Hey everybody! Sorry for the delay in posts, work and school have me crazy busy.

I first want to relay to you, the viewers, what theory and perspective I use in analyzing fantasy baseball. I call it: The Nick Braun School of Baseball. Plain and simple, I look at the player’s surroundings: his supporting cast, the ballpark, etc. The first example of NBSB is Robinson Cano. Solid player who had a great year last year. But, look at his supporting cast -> A+. In its opening year, Yankees Stadium had more balls hit out than the number of Toyotas that were recalled. He had a career year thanks to the Yankees and the new stadium. But...BUT...put him on the A’s, Royals, Pirates...or even the Nationals, Padres, or Orioles...I bet his numbers fall faster than the pants of a certain crowd’s bachelor party... What I am saying is: I think, “I” being the key word, believe a player’s value and production is correlated to his surroundings. A player in city A may actually be better if he plays in city B. Take Matt Holliday. He is a beast in St. Louis. But his numbers were even better in Colorado and HORRIFIC in Oakland. Take this into consideration when drafting each player. Adrian Gonzalez would be better in Philly or Texas, anybody would be worse out of Coors Field. And there you have it: the NBSB.

Alright, I am going to take different roads for many of my articles. This post I am going to discuss sleepers in this season’s draft. A “sleeper” is a player who may be unknown, in the minors, a bench player in the majors, or an up-and-coming talent. Someone who is not yet a star, may be, may not be, but who has the potential to win you your season. A sleeper has the POTENTIAL to be awesome. Again, key word: POTENTIAL. Each year for the past few years, I have given KC’s 3B Alex Gordon a chance because his potential breakout was supposed to be a big one. The problem with sleepers is: Gordon’s breakout...hasn’t happened yet. Check out players like last year’s Aaron Hill, Adam Lind, Randy Wells, Kendry Morales, and Nelson Cruz. These guys were sleepers at the beginning of last year’s season. Their careers had been ok (Aaron Hill), subpar (Morales and Cruz), or nonexistent (Lind and Wells). But, they all broke out and had unbelievable seasons. So the focus of this article is on this year’s sleepers. Everyone can draft Pujols, A-Rod, or Lincecum. But, what happens when the elite talent is gone around the 4th, 5th, or 6th rounds? You can go with proven veterans. But sometimes, you would rather reach for a sleeper’s POTENTIAL rather than settle for an aging veteran’s possible decline in numbers. So without further ado, your 2010 sleepers:

Catchers:

Kurt Suzuki: I know he is in Oakland, but he is entering the prime age of baseball talent (26-27). His HRs and RBIs have risen the past few years and he has room to improve. Suzuki can approach 20/10 status. You can get Suzuki in the later rounds and if he can repeat himself or more, his value will be way higher than his draft position.

Yadier Molina: I had him in a league last year and he was a huge help. The defensive Molina brother approached 10/10 and hit .300 last year. He probably won’t steal more bases than that because he is big guy. Ok, a pretty big guy. All of the Molinas are big. This Molina anchors a strong Cardinal pitching staff and contributes offensively, albeit not like his San Francisco brother Bengie. He could be a 12/5/.300 catcher again and his defensive nature will allow you to nab him in the middle to late rounds. His young age of 27 is prime for another good year.

Carlos Ruiz: Chooch is not known for his amazing offense. He has 19 HRs combined the last 3 years, and bats around .250. But, he is one of the leaders of the his team and anyone on the Phillies has the chance to put up bigger offense numbers than other teams. If Chooch has an amazing season, a 12/50/.270 year could be had. Nothing great, but a solid late, late round bid or second catcher.

1B:

Billy Butler: A year or so ago, you could have called this guy the Hamburglar. Fatty McHamburger. Apparently, you need to be in shape to play baseball. Well, he did that. Last offseason, he shed some weight and he put up a 20/90/.300 year. And...he’s 23. 23!!! Redonk. He will continue to hit well in KC’s lineup and warrants an early middle draft pick. As he gets more mature, his numbers will rise. Grab him and hope for an early surprise.

Nick Johnson: Another interesting draft choice. Nick Johnson was never an All-Star type player and never really got to break out. He’s 31, but he’s healthy (it seems), and has left the Nats for the Yankees. This has to be a good thing. Watch spring training and see how the Yanks use him. He will be able to DH and give Texiera an off day. He could be another surprise like Nick Swisher was last year. Except, a Nick Swisher who can talk a walk and hit for average.

Chris Davis: Has 30 HR potential but led the league in Ks. He isn’t patient, swings too much, and doesn’t walk. Not a good combo. But, he’s young and has room to improve. If he can control himself, he could reach the 25-30 plateau and you always need to keep your eye on someone who can hit 25+ HRs.

2B:

Howie Kendrick: Still waiting on that batting crown Howie...Although, I can’t be too mean to you. I have a poster on my wall and you signed it! Thanks Holbabe. Anyway, Kendrick is another player prone to bad luck. Health issues and a demotion to triple-A have plagued Kendrick, but his post-All Star break numbers were solid. If he is able to play 150+ games, he could be a .320/15/15 guy.

Placido Polanco: I know he’s old. Every other fantasy blogger and analyst hates Polanco as a fantasy pick. But, let’s slow down a second. His Rs, AVG, and OBP have declined the past three seasons, even though his HRs, SBs, and RBIs pretty much stayed the same. His best years were with Philly and now he’s back. They didn’t sign him for his offense. His gold glove was requested at 3rd. But! His Rs should rise, as should his AVG/OBP because of his supporting cast. He won’t be an All-Star for his offense, but I think he will surprise many.

Eric Young Jr.: He’s a speedster on the bases like his dad, but is on a full roster of young talent. Should an injury or demotion give him some playing time, his SBs and AVG will be the reason you pick him. Waiver wire for now.

SS:

Mike Aviles: In 08, I was lucky enough to draft Aviles. He rewarded me with 10/50/80.325 in only 400 at-bats. He’s 29 and coming off Tommy John and might not be called up till later this season, but he definitely has the potential to push your team into the playoffs with a post-All Star game streak.

Elvis Andrus: He’s rookie season was a very successful one. He stole 33 bases while hitting .267. He streaked the second half of the season. With the hot and powerful Rangers offense, he could score a ton of runs, steal a lot of bases, and hit for a respectable average. His youth and lack of experience is the only thing holding him back. Draft him when the elite SS are off the board.

Erick Aybar: Is known for his AVG and SB. He’s always platooned with other Angel infielders, so now he can truly stand out now that he’s an everyday starter. He won’t wow in any category but can produce a full season of 8/60/20/.300 if he gets everyday at-bats. However, now that Vlad and Figgy are gone, the Angels have kind of lost their oomph. Hopefully Aybar can help spark the fire.

Everth Cabrera: According to my Sporting News Fantasy Baseball magazine, Cabrera stole 73 bases in a minor league season. He should be given a ticket for all that speeding! HAHA! No? Wasn’t that funny huh? Anyway, I will be drafting him in the later rounds. But don’t completely let him go. If he starts thieving bases early, he’ll be guilty of grand larceny! BAM! Just make sure that if you need SBs, that he’s on your team.

Ian Desmond: A late September call-up allowed him to impress the Nats. He’ll vie for opening day starting SS. He could be NL ROY potential. Possible 10/10/.275 guy or more.

3B:

Alex Gordon: C’mon already! 3 years in a row with this bullshit. “Attention! Huge Sleeper!” That’s what they were saying about him 3 years ago. Fantasy analysts are still holding on for that last vestige of hope. I’ve given up but put him here because, God forbid, he actually does something on KC, he could be a 20/15 guy.

Chase Headley: Even in SD, can put up 15/10 numbers. He would be better if on another team (NBSB). But he’s young. Pick him up early in the season off the waiver if he starts hot.

Pedro Alvarez: Apparently he’s the biggest name in the minors. He the next Albert Pujols I’m hearing?? He’s on the Pirates and they’re not going anywhere, so watch for his progress. It’ll probably be a year or so before he’s draftable unless an early call-up and hot streak occurs.

OF:

Nolan Reimold: Don’t really know who this is. Apparently on the Orioles. Shouldv’e paid more attention since he hit 19/.279/12 in his rookie season. Should be even better this year.

Xavier Nady: In 08, he hit 25/97/.306 for the Pirates and Yanks. Last year an elbow surgery kept him from repeating another great year. He will fall far in the draft b/c of the surgery but pick him up! He could be another steal of the draft.

Brett Gardner: If he plays full time, you can pick him up for his steals. Plus his runs should spike because of his supporting cast. However, his HR, RBI, and AVG won’t win you anything.

Colby Rasmus: Hit .250 with 16 HRs in his rookie campaign. A highly touted minor league talent, he should improve and be good for a long time. See an increase in numbers, but won’t break out for a few years.

Will Venable: In only a half season’s worth of ABs, he hit 12 HRs, hit .250, and stole 6 bases. I know he plays in SD, but he can get hot and he is part of a new, young SD outfield. With a full season, we could see a 20/10/.275 guy.

Juan Pierre: Because of the crowded OF in LA, he hasn’t started in a couple of years. He played great when Manny was out, but hasn’t been as consistent as past seasons. However, with a possible starting job in Chicago, and a powerful offense, he could surprise a lot of people. He can hit .300 and steal a bunch of bases. No real power though.

SP:

Kevin Millwood: Millwood has had a roller coaster career. His highs are really good, his lows pretty bad. Even at his age, he has random great seasons such as in Texas. He has the chance to mentor the young Orioles and has a solid core of offensive players. Averaging 125 Ks, 170 innings, and a 4-5 era, he could get 12-15 wins. Not a guy I am reaching for, but you have to look at the aces of every staff.

Francisco Liriano: Potential – great. What we get – crap. Dominant before his Tommy John, he needs to regain his control and command and keep his K rate up to be a late round draft flier.

Tim Wakefield: I love Wakefield. If I had the room on my team, I would draft him every year. Knuckleballing is a lost art and he is an endangered species. Even so, he can definitely win double digit games even though a 4-5 era.

Chien-Ming Wang: A past 19 game winner, last year he imploded. His Ks are not why you draft him and he is no longer on the Yankees. However, with the young and up-and-coming Nats, if he can regain his form, he could be a surprise. Waiver wire fodder for now.

Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Ricky Romero: This is a young and talented Blue Jays pitching corps. But, M&M are constantly injured and Romero is still young, but getting his experience in the bigs. If these guys can stay healthy, they can win 10-12 games each. Romero is draftable late but the other two aren’t until their health stays up. Watch spring training for updates.

Tim Hudson: One of the ex-Big Three, Hudson missed most of 2008 and half of 2009. But, when he came back, he was a force to be reckoned. He didn’t shut down everyone but he did much better than anyone thought coming off of Tommy John. On the Braves, he could win 10-15 games with a 3.5 era. His Ks might decline but Huddy can return to most of his excellence that he has with the A’s.

Jeff Francis: I am very intrigued by Francis. A 17 win season in 07, he’s been plagued with injury ever since. His ERA has always been in the 4’s, but watch spring training. If he could get back to form, he could be a strong contributor in a young and talented Rockies pitching staff.

Rich Harden: His upside is so high! But he is very injury prone. In 08, his ERA was a ridiculous 2.07. In 09, 4.09. Hm. The Rangers will give him lots of offense and if he can stay healthy, he could end up being the biggest steal of the draft.

Jonathan Sanchez: The Ks are there, but his ERA will probably stay in the 4s. He is entering the prime years, so if he can hone his control, he could be a very solid pitcher for the next few years.

Kevin Correia: He is already 29 and he pitches at Petco. That means: a low ERA in the 3’s and only about 10-12 wins. Keep your eye on him. He has potential for more.

Aaron Harang: For years, he was a dominant force in the NL. He had an ERA in the 3’s and could strikeout 200+ per year. However, in 08 and 09, he hit a wall and never returned. His Ks never came back and his wins for the past two years were 12-31. He has battled some injuries so we’ll chalk these up to injuries. But fantasy owners are not willing to watch a 3rd year go down the tubes. Hopefully, he can rebound into some or most of his old form. When healthy and strong, he can win 12-15 and K 200/yr.

Pedro Martinez: He is a free agent right now, but he helped the Phillies get to the World Series for the second year in a row. Depending on the team he ends up on, he could contribute. And I’ll tell ya, I’d rather have an aging Pedro, than many of the other team’s 4th and 5th starters.

John Smoltz: He’s 42. He’s a free agent. Someone will pick him up. Smoltz, Randy Johnson, Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez. These guys are shells of their former selves, but like I said about Pedro: I would love to have any of these guys as my 4th or 5th starters. If he stays healthy, his Ks and

RP:

Fernando Rodney: Fuentes is the closer for the Angels until he implodes or goes on the DL. However, Scioscia loves to platoon guys who are hot and cold. Rodney could steal some saves if he stays healthy.

There are your 2010 sleepers. Please comment and let me know if there are any articles in particular you would like me to write. Also! For an up-and-coming article, I would like to answer reader emails about fantasy baseball. Send me your best questions!

-Casey