2009 FBS Sleeper Player: Jeff Clement

Often when a rookie comes to the majors and doesn't immediately become the next Babe Ruth, fantasy owners cast them aside as yesterday's news. Well, often players don't succeed right off the bat, as there are many factors that come into play in someone's success. Many times it is years before a player lives up to the proverbial hype, take Brandon Phillips for example. Well, after being touted as "the next big thing" last season, Jeff Clement came to Seattle and promptly fell on his face. Even though he hit just .227 and had just five homers in 66 games, there is reason to be optimistic with Clement. In his 2007 season at AAA, Clement hit 20 HRs and drove in 80 runs in just 125 games. After being sent back to the minors after struggling in the majors, Clement hit even better. In 48 games, Clement hit .335 with 14 homers and 43 RBI, giving us all reason to believe that he didn't lose his confidence and should bounce back. Clement has the ability to hit for a high average, hit for good power, and he plays a position that features very few stars. The Mariners have come out and said that Clement will play, and play plenty. If he isn't catching he will be at DH, so he should get ample opportunity to make us forget 2008. Chances are that the few solid options will go off the draft board rather quickly, so if you don't draft one of them Clement is a guy that you should target later on.