The Phenom's Top 15 Fantasy Outfielders for 2011

The Phenom's Top 15 Fantasy Outfielders for 2011

1. Carlos Gonzalez/ COL: Ok, you're surprised that this spot wasn't taken by Carl Crawford...aren't you? Cargo is projected to out-produce Crawford in 4 of the 5 fantasy categories. Therefore, he's my #1 OF for 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .326 avg., 36 hr's, 118 rbi, 115 runs, 31 sb's

2. Carl Crawford/ BOS: Crawford, along with Carlos Gonzalez, is a definite 1st-round fantasy pick. He does it all really well, and he is very durable.

Projected 2011 Stats: .311 avg., 17 hr's, 82 rbi, 112 runs, 48 sb's

3. Josh Hamilton/ TEX: If Hamilton stays healthy, he could hit 40+ hr's, 120+ rbi. However, that's only if he's healthy.

Projected 2011 Stats: .330 avg., 33 hr's, 108 rbi, 96 runs, 7 sb's

4. Ryan Braun/ MIL: Braun is always good for .300, close to 30 hr's, and more than 100 rbi.

Projected 2011 Stats: .305 avg., 28 hr's, 107 rbi, 106 runs, 18 sb's

5. Matt Holliday/ STL: Same as Braun, Holliday is as solid as they come and WILL produce as he does every year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .316 avg., 27 hr's, 102 rbi, 94 runs, 13 sb's

6. Nelson Cruz/ TEX: if this guy could ever complete a full, non-injury plagued, season...he could be something special.

Projected 2011 Stats: .290 avg., 31 hr's, 95 rbi, 85 runs, 18 sb's

7. Matt Kemp/ LAD: Many of us were surprised by Kemp's lack of effort and production in 2010. Frankly, I am a little surprised at his projected stats for 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: ..282 avg., 26 hr's, 94 rbi, 93 runs, 26 sb's

8. Shin-Soo Choo/ CLE: Choo has been nothing but consistent over the last few years. He should come up big again in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .298 avg., 23 hr's, 88 rbi, 85 runs, 20 sb's

9. Justin Upton/ ARI: Last year, everyone thought the Upton brothers would come up big in fantasy. In 2011, they'll at least be half-right.

Projected 2011 Stats: .276 avg., 21 hr's, 90 rbi, 83 runs, 22 sb's

10. Ichiro Suzuki/ SEA: Suzuki is still the best hitter in MLB, but his fantasy value has dropped over the years.

Projected 2011 Stats: .312 avg., 7 hr's, 45 rbi, 92 runs, 38 sb's

11. Jason Heyward/ ATL: Heyward has all the tools to become a top 5 fantasy OF.

Projected 2011 Stats: .281 avg., 23 hr's, 88 rbi, 92 runs, 15 sb's

12. Alex Rios/ CWS: Rios is another consistent producer.

Projected 2011 Stats: .293 avg., 24 hr's, 94 rbi, 93 runs, 36 sb's

13. Andre Ethier/ LAD: Ethier has shown us what he is capable of producing, but when will he get back to doing it?

Projected 2011 Stats: .289 avg., 27 hr's, 92 rbi, 84 runs, 3 sb's

14. Andrew McCutchen/ PIT: McCutchen plays on a horrible team, but he has serious speed and a solid bat.

Projected 2011 Stats: .288 avg., 15 hr's, 62 rbi, 88 runs, 35 sb's

15. Jose Bautista/ TOR: Yes, I know he hit 54 hr's in 2010, but he's never had more than 16 in previous seasons and he is a sub-.250 career hitter. I am being cautious here.

Projected 2011 Stats: .252 avg., 36 hr's, 96 rbi, 93 runs, 5 sb's

2011 OF Draft Strategy: I would not waste a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round selection on any OF outside of my top 5: Carlos Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Braun, and Matt Holliday. You need to be strong at the corners (1B/3B), get a top 2B (because that is a very shallow position, once again), and try to get a top 5 OF. Once the top 5 OF's have been selected in your draft, you can focus on other positions. You will have plenty of opportunities to pick up a fast OF with power later in the draft. The OF position is fairly deep with fast, yet strong players. However, if you get a shot at a top 5 OF, you better take it. The difference between Carlos Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, in comparison to Hunter Pence, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Delmon Young is huge. The first three will be taken in the first round or early second round, while the latter three can be taken in the middle to late rounds of the draft. Stay focused on value!

The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/