Sleeper Watch

In many keeper and dynasty leagues, this is the time of year when owners scramble to pick up players who could become fantasy contributors in 2004. Along with hot prospects, potential closers are always very popular pickups. Just about everyone who might receive save opportunities next season, ranging from Danny Graves to Orber Moreno, has most likely been scooped up in such leagues, but one player seems to be slipping through the cracks: injured Indians reliever Bob Wickman.

David Rikse has played very well since being named Cleveland’s closer, bringing a degree of stability to the position after replacing Danys Baez. And Riske’s numbers (2.20 era, 0.96 era, 79 K’s in 73.2 ip) are certainly closer-worthy. However, it appears at this point that the Indians will at least give Wickman a chance to regain the closer’s job next spring.

Last year, Wickman performed well, picking up 20 saves in 36 games before undergoing elbow surgery. He averaged more than one strikeout per inning, but his rise in era to 4.46 compared with 2.39 the season before was somewhat concerning. Nonetheless, if Wickman is healthy again, his experience could give him an edge over Riske.

It’s still far too early to accurately predict who will be called on to close out games in Cleveland come next April, but don’t automatically assume that the job is Riske’s. If you’re among the many owners searching for saves for 2004, don’t overlook Bob Wickman.

UPDATE: Wickman has been diagnosed with a sprained elbow and is expected to be out until July.