2009 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

by faketeams on Mar 30, 2009 11:30 AM EDT in Baseball

RP Joe Beimel, Washington Nationals: I like Joel Hanrahan at closer. I do not believe he will lose the job. However, someone would have to take over if he did. I'm betting the $3MM the team used to sign Joe Beimel that he gets the job. A hunch? Not really. There just doesn't seem to be a better candidate with as much financial incentive.

RP John Grabow, Pittsburgh Pirates: I like Matt Capps at closer. I do not like his lack of control this Spring. In 53.2 innings last year, Capps walked five. So far, he has wlaked eight in 10 innings. Like Beimel, Grabow looks like the best option in a non-descript Pirates' pen.

RP Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers: With Joel Zumaya disgarded into the Future Closer dustbin, the Tigers' 1st round pick in 2008 appears ready to take the mantle. With Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney ahead of him, Perry looks like the pitcher the Saves Punters will salivate over.

RP Derrick Turnbow, Texas Rangers: Frank Francisco has channelled his aggression from fans in the stands to batters at the plate and has won the Rangers' closing job. While Turnbow is best remembered by fantasy players as the pitcher who failed to hold the closer's job in Milwaukee, he has impressed the Rangers' manager enough that he wants Turnbow in the bullpen.

RP Scott Downs, Toronto Blue Jays: GM J.P. Ricciardi said there is nothing to current closer B.J. Ryan's lack of velocity this Spring. A couple years ago, he said Ryan was having back problems and that turned out to be Tommy John surgery.

OF Brett Gardner, New York Yankees: The Yankees need energy. Melky Cabrera was unable to bring it last season and will lose out on the team's CF job as a result. Yeah and his continuing mediocrtiy as a major leaguer makes that easier to conclude. All signals point towards Gardner hitting ninth to set-up a lefty/righty/lefty order. Look for Gardner to provide a surprisingly high number of runs and stolen bases from the 9th hole.

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

So you like Beimel over Shell?

I’m more of a Shell man myself. And as a Brewers fan, I find it doubtful that Turnbow will have more value than CJ Wilson.

I just sit back and root for the taser

by Hyatt on Mar 30, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

He likely won't

From Lone Star Ball:

Turnbow out of bullpen mix

“The Rangers also communicated to Turnbow, who could ask for his release Tuesday under the terms of his minor league contract, that he was unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. They’ve asked him to stay with the organization, but the next decision is Turnbow’s.”

Wilson has looked solid this spring and will likely form at least half of the setup crew to Frank Francisco.

by jimolson3 on Mar 31, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Ryan Perry is a guy who

has nasty stuff. He throws two types of fastballs, one a 97-100 MPH four seamer and the other a recently added 2 seam FB that sits in the 92-95 range. Combine that with his wipeout high 80s slider and Papelbon type-makeup, and you have the makings of the closer at some point this season.

Great call on Ryan Eric.

In regards to Scott Downs though, what about Accardo? Shouldn’t he elicit the same thoughts, given that he filled in admirably last year when Ryan went down?

by thomasps3 on Mar 30, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions