Sleeper Watch

Fantasy baseball owners were somewhat disappointed by Jeremy Affeldt’s performance in 2004, a year in which the left-hander notched 13 saves, but also posted a lofty 4.95 ERA and a WHIP of 1.61 while allowing opposing batters to hit for an average over .300. Apparently the arbitrators who judged his case felt the same way; they turned down Affeldt’s request to be paid $1.2 million, siding with the Royals who had offered $950,000.

This year, most fantasy owners are shying away from Affeldt, and not just because he plays away from the spotlight in Kansas City. The combination of lackluster 2004 numbers, a strained oblique muscle that sidelined him for all of July and much of August, and uncertainty whether he’ll remain the closer or return to the rotation is indeed enough to dampen anybody’s expectations, but there may be reason to be cautiously optimistic about Affeldt’s 2005 outlook.

For one thing, Affeldt seems to be fully healthy again. Then, there’s the fact that he has always had impressive stuff. His nasty curveball is an excellent complement to his low- to mid-90s fastball. When he’s hitting his spots, Affeldt is capable of overpowering batters. He’ll need to hit those spots more frequently, though – last year, his K/BB ratio took an alarming dip from an impressive 2.58 in 2003 to a more pedestrian 1.53.

Most importantly, however, the former third-round pick is – for now, at least – slated to be Kansas City’s closer this season. Keep an eye on this situation, but as long as this doesn’t change, he should be worth picking up, and if he can improve his control and remain healthy, the talented 25-year-old could be quite a bargain. Taking a flyer on Jeremy Affeldt certainly shouldn’t cost much; if you’re looking for cheap saves, keep his name in mind.