Top 5 Cleveland Indians Sleepers - Your Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

The Cleveland Indians will begin the 2009 season with high hopes. They will rely on a number of relative unknowns to compete in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. For fantasy baseball team owners, though, the Tribe may offer a number of names worth taking a chance on. Here is a list of the top five Cleveland Indians Sleepers to keep your eyes on.

#5 Cleveland Indian Sleeper: Carl Pavano (SP) -Fantasy Baseball 2009

Having fallen from the height of expectations and being considered a bust after a four year stint with the New York Yankees, there isn't anywhere Pavano can go but up. The Indians signed him to a one year incentive laden deal which puts all the onus on him to perform. With past success stories on reclamation projects such as Juan Gonzales and the oft-injured Kevin Millwood, expect the Indians to know what they are doing when it comes to getting Carl Pavano back on track. Look for him to post 8-10 wins. Fantasy owners would do well to grab him in the later rounds as a bench player with good upside.

#4 Cleveland Indian Sleeper: Kerry Wood (RP) -Fantasy Baseball 2009

Slated to take over the closer role for a team that struggled in the later innings during the 2008 campaign, Kerry Wood brings a resume that includes 34 saves for the Chicago Cubs last year. He will get a fresh start in Cleveland and despite his past injury problems, the Tribe expect his arm to be up for the challenge. Also, with a young team, save opportunities should abound.

#3 Cleveland Indian Sleeper: Fausto Carmona (SP) -Fantasy Baseball 2009

Carmona had a quiet 2008, posting only eight wins. His innings were way down due to injury. But, hope springs eternal and this nasty sinkerballer should rebound well in '09. Look for him to find his form and win 15-18 games. Expect a lot of innings out of this young pitcher as well. Also, Carmona may skip the World Baseball Classic, in order to prepare for the season. This could prove to jump start him in his early starts by allowing his arm to be lively.

#2 Cleveland Indian Sleeper: Asdrubal Cabrera (2B) -Fantasy Baseball 2009

His production was meager considering the high expectations that were placed on him last year. After being a catalyst for the '07 version of the Tribe, he never found his rhythm in '08. However, his defense is good and the Indians are committed to him at second base. Expect for him to really shine this year with the bat, doubling his HR total of 6 last year, and driving in more runs than last year's 47 RBI's, as the Indians will play more small ball.

#1 Cleveland Indian Sleeper: Shin-Soo Choo (RF) -Fantasy Baseball 2009

The South Korean born Choo has already become a fan favorite in Cleveland. After Tommy John surgery in '08, Shin-Soo Choo, is expected to be the Tribe's every day right fielder. Looking back at the success he had playing at the end of last year, an increase in playing time is warranted and should have excellent results. With 317 at-bats last year under his belt, Choo already has experience, and should give Cleveland fans something to cheer about.

SOURCES:

Anthony Castrovince, "Tribe Q&A: Shin-Soo Choo: Korean sensation talks about learning English, military commitment" MLB.com

Anthony Castrovince, "Carmona may soon be off Classic roster: Righty may skip international tournament to prepare for season" MLB.com

Statistical Reference:

www.sports.yahoo.com