2009 FBS Sleeper Player: Kevin Slowey

Team: Minnesota Twins
Throws: Right

Position: SP

Few players have had the strikeout totals that Kevin Slowey had in the minor leagues without an overpowering fastball. Featuring impeccable control, Slowey struck out nearly a batter an inning throughout his time down on the farm. Even more impressive is his ability not to offer the free pass. In 2007 in AAA, Slowey walked just 18 batters in 133.2 innings and allowed just four home runs. While his low walk rate has continued during his time in the majors, the strikeout rate has fallen some. In his last three starts of 2008 Slowey allowed 12 earned runs and failed to get through the fifth inning in two of them. However, Slowey definitely showed signs of future success. There was a stretch from late July to mid-September that Slowey gave up three runs or less in nine out of ten starts. Slowey also threw three complete games, with two of them being shutouts. The Twins always win more games than we expect them to, so I can easily see Slowey topping his win total of 12 from 2008. With the experience he will gain the more he pitches, we expect his numbers to increase across the board.

Prediction: 3.46 ERA, 16-9 record, 1.22 WHIP, 175 Ks