Fantasy : Hitting the Snooze: Last Minute Sleepers! : On Deck Circle

Anticipation can be so cruel. In less than 24 hours, Chris Carpenter takes the mound against respected veteran Tom Glavine to kick off the 2007 season. To say I’m pumped about this is an understatement. But what to do in the meantime? Well, one more rundown of today’s top sleepers will hurt no one. Good luck to everyone in their leagues this year and check back often for updates as the season progresses!

Starting Pitchers

Boof Bonser (Twins) – I had the opportunity to meet Twins’ players Johan Santana, Joe Mauer and Boof Bonser last year at an autograph signing. Boof looks up at me and says “what’s up?” Having been too star struck by my fantasy stud and batting champ Joe Mauer, I just replied back with a monotonous “hey.” But perhaps the man with the best name west of Coco Crisp deserves more of a “what’s up BOOOOOF!” Pencil it in, Boof will win 13 games with an era of 4.15 and 170 punch outs. Maybe after that we can start focusing on why he changed his name to Boof.

Adam Wainright (Cardinals)– Whatever A&W still has to prove after a heroic appearance in the World Series last year, will be showcased in 2007. These spring training numbers are an indication that he’s ready to play ball: 4-2 record and snapped into a slim-jim era of 1.10. As long as the run support is there, this young hurler will continue to sparkle.

Relief Pitchers

Trevor Hoffman (Padres) – How can I list baseball’s career saves leader as a sleeper? Easy. The guy is sinking unexpectedly in most fantasy drafts. Last year he recorded 46 saves and blew only 5 chances all year. Fantasy enthusiasts worried about his age should not fret until he actually starts showing signs of wear and tear. Until then, continue to enjoy the services of a historically great closer in Hoffman.

Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers) – Open your eyes to Broxton in 2007. The guy is a beast at 6’3, 288 lbs. The emergence of Takashi Saito last year prevented Broxton from stepping it earlier, but it could end up being a wise decision as J-Brox is ready to roll. If you caught his implosion against the Nationals last Monday, don’t let that affect your watching him – he could be this years Papelbon.

Catcher

Kenji Johjima (Mariners) – The guy has the complete package in terms of offense. He boasts solid batting averages and was anything but a liability in the RBI category for a mediocre Mariner offense.

Ronny Paulino (Pirates) – Paulino ended 2006 on a hot streak and has been able to carry it over to spring training. Not only did he bat .481 in spring training, but he figures to get ample playing time behind the plate for the Bucs. Expect inconsistencies though, and take the good with the bad – I bet there will be more of the good.

Stephen Drew (Diamondbacks) – The younger Drew is a player to keep on your radar this year. He is a student of the game and is willing to learn the MLB system; but he’ll jump start your team in fantasy by batting leadoff. With more at-bats, and a propensity to get on base, look for Drew to have an impressive sophomore campaign.

Michael Young (Rangers) – Jose Reyes’ emergence has left Michael Young in the dust as a solid option at shortstop, but Young is just that- solid. He will get you a .300+ batting average with 15 homers and 100 RBI. He is getting up their in age, but don’t let that deter you from picking him for your team.

First Base

Conor Jackson (Diamondbacks) – I have not the slightest clue why C-Jack is getting no love. Although he is still raw and unproven, the sky is the limit for his potential. When it comes to fantasy baseball, most leaguers’ are concerned about offense only, and Conor is certainly not worried about his capabilities in that area. Defense was his primary focus this off-season to ensure that he is on the field often. Still, he will be a top 20 first basemen that will send fantasy owners in a fury for ignoring his potential.

Adrian Gonzalez (Padres) – Despite hitting at home in a pitcher’s park (Petco), Gonzalez is becoming a tremendous asset to the Padres and fantasy owners’ alike. Last year he hit 24 big jacks, with 82 RBI and 83 runs. The fact that his name value is relatively low is a good reason for his status as a sleeper. He won’t put up monstrous numbers, but consistency is the name of the game for Adrian, so consider him in all fantasy leagues.

Second Base

Howie Kendrick (Angels) - Expect 16, 80, 15 and a .300 BA for Uncle Howie. The Angel's already have set their halo over his head.

Ian Kinsler (Rangers) - Kinsler tore it up in preseason to the tune of a .429 average, 11 runs, 6 doubles, three homers and 19 RBI. Expect the second year man to flourish in a stout offense.

Third Base

BJ Upton (Devil Rays) – As does ‘Rays manager Joe Madden, you should have confidence in Upton this year. The speedster is improving upon his suspect defense that kept him out of the lineup last year. He will get time at second base, but the outfield is also a great possibility for Upton. Give him time to develop as he could be a steal for those who took him in the late rounds. Remember, Jorge Cantu was sent down, and Upton figures to be a huge beneficiary.

Mark Teahen (Royals) – With the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox in their division, the Royals might as well give up hope for a pennant now. But Teahen is a talented slugger who, at the very least, will team up with prospect Alex Gordon to let the AL Central know that the Royals are, in fact, a team with promise. Teahen is terribly underrated, but once he slugs .520 with 25 homers and 80 RBI, more than a few fantasy owners will jump on the Teahen bandwagon.

Outfield

Elijah Dukes (Devil Rays) – Put up your Dukes! This young buck just won the job in center field and he will come out swinging. Previous incidents on and off the field had threatened his promising career, but view his promotion as a maturity point for Dukes. I know if I had been arrested for Marijuana possession but still managed to make the big leagues, there wouldn’t be much taken for granted at that point – but that’s just me. Assuming he stays healthy and out of trouble, look for Dukes to be a prominent figure in the ‘Rays young offense as early as Monday.

JD Drew (Red Sox) – We all know the story with JD: Injury… homers… Injury… more homers. With his brother Stephen Drew recently introduced to the big leagues, JD will want to show that he isn’t ready to be forgotten. In a formidable lineup featuring Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, Drew will see his share of good pitches to send out of the park. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt by predicting a career year for #7.