Sleeper of the Week

Detroit’s 2003 bullpen situation is murkier than most political campaigns’ financial records. Matt Anderson has the skills of a premier closer, but whether he can return at full strength is uncertain. Juan Acevedo did a fine job filling in for Anderson, but may not be a long-term solution. The dark horse in this race is Franklyn German. German, who will be 23 when the new season starts, has a nasty arsenal of pitches and impressed in seven relief appearances with the Tigers last year (6 k, 2 bb, 0 er).

If we had to make a prediction, it would seem that Anderson remains the most likely candidate to get the bulk of Detroit’s save opportunities in 2003, but his health is a major concern. If Anderson isn’t ready next April, German could find himself in the right spot at the right time.

Keep an eye on German this offseason. Finding cheap closers can give a fantasy team a huge advantage, and Franklyn German looks like a good bet to provide just that. Even if he doesn’t earn the closer’s spot, he might be a solid middle reliever, providing fantasy owners with good era and whip, as well as a very nice k/ip ratio.