So, who is the sleeper?

[TRF]

We've discussed the breakout players, the next stud, and ranking the big 4.

So who is the sleeper? Who is off the radar so much that he'll seemingly come out nowhere.

I'm going with two guys, both pitchers, both drafted the same year. Both are coming off injuries, and both are 25.

Richie Gardner and Thomas Pauly. Gardner had better success and at a higher level. He pitched really well at AA, not so well at AAA. He likely hit a wall in his recovery at AAA. He'll start for Louisville in 2008.

Pauly had a tougher time, but I gather he was more severrley injured than Gardner. His control hasn't come back, but it looks like his velo is close to where it was. 2008 will be a very telling year for both pitchers. I give the edge to Gardner. If he's fully recovered, last year went a long way towards building his stamina.

[HokieRed]

That's easy. He shouldn't be a sleeper but somehow he is--Evan Hildenbrandt.

[mlbfan30]

I'll say Scott Carroll with his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame

[podgejeff_]

Wait, do we still have Pauly?

[RedsManRick]

How about Tzu-Kai Chiu?

6 foot lefty from Taiwan. Put up a 47/8 K/BB ratio in 52 IP for the GCL Reds. No idea what the scouting report looks like other than reports of a mediocre fastball in the high 80's with a very good curve.

[TRF]

Wait, do we still have Pauly?

I think so, but maybe not. It would have to have been a rule V loss or a non-tender. But I think he's still in the org.

[*BaseClogger*]

Is Carlos Fisher eligible at "sleeper"?

[OnBaseMachine]

Is Carlos Fisher eligible at "sleeper"?

If so, he's my choice.

[dougdirt]

Justin Reed is the first guy that jumped into my head.

[Blue]

How about Tzu-Kai Chiu?

6 foot lefty from Taiwan. Put up a 47/8 K/BB ratio in 52 IP for the GCL Reds. No idea what the scouting report looks like other than reports of a mediocre fastball in the high 80's with a very good curve.

I don't know whether to pick this guy or Justin Reed. Chiu throws six different pitches and was really putting it together over his last 10 games in the GCL.

Reed I like as a Denorfia-type player, except lefthanded.

Another guy that might surprise is Brett Bartles. If memory serves, he is a god-awful defender at 3B. However, he hit well for the GCL Reds and at Billings last season. He also seems to have decent speed, so he might be able to play a corner outfield spot.

I'll go with the CF Reed.

[Bip Roberts]

Dickerson after he starts taking some HGH and develops crazy Kenny lofton power!

[Orenda]

Anybody holding out hope that Josh Ravin can figure out where the ball is going once he lets go of it? He's still a guy I'm interested in and his name is hardly mentioned anymore, If he can harness his stuff he could sneak way up the prospect rankings.

[dougdirt]

Anybody holding out hope that Josh Ravin can figure out where the ball is going once he lets go of it? He's still a guy I'm interested in and his name is hardly mentioned anymore, If he can harness his stuff he could sneak way up the prospect rankings.

I am. If he can harness his stuff, look out.

[Betterread]

Chris Valaika - if he stays healthy, will be a major league player.
Right behind him is Justin Turner.

[mth123]

From *Baseclogger*

Is Carlos Fisher eligible at "sleeper"?

From OBM

If so, he's my choice.

I picked Fisher before picking Fisher was cool (last year). I'll stay with him.

If he doesn't qualify, I'll pick another guy that isn't on anyone's radar yet. Ben Jukich will emerge as a legit back of the rotation lefty prospect by the end of 2008.