Sleeper of the Week

Rich Harden may have received all the attention, but don’t overlook Justin Duchscherer when it comes to young pitchers called up by Oakland this season.

At AAA Sacramento, Duchscherer put up phenomenal numbers, compiling a 14-2 record along with a 3.25 era in 24 games. Even more eye-catching is his k/bb ratio of 117/18 in 155 innings of work. By comparison, Harden’s compiled a record of 9-4 at Sacramento, with a similar era (3.15) and a k/bb ratio of 91/35.

Don’t let Duchscherer’s poor performance in a 2002 callup with Texas, in which he allowed 20 earned runs in 14.2 innings, scare you off. The young righthander has both the tools and the composure to succeed at the major league level for many years to come. His success may not be immediate - exercise caution in fantasy playoffs, particularly, where a rough outing can lead to elimination - but in keeper leagues, Justin Duchscherer looks like a very solid pickup.