With Opening Day quickly approaching, fantasy baseball drafts are being held at all hours of the day all across the country.
In case you missed it, check out my recent appearance on the Fantasy Insiders Podcast. There is lots of good fantasy information discussed that will help you get prepped for draft day, or as you prune your rosters before the season starts.
This article breaks down some American League players that you should be targeting late in drafts or on the free agency wire.
Here is the criteria and context for this article:
- Mixed Leagues – ADP must be 240 or greater
- AL / NL Only – ADP must be 120 or greater
American League Sleeper: Justin Masterson SP, CLE
- ADP AL Only #207; Age 25
- Must Own in: Deep Mixed, AL Only, Dynasty
There is a lot to like about Masterson in 2010. He is being drafted very late and is a former top 25 prospect. His K rate and GB rate are very favorable, even though the ERA and the Walks were not in 2009. Masterson has had a very good spring and does look to be a guy ready to take the next step. The only drawback is that he is the Indians #2 SP; most guys in his position would be a #3/#4 SP.
I can see him being a guy getting 12 Wins and High K’s, around a 4.00 ERA. The WHIP might not come down under 1.40 but he is still worth a flier especially in a dynasty league where you can own 25-30 players where you reap the benefit of his development in the next few years.
AL Sleeper: Delmon Young OF, MIN
- ADP Mixed #325, AL Only #157; Age 24
- Must Own in: Deep Mixed, AL Only, Dynasty
People don’t remember that Young was the #1 pick in the country and the top prospect in baseball not that long ago. His stock dropped quite a bit when the Rays dealt him for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett. How could the Rays let this guy go? Well, the off the field issues really were the factor. Also, the Rays really needed a SS and they saw something in Bartlett.
I was touting Young last year and he made me look really stupid the first half of 2009, but a closer look at his 2nd half along with his hot Spring Training, add up to a player who could be a breakout performer in 2010.
AL Sleeper: Philip Hughes SP, NYY
- ADP Mixed #310, AL Only #175; Age 23
- Must Own in: Deep Mixed, AL Only, Dynasty
As soon as Hughes was named the 5th starter, his ADP started to skyrocket. Any why not? #5 SP on the Yankees should equal 15 wins right? Well, I would suspect that Hughes will get 10-12 wins, along with 120 K’s and 4.00 ERA. Great value for a guy being picked in the 300s. The real key here is keeper/dynasty leagues where you reap the benefit of a guy who really started to come on last year as a middle reliever.
AL Sleeper: Alberto Callaspo 2B/3B, KC
- ADP AL Only #215 Age:26
- Must Own in: Deep Mixed, AL Only, Dynasty
I must admit; I’ve got a “mancrush” on Callaspo. After back to back seasons hitting over .330 for AAA Arizona, and never getting a true shot to play everyday until last year, Callaspo came through in a big way, but people are STILL sleeping on the guy. Even his own team doesn’t think he is good enough to start at 2B because he isn’t a slick fielding speedster KC wants.
Well, the good news is I was pumping Callaspo on Feb 1, and then KC trades for Chris Getz…making me look pretty stupid…but then Alex Gordon gets hurt and Callaspo goes from the outhouse to the fantasy penthouse. Batting 3rd and playing 3rd is just what the doctor ordered. Even when Gordon comes back I have to think they find a spot for him in the lineup.
AL Sleeper: Sean Rodriguez, 2B/OF, TB
- ADP AL Only #212 Age:24
- Owned in: Deep Mixed, AL Only, Dynasty
Last year the Rays dealt Scott Kazmir to the Angels in a cost cutting move, but also they had Wade Davis in the wings ready to go. Kaz was ready to move on, and the Rays also were able to pry Sean Rodriguez away from the Angels. Rodriguez wasn’t getting playing time and Mike Scoscia doesn’t like to play rookies unless forced (see Brandon Wood, and the older vet free agent bats they sign). This trade has the potential to make the Rays look genius once again.
S-Rod has put up monster numbers in the spring and looks primed to take over at 2B, while Ben Zobrist moves to RF. Rodriguez put up strong power numbers all throughout the minors leagues and is a great candidate to put up 20-25 hrs easily if he gets the at bats. I would find a way to get his bat in the lineup everyday and let him mash. The ceiling on this guy could be very high in fantasy especially with the 2B eligibilty.
AL Sleeper: Jason Frasor, RP, TOR
- ADP Mixed #315, AL Only #197
- Owned in: Deep Mixed, AL Only
Frasor was just named the Blue Jays closer, and for those who suffered in Florida/Chicago I think we all knew that would happen. Sorry, Kevin Gregg, but you AREN’T a Major League Closer. I’m a huge advocate of buying saves on the cheap and late, and Frasor is a perfect fit. Be careful though, I don’t think he will get more than 20 saves in 2010.
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* – Delmon Young photo credit: Reuters via NY Post
