Sleeper of the Week

Is late-season success a key factor in your projections for the upcoming fantasy season? If so, bump Randy Winn up a few notches on your 2006 cheat sheet: the switch-hitter enjoyed a renaissance after leaving Seattle for San Francisco, and few players were as successful in September and October as the veteran outfielder.

After hitting .273 with nine home runs and an OPS of .742 through the end of August, Winn went on a tear down the stretch, terrorizing opposing moundsmen to the tune of a .439 average, 11 home runs in 30 games, and an OPS well over 1.000.

Winn has long been a somewhat underrated fantasy commodity despite providing his owners with solid overall production. He won’t single-handedly win you any one category, but he’ll contribute across the board with both speed and occasional pop. Winn’s runs scored (85 last season, with 39 of those runs coming in the 58 games he played for the Giants) could easily increase if a healthy Barry Bonds returns to the lineup.

The Giants are currently working on inking Winn to a long-term contract, and it’s likely that the two sides will agree to terms before too long. Winn certainly seems to enjoy playing by the Bay, as shown by his 1.070 career OPS at SBC Park. If you’re already planning ahead for the 2006 season, consider signing Winn up for your fantasy squad, too.