Sleeper of the Week

Late July is the time of year when many owners whose keeper-league teams are lagging behind in the standings start rebuilding for next season. Just like in the major leagues, stars are dealt for prospects, and large salaries are unloaded in favor of extra cap room for the 2006 auction. But before the first trade offers are sent out, rebuilding owners will be scouring the wires for injured castoffs who might be able to make a strong return next year. If they’re lucky, they’ll find players like Rocco Baldelli.

It’s been a tough year for the young center fielder. After undergoing reconstructive knee surgery, Baldelli was expected to be out until mid-July, if all went well. And while his recovery did go smoothly, a new problem popped up: elbow damage that would require Tommy John surgery.

When Baldelli was declared out for the season in June, many owners playing for a shot at this year’s title dropped him immediately. But looking ahead to next year, there are plenty of reasons to stash him away on your keeper or dynasty roster. Baldelli offers both speed, with 44 stolen bases in his two-year career, as well as a bit of pop, with 16 home runs in 124 games last year. His eye at the plate improved considerably in 2004, when he cut his strikeouts from 128 to 88 while keeping his walks (30) constant, and he should also be able to develop additional power in the future.

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until next year to see that future, but it’s never too early to start planning ahead. If he’s languishing on the waiver wire in your league, consider picking him up if you can spare a roster spot.