Yesterday'sfive sleepers were decidedly of the deep single league variety. Today's five sleepers lean heavily towards mixed league formats.
1B/OF Nick Swisher, New York Yankees: After the signing of 1B Mark Teixeira, Swisher fell off the face of the Earth. While no one can predict an injury, Swisher is the full-time back-up behind Teixeira and RF Xavier Nady. He is likely to go for single digits in AL-Only auctions.
SS Yunel Escobar, Atlant Braves: Escobar disappointed in the power department last season thanks to an injured wrist. Despite that, he saw tremendous growth in his batting eye. Don't be surprised to see mid-teens HRs with another good eye.
SP Sean Marshall, Chicago Cubs: He was just named the 5th starter by manager Lou Piniella. With 8.0 K/9 and a 1.27 WHIP last season, I'm buying. He has enough major league innings under his belt prior to last season that there won't be too many who are. If you possess the mental tick I do, you think he is Sean Gallagher, who was dealt to the A's.
OF Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers: He tore the cover off the ball last season post-Manny. With a full season of Manny Being Manny, Either may not disappoint as a $30 draftee in NL-Only leagues $30+ if you're in the same auction with raygu.
OF Chris Burke, San Diego Padres: I can't stop myself from liking former Astros who were mistreated. With a wide open Padres team, Burke could put together the kind of season sub-60 Win teams provide players with any skills - 400 ABs. A return to his 2006 season - 276/347/418 with 9 HR and 11 SB - seems reasonable considering his growth in batting eye and the freedom to swing away.