Obviously, outfield is the deepest position on any fantasy roster due to the sheer number of outfielders available. Overall, though, the pool is still pretty heavy, so don’t sacrifice your outfield for other positions in the early rounds in hopes of hitting the gold later.
Here is my top 10 H2H Fantasy Outfielders for 2010:
1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers – Braun is a true 5-tool player capable of doing it all, as evidenced by his 2009 numbers (.320 BA, 32 HR, 113 R, 114 RBI, 20 SB).
2. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kemp is another 5 tool player who is probably more 1A than 2 for Braun. Braun gets the advantage due to his slight advantage in power numbers. Don’t be surprised to see it at the top of this list at the end of the season.
3. Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks – This guy is just scratching the surface at 22 years of age and adds to some already impressive totals from last year’s breakout season.
4. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians – Elbow problems caused a drop in production last season, but now that those problems are behind him, he is expected to recover in 2010.
5. Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays – Some would probably consider this high for Crawford due to his relative lack of power. I guess I think his base stealing, run scoring, and ability to make contact will more than make up for his lack of power.
6. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals – Probably should rank a little higher based on what he was able to do after the trade to St. Louis. Having Pujols in the lineup with him for a full season should also help.
7. Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies – He led all right fielders in home runs and runs in 2009. He’s also well isolated in a very powerful lineup, but he could have more empty trips to the plate than anyone on the list.
8. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles – Enter the top 10 for its potential. He is entering his prime and is capable of .300, 25 HR, 100 RBI and 100 R.
9. Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees – Expecting a strong rebound in his offensive numbers at Yankee Stadium.
10. Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Hit a career-high .299 in 2009 with 22 HRs, 90 RBIs and 18 SBs. Always a 20/20 threat, Hunter should once again be a solid Fantasy option in 2010.
Honorable Mention: Bobby Abreu – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Carlos Lee – Houston Astros, Jason Bay – New York Mets, Shin-Soo Choo – Cleveland Indians, Carlos Beltrán – New York Mets
