Sleeper SP On Nationals - Really!

When you think of the Washington Nationals and of sleepers, 2 names come to mind - Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. You can find them on many sleeper lists. But what about a 22 year old Pitcher named Jordan Zimmermann? Who? Jordan Zimmermann. This pitcher is competing with Colling Balester (also 22 years old) for the fifth starters spot. As I did my research on Zimmermann it surprised me that I hadn't seen him on ANY sleeper lists. When words like, 'Top Prospect', 'Poise', 'Impressive', and so on, are thrown around, generally people have at least heard of the guy. I hadn't. I just happened upon an interesting article that mentioned Zimmerman and that led me to research him. Did you know that he did not allow a base runner until his third spring start? Did you know that he hasn't allowed a run yet this spring? Did you know that he has struck out 10 in his 8.1 innings pitched? Who is this again? Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals. There must be a downside right? Yes there is. He is young and will probably walk more batters then you (or he) would like. He is not guaranteed a spot in the rotation (yet). Did I mention he's young? There are always growing pains for a young pitcher, the question is whether they will be long term or temporary. My vote is temporary. What should I do with Jordan Zimmermann and my fantasy team? That depends on several things. Here is my opinion: - If you are in a shallow league, just keep an eye on him. - If you are in a deep league, tuck him away if at all possible. - If you are in an AL only league, you really should have stopped reading by now. - If you are in a keeper league, stash him away and gloat when he becomes a stud! Zimmermann may not be on many sleeper lists (let me know if you find one), but he's on mine. -Scout Monkey

Breakout Player: Carlos Gomez

By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/ Team: Minnesota Twins Bats: Right Position: OF Gomez had a tough rookie season in 2008. Not only was it his first full season in the majors, but he was traded to the American League. Everyone knows Gomez is a speed demon, but his average is a major liability. However, in 2009 we think his average will go up due to the fact that he has gotten settled in Minnesota and he will cross the 1000 at bats plateau this season. Last year his average improved 26 points in 2008. Also, speed players will take advantage of the turf in Minnesota and run out more infield hits. It does take time to master that skill. Gomez also showed some power belting 7 homeruns. Consider him a poor man's Jose Reyes, a very poor man. Prediction: .270 average, 9 homers, 61 RBI, 89 runs scored, 44 SB To get more from The True Guru and the other guru's Ryan Hallam and RC Rizza catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST.

Sleepers Are Worth Waiting For

Sleeper is a word used to describe players that people think will out play their projected draft position. The only issue with this is that as soon as a player is labeled sleeper their ADP goes up and they become hyped, and once this happens some of these players are drafted way too high. This will help those of us who wait and draft the real sleepers much later, because those who wait will be able to get the more stable players that slip due to over hyped/sleepers that are drafted to high. In my opinion sleepers should be players that each fantasy owner has recognized as under the radar players that they feel they can get in the very late rds. (For example Cliff Lee, Edison Volquez, and Alexei Ramirez last yr were all most likely undrafted or taken in the last couple of rds) These players should be bench players when drafted, however, by seasons end they should be a starter for you and most likely have helped you at least compete for your league title. This is a list of the top 5 sleepers for this yr that I have seen on multiple sites: 1. Chris Davis > I like him alot but he is being taken in the 6th rd and higher to expensive for me. 2. Alexei Ramirez > This player was a sleeper last yr this yr he will be a bust being taken in the 5th rd and HIGHER way too much hype. 3. Francisco Liriano > Love the potential to be a lincecum type this yr and has the talent to be your staffs ace, however, everyone else thinks that too so how is he a sleeper we ALL know him. 4. Joba Chamberlain > See Liriano..... 5. Matt Wieters > OK this guy is the most hyped player i have ever seen. he is being drafted way too high for a guy that will be in triple A to start the season. Do i like him of course, would i pay to get him maybe but probably not. All I am going to say on Wieters is, it is far more likely he breaks your heart then it is that he helps you to win a title. OK i admit this is a nice list of players but none of them are sleepers and they are all being drafted extremely high. the chances these 5 players have a great yr are good but the chances that they don't perform enough for where you drafted them is greater. Here is my top 5 Real sleepers for 2009: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sorry, can't do that if i did then they wouldn't be sleepers now would they. The Bay State Scout