Sleeper Watch

So you have a free roster spot in your dynasty league and want to fill it with someone who might pay dividends down the road, but who also won’t hurt you in the short term. Unfortunately, most of the players who fit that description have been locked up long ago. What to do? How about taking a chance on Angels reliever Joel Peralta?

The 29-year-old righty, who bagan his career as an infielder in the A’s system, has pitched his way to a minor league resumé that includes some impressive numbers. Between 1999 and 2004, he compiled a WHIP of 1.22, more than one strikeout per inning pitched, and a 3.39 K/BB ratio. So far, he’s been able to keep on rolling at the major league level, posting a WHIP of 0.59 and an ERA of 0.66 in his first 11 games since being called up. In 13.2 innings of work, the rookie has struck out 16 batters while allowing just three bases on balls.

It’s still far too early to pass judgment on Peralta, but so far, those are closer-caliber numbers. If he can keep this up, he might find himself serving as a team’s stopper somewhere down the road. And even if he never winds up earning saves for your team, numbers like this from a middle reliever are nothing to scoff at.