Sleeper Watch

Okay okay okay … before you start writing up an annoyed email (re: you guys have no clue): we do realize that Randy Johnson isn’t a sleeper in the classical sense. Actually, he isn’t a sleeper in any sense. After all, the man has 10 wins (a third of the struggling Diamondbacks’ total), 139 strikeouts in 124.1 innings pitched, a 2.90 ERA and a WHIP of 0.86 this season, and happens to be one of the most dominating pitchers in the history of the game. If you haven’t figured out that Johnson is one of the top players in fantasy baseball, it’s probably time to find a new hobby.

So no, the Big Unit isn’t a sleeper. Yet it’s the time of year when teams out of contention start thinking of trading high-priced talent, and contenders look for that one final piece in the playoff puzzle. If you’re playing in a single-league format which allows picking up players in the opposite league, consider spending a dollar of your free agent budget on one of the top names reportedly significant drawing trade interest.

Most of the rumors will turn out to entirely unfounded, of course. In Johnson’s case, for example, Arizona’s front office has been brushing off all speculation that their ace might be headed to New York, Boston (i.e. the usual suspects), or parts unknown. But hey, it’s only a buck from your FAAB.

After all, which AL-only owner wouldn’t like to add Randy Johnson to his team for the stretch drive?