Do you get excited when you hear the phrase "contract year"? Do you stay up until 2 a.m. to check the stats from Dodgers games? Have you memorized Coco Crisp's on-base percentage but can't remember your mother's name? Then you're like me - obsessed with fantasy baseball. You probably also love watching "24" on Fox, and who doesn't? The show is exciting, dramatic and suspenseful. Seriously, what an awesome show.
What follows is an imaginary lineup of breakout candidates. One of the keys to a successful fantasy team is finding these hidden gems. These are the players whom you draft in the late rounds while your league mates choose David Dellucci and Bob Wickman. It's nice to brag that you found the "next big thing," so let's get started.
Catcher: Gerald Laird, Texas Rangers
Now that Rod Barajas is out of town, Laird has the catching job all to himself. Last year in a platoon role, he hit .296 with seven home runs in only 243 at-bats. With the security of a starting job and the pleasure of hitting in homer-friendly Ameriquest Field, Laird should approach 20 home runs in '07. Laird turns 28 this year - the magical age of breakout seasons - and can be found in the last round of most fantasy drafts. He may have one of the ugliest names in baseball - second only to Dan Uggla - but the guy can hit.
First base: Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona's first-round pick in 2003 hit .354 at triple-A and has since earned a starting job for the D-Backs. In 2006, his first full season, he had pretty mediocre numbers for a first baseman - .291 with only 15 HRs. However, all signs point to an imminent breakout season. He finished '06 strong, boding well for '07. Look for a .300-plus average, 25 HRs and 90 RBI - not bad for a late-round flyer. Remember, first base is a stacked position. Why pay a premium for Todd Helton when you can get similar production much later?
Second base: Howie Kendrick, Anaheim Angels
First of all, I know the official name is the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim," but I refuse to accept that. This new team name is impossible to say and it has no personality. So I'm sticking with Anaheim Angels. Anyway, back to Kendrick. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will soon. The 23-year-old hit a whopping .361 in the minor leagues with a lovely .405 OBP. He's an excellent base-stealer and should crack 15-plus HRs with his new job as the Angels' starting second baseman.
Shortstop: Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks.
If you haven't heard of him, Stephen Drew is the brother of Red Sox's new right fielder J.D. Drew. Lil' brudder Stephen, at age 23, is set to become the starting shortstop for the D-Backs and play his first full major league season. Drew has a mature power swing that continues to improve, and he hit an impressive .316 in his call-up last year. Stephen has the cockiness and attitude of his big brother with even more potential. Expect a .270 average with 20 HRs, making him a steal at shortstop.
Third base: Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
Gordon doesn't have a guaranteed spot on the Royals' roster - he needs a hot spring to take over the hot corner - but Kansas City would be stupid not to give the 23-year-old a chance. Hardly anyone comes to Royals' games now, but people would show up to see Gordon hit. In the minors, the lefty slugger hit .324 with a whopping 29 HR in 130 games. Widely considered to be the top prospect in baseball, Gordon could get his first taste of the Majors in '07 and bring his outstanding skills to your fantasy roster. Watch his progress carefully during spring training and pray that he lands a starting job.
Outfield: Terrmel Sledge, San Diego Padres
Terrmel Sledge has one of the best names ever. It will go down in baseball history, right next to Urban Shocker, Al Kaline, Coco Crisp and Chili Davis. Say it out loud and you'll understand: Terrmel Sledge. Awesome.
Despite his fantastic name, Sledge has yet to realize his full potential in the major leagues. He's shown great power in the minors while maintaining a healthy .310 batting average. 2007 will be the year he brings those skills to the majors: He'll hit leadoff in a strong Padres lineup, he's injury-free and he'll even give you double-digit steals. Your league mates will ignore Terrmel Sledge - but don't make the same mistake.
Starting Pitcher: Ben Sheets, Milwaukee Brewers
Sheets is not quite in the same category as the other players on this list, as he's an established starter and is 28 years old. However, I guarantee that Sheets will be very undervalued in your fantasy draft due to his lost 2006. Despite a string of freak injuries - you can't blame the guy for vertigo - Sheets posted an unbelievable 10.55 strikeout-to-walk ratio last year. His pinpoint control, blazing fastball and huge potential make Sheets a bargain on draft day. If he falls to the fifth round, go ahead and get him - he'll be your ace.
Spring training is just getting started, so make sure to follow these sleepers.
Ellis Rochelson '09 downloads episodes of "24" and watches them at his computer while eating Ratty takeout.
