2009 FBS Sleeper Player: Kevin Kouzmanoff

Team: San Diego Padres

Bats: Right

Position: 3B

Kevin Kouzmanoff is barely a sleeper and on the verge of a breakout player. The reason we include his as a sleeper is we feel so many will over look him because of east coast bias. In his rookie season Kouzmanoff smacked 23 homeruns with 84 RBIs. His batting average of .260 was nothing to write home about, but in 2009 he will improve that. Kouzmanoff will suffer offensively because he is on a bad team in the Padres and plays in a pitchers ballpark, but he has the skills to produce even in that setting. Kouzmanoff has tremendous pull power and is a great breaking ball hitter. What that translates into is more hits and less outs. Most pitchers use breaking balls as their out pitch. For Kouzmanoff if a pitcher leaves one hanging breaking ball on a two strike pitch, its most likely gone. He did have a high strike rate of 22% last year, but we feel that will come down in 2009. Look for another solid season from Kevin Kouzmanoff.

The True Guru Projections: 26 Hrs, 91 RBI, 80 Runs, .281 Avg, 2 SB

We feel he will achieve these projections through our formula based on our secret formula of 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
Check out the rest of our sleepers here

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2009 FBS Sleeper Player: Pablo Sandoval

Team: San Fransisco Giants

Bats: Both

Position: 3B/1B/C

Last year the Giants finally decided to go young and started bringing up prospects. One of those top prospects with Pablo Sandoval. IN the minors Sandoval exhibited power and batting for average and in 2008 continued to do that in his short stint in the majors. Sandoval batted .345 in 145 at bats with 3 homeruns. He won Rookie Of The Month honors for September and should qualify for two positions and by mid-season maybe 3. Currently the Giants have him slotted at 3B after playing him at catcher and first base last year. Sandoval is a big guy listed at 5'11" and a hefty 245lbs. He has very fast bat speed and a controlled swing. Another advantage for Sandoval is he's a switch hitter, and can get the advantage from either side of the plate. He should be able to maintain his average in his rookie season, but there is a worry that he could wear down by August, so keep a close eye on him and consider trading him mid-season. If he stays strong the whole year, he should have a great season. Also note he can steal some bases.

The True Guru Projections: 25 Hrs, 86 RBI, 79 Runs, .306 Avg, 2 SB

We feel he will achieve these projections through our formula based on our secret formula of 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
Check out the rest of our sleepers here