Sleeper of the Week

Many expected Xavier Nady to be the key bat sent by San Diego to the Pirates in exchange for Brian Giles, but when the dust settled, it was Jason Bay who wound up heading to Pittsburgh. Bay, a native of Trail, British Columbia, now finds himself not only with a new franchise, but with a promotion from AAA to a starting role in the majors.

At the AAA level, Bay hit .303 (.410 obp; .541 slg) in 307 at bats with the Portland Beavers, leading the team in home runs with 20 and rbi with 59. The young outfielder also swiped 23 bags, and was caught stealing only four times.

In his first five games for Pittsburgh, Bay has looked confident at the plate, hitting .333 with three walks and three strikeouts (his minor league k/bb ratio this season was 55/71). Driving in runs might prove difficult in the Pirates’ anemic offense, however; relying on Jose Hernandez as lineup protection won’t make things easier for Bay, either. This season, he is probably only worth a pickup in deep leagues.

In keeper leagues, on the other hand, Bay is definitely worth considering. While not the flashiest or most talked-about prospect, he should provide you with a nice combination of speed and power down the road and emerge as a leader on a rebuilding Pittsburgh team.