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We are near the end of Third Base week here at Fake Teams, and this morning I am going to discuss three NL-only third base sleepers that could impact fantasy rosters if things break well for them in 2013. Two of the sleepers are from the same team, Jordan Pacheco and Nolan Arenado, and the third is from the same division, Diamondbacks third base prospect Matt Davidson.
Let's take a look at the three NL-only sleepers that you should keep your eye on in spring training, and early in 2013:
Nolan Arenado, COL
Arenado's 2012 struggles were discussed here earlier this week in Fake Teams Consensus Fantasy Third Base Prospect Rankings, but 2013 is a new year, and all he needs is a hot start at AAA Colorado Springs of the Pacific Coast League to make new Rockies GM Bill Geivett make the decision to call him up. The Rockies are in a semi-rebuild state right now, and the losses will probably continue in 2013, so an Arenado promotion could keep the fans buying tickets while the team attempts to stay out of the cellar in 2013. He may not have the power you expect from the hot corner, but he owns an excellent eye at the plate, and can hit for average.
Matt Davidson, ARI
Davidson had an excellent 2012 season in AA ball, hitting .261-.367-.469 with 23 HRs, 81 runs and 76 RBI in 486 at bats. Like Arenado, he owns a solid eye at the plate, striking out in just under 22% of his plate appearances, with a 12% walk rate. He reduced his K rate, and improved his BB rate, in 2012, even while facing more advanced pitching. He is the Diamondbacks third baseman of the future, and should start the season at AAA Tuscon. He is one Chris Johnson slump away from a call up in 2013, and he will call the hitter-friendly Chase Field home, so he is an intriguing hitter to target in 2013 drafts.
Jordan Pacheco, COL
Pacheco is another sleeper to target late in drafts in 2013, as he will get most of the starts at third base in Colorado until Arenado gets the call up. Last season, in 475 at bats, Pacheco hit .309-.341-.421 with 5 HRs, 51 runs, 54 RBI and 7 stolen bases. Pacheco won't help you in the power categories, so make sure you have those categories covered if you draft him, but he will help you in the batting average category. He may not hit .300 again, but he should be able to hit around .280 or so, which is better than many other late round picks in NL-only or mixed leagues.