Fantasy: 5 deep MLB draft sleepers
The ability to identify sleepers is usually the difference between teams at the top versus those at the bottom of the standings in any given fantasy league.
Here are five players that may warrant a roll of the dice that could put you over the top in 2015:
Avisail Garcia, OF, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox made a huge splash this offseason, adding David Robertson, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Samardzjia and Adam LaRoche among others, but their true X-factor may be Avisail Garcia. The 23-year-old returned to play 46 games last season only five months removed from tearing the labrum in his left shoulder. The 23-year-old's .272/.314/.408 slash line over parts of three seasons is promising, and he could be poised for a breakout year. He should settle nicely into the middle of the order and may benefit from hurlers pitching around Jose Abreu and LaRoche. Garcia hit seven home runs in his limited action last year, and has the potential to quietly hit 20 long balls.
Ken Giles, P, Philadelphia Phillies
Giles, a right-hander, has electric stuff and is next in line to assume the closer's role in Philly. It seems only a matter of time before current closer Jonathan Papelbon is shipped out of town, and if and when it happens, Giles could we the waiver-wire pickup of the year. He put himself on the radar last year by racking up 64 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings with a very impressive 1.18 ERA. Opponents only hit .101 off the 24-year-old's slider, a pitch on which he amassed 43 whiffs.
Yusmeiro Petit, P, San Francisco Giants
The Giants are hoping Petit's dominant October performance carries over to 2015. The righty went 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings of postseason work, a major reason why the club captured its third World Series title in the past five years. Petit qualifies as a relief pitcher, but will also get a few spot starts. Having a long relief option active on your roster is a great way to pick up unexpected wins.
Joe Kelly, P, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are hoping an ace emerges out of their current group, and Kelly could be a suitable candidate. The crafty righty certainly isn't lacking confidence heading into 2015, stating he's a Cy Young candidate. Kelly posted a 4-2 record with a 4.11 ERA in 10 starts after coming over from the St. Louis Cardinals last year, but his win total could push 15-plus behind a revamped Boston lineup which now includes Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez.
Steven Souza, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Souza was acquired by the Rays in a three-team deal this winter and could be the fantasy steal of the year. He only has 23 major-league at-bats, but the 25-year-old absolutely raked in the minors, hitting .350 with 18 home runs and 75 RBIs at Triple-A before being called up. He'll get a chance to play on a regular basis in Tampa Bay and his Steamer projections are very encouraging: .247/.319/.419 slash line with 18 home runs, 59 RBIs and 20 steals.
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