Sleeper of the Week

Can Garrett Atkins play third base?

That’s the question the Rockies are asking, and fantasy owners should take note. There’s no doubt that Atkins can hit. Through 46 games at AAA Colorado Springs, Atkins has posted a .351 average with seven home runs and 35 rbi. In that span, the righthanded hitter has compiled a respectable 19/12 k/bb ratio, while only hitting into one double play.

There’s no doubt that Atkins is immensely talented at the plate, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll eventually hit for more power. The big question is his defense. With Todd Helton firmly entrenched at first base in Colorado, Atkins was shifted from his natural position to the hot corner, where he hasn’t looked very comfortable yet.

If he can succeed in improving his defense, the Rockies, who have been searching for consistent production at third base for some time now, won’t hesitate to add Atkins to their major league roster. Considering his work ethic, we like his chances of becoming at least average defensively sooner rather than later. He worked extremely hard to improve his hitting after a somewhat disappointing 2002 campaign at the AA level, and there’s no reason to think he won’t be able to similarly improve his glove work.

Keep a close eye on Garrett Atkins and his adjustment to playing third base. He could not only turn into a very nice mid-season pickup, but could become a fixture on your keeper team, just as the Rockies hope he’ll become a fixture in their lineup for years to come.