Fantasy Baseball 3.0: Outfielder Rankings

1. Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies, Draft Projection: Top 5

-Some people are afraid of Car-Go and are already writing him off as a one-year-wonder. If people in your league are doing this let them, and let them miss out on one of the best players in the game. Keep in mind his home park is Coors Field. Yup, that’s the end of your skepticism.

2. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers, Draft Projection: 1^st Round

-I’ve heard a lot of people have Ryan Braun in this spot; a lot of people are stupid. No offense Ryan Braun is an unbelievable player; he’s almost as good as Josh Hamilton! Batting average of .359, 32 homers, 100 RBIs, enough said.

3. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers, Draft Projection: 1^st Round

-Didn’t mean to offend Ryan Braun fans, he’s been the most consistent left fielder over the last four years and is still only 27. It’s almost a push between him and Crawford at this spot but Braun’s slugging numbers give him the edge and make him the third best outfielder in 2011.

4. Carl Crawford, Boston Red Sox, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-After being a thorn in the Red Sox side for his entire career Crawford signed an enormous deal to make Fenway his new home. In 2010 he set personal bests for walks, runs, homers and RBIs while still stealing 47 bags. The move to Fenway shouldn’t hurt his offensive numbers so if it gets to the 2^nd round and he’s still on the board, take him!

5. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-In 2010 he had a batting average of .312 and hits behind some guy named Pujols in the lineup, combine the two and you have all the criteria necessary for a number one fantasy outfielder. 30 homers and 100 RBIs is definitely a possibility.

6. Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-Cruz had one of his best years in 2010 and is a solid option in categories across the board. If he can stay healthy he will easily justify this number six ranking, if not, my bad.

7. Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-His 2010 campaign earned him a fat payday with the ratty nattys of our nation’s capital. The only concern for me is if he’ll slow down after signing a $126 million deal, I don’t think he will and Nationals fans better pray he doesn’t.

8. Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians, Draft Projection: 3^rd Round

-Choo would’ve gotten a lot more credit last season had he not played for the woeful Indians, but after Lebron James jumped ship to south beach Choo became the best athlete in the city of Cleveland. He’s hit over .300 for two straight years with 20 plus homers in each of those seasons as well. Don’t look for any regression from him in 2011 and feel good about drafting him in the 3^rd round. Seriously, what should I Choo?

9. Justin Upton, Arizona Diamond Backs, Draft Projection: 3^rd Round

-I was a little skeptical to rank Upton this high because at this point in his career he hasn’t justified a Top 10 ranking yet, however he’s still a first overall pick and he’s still only 23-years-old. 2011 will be a breakout season for Upton and this will be the last year you’ll be able top draft him for a bargain. Look for 30 homers and 30 stolen bases from him this year.

10. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates, Draft Projection: 3^rd Round

-I love McCutchen, mainly because of his hair and also I feel bad for him that he’s such a sensational player on such a God-awful team. He’s still a young guy at 24 and steals more bases every year, with 33 last season to go along with 16 homers and 35 doubles. He’s only going to get better and put him in the same category as Upton of high-risk, yet very high reward and he could come at a bargain.

The Rest of the Pack

11. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays, Draft Projection: 4^th Round

12. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers, Draft Projection: 4^th Round

13. Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins, Draft Projection: 5^th Round

14. Jayson Heyward, Atlanta Braves, Draft Projection: 5^th Round

15. Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners, Draft Projection: 5^th Round

16. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds, Draft Projection: 6^th Round

17. Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Cardinals, Draft Projection: 6^th Round

18. Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox, Draft Projection: 6^th Round

19. Chris Young, Arizona Diamond Backs, Draft Projection: 7^th Round

20. Hunter Pence, Houston Astros, Draft Projection: 7^th Round

21. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles, Draft Projection: 7^th Round

22. Mike Stanton, Florida Marlins, Draft Projection: 8^th Round

23. Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers, Draft Projection: 8^th Round

24. Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels, Draft Projection: 8^th Round

25. Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies, Draft Projection: 9^th Round

26. Vernon Wells, Los Angeles Angels, Draft Projection: 9^th Round

27. Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers, Draft Projection: 10^th Round

28. Jason Bay, New York Mets, Draft Projection: 10^th Round

29. Bobby Abreu, Los Angeles Angels, Draft Projection: 11^th Round

30. BJ Upton, Tampa Bay Rays, Draft Projection: 11^th Round