2014 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Outfield
Here are your 2014 philly.com fantasy baseball rankings for outfield.
After delineation, deliberation, and anticipation, here are your 2014 Philly.com Fantasy Baseball rankings.
For the last few weeks, we've been breaking down your best options at each position.
Here's what we've covered so far:
Today, outfield:
1. Mike Trout, Angels
2013: 589 AB, .323 AVG, .988 OPS, 39 2B, 27 HR, 97 RBI, 33 SB, 110 BB, 136 K
He's the best player in baseball, bar none. His numbers are insane, and I would take him No. 1 over Cabrera in every league because of his dominance in all categories – although I wouldn't fault you if you grab Cabrera instead. It's scary to think he could get better, but I guess it's possible considering he's just 22 years old. Trout gives you the possibility of .300 avg, 30 HR, 30 SB, and close to 100 RBI. Get him and love every second.
2. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
2013: 391 AB, .302 AVG, .958 OPS, 26 HR, 70 RBI, 21 SB, 41 BB, 118 K
I'm leery about putting Cargo ahead of NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, but being in the thin air is so enticing. In just 391 at-bats a season ago, Gonzalez put up numbers that most outfielders would kill for in a full year. If he gets near 600 at-bats – a big "if" as he's only gotten close once – you're looking at Trout-like stats. It's more likely he'll finish with around 140 games played, but he should still post ridiculous numbers, making him a mid-first round pick.
3. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
2013: 583 AB, .317 AVG, .911 OPS, 21 HR, 84 RBI, 27 SB, 78 BB, 101 K
Last year's NL MVP pretty much carried the Pirates to the postseason on the offensive side. And this year, he's heading into that important age-27 season. Expect an uptick in homers, which you'll take if it means a few more strikeouts, too. But overall, he's an outstanding blend of power, speed, and K/BB ratio. Definitely a first round selection in all leagues, as high as third-overall behind Trout & Cabrera.
4. Jacoby Ellsbury, Yankees
2013: 577 AB, .298 AVG, .781 OPS, 31 2B, 9HR, 53 RBI, 52 SB, 47 BB, 92 K
18, 158, 74, 134 – those are the amount of games Ellsbury has played over the last four years. Are we in for a decline? Regardless of health, which has been spotty, Ellsbury is moving to a friendly ballpark in the Bronx, where a lefty should feast on the short porch. Steals, some power, and a healthy amount of runs scored is what you should expect. I wouldn't expect 32 bombs like in 2011, but I definitely think Ellsbury can approach 20.
5. Bryce Harper, Nationals
2013: 424 AB, .274 AVG, .854 OPS, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 11 SB, 61 BB, 94 K
I see a huge year coming from Harper. It'll be his third year in the majors, he appears to have put on about 20 pounds of muscle, and he's just 21. That's altogether scary. Health will be the issue, and if he can get to 150 games, I like him to hit 28 homers. Plus, Harper possess speed that he has yet to fully unleash. He's going 20/20 this year and I'm not hesitating to grab him early in round two.
6. Adam Jones, Orioles
2013: 653 AB, .285 AVG, .811 OPS, 35 2B, 33 HR, 108 RBI, 14 SB, 25 BB, 136 K
I'm going Jones over Braun solely for the PED bust. Jones is clean and has had back-to-back monster seasons. The major issue is the lack of walks and the huge amount of K's, which can mess you up a bit in category leagues. But other than that, you're getting 30 homer power with a good amount of steals. He's probably a safe bet to go in the second round.
7. Ryan Braun, Brewers
2013: 253 AB, .298 AVG, .869 OPS, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 27 BB, 56 K
It's impossible to tell what Braun you'll get. Is he still the guy who smashed 41 HR and stole 30 bases in 2012? Is he still the guy who won the 2011 NL MVP award or was he aided by PEDs? He's still a top talent that cant be passed on, but of course, with all guys busted, you have to wonder. I'd expect close to 30 homers and 30 steals, but maybe the average dips a bit. Yahoo! average draft position has Braun 11th overall, so people still believe.
8. Yasiel Puig, Dodgers
2013: 382 AB, .319 AB, .925 OPS, 21 2B, 19 HR, 42 RBI, 11 SB, 36 BB, 97 K
Another guy who will be virtually impossible to pass on. He was a sensation from the moment he stepped foot on the field, but let's temper expectations. He's one of just two rookies in history to hit .315 or better with 15 homers or more in 400 at-bats or less. The Dodger lineup should give him plenty of opportunities to hit again; say .295 with 25 homers and 20 steals. You can deal with that.
9. Shin Soo Choo, Rangers
2013: 569 AB, .285 AVG, .885 OPS, 34 2B, 21 HR, 54 RBI, 20 SB, 112 BB, 133 K
Choo was an on-base machine for the Reds last year and now goes to the AL. He is 31, but you'll get a solid average, a ton of walks, and a decent source of power.
10. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
2013: 425 AB, .249 AVG, .845 OPS, 24 HR, 62 RBI, 74 BB, 140 K
Seems like Stanton has been around for a decade, but he's still only 24. His injury history makes him a bit of a risk, but one of these days he's going to lead the league in homers. Only problem is, why would anyone pitch to him? The Marlins might be slightly better, but he'll be pitched around. If he can learn to deal with that, I think you'll see a ton of walks this year to go with 35-40 homers.
11. Carlos Gomez, Brewers
2013: 536 AB, .284 AVG, .843 OPS, 24 HR, 73 RBI, 40 SB, 37 BB, 146 K
Gomez is a stat filler and a 20/20 player that will strike out a ton. He rarely ever walks and will kill you with all those strikeouts and a low OBP in leagues that use those categories.
12. Alex Rios, Rangers
2013: 616 AB, .278 AVG, .756 OPS, 18 HR, 81 RBI, 42 SB, 41 BB, 108 K
Forty-two steals last season at age 32? Rios had reached 30+ just twice before. This season, I'd expect a total in the high 20's with 15-20 homers and a solid average. But don't overdraft. He's now 33 and has a spotty track record.
13. Justin Upton, Braves
2013: 558 AB, .263 AVG, .818 OPS, 27 HR, 27 2B, 70 RBI, 94 R, 75 BB, 161 K
Upton hit 12 home runs in the first month of the season in 2013, but finished with only 27. I made a bet with a friend after that first month he wouldn't hit 40. I won. I'd bet on Upton putting up much the same numbers he did last season – good for homers, bad for K's, not much consistency.
14. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
2013: 452 AB, .259 AVG, .856 OPS, 28 HR, 73 RBI, 69 BB, 84 K
The 2010 and 2011 seasons saw Bautista hit a combined 97 homers. But over the last two years, he's managed just 55 of them. Injuries have taken their toll, so don't expect the wild numbers he used to put up. I'd say 25 homers, 85 RBI, and a .250 AVG is about right.
15. Wil Myers, Rays
2013: 335 AB, .293 AVG, .831 OPS, 13 HR, 23 2B, 53 RBI, 50 R, 33 BB, 91 K
I'm extremely bullish on the young Myers, who was hitting in the middle of the Rays order by mid-season and played a major role in the team getting back to the ALDS. He'll probably still strikeout a good amount, but I like close to .300 and over 20 homers this season. Myers is going in the 6th round in Yahoo! Leagues, but you might have to grab him higher. I would.
16. Jay Bruce, Reds
2013: 626 AB, .262 AVG, .807 OPS, 43 2B, 30 HR, 109 RBI, 63 BB, 185 K
Homers, lots of 'em. Strikeouts, lots of 'em. That's Jay Bruce in eight words.
17. Matt Holliday, Cardinals
2013: 520 AB, .300 AVG, .879 OPS, 31 2B, 22 HR, 94 RBI, 69 BB, 86 K
As consistent as they come, Holliday has hit 20 or more homers, hit .295 or better, and gotten on base at a .375 clip in each of the last four years. He slides a bit because of his age, but you can be sure Holliday will deliver some goods.
18. Starling Marte, Pirates
2013: 510 AB, .280 AVG, .784 OPS, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 41 SB, 25 BB, 138 K
Hard-swinger who will K a ton, but is an intriguing young talent. Can help you in the steals category, but will hurt with the lack of walks. Has 50 steal potential if he cuts down on K's.
19. Jason Heyward, Braves
2013: 382 AB, .254 AVG, .776 OPS, 14 HR, 38 RBI, 48 BB, 73 K
Injuries have played a major role with this once-extremely promising prospect. The good news, he's still only 24 and has 25/25 potential. If he can stay healthy, he can get close.
20. Yoenis Cespedes, A's
2013: 529 AB, .240 AVG, .737 OPS, 26 HR, 80 RBI, 37 BB, 137 K
The Big Cuban is just raw power. He can hit the ball a mile, but also misses it a bunch. His average dipped in a major way, although he was able to keep up his power numbers last year. Playing home games in Oakland also hurts.
21. Hunter Pence, Giants
22. Allen Craig, Cardinals
23. Billy Hamilton, Reds: Hamilton seriously has 100 steal potential if the Reds allow him to play every day. He might be a one-trick pony, but he's the best one-trick pony.
24. Shane Victorino, Red Sox
25. Ben Zobrist, Rays
26. Jayson Werth, Nationals
27. Carlos Beltran, Yankees: As consistent as they come, Beltran now goes to NY where he can DH and swing for the short porch in RF. If he can reach 500 at-bats, Beltran might have 25-30 homers in him.
28. Josh Hamilton, Angels: Is expected to be ready for the opener, but he'll never stay completely healthy. If you draft him as a guy who plays 100 games, then you're fine. Still immense talent, but he's aging rapidly.
29. Mark Trumbo, Diamondbacks
30. Desmond Jennings, Rays
31. Coco Crisp, A's: Quietly hit 22 homers for the A's last season, plus stole 21 bases. Not sure about another 20/20 campaign, but is an under the radar draft pick.
32. Domonic Brown, Phillies: There isn't much on offense in Philly, so that could hurt Brown's chances of succeeding. I like him for 22-24 HR, but with that loopy swing, he'll likely be inconsistent again. Solid 3rd or 4th OF option.
33. Matt Kemp, Dodgers: He's coming off foot surgery and there's a logjam in the OF in LA. Wouldn't draft him high, but of course is worth a flier.
34. Alex Gordon, Royals
35. Martin Prado, Diamondbacks
36. Leonys Martin, Rangers
37. Michael Cuddyer, Rockies
38. Khris Davis, Brewers: The Brewers traded Norichka Aoki to pave the way for this hard-hitting kid. Keep an eye out as he's got 30-homer potential.
39. Will Venable, Padres
40. Brandon Moss, A's
41. Nelson Cruz, Orioles
42. Curtis Granderson, Mets
43. Alfonso Soriano, Yankees
44. Brett Gardner, Yankees
45. Josh Reddick, A's
46. Carl Crawford, Dodgers
47. Torii Hunter, Tigers
48. Christian Yelich, Marlins: Could eventually be a 20/20 player with a good average. He's just 22, so temper the expectations, but grab him late and he might pay off.
49. Austin Jackson, Tigers
50. Adam Eaton, White Sox
Now check out the rest of our rankings:
Catcher | First base | Second base | Third base | Shortstop
Contact Pat on Twitter: @PatGallen_975