins as part of the Johan Santana trade. It seemingly all went downhill from there.
In two years in Minnesota, Gomez only hit .243 and showed impatience at the plate. In the 2009 offseason, he was traded to Milwaukee and underachieved once again in 2010, batting .247 in 97 games but with 18 steals.
This spring, however, Gomez must have changed his approach. In March, he batted .339 with three home runs. Today, in the Brew Crew's first game, he went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk.
Given his past seasons, Gomez is sure to still be available in the final rounds. If you need steals, take him. Also, if his spring translates to the regular season, he could be the surprise of the season and finally reach his potential at age 25.
Minnesota Twins: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B/SS
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In a fairly thin shortstop draft class, this latest Japanese import could be a gamble that pays off in a big way. Nishioka is a slick fielder with great speed who also makes great contact. This spring alone, he batted .386.
On top of that, he is already extremely experienced at age 28. He spent eight seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines before coming to the MLB, and his stats in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) are subtle, but very impressive.
In Japan, Nishioka was a .293 career hitter with a .364 OBP. To go with that, he had 911 career hits and 174 career steals.
Minnesota is a team that relies much on slap-hitting and stealing bases, so Nishioka is basically a perfect fit. Definitely take him in the middle rounds if you're in need of a shortstop as well as batting average and steals.
New York Mets: Angel Pagan, OF
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Angel Pagan reminds me a lot of Brett Gardner. In order to be truly effective, he needs to play every day. Sadly, injuries have prevented him from doing so.
Yet, in the Mets' 2010 season to forget, Pagan was the lone bright spot. Filling in for the injured Carlos Beltran, Pagan had his long overdue breakout year. He batted .290 with 11 home runs and 69 RBI and 37 steals in 151 games.
Those numbers were enough to keep Pagan in the starting lineup in 2011, as he is penciled in as the starting center fielder and No. 2 hitter in the lineup. Chances are that he won't match those numbers again, but still will be an effective member of a Mets team looking to get back on track. If he stays healthy, all the better.
Pagan is worth a middle draft pick as teams look to round out their outfields. He'll hit for average and won't hit many home runs with Citi Field as the home stadium, but the steals should be through the roof.
New York Yankees: Ivan Nova, P
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The biggest question mark with the New York Yankees this season is pitching, and Ivan Nova's spring might have put that concern to rest. After throwing six no-hit innings against the Baltimore Orioles' starters, Nova secured himself the No. 4 spot in the rotation.
The only concern with this young man from the Dominican Republic is his durability, as he has tended to struggle from the fifth inning and on. Yet, if this spring is any indication, he has worked on his conditioning and his endurance is much stronger.
Nova will be a good pick in the later rounds if you need to add some pitching depth. He has a good strikeout pitch, but his WHIP will be hit or miss. If you're feeling like a gamble, give him a shot.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Neil Walker, 2B
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In 2010, Neil Walker was one of the few bright spots/surprises for the dismal Pittsburgh Pirates. In 110 games, he batted .296 with 12 home runs and 66 RBI. Now that the team appears committed to winning thanks to the hiring of Clint Hurdle as manager, Walker's numbers are sure to improve.
He is a switch hitter, so the right field porch at PNC Park should be very friendly to him. The second base pool is very deep this year, so it's not surprising that Walker will be overlooked. If you need a utility bat that hits well for average and has some pop, look no further than this man.
He is patient at the plate, has a good clubhouse personality and is just plain good for the team. If he's available in the middle rounds or if you still need a second baseman, give him a chance and watch him work his magic.
San Diego Padres: Tim Stauffer, P
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For most of 2010, Tim Stauffer was coming out of the San Diego bullpen. However, he also made seven starts. His overall stats were incredible as he posted a modest 6-5 record, but with a 1.85 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and thus was named as a member of the starting rotation in 2011.
He continued to shine in spring training, and after Mat Latos went on the disabled list, Stauffer was named the Opening Day starter.
Stauffer might not be worth a draft pick, as his durability and adjustment to being a full-time starter is a big question mark, but he is definitely worth picking up off the waiver wire. He is a talented young pitcher, and if his stuff translates well to the rotation, the sky will be the limit for him and fantasy teams that have him!
Oakland Athletics: Gio Gonzalez, P
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After underachieving his first two seasons in Oakland, Gio Gonzalez broke out in 2010. The young lefty posted a 15-9 record with a 3.23 ERA, 171 strikeouts and a 1.31 WHIP on an Oakland pitching staff that drew back memories of Zito, Hudson and Mulder.
Given the improvements the A's made over the offseason, the team's offense is strong enough that all of the team's starters, including Gonzalez, should improve upon or match their success from last season.
The only question mark with Gonzalez is his control, as last year's 1.31 WHIP might scare some people off. Still, his strikeouts and ERA might justify his being taken in the middle rounds. He isn't a staff ace, but Gonzalez will continue to surprise fans and fantasy owners in 2011.
San Francisco Giants: Madison Bumgarner, P
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As the Giants made their World Series run last year, Madison Bumgarner came through start after start. It was an extension of his respectable 2010 season, when he posted a 7-6 record with an amazing ERA of 3.00. His WHIP was a little high at 1.31, but he was a clutch pitcher down the stretch.
Bumgarner should improve in 2011, as he had an effective spring, but team owners must remember he is still just 21 and might still have some "rules" attached to him. Yet, his stuff is impressive enough to warrant a spot in San Francisco's rotation.
Look for Bumgarner to still be available in the final rounds. At that point, take the lanky lefty and watch your team's ERA numbers shine.
Philadelphia Phillies: Domonic Brown, OF
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After Jayson Werth left the team for a long-term contract with the Washington Nationals, Domonic Brown was declared the heir apparent to the starting right fielder's job. He spent most of 2010 in the minors and posted an impressive .327 batting average with 20 home runs and 68 RBI as well as 17 steals. Then, by a stroke of bad luck, he broke his hand in spring training this year.
Brown is currently rehabbing his injury in extended spring training and is expected to begin playing at Triple-A when he is ready to play and should be in right field for the Phillies before the All-Star Break. If you're a patient owner and can wait a little bit, this young man will definitely be worth it.
He hits well for average, has great power and great speed. If he's still available in the middle or final rounds, draft him and the results will speak for themselves.
Seattle Mariners: Michael Pineda, P
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Before this season, nobody outside of Seattle had heard of Michael Pineda. He is a hard throwing right-hander who stands tall at 6'7", and he is currently the Mariners' No. 5 starter.
He had a very impressive spring and is sure to be a dangerous strikeout pitcher for years to come. The only question mark with him is his run support, as the Seattle offense is not exactly strong. Still, his stuff just might be good enough to blow the opposing hitters away and give the rotation an effective option that isn't named Felix.
Given how nobody knows about him, Pineda won't be drafted in most leagues. Yet, I was impressed with him enough to make him my last overall pick in a league I'm in. Given his high-90s fastball and intimidating presence on the mound, it might be something for you owners out there to consider.
St. Louis Cardinals: David Freese, 3B
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Going into 2010, David Freese was expected to be a strong candidate for NL Rookie of the Year. He batted .296, but only managed four home runs and 36 RBI as injuries limited him to 70 games. This year, however, should be different.
Freese hits well for average and has some power, fitting perfectly into Tony LaRussa's lineup. He did not impress enough last season to warrant a draft pick in this year's fantasy drafts, but again, this is an instance where the waiver wire helps.
As long as Freese stays healthy and plays regularly, he could be a top fantasy sleeper and work his way up the rankings for 2012.
Tampa Bay Rays: Jeremy Hellickson, P
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Last year, Hellickson was called up to the Rays towards the end of the season to make some spot starts and gain some "experience." After he went 4-0 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, team management decided to trade Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs and give Hellickson a full-time spot in the rotation.
There's no question that this young man has the stuff to compete with the bevy of top pitchers in the AL East, but there is still a huge question mark thanks to the innings limit he may face this season. Still, Hellickson is worth taking in the later rounds of a draft because simply put, his stuff is that good.
He will help with ERA and WHIP and possibly wins. It all depends how the Rays do minus Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena. If the team can win without them, look for Hellickson to be racking up the wins for some lucky fantasy owners.
Texas Rangers: Mitch Moreland, 1B
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Last season, Mitch Moreland was a late-season call up for the Texas Rangers as they made their run to an AL West crown and ultimately, a spot in the World Series. In his time with the team, the .313 career hitter in the minors posted a modest .255 average with nine home runs and 25 RBI.
He was effective in the playoffs and today is the Rangers' starting first baseman. He has a powerful lefty bat and will probably be brushed aside with an extremely deep first baseman's pool this season, but he could prove to be a valuable asset off the bench.
Moreland is sure to improve this season as he is playing every day. He will hit well for average and more importantly, will get on base with his patient approach. If he's available in the final rounds, he is definitely a good bat to have on the bench.
Toronto Blue Jays: Travis Snider, OF
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For the past three seasons, Travis Snider has been the fourth outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Now that Vernon Wells has been traded, he finally has the opportunity to shine. He hit an average .255 in 2010, but also had 14 home runs with 32 RBI. Given, he missed a lot of time with a wrist injury, but he showed what he could do on the major league level.
As of now, he is penciled in as the starting left fielder in Toronto. Now that he's playing every day, he should be effective and have a breakout year if he stays healthy.
Regarding his draft status, he's a toss-up. He will go undrafted in some, but might get taken in the later rounds in other leagues. If you need some pop on your bench, Snider is worth a gamble. With Jon Farrell at the helm of the team, chances are that Snider is sure to reach his full potential or something close to it in 2011.
Washington Nationals: Michael Morse, OF
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At long last, after bouncing between the minors and majors for nine seasons, Michael Morse got the opportunity to be a regular with the Nationals in 2010. Sure enough, he made the most of his opportunity as he hit .289 with 15 home runs and 41 RBI in just 98 games.
As of now, he is the team's starting left-fielder. If all goes well, his success from last year will carry over into 2011.
Like Snider, Morse's draft status is a toss-up. He'll either get drafted or he won't. Yet, he is a good man to have on any team if a power bat off the bench is needed. With his patient approach and powerful bat, look for him to still be available in the last rounds.
So, everyone, there are my fantasy sleepers from each team. It's sure to be a good 2011 season. Enjoy it and good luck in your drafts!
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