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Everyone loves a sleeper, right? I know I do. Well, I will be offering some fantasy sleepers every Friday during the Consensus Rankings Series. The Sleepers series kicked off with my AL-only league shortstop who could outperform their draft day values in 2014 earlier this morning, and now I bring you my NL-only league sleepers for 2014.
Here is a look at a few NL-only league shortstops who will be available late in drafts who could outperform their draft day value this season:
Javier Baez, Cubs
Baez is one of the top fantasy prospects in the game. He was recently ranked as the #4 prospect in the game by Jason Parks at Baseball Prospectus, and he later tweeted that there is an argument to rank him as the #1 prospect in the game, as he has 30+ home run power at a premium position.
Recent reports indicate the Cubs are getting pressure to improve upon their last place finishes the last few seasons, and Baez could be one of the prospects the Cubs call up this season to help address that situation. He is currently blocked by Starlin Castro, so the Cubs are planning on playing Baez at second and third base in AAA this season, a sign that they want him up with the big league team this season. Depending on when he gets the call, Baez could offer owners double digit power and stolen base totals.
Chris Owings, Diamondbacks
Owings won the Pacific Coast League MVP last season, hitting .330-.359-.482 with 12 HRs, 104 runs, 81 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 575 plate appearances. He followed that up with by hitting .291-.361-.382 in 61 plate appearances in Arizona after a late season call up.
Owings is batting Did Gregorius for the starting shortstop role in spring training, and there is a lot of talk that he will win the job, as he has the better bat than Gregorius, and a solid glove in the field as well. Recent comments from Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers indicate that Gregorius is the favorite right now, but that could easily change in spring training. Owings could offer double digit power and stolen bases in regular duty this season.
Zack Cozart, Reds
If you're looking for a shortstop who plays everyday and offers some pop, Cozart is an option. Over the last two seasons, Cozart ranks 6th in home runs, among qualified shortstops, with 27, and ranks 5th in runs scored with 146. Yet he is being drafted in the later rounds of drafts this season. He won't hit much better than .250 or so, but should offer double digit power, and a chance for 70 runs and 70 RBI.
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