2009 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Short Stops

1. Troy Tulowitzki, COL
After an injury riddled sophomore campaign many owners have quickly forgotten about his breakout rookie 2007 when Tulo hit .291 with 24 homeruns, 99 RBI, 104 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. In 2008, he missed over 60 games with quadriceps and hand injuries and finished with only 8 HRs, 46 RBIs, 48 runs scored and a disappointing .263 average. A bounce back 2009 is in the cards for the 24 year old and his abysmal 2008 makes him a prime sleeper candidate. At one of the weakest positions in fantasy, Tulo is still a top fantasy shortstop and makes for an ideal target if you don't end up with any of the Big 3 (Reyes, Hanley, Rollins). Early reports from spring training indicate that he is almost fully recovered from his troublesome quadriceps injury and a 20 HR / 80 RBI season is well within reach.

2. JJ Hardy, MIL
The 26 year old blasted 24 HRs in 2008 but he remains a very streaky player (had only two homers before June 3rd). In 2007, he went homer-less from June 26 through Aug. 10. The power outages are concerning but if you are looking to save money in an Auction format, Hardy has the power potential to end the season as a top 5 SS with a little more consistency. New Brewers manager Ken Macha said he's set to bat J.J. at the top of the order which should increase his fantasy value heading into 2009. Hitting ahead of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun has its advantages as Hardy batted .294 with 21 homers in 350 at-bats from the 2-hole last season.

3. Khalil Greene, STL
After posting 27 HRs and 97 RBIs in 2007, Greene struggled mightily in 2008 before his season was cut short in July by a fractured hand. An off-season trade and a return to health could make him a good value on draft day. He figures to hit at the bottom of the Cardinal lineup but will no longer be playing half his games in fantasy hell for hitters (PETCO). His shaky at best plate discipline will most likely keep his average below.250 but a return to a 20 HR season is definitely within reach for the 29 year old.

4. Elvis Andrus, TEX
Acquired in the Mark Teixeira deal from Atlanta, the Rangers have showed faith in the prized 20 year old SS as they plan to move all-star Michael Young to 3B to make room for him. The promising rookie has top notch defensive skills that should keep him in the opening day lineup and he also possesses 30+SB potential (he was 54-for-70 stealing bases in Double-A last season). Elvis is penciled into the 9-hole in a very explosive Ranger lineup. He is sure to endure some rookie growing pains and lacks any power potential but is worth the gamble especially in keeper leagues.

5. Jed Lowrie, BOS
With Julio Lugo hitting well in spring training, Lowrie makes for more of an AL-only selection at this point as his playing time will be limited barring an injury in the Red Sox Infield. The 24 year old showed his offensive promise in 2008 by knocking in 24 runs in August. Lowrie battled injuries and his season-ending 8-for-51 (.157) slump can be attributed to a small fracture in his left wrist that was revealed in the off-season. Pay close attention to spring training because if Lowrie wins the starting job he could become a top 15 shortstop.