Sleeper Watch

“Never pick up a Rockies pitcher” is generally a good rule for fantasy owners to live by, but there are two exceptions. The first is Colorado’s closer, who is usually worth owning in all but the shallowest leagues, Coors Field and all (Brian Fuentes owners are bound to agree). The second exception is pitchers who might be headed out of town.

Joe Kennedy falls into that second category. With a WHIP of 1.92, a 7.22 ERA and nearly as many walks (36) as strikeouts (41), Kennedy has been a player you’ve wanted to keep far, far away from your fantasy roster this season. that may change, however.

There are persistent rumors that the lefty may be packing his bags soon, with both Los Angeles and Oakland being mentioned as possible destinations. In either case, Kennedy would go from the most extreme hitters’ park known to man to a home field that treats pitchers very nicely.

Kennedy wasn’t an ace before coming to Colorado, of course. In three seasons with Tampa Bay, he never posted a WHIP below 1.32 or held opposing batters below a .269 average. Yet with a solid arsenal of pitches highlighted by a plus fastball, he has the potential to blossom in the right environment. If the Rockies do decide to trade him, look for a considerable improvement in his numbers.