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We have completed Outfielder Week at Fake Teams, and we couldn't end the week without offering some outfielder sleepers for the 2015 season. This list will include some outfielders that may not be drafted in 12 team mixed leagues, and maybe even deeper leagues, but who could outperform expectations in 2015.
Here is a look at a few outfielders who will be available late in drafts, or on your league waiver wire, who could outperform their draft day value in 2015:
American League
Michael Saunders, Blue Jays
Saunders is recovering from a knee injury, but the latest reports are that his recovery is going very well. Here is more from John Lott from the National Post:
His rapid recovery continues to astound him.
"When they told me I was going to walk out of surgery, I basically called B.S., considering the way I felt two days prior to it," the Blue Jays' left-fielder said. "But I walked out of surgery and I've felt amazed at the way my knee feels, considering everything. It's an amazing thing."
Within a few days, he expects to start hitting off a tee. He is a left-handed batter, so the torque on his knee from hitting will be different from the impact of throwing. Running will come last in his rehab, but if all goes well, he could start running in a week or so.
After the surgery, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Saunders could be in the lineup by opening day in Toronto on April 13. But Saunders cautions that the process is day-to-day.
Saunders moves from Seattle to Toronto in 2015, so the change in ballparks is a positive for him. I see him offering owners double digit home runs with a chance for more in 2015.
Shane Victorino, Red Sox
Or should that read Angels?
I wrote about Victorino in our Sleeper Series earlier this offseason.
Travis Snider, Orioles
Snider looks to be the Orioles starting right fielder, and has a chance to put up a break out season hitting in the friendly confines of Camden Yards. He hit .264-.338-.438 with 13 home runs, 37 runs scored and 38 RBI in 359 plate appearances last season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit 20 home runs with 65-70 RBI in Baltimore in 2015.
National League
Eric Young, Jr., Braves
With Melvin Upton, Jr. out of commission through May with a foot injury, it appears EYJr is the favorite to win the center field job in Atlanta. We all know what to expect from Young….lots of steals, some runs scored and a low batting average. But the steals could be a difference maker, especially since you can probably grab him very late in drafts this year.
Michael Taylor, Nationals
Taylor could get some playing time in left field should Jayson Werth land on the disabled list to start the season, which is a good possibility. The Nationals have zero reason to rush Werth back from the shoulder surgery, especially since they ran away with the division last season. Taylor could provide some power and speed, but will need to show some improvement with the swing and miss part of his game.
David Peralta, Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks lineup is extremely right handed, so there is a good chance Peralta will earn more at bats in left field this season as a result. In 348 plate appearances last season, Peralta hit .286-.320-.450 with 8 home runs, 40 runs scored, 36 RBI and 6 stolen bases. With regular playing time, he could reach double digits in home runs and stolen bases this season.
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