“A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Those words grace the headstone of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, who is celebrated throughout baseball this weekend as April 15 marks the 76th anniversary of his breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. To commemorate the occasion, every player will wear Robinson’s iconic 42 which is retired throughout baseball. As Vin Scully often retold the story, Robinson was the subject of a death threat on the road, and one of the Dodgers had the idea for every player to wear 42, which would apparently throw off any would-be assassins. That never had to happen.
A favorite story told about Robinson’s legacy came from one of the baseball pioneer’s teammates. Don Newcombe, the first player in Major League history to win each of the Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Cy Young Awards, recalled having dinner with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exactly 28 days before the Civil Rights leader was assassinated. Newcombe was specific about the day count. Dr. King thanked Newcombe for “making my job easier,” as the pitching great was shocked to hear this from a man who’d been subjected to attacks with billy clubs, arrest, and other physical injuries.
Anyway, this may not have much to do with deep sleepers, but baseball became a better game because of Robinson and those who followed him. It’s good to pay tribute to an amazing man who had an entire race on his shoulders every time he stepped on the field. Now let’s get into some sleepers and waiver wire pickup recommendations for Week 3.
- Weekly Waiver Wire Advice
- Weekly Fantasy Baseball Content
- Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Trade Value Chart
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Hunter Brown (HOU – SP/RP) | ECR: 223
His next start is April 16 against the Rangers, who just lost one of their most powerful hitters in Corey Seager. That’s a tantalizing home matchup. Coming on the heels of a dominant seven-inning start allowing an unearned run, two hits, and two walks with seven strikeouts, Brown may be ready to live up to his prospect pedigree (No. 1 before the 2022 season). While he could go on a good run, keep in mind that he could be on an innings cap this season – he threw 130 innings combined last year.
Justin Turner (BOS – 3B/DH) | ECR: 225
Turner’s numbers could be pedestrian with a .255 average and zero home runs, though he is a notoriously slow starter from his Dodger days. His 8-7 BB-K ratio is a good start, and while the strikeouts will likely surpass the walks, he’s only once in his career punched out more than 100 times (107 in 2016). When the calendar turns to May, and the weather starts to warm up in the Northeast, Turner will launch his fair share of fly balls over the Green Monster.
Bryson Stott (PHI – 2B/SS) | ECR: 244
While there were a few things to like about Stott coming into this season, there was no way to predict a nearly 200-point jump in batting average from his .234 mark last season. Though he did hit close to .300 in the two full minor league seasons before hitting the big leagues last year. That jump in offensive production has been rewarded with a move up to the leadoff spot in the lineup for some games. Stott swings lefty and did have double-digit homers last year (10) in Philly. He already has three stolen bases and could be a solid option for fantasy managers who lost Oneil Cruz or Seager to injury.
Marcus Stroman (CHI – SP) | ECR: 246
Stroman has thrown exactly six innings in each of his three starts, has allowed just a pair of earned runs, and has 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. This could be the launching point for a big season, as he already has a 69% ground-ball ratio. If he keeps that up, pitching in front of Gold Glove candidates in Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, Stroman is set up for success on a team that could contend for the NL Central crown.
Jarred Kelenic (SEA – OF) | ECR: 269
Can you say post-hype sleeper? Kelenic is still just 23, and four years removed from a 20-20 season spread across three levels of the minors. The outfielder is hitting a blistering .351 and homered in three straight games, including a 482-foot bomb in Wrigley Field. With a pair of stolen bases, Kelenic may finally be fulfilling those great expectations set upon his Major League arrival, and it could give the Mariners a nice outfield complement to phenom Julio Rodriguez.
Logan O’Hoppe (LAA – C) | ECR: 317
With 26 homers and walking 70 times against 74 strikeouts last season, O’Hoppe had nothing left to prove in the minor leagues. However, with J.T. Realmuto ahead of him in Philly, the young catcher needed a change of scenery. He’s off to a good start in Anaheim with four homers in his first 11 games. Catching regularly for the Angels, O’Hoppe could be that rare offensive catcher who is fantasy gold.
Spencer Steer (CIN – 1B/3B) | ECR: 343
Steer has a strong 5-7 BB-K ratio and has already popped two homers in his first 11 games. He’s primarily batted in the seventh hole, but will likely rise in the batting order on a Reds team that is rebuilding. That .973 OPS is going to help him jump up in the batting order, though his .333 BABIP may see some regression.
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