Top 5 Sleeper Relief Pitchers - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

Ah, the Tropicana fields of spring training are soon upon us along with our secret addiction to Fantasy Baseball, as would-be champions scramble to catch up on the most recent trades and that next rookie phenom for their Fantasy Baseball team. Lucky for you, I have been scouring the stats at MLB.com, to bring you my list of sleepers for 2009.

My list of the Top 5 Sleepers for Relief Pitchers, along with my 100% guarantee of giving you players that will make you look like a genius come October, unless of course the players on this list crash harder than the D-Train in D-Town.

Top 5 Sleepers - Relief Pitchers

Chad Qualls - After a knockout post season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Qualls should have secured himself the closer job in Arizona and he is my top sleeper for 2009. He had some pretty impressive numbers in 2008 with 77 games played, 73 I.P., 71 S.O. and 9 saves with a 2.81 E.R.A. In 2009, I see Qualls taking his place as the elite closer on the Diamondbacks and I think he will get around 25-30 saves this year.

Chris Perez - He is only 23 and could end up the St. Louis Cardinals closer half way through the 2009 season. Perez's numbers last year were pretty good for the little amount of time he played, 41 games, and threw for 42 I.P., 42 S.O. and 7 saves with a 3.46 E.R.A. For 2009 I predict he could get around double to triple the saves he had in 2008 while maintaining a sub 2.00 W.H.I.P.

Jose Arredondo - with Francisco Rodriguez gone to the Mets, Jose could have been the closer, but the Los Angeles Angels decided to bring in Brian Fuentes this winter. If, Fuentes who lost his closer job in Colorado for the Rockies falters again, Arredondo could replace him. In 2008 Jose Arredondo played in 52 games and threw for 55 S.O. and a 1.62 E.R.A. In 2009 I think he will continue being productive but if he isn't in the closer position I can't count on more than 10 saves from his this year.

Grant Balfour - A solid middle reliever who could become the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays if Percival goes down. Either way he is a good pick for leagues with Relievers and will usually be available in later rounds of your draft. Balfour's numbers for 2008 were 58.1 I.P., 82 S.O., 4 saves and a 1.54 E.R.A. in 54 games. Also Grant's teammate Dan Wheeler is another good pick if Percival goes down.

Jensen Lewis - He will most likely end up being the set up guy for Kerry Wood in Cleveland, when he isn't replacing Wood due to another injury. Jensen threw in 51 games in 2008 and had 66 I.P., 52 S.O., 13 saves, and a 3.82 E.R.A. I think this year he will see the same amount of action but with less save opportunities when Kerry Wood is healthy and has some stiff competition in that crowded but talented Indians bullpen.

My bonus pick for 2009 is...

Trevor Hoffman - An oldie but goodie, with no real competition to hold the closer job in Milwaukee for the Brewers, Trevor could become the sleeper pick of the year. Hoffman had some pretty decent numbers last year after settling down with 45 I.P. and 30 saves, in 2009 look for Hoffman to have the same amount of production and saves.