Most Fantasy Baseball Championships are won, not due to the studs drafted on draft day, but the sleeper pick ups and little-known players drafted on draft day that shocked and had a great season. Here now is my list of possible sleeper candidates for the 2008 Fantasy Baseball season.

Brian Burress (SP) **Orioles** - Burress has a live left arm and is definitely a strikeout pitcher. Unfortunately, his control is pretty poor. Ironically, he split time between the bullpen and starting rotation, and had quite a few quality starts. His troubles came mostly out of the bullpen. He's worth a spot in your minor leagues. Remember, Randy Johnson was all over the place when he became a major leaguer too.

Freddie Bynum (SS) **Orioles** - He's not going to help you in any offensive hitting categories, but Bynum can steal bases. If he replaces Tejada at SS, he could steal more than 30 SB. If you can spare the power at SS, he may be a decent guy to have on your bench and possibly in your starting lineup.

Scott Downs (RP) **Blue Jays** - Downs is over 30, but he has improved each of the past three seasons. He does not hurt your WHIP or ERA, and his strikeout totals have been impressive. Due to his live arm, he may be considered to close if an injury frees up the spot. Keep an eye on him and stash him in your minors if you can.

John Bale (RP) **Royals** - If he stays in the bullpen, you can leave him alone, but if he gets a chance to make the rotation, he's worth a flyer. He can throw, and has decent control for a power pitcher. He has been with three teams in three years, which is a concern, but he has a great arm and talent if given the chance. Keep him on your radar.

Travis Buck (OF) **A's** - 2008 could be a breakout year for Buck. He'll hit for a decent average, and the power numbers will come. He should have a chance to play every day for the rebuilding A's. Keep an eye on him.

Cha Seung Baek (SP) **Mariners** - Baek had a nice season curtailed by an injury in 2007. He has great control, though he has a tendency to serve up too many hits when ahead in the count. He doesn't hurt your WHIP, and is a decent strikeout pitcher. If he gets a chance to be in the rotation, he's worth looking at to fill out your roster with cheapie guys.

Geovany Soto (C) **Cubs** - He should be one of the more productive NL catchers if he gets playing time. He showed what he can do in September, and he showed he sure can hit. He's worth a roster spot over guys like Schneider, Blanco, or Ausmus. Look his way come draft day.

Jason Kubel (OF) **Twins** - He's not an unknown by any means, but I can see him hitting 20HR and having a 100RBI season. He may have a breakout year.

Jared Burton (RP) **Reds** - He came on like gangbusters to have a solid second half of 2007. He's a strikeout pitcher, and he held opponents to a .187 batting average. He could become the Reds closer down the road. Keep him on your bench, and he may reward you down the road. He has great stuff!

Brendan Harris (OF) **Twins** - I can see him getting alot of playing time this season, and popping 15HR. His competition is not that fierce.

Jeff Keppinger (SS) **Reds** - This guy hits, hits, and hits! He can easily average over .300 and hit for some pop. He averaged .332 in 241 at-bats...with little protection behind him. The Reds are now looking at him as their starting SS. Draft him and look for immediate dividends.

J.R. Towles (C) **Astros** - Towles is a great contact hitter, as evident by just 1 strikeout in 40 at-bats last season with the Astros. He could be Ausmus' replacement one day soon. Keep an eye on his progress. He's worth having on your bench.

Jason LaRue (C) **Cardinals** - In a move that was missed by most, the Cardinals acquired him during the off season from KC. LaRue wasn't used properly in Kansas City. He won't hit for average, but he's bound to hit 12-15 homers for the Cardinals this year. He was always a solid play with the Reds, and a return to the NL with St Louis should help him return to form.


Court Adjourned!