Michael Taylor (OF, WAS) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target Late in Deep Leagues leagues

ANALYSIS: Michael Taylor is a power hitting speed demon who’ll likely be the Washington Nationals’ centerfielder for the first month of the season. Taylor is expected to fill in for Denard Span, who underwent surgery on March 9^th to repair a right core muscle injury. He has enjoyed a standout minor league career and was rated the best hitting prospect and fastest base runner in the Eastern League for 2014.

Last season Taylor hit 23 homeruns and swiped 37 bases while splitting time between the Nationals’ AA and AAA affiliates. Taylor can play all three outfield positions and in order to ensure that he has a long stay with the big show he will need to put those abilities to good use right away.

Core muscle injuries like the one Span is suffering from can take time to heal. Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper, although very talented, has dealt with a myriad of injuries over the past few years. Jayson Werth is no spring chicken and is also in danger of missing opening day due to a shoulder injury.

Taylor has a reputation of being a gifted fielder. If he can impress Nationals manager Matt Williams with his bat and he works on lowering his high strike out rate, he might have the opportunity to get 400 major league at bats this season. With an ADP of 347 most  fantasy baseball owners don't even know that Taylor exists. Look to him as a deep sleeper with the potential for significant upside.