Sleeper of the Week

So far this season, Randy Winn has been one baseball’s biggest disappointments. After earning in the neighborhood of $20 in 2003 mixed leagues with a .295 average, 103 runs scored, and 23 steals, Seattle’s center fielder has fallen off the face of the fantasy earth this year.

In late May, Winn’s average was an alarming .224. The occasional pop he had showed in the past was gone, and he hadn’t hit a single round-tripper, nor was he crossing the plate or driving in teammates after being banished to the bottom third of the Mariners’ batting order. Perhaps most alarmingly, Winn’s speed also seemed to be missing, as his SB total was stalled at two for the entire month of May.

Needless to say, many fantasy owners - wisely - soon demoted Winn to the bench, and then to the waiver wire, shaking their heads over a wasted draft pick.

It may, however, be time to give Winn another chance. Batting second in the lineup again, the former All Star has swiped three bags in his last six games, adding a round-tripper for good measure. His average has begun to rise from the depths as well, and has already climbed back to the .250 mark.

When his game is on, Randy Winn can be a highly effective and consistent fantasy weapon. It’s too early to say whether we’re seeing the beginning of a complete turnaround or only a brief hot streak, but if he’s on your waiver wire and you have room on your roster, he’s worth a shot.