Bernie on the Scene: National League Sleepers

ON DECK

I participate in American League only and a National League only keeper leagues that are considering using a re-draft or re-auction for what they are calling the 2020 "sprint." They are not going to activate the keeper rosters. Not a bad idea.

This week I am going to touch on players I think could be viable late-round picks in the National League. There is some risk involved with any draft that takes place for this short season. A player may be on the 60-man roster and never play a game.

The 60-man roster will be used to ensure marginal players and highly regarded prospects get their work in under the watchful eyes of big league coaches.

Remember that this short season will be played in hot weather. That means in non-domed stadiums hitters will be loose and raring to rake. Pitchers might throw fewer innings, and bullpens may prevail. Consider all that.

This is unprecedented territory. Anything can happen, and it will. The season may even be shut down due to the virus. But take some shots with this. Have some fun and expand your thinking for an abbreviated season.

STARTING LINEUP

Given the use of the designated hitter in the National League for the 60-game schedule, it makes sense to give otherwise marginal players a good look. Keep in mind that the designated hitter was approved for this season only. Any permanent change to the rule  beyond 2020 must be collectively bargained. 

Here are some players I think might help this coming season. But again, be careful about their roster status.

C.J. Cron, Diamondbacks (Jake Lamb)

Cron will provide a source of power that the club really needs. He is still under the radar and will likely see DH work against left-handed pitching. I do like Jake Lamb in the prominent DH role against lefties, but I don't think Lamb is a sleeper. Given his power potential in parks like Coors and Chase Field, I think a limited role for him Lamb makes sense. But Cron is really intriguing.

Hunter Pence, Giants

I initially thought Pence would share some at-bats with switch-hitting Pablo Sandoval, but Sandoval has been released. As a result, I think Pence gets a big boost as a solid right-handed hitter. The big outfield in San Francisco — and even the wind — help his game. I think he has something left in the tank.

Matt Beaty, Dodgers

Beaty enters his prime age-27 season having just tasted the big leagues for the first time last year.  Manager Dave Roberts said he is going to use several players at DH. That means the left-handed Beaty can get some at-bats. He hit nine homers in 268 plate appearances last year. He also stole five bases and can play first base and the outfielder. He's a definite sleeper.

Jurickson Profar, Padres

Profar has to finally show that he has a big league bat. This is his chance. I think he'll be in the lineup regularly, and as a switch-hitter he has a chance to bust out. He could have eligibility at several positions, but second base seems to be the best fit. I like his upside. I am short on trust, but this short season could turn his career around. Take a chance.

Wil Myers, Padres 

Myers has long been a man without a position of his own. He can get his at-bats with the Padres, unless he gets traded. Myers has a huge hole with high fastballs, but other than that, he can probably do a bit of damage. He isn't a bad choice low in the draft.

The Padres might want to showcase him in the short season to trade him at some point soon.

Sam Hilliard, Rockies

A left-handed hitter, Hilliard could take advantage of a beautiful right/center gap in Coors Field. He should be in the lineup against right-handed pitching, and playing at both Coors and at Chase Field will give him an advantage. You should be able to get him reasonably. He is my highest rated sleeper in the National League. Give me Coors and more Coors every time.

Ian Happ, Cubs

I've never been an Ian Happ fan. However, in a short season, I think the switch-hitting Happ makes some sense. Maybe he gets some play in the outfield with Kyle Schwarber as the DH.

Maybe when Jason Kipnis falls on his face, Happ will return to second base. You can do worse than having Happ hanging around your lineup.

Aristides Aquino, Reds

Here is the biggest risk on my board. Will he make the team? Will he play? If the answers are yes and yes, here's a terrific source of power. While I do think Nick Senzel will get the at-bats at DH, I think Aquino's power is too tempting to ignore for manager David Bell and for me as a fantasy team owner. They don't have to play him in the field. That's huge.

Brock Holt, Brewers

When Brock Holt is healthy, he can hit. Yes, Ryan Braun will carry the load at DH, but Holt's versatility and his solid bat will earn him some playing time. I think he'll be there on draft/auction day for the right price. He plays all over and he hits left-handed. Enough said.

Jarrod Dyson, Pirates

I think this is the worst team in baseball. Their fans deserve better than the lineup they will trot out every day. But I like what Dyson can still do in the stolen base category. If he can get on base, and that's a big if, why not run? That's what he does. He can be your Designated Runner. But know up front, he won't offer much more. There is no guarantee he keeps his job.

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals

I remember a time when Matt Carpenter was a hot commodity in fantasy. Those days are over. He sunk to a new low last year, and I don't think he'll be much better in 2020. However, it may be worth the one last gamble on a guy that hit 36 homers and 42 doubles in 2018. Buyer beware.

Adam Duvall, Braves

Flashing outstanding power in the past, Adam Duvall can change a game against a left-handed pitcher. I wouldn't mind having this guy around to face lefties in the NL East. He likely will share some DH at-bats with Nick Markakis, but Duvall intrigues me. I do wonder if his power shows up. This short schedule will be a good test case.

Garrett Cooper, Marlins

I've always liked Cooper's bat. The Marlins are getting better, and it may be tough for him to get to the plate. But I think Lewis Brinson will fall flat, as will Jesus Aguilar. That leaves some at-bats for a guy like Cooper, at either first base or in the outfield. He can hit. But when he gets his chances, he will have to show what I think he can do.

Dominic Smith, Mets

This is an important 60 games for Dom Smith. Can he hit? Can hit with any power? He won't play first base with Pete Alonso around, but he could get the best side of the platoon being a left-handed hitter. I've never liked his bat, but at the right price I can be convinced. Will the Met trust him enough to give him a shot? It may be a little iffy.

Jay Bruce, Phillies

Jay Bruce is 33. He seems like he should be at least 36. He hits left-handed. He still has some power. This may be his last rodeo, but if it is, I'll ride him for this short season. He should be hitting with men on base and can DH or play a couple positions. There are worse late-round options out there than Jay Bruce. But he's streaky, just know that.

Josh Harrison, Phillies

I don't see why Harrison can't be viable for you. He has really dropped off as a consistent hitter, but this is a guy who can take advantage of a shortened season. He has viability and eligibility as both an infielder and outfielder. He can make it happen as a hitter.

Howie Kendrick, Washington

Howie Kendrick can still hit. He is a perfect DH, but they are loaded with older veterans like Ryan Zimmerman and Eric Thames. While I love the power Thames brings, I have little use for Zimmerman, and he still hasn't decided if he'll play. I say stay away from Zimmerman. But Kendrick can play first, the outfield, second, etc., etc. I won't be able to pass him up as a true sleeper.

HEADING TO THE DUGOUT

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