Now that full teams are all in spring training, there’s always one question on Fantasy Baseball owners minds.
Who are this year’s sleepers?
Sep 18, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (39) walks back to the plate during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
With that in mind, I will take a look at my early All-Sleeper team, giving one guy at each position that I feel could be a sleeper in 12-team mixed leagues. As a note, to qualify for a sleeper, a player must have a current ADP of lower than 120 according to Fantasy Pros.
With that being said, let’s take a look at my first sleeper team.
C- Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds, ADP 275
I’ve always liked to have Mesoraco on my NL-only teams as he was always a safe No. 2 catcher who wouldn’t hurt your team. I actually like him a lot this season.
He comes with a high contact rate and above average power that plays very well at Great American Ballpark. He’s ready to take over as the Reds’ primary catcher.
Given regular at bats, I think Mesoraco could turn into this year’s breakout candidate behind the plate. I’m not going to project a huge season from him, but I feel a .260 AVG, 16-20 HR and 60-70 RBI are within reach. That late in the draft you can’t ask for much more.
1B- Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants, ADP 141
Truth be told I was going to look at Jose Abreu in this spot, but he has been going a little higher in drafts so he doesn’t qualify as a sleeper.
Belt on the other hand is a guy that I have never been crazy about but should give you solid value at his average draft spot.
The Giants’ conservative approach to his role and his home ballpark have caused Belt to fall beneath the radar in many fantasy leagues his first three seasons, though he showed many signs of growth in 2013 that could portend greater things ahead. He set career highs in many offensive categories- hits, doubles, home runs, batting average and slugging- last season and I look for the growth to continue.
Belt significantly improved his contact rate in the second half of 2013, which should bode well for more improvement from Belt in his third full season.
2B- Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers, ADP 177.5
You see it all the time. The highly touted prospect one year who everyone is excited about starts to fall under the radar the following season.
Oct 12, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) makes a throw to first base after fielding a grounder hit by Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (not pictured) during the sixth inning in game one of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
That’s the case with Profar as his somewhat lukewarm debut in 2013 has hurt his value this season.
The Rangers dealt Ian Kinsler to make room for him so he will get the opportunity. Don’t read into his 2013 numbers. The same skill set is there- surprising power, enough speed and smart plate discipline.
3B- Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox, ADP 189
Middlebrooks got off to a fine power start in 2013, but was demoted in June, as he looked lost at the plate.
However he seemed to figure things out as he posted a .881 OPS in 67 plate appearances in August, following that up with a .747 OPS in 89 PAs in September.
Right now the starting job is his and he is a guy with 25 homer upside that you can get late in drafts.
SS- Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves, ADP 146.5
If fantasy points were awarded for defensive ability, Simmons would be a fantasy stud.
However his defensive skills means he plays a lot. Because he gets a lot of at bats, it is worth getting excited over the blossoming power he showed in 2013. Simmons hit 11 of his 17 home runs after July 1.
Simmons also saw a boost in doubles and triples, which suggests legitimate growth.
It might take a couple of years to see his offensive potential match that of his defensive skills, but some growth should be expected in 2014.
OF- Kole Calhoun, Los Angeles Angels, ADP 203
Calhoun hit eight home runs with 32 RBI in just under 200 at-bats last year after a call-up, and now he has playing time.
Sep 10, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Wily Peralta (60) regroups on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7, not pictured) in the in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
What’s not to like?
He also has some speed, stealing 20 bases in in the minors in 2011. With solid contact rates and plate discipline, and an AVG of at least .292 at every minor league stop to go along with solid speed, it is surprising to see Calhoun continue to slide under the radar.
He’s a guy who you can get late and has a great deal of upside
SP- Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers, ADP 364.5
Peralta struggled in first half, last season but came on strong in the second half with a 3.15 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.
Why do I like Peralta this season? Two reasons.
He had a better than 50 percent ground ball rate last year and has a wipeout slider that helped him boast a 20.6 percent strikeout rate from July 1 on last year.
If he improves his control a little bit, Peralta could turn into a guy that will have to be in your lineup every time he gets the ball.
RP- Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers, ADP 204.8
Do not forget about Feliz.
If you don’t value saves highly, as I don’t, Feliz is the perfect guy you can target late in drafts that will keep you competitive in the saves category.
It’s been a long road back from Tommy John surgery for Feliz, butt he reportedly was throwing 98 mph during winter ball and looks to be fully healthy.
His .552 opponents’ OPS and 1.01 WHIP in his career shows how dominant he can be.
A 40-save season is a possibility from a guy you can get after pick 200.