Sleeper of the Week

Fantasy owners looking for immediate results from prized prospect BJ Upton will just have to wait a little longer. The talented shortstop won’t be starting the season in the big show after all. Instead, the 20-year-old will begin the campaign at the AAA level, rejoining the Durham Bulls with whom he had such great success last year.

Upton tore up AAA pitching in 2004, hitting .311 with an OPS of .930 in 69 games while displaying both speed (17 SB in 22 attempts) and power (12 HR, or one every 22 at bats). A month after being profiled in this column, Upton was called up to Tampa Bay, and while his numbers weren’t particularly eye-popping (.258 average, .733 OPS, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 4 SB in 45 games), he showed flashes of the skills that have Devil Rays fans and fantasy owners alike drooling with anticipation.

Unfortunately for the owners who drafted Upton in the hope of making him their starting shortstop, there’s no timetable yet for the infielder’s return to the big leagues, and Rays manager Lou Piniella isn’t exactly known for rushing youngsters. In single-season leagues you’ll have to look for other options for now, although if you have a deep bench, stashing him away for later in the year is worth considering. Even with Piniella calling the shots, there’s a good chance that Upton will be back in Tampa Bay before too long.

In keeper and dynasty formats, on the other hand, Upton’s demotion to the minors might actually be a blessing in disguise. A bit more time at the AAA level certainly won’t hurt his long-term development, and perhaps even more importantly, you might be able to snare the blue-chip prospect for a far lower price than if he were the opening day starter in Tampa Bay.