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2010 Fantasy Baseball Preview: Outfielders
Written by TG Fantasy Baseball Staff
February 17, 2010

Feature Article

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jason Kubel (Projected Value: $21)
Kubel (27) put it together last year and contributed power and average to the Twins’ lineup. The former top prospect is living up to expectations and should get even better if he can stay healthy as he enters his peak performing years.

Justin Upton (Projected Value: $13)
Upton (22) batted .300 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI, and 20 steals last year in Arizona. He showcased the power and speed that was expected from him. He appears to be on the brink of becoming a fantasy force.

Gerardo Parra (Projected Value: $7)
Parra (23) batted .290 with five home runs and 60 RBI for Arizona in 2009. He deserves a chance to make the team this Spring, but without putting up better power numbers or stolen bases, he will probably play in a platoon.

Chris Young (Projected Value: $7)
Young (26) underachieved in 2009 with a .212 average, 15 home runs, and 42 RBI. He has regressed each year since 2007. Last year he struck out 133 times in 433 at-bats. He still has plenty of upside, but take him only if he’s around in the late rounds.

Willie Bloomquist (Projected Value: $5)
Bloomquist (32) got to play virtually every day with the Royals last year. He batted .265 – a drop of 10-15 points from what was expected, but he stole 25 bases, which was expected. He might get fewer at-bats in 2010, but you can look for him to steal 20 bases again.

Atlanta Braves

Michael Bourn (Projected Value: $12)
Bourn (27) hit .285 and led the National League with 61 steals in his second season as a starter in Houston. Consider him an elite speedster who is only going to get better all-around.

Jason Heyward (Projected Value: $11)
Heyward (20) has 30-homer power potential and above-average talent in most of the other offensive categories. He might arrive in Atlanta mid-season 2010. He has All-Star talent.

Martin Prado (Projected Value: $1)
Prado (26) batted .307 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI over 128 games for the Braves in the '09 regular season. His .307 average seems legitimate, and he qualifies at multiple positions. Consider him a solid back-end mixed-league option at 2B/3B/1B.

Eric Hinske (Projected Value: $0)
Hinske (32) batted .242/.348/.432 with eight home runs and 32 RBI in 190 at-bats between the Pirates and Yankees in '09. Draft him if you think that he will get more than 200 at-bats. He hit 20 HR in 381 AB for TB in 2008.

Baltimore Orioles

Nick Markakis (Projected Value: $26)
Markakis (26) might not break out. He might not become an elite outfielder, but he does put up solid stats - consistently - and has done so ever since his rookie year in '06. You can probably count on him to deliver 20 home runs, 90 RBI, and a .300 average in '10.

Adam Jones (Projected Value: $15)
Jones started 2009 off great. He was batting .372 with 11 home runs and four steals heading into June. He struggled from that point on as pitchers adjusted to his free-swinging ways. He also has a habit of hitting too many ground balls - not good for a prospective power hitter. He sprained his ankle and did not play much in September, limiting his final tallies.

Nolan Reimold (Projected Value: $11)
Reimold (26) made a smooth transition from Triple-A to Baltimore where he gave fantasy owners a cheap source of power. If he stays healthy, i.e., overcomes Achilles’ tendon surgery, he can provide decent power and the occasional stolen base.

Boston Red Sox

Carl Crawford (Projected Value: $27)
Crawford (28) hit .305 last year. He has batted .300 or better four times, though he has yet to hit 20 home runs. Who knows what the Rays will do with him at the July Trade Deadline if they are not contending for a playoff spot.

Jacoby Ellsbury (Projected Value: $24)
Ellsbury (26) set career highs in nearly every major offensive category last year – most notably with his 70 stolen bases, which led the Major Leagues. He is entering his peak years as an athlete – so you can probably expect even more in 2010.

Cody Ross (Projected Value: $12)
Ross (29) displayed that he can hit consistently for power while being able to play any outfield position. Consider him a power source in single and mixed leagues.

Ryan Sweeney (Projected Value: $8)
Sweeney (25) has untapped power potential. He slugged .463 after the ASG last year with mostly doubles – but doesn’t that mean that home runs will follow? If his knees weren’t acting up, some of those doubles might have turned into home runs. He might go for less than he should at your draft.

Chicago Cubs

David DeJesus (Projected Value: $16)
Just when you thought DeJesus (30) was on the verge, he wasn’t. He did not build on his career year of 2008, and to top it off, he ended the 2009 season prematurely with the flu – though he was hitting .319 over the second half. He can hit .300 again, but probably not ever reach 25 HR.

Alfonso Soriano (Projected Value: $15)
Soriano (34) missed significant playing time down the stretch because of an inflammation in his right knee. He has gone on the DL in each of his three years in Chicago. Combine the loss of time on the field with an overall drop in productivity, and he had the worst season of his nine-year career. Consider him high-risk, high-reward, with a lower ceiling than before.

Marlon Byrd (Projected Value: $14)
Byrd hit 20 HR and drove in 89 runs for the Rangers last year; he enters 2010 as the favorite to become the Cubs' everyday center fielder. At age 32, he will have to over-extend himself again to match last season's career highs, including 547 at-bats.

Chicago White Sox

Alex Rios (Projected Value: $21)
Rios (29) joined the White Sox for their pennant run, but struggled during his six-week stint there. He batted under .200 in limited time. Nonetheless, he will get the starting job in right field for Ozzie Guillen in 2010, and perhaps play to his capacity: steal 25 bases and hit 20+ home runs.

Lastings Milledge (Projected Value: $3)
Milledge (25) has the potential to be an all-around fantasy contributor - once he gets regular playing time. He might experience more lows than highs as he continues his development this year, but he does have the potential to go 20-20.

Cincinnati Reds

Ryan Ludwick (Projected Value: $19)
Ludwick (31) suffered a strained hamstring that sidelined him for a few weeks last May. He took a while to shake the cobwebs when he returned in June, and then made up for that in July. He might not recreate the stats that he generated in ’08, but all things considered, he can again put up the stats of a No. 3 fantasy outfielder.

Jay Bruce (Projected Value: $9)
Bruce (22) endured a disappointing sophomore year in Cincinnati. He was performing only marginally well when a midseason wrist injury sidelined him for two months. He did finish the season strong, posting a .326 average with four home runs and 17 RBI in September. Consider him a sleeper who can rebound in a big way.

Drew Stubbs (Projected Value: $5)
Stubbs (25) made a positive impression during his audition with the Reds. He displayed surprising power while showing an ability to run the bases. He goes into 2010 as the favorite to win the Reds’ starting center field job. Consider him a sleeper.

Gary Matthews (Projected Value: $2)
Matthews (35) plays the role of the extra outfielder. He ended the season by getting enough at-bats to be considered a regular player, but the Angels plan to use him primarily as a fill-in. And, until he can show otherwise, you should consider him only for single league play.

Willie Harris (Projected Value: $1)
Harris (31) offers stolen base potential and a few home runs as a late round pick. He ended 2009 with a .235 batting average, seven home runs, 27 RBI, 47 runs, and 11 stolen bases.

Cleveland Indians

Grady Sizemore (Projected Value: $22)
Let’s face it. Sizemore will not hit for a great average. He might get to .280 in a good year. He had a bad year all around in 2009 – mostly because of injuries (elbow and groin). Assuming that he comes to Spring Training healthy, he has thresholds to cross in the power and speed departments to return to the elite class of outfielders.

Shin-Soo Choo (Projected Value: $18)
Choo (27) had a breakout year in 2009. He produced good results in most of the offensive categories. Wait a second. Where did those 151 strikeouts come from? Might it affect his batting average this year? Good average usually does not go hand-in-hand with that kind of a K-rate. However, he is entering his prime years as an athlete. Consider him a Top 25 outfielder heading into 2010.

Felix Pie (Projected Value: $4)
Pie is developing. He showed progress last year. At one point, he seemed to have become the 25th player on the squad. However, he picked up the pace and delivered reasonably good stats in the second half. If he gets regular playing time, he might deliver on all those earlier projections.

Ryan Spilborghs (Projected Value: $3)
Spilborghs (30) did not maintain his .300 batting average from previous years, and because he is not a power hitter, he lost his regular at-bats. He has fallen to fourth or fifth outfielder on the Colorado depth chart.

Michael Brantley (Projected Value: $0)
Brantley (22) took over centerfield for the Indians when Grady Sizemore got injured. He has Plus speed (he stole 45 bags at Triple-A Columbus in ‘09), and can get on base to steal bases, but – what about the power? With Grady healthy, Brantley comes to Spring Training to compete probably with Trevor Crowe for the left-field job.

Aaron Cunningham (Projected Value: $0)
Cunningham probably does not have superstar attributes. On the other hand, he should develop into a good player in either corner outfield spot and hit around .270 with 15 HR - even with Petco as his home field.

Trevor Crowe (Projected Value: $0)
Crowe did not show much to the Indians until the end of the season when he brought his average to an almost respectable level. This year, he will be competing for the fourth outfielder spot because Matt LaPorta and Grady Sizemore should be healthy, and Shin-Soo Choo will be returning to right field. However, if the injury bug strikes ... or the Indians cash in early again ...

Colorado Rockies

Michael Cuddyer (Projected Value: $16)
Cuddyer (31) had a career year in '09 with 32 HR (10 HR after August) and 94 RBI. He probably cannot exceed last year's output, but if he stay's healthy he can hit 25 HR - and he qualifies at first base and in the outfield.

Willy Taveras (Projected Value: $6)
Taveras (28) has great stolen base potential, but he had a difficult time getting to first base last year. He did not bat for a high average and fans were known to pass out when he took a walk. He must learn how to take a pitch. Yet you can’t dismiss the 68 steals that he had only two years ago. He can provide value.

Carlos Gonzalez (Projected Value: $6)
Gonzalez ended 2009 on a hot streak, which bodes well for 2010. He has "five-tool" potential and has learned to hit to all fields: he should end up with a consistently high BABIP. Let's see how well he does when he faces not only the right-handed hurlers but also the top left-handed pithers in the game.

Dexter Fowler (Projected Value: $0)
Without much fanfare Fowler (24) earned the Rockies' center-field job after displaying his skills during Spring Training. He proved that he can steal bases during the regular season. Improving his batting average - especially away from Coors Field - might come this year.

Eric Young Jr. (Projected Value: $0)
Young (24) can play the outfield or infield, but the Rockies currently have many players blocking the upward mobility of this base stealer. (Someone has to get traded.) He had 58 steals in Triple-A in ‘09 and hit .299 with seven home runs, 43 RBI, and 118 runs in 472 at-bats. He will display elite baserunning skills when he gets a full-time job at the Major League level.

Detroit Tigers

Delmon Young (Projected Value: $14)
Young slugged .502 after the ASG, and ended the season especially well in October. But what about the time in between? He underachieved. He still has so much time to show the potential that he promised years ago to the Rays – it does not seem right that you can hear his clock ticking.

Ryan Raburn (Projected Value: $6)
Raburn had a productive season for the Tigers in 2009, batting .291 with 16 HR, 45 RBI, and five steals in 261 at-bats. He deserves serious consideration as a sleeper candidate for 2010.

Austin Jackson (Projected Value: $6)
Jackson (23) gets the first chance to replace Curtis Granderson and to man centerfield for the Tigers in 2010. He demonstrated his great speed and a .300 batting average at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year. He has not demonstrated any home run potential. You can draft him for his stolen base potential.

Houston Astros

Carlos Lee (Projected Value: $26)
Lee (33) came back from a 2008 injury to have another solid season at the plate. He has had 100 or more RBI five years in a row (99 or more – seven years in a row). The speed might be disappearing though he continues to produce at an enviable pace. Few outfielders can match his consistent level of performance.

Fernando Martinez (Projected Value: $0)
F-Mart (21) has developed slowly in the minor leagues, plus injuries have hampered him. He still projects as an everyday centerfielder. He had an early MLB experience with the Mets last year – which did not go so well, but he did steal a few bases and hit his first home run, though for the most part, he looked overmatched. If he (and you) can wait one more year, he should hit the big time in a big way.

Kansas City Royals

Jeff Francoeur (Projected Value: $11)
Francoeur (26) expects to continue into 2010 the solid offensive run that he had at the end of 2009 - .319 average with four home runs and 17 RBI. He had thumb surgery during the Off Season – with no reported complications. Consider him a low-end mixed-league outfielder.

Alex Gordon (Projected Value: $1)
Gordon (26) has yet to florish offensively as the third baseman for the Royals. He stumbled to a .232 average with six home runs and 22 RBI in an injury-shortened '09 campaign with a visit to AAA Omaha. He has the talent but the clock is ticking.

Los Angeles Angels

Bobby Abreu (Projected Value: $28)
Talk about consistency! Abreu (36) has had 11 seasons with at least 15 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 96 runs scored. In addition, he has driven in 100+ runs for seven consecutive seasons. Can he continue? Don’t bet against it.

Torii Hunter (Projected Value: $24)
Hunter (34) performed like a reliable veteran last year. One of fantasy’s consistent sources of power and speed, he had his fourth straight season of 20 home runs and double-digit steals. He had Off Season abdominal surgery that might give him more flexibility than he experienced last year – i.e., he might have some upside – even in his mid-thirties.

Vernon Wells (Projected Value: $16)
Wells (31) played a full year (surprisingly); he had 630 at-bats – then had Off Season surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left wrist. He still has five-tool capability and is playing on the back side of the prime years of his athletic career. Do not consider him elite. Consider drafting him after the top outfielders have been taken.

Howard Kendrick (Projected Value: $13)
Kendrick (26) batted .291 with 10 homers, 61 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 2009. Expect the same again only because he has a tendency to get injured, or to even go through a prolonged slump, which warrants a trip to the minors. Make no mistake about it, this guy is gifted. He might break out this year, but, like his buddy, Brandon Wood, he has yet to show truly what all the hype was all about.

Reggie Willits (Projected Value: $0)
Willits brings flexibility to the Angels' lineup as an above-average late-inning pinch-runner and defensive replacement. Consider him a reserve.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Matt Kemp (Projected Value: $32)
Kemp (26) hit .297/.352/.490 in 2009 with 26 home runs, 34 stolen bases and 101 RBI for the Dodgers and is evolving into a fantasy superstar. His blazing speed and power splits make him one of fantasy’s top outfield options.

Andre Ethier (Projected Value: $20)
Ethier (27) established himself as a Top 20 outfielder last year. He has increased his power output in each of his four years with the Dodgers (he did lose some batting average points last year). Is he going to continue his surge? Mabye - he is entering his prime production years. Bid with confidence.

Juan L Rivera (Projected Value: $11)
Rivera (31) regained the form that made him a fantasy asset in 2006. He can duplicate his stats from ‘09, if he stays healthy. Also, not often do players reach their early thirties, and then put up career numbers that they can maintain.

Tony Gwynn Jr. (Projected Value: $0)
Gwynn can provide speed from his likely position as fourth outfielder. He might improve his average with regular at-bats.

Miami Marlins

Chris Coghlan (Projected Value: $19)
Coghlan (24) started in left field for the Marlins after preparing to play an infield position at Spring Training. He took a while to acclimate to his surroundings, but over the last two months of the season, he batted .388 with 100 hits and ended up winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. Expect more of the same in 2010, especially since he got better as the season progressed.

Aaron Rowand (Projected Value: $9)
Rowand (32) played inconsistently in '09. At one point he put together a 17-game hitting streak. In the bigger picture, he had four times as many strikeouts (125) as he had walks (30). Take him after all the top (and some secondary) outfielders have gone off the boards.

Emilio Bonifacio (Projected Value: $0)
Bonifacio (24) stole 21 bases last year and batted .252. He stole far fewer bases and batted much lower after the ASG, so he did not play regularly in the second half of the season. You can take a flier on him because of his speed. He does not offer power.

Austin Kearns (Projected Value: $0)
The Indians signed Kearns to a minor league contract. He hit .195/.336/.305 in 2009 and does not project to have much of an impact next season for the Tribe.

Milwaukee Brewers

Ryan Braun (Projected Value: $37)
Braun (26) has joined the elite. In 2009 he became the second player in MLB history to hit 30-plus home runs in each of his first three seasons. In addition he steals bases and hits for average, all this while entering his peak performing years.

Nyjer Morgan (Projected Value: $20)
The Pirates sent Morgan (29) to Washington and he joined the Nationals’ lineup as a regular – he then stole 24 bases in just 49 games before he broke his hand. No reports have circulated saying that the recovery will interfere with the start of Spring Training. He might crack the 50-steal mark in 2010 and bat close to .300 again.

Corey Hart (Projected Value: $14)
Hart (28) had a disappointing 2009. After putting together back-to-back 20-20 seasons, he floundered because of inconsistent play and a stint on the DL (appendectomy). You can think of him as a buy-low candidate, although his stats have trended downward over the past few years.

Carlos Gomez (Projected Value: $1)
Gomez gets another chance to play regularly. He was competing for playing time in a Minnesota outfield that included Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer, and Delmon Young - and he rarely came out on top. Milwaukee traded for him to man centerfield. Since he is only 23 years old, he has time to develop into a potent leadoff catalyst.

Minnesota Twins

Denard Span (Projected Value: $19)
Like a lot of other quality Twins’ players in the past, Span (26) emerged as one of the game's elite players. In his case, he has become a solid on-base man who gets driven in by RBI-guys Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Expect more of the same in 2010. He might score 100 runs, steal 30 bases, and hit a dozen home runs.

Josh Willingham (Projected Value: $10)
Willingham (31) started last year on the bench, but became the Nats' everyday left fielder in June. He ended the season with a .260 average, 24 home runs, and 61 RBI. Willingham can also play first base (1 game in 2009).

New York Mets

Jason Bay (Projected Value: $26)
Bay (32) hit .267/.384/.537 with 36 home runs, 119 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 531 at-bats for Boston last season. He will almost certainly add "pop" to the Mets' lineup. His contact rate leaves room for improvement, but he can hit home runs anywhere.

Scott Hairston (Projected Value: $5)
Hairston (29) returns to the Padres after having been traded away by them to the Athletics last July. He can hit well at PETCO and will probably take over the left field job. He does have a difficult time against right-handed pitchers – a platoon job looms.

New York Yankees

Curtis Granderson (Projected Value: $22)
Granderson (29) will undoubtedly increase his offensive output in the Yankees’ lineup where the right field seats are calling his name. He does have one glaring weakness – his inability to hit lefties – not that he will become a platoon player – yet. His average has dropped the past couple years.

Nick Swisher (Projected Value: $14)
Swisher (29) goes through streaks when the ball just rings off his bat. Of course, he goes through prolonged streaks of ineffectiveness at the plate as well, and he will need Curtis Granderson to back him up when he is in the outfield. He can help your team because he qualifies at both the outfield and first base. If he stays on the Yankees, he will hit close to 30 HR.

Brett Gardner (Projected Value: $4)
Gardner (26) makes a nice fourth outfielder to the New York Yankees, one who can contribute to your team’s stolen base totals. If he gets traded to another team for whom he will get regular at-bats, his value as a stolen base threat will compound.

Andruw Jones (Projected Value: $0)
Jones (32) apparently can still hit for power, even discounting the Texas home field effect from last year. His batting average will keep him on the bench more often than not.

Chris Dickerson (Projected Value: $0)
Dickerson (27) spent too much time on the DL last year to be productive. He has enough pop to help single leagues, but you hope that he can display some of the power that he showed during his 2008 call-up.

None

Raul Ibanez (Projected Value: $23)
Ibanez put up decent stats for the year, including 34 HR and 93 RBI – though his production during the first half clearly outshone his second half production. He hit .340 (67-for-197) with 19 home runs and 51 RBI in 50 games through June 2. He batted .228 (69-for-303) with 15 home runs and 42 RBI in his final 84 games. He had sports-hernia surgery after the season that undoubtedly affected his play in the second half. Do not be surprised if he matches last year’s numbers, but spreads them over the season a little better.

Magglio Ordonez (Projected Value: $22)
The Tigers honorably played Ordonez (36), knowing that too many at-bats guaranteed him an $18 million contract for 2010. He responded by hitting .410 with six doubles in September, securing his fourth .300 average in the last five seasons. About the power: can he expect to hit more home runs this year? Probably, but don’t bet on 20.

J.D. Drew (Projected Value: $16)
Drew (34) delivered his standard offensive output last year, and actually came in third among AL outfielders with a .914 OPS. Expect more of the same this year: 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and an average around .280, while he plays in 125 games. He deserves consideration for a mid-round pick.

Jeremy Hermida (Projected Value: $10)
Hermida (26) has yet to live up to his prospect expectations. Maybe the change of scenery from Florida to Boston will benefit him. He can play both corner outfield spots. He likely will start out as the team’s fourth outfielder, but depending on injuries, he should still see at least 400 AB. He has an upside of untapped potential.

Jose Guillen (Projected Value: $10)
Guillen (34) played only half a season last year, and made two trips to the disabled list (right hip, back, and knee). He expects to be ready in time for the '10 campaign when he could hit a dozen home runs. However, before you draft him, consider his age and the likelihood that he will end up on the DL again.

Kosuke Fukudome (Projected Value: $7)
Fukudome (32) has started a trend in which he starts the season off well, but cools off as the year progresses. He has batted a combined .193 over the last two Septembers. You can probably attribute that to him wearing down in the MLB season, which lasts longer than the Japanese baseball season. He probably should have adjusted better last year.

Eric Byrnes (Projected Value: $6)
Byrnes has not lived up to his 2007 stats, which included 21 HR and 50 SB. Byrnes has since suffered a rash of injuries, and those stats now seem to have belonged to another player. If he can get on base, he can steal the next one.

Ryan Church (Projected Value: $4)
Church (31) batted .273/.338/.384 with four home runs and 40 RBI with the Mets and Braves in '09. He will battle Garrett Jones and Brandon Moss for playing time in right field this year.

Gabe Kapler (Projected Value: $3)
Kapler (34) platoons in the outfield for the Rays and should expect to get about 200-250 at-bats this year. He could hit 20 home runs if he played full-time, but that ain’t gonna happen.

Conor Jackson (Projected Value: $2)
Jackson (28) hit only .182 with one home run and 14 RBI over 99 at-bats in 2009. His season ended in May because of illness. The Diamondbacks expect him to be ready for Spring Training, but they also expect prospect Brandon Allen to get the bulk of playing time at first base. Jackson will likely have to look for playing time in the Arizona outfield. Consider him a sleeper breakout candidate.

Elijah Dukes (Projected Value: $2)
Dukes (25) has carried the tag of potential star for a few years – someone who still needs to refine his skills in the minors. He also got caught trying to steal 10 times out of 13 attempts while he was up with the Nationals. On the plus side, he did produce in September (.424 OBP, .290 AVG). Bottom line: he has to show consistent production to get fantasy consideration.

Jody Gerut (Projected Value: $0)
Gerut (32) had a productive season with the Padres in 2008, and they traded him to the Brewers last year when he became a fourth outfielder. Because he has shoulder issues and other anticipated maladies, he will have a difficult time finding regular at-bats.

Hideki Matsui (Projected Value: $0)
Matsui knocked 28 balls over the fence for the Yankees in '09, and he stayed healthy for the entire year. He probably will not play in the outfield in Los Angeles - he can concentrate solely on hitting, and he makes for an excellent middle-of-the-order hitter.

Pat Burrell (Projected Value: $0)
Burrell (33) had a sore neck that affected his batting swing – and ultimately his confidence in his first year at Tampa Bay. If he stays healthy, he can hit 30 HR and drive in 90 runs. Tampa is looking to move him.

Oakland Athletics

Coco Crisp (Projected Value: $5)
Crisp (30) showed little more than speed during his one injury-marred year with the Royals last year. He needed surgery to repair the rotator cuff and labrum in both shoulders, became a free agent, and the Athletics signed him to man centerfield. If he is healthy, consider him a source of stolen bases late in the draft.

Jonny Gomes (Projected Value: $2)
Gomes joined the Reds in June and had the best power season of his career. He might not get a full year of at-bats because of his limited fielding skills. He also has not demonstrated that he can hit successfully against right-handed pitchers. All things considered, he can help in the power departments.

Seth Smith (Projected Value: $1)
Smith (27) fits in perfectly at Coors where he posted a 1.051 OPS compared to a .730 stat on the road. Consider him a low-end mixed-league outfielder.

Philadelphia Phillies

Shane Victorino (Projected Value: $22)
Victorino stayed productive last year with his offensive output, except in the stolen bases category. He actually would have hit better than in previous years, but he slowed down in the second half (.269 AVG, .756 OPS). Consider him a reliable middle-round pick.

Hunter Pence (Projected Value: $20)
Pence (26) had another five-category productive year, and improved his BB/K ratio along the way. That usually indicates that a player's batting average is on the upswing. He also had a power surge after the ASG, which bodes well as he heads into his prime productive years.

Scott Podsednik (Projected Value: $10)
Podsednik (34) batted .304/.353/.412 with seven home runs and 30 stolen bases over the course of last season in a Renaissance year. He is getting older, has tendencies to get injured, and his career line reads: .277/.340/.381. He will get the first shot at patrolling center field for the Royals.

Juan Pierre (Projected Value: $10)
Pierre (32) hit .308 with 31 RBI and 30 stolen bases last year for the Dodgers. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen likes his players to be aggressive on the base paths, so expect him to give Pierre the green light this year and maybe he can match the 64 bases he swiped in 2007 with the Dodgers.

Ty Wigginton (Projected Value: $6)
Wigginton (32) ended his three-year run of hitting 20-plus home runs by hitting only 11 in 2009. Expect a return of power in 2010 - if he gets 400+ at-bats in Baltimore.

Brandon Moss (Projected Value: $0)
Moss (27) had his chance. He missed. He might get playing time as an extra outfielder with limited upside in Pittsburgh.

Delwyn Young (Projected Value: $0)
Young (27) batted .266 with seven home runs and 43 RBI last year. He has multi-position (2B/OF) flexibility. He has yet to develop his potential.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen (Projected Value: $21)
McCutchen (23) displayed five-tool skills once he took over as the Pirates’ everyday center fielder last summer. He led all NL rookies in extra-base hits, while ranking second in many other categories (multi-hit games, runs, walks, and total bases). He most likely will improve, and almost certainly will steal 30-40 bases in 2010.

Nate McLouth (Projected Value: $19)
McLouth (28) had a slight, but noticeable, drop-off in his offensive production last year. He still has the talent to go 20-20, and he should score his share of runs for the Braves.

Garrett Jones (Projected Value: $15)
Surprise! Surprise!! Jones (28) finally got regular MLB ABs and enjoyed a great season in 2009, batting .293 with 21 home runs, 44 RBI, and 10 stolen bases over 314 at-bats. He has solidified himself as starter, whether at first base or in the outfield. Shazam!

Matt Diaz (Projected Value: $6)
Diaz (32) will either start or platoon at one of Atlanta's corner outfield spots in 2010. He hit over .300 for the third time in four years – batting extremely well against left-handed pitchers in 2009. Consider him a border-line mixed-league outfielder who can contribute primarily to your team's batting average.

San Diego Padres

Carlos Quentin (Projected Value: $13)
Quentin followed up an MVP-caliber 2008 with mixed results during an injury-plagued 2009. He will be returning to the White Sox after minor wrist surgery during the Off Season and a major bout with plantar fasciitis last year. Consider him a high-risk high reward player.

Kyle Blanks (Projected Value: $7)
Sleeper to watch Blanks (23) batted .250 last year with 10 home runs and 22 RBI in 148 AB: six of his home runs came at spacious PETCO. He has undeniable power.

Cameron Maybin (Projected Value: $1)
Maybin (23) hit well when he got at-bats late in the year for Florida. He has lots of potential that fantasy owners should start to see later this year. He had shoulder surgery in November and hopes to be ready for Spring Training.

Mark Kotsay (Projected Value: $0)
Kotsay (33) hit a combined .278 with four HR and 23 RBI in 67 games with the Red Sox and White Sox in 2009. He will get playing time as a backup first baseman and outfielder in 2010.

Will Venable (Projected Value: $0)
Venable (27) had a hot second half to 2009, and because of a surprising display of power, he has earned the Padres’ starting center fielder job. Consider him a flier - and he is playing at the right age for expected premium performance.

San Francisco Giants

Melky Cabrera (Projected Value: $7)
In his new digs in Atlanta, Cabrera (25) will start at one of the corner spots. A talented defender, he has put up mediocre numbers to date. That could change as he enters his peak performing years.

Angel Pagan (Projected Value: $0)
Pagan (28) did not expect to get more than fourth outfielder duties in '09, but delivered good average and stolen base numbers when his Mets' teammates got injured. He needs to generate more power to become viable in fantasy baseball.

Nate Schierholtz (Projected Value: $0)
Schierholtz (26) displayed only minimal power in '09. Pitchers seemed to figure him out as the year progressed. He does have a history as a power hitter in the minors and he has yet to reach his peak athletic years. Consider taking a last-minute flier on him.

Seattle Mariners

Ichiro Suzuki (Projected Value: $30)
Ichiro has had nine straight seasons with 200 hits - incredible. He took a trip to the DL (ulcers), which must have contributed to his drop in stolen bases in '09. Otherwise, why not expect a repeat in 2010? Consider him one of the great elite fantasy outfielders – year-in, year-out.

Franklin Gutierrez (Projected Value: $13)
Gutierrez (26) batted .283/.339/.425 in 2009 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI in 153 games while also playing great defense in center field. He surprised many by hitting well at Safeco and by being able to hold his own against right-handed pitchers. He might make a run at 20-20.

Milton Bradley (Projected Value: $12)
Bradley (31) has yet to show fully the talents that he has – either because of injury or volatility. Last year’s Milton Bradley season included the usual impediments to play: injury, suspension, tumult, and ineffectiveness. He has so much baggage – now – if he is still on table at the end of the draft – and no one else wants to take the risk ...

Michael Saunders (Projected Value: $0)
Saunders (23) displayed more with his glove than with his bat when the Mariners called him up last year. The team might give him another chance to show what he has already proved offensively at the Triple-A level (.310 average with a .922 OPS in 248 at-bats). If he does not break camp with Seattle, expect a mid-season call-up.

Mike Carp (Projected Value: $0)
Carp has power and average potential, and he won't take a bad pitch, which makes him a sleeper worth watching in 2010.

St. Louis Cardinals

Matt Holliday (Projected Value: $36)
Holliday (30) hit .313/.394/.515 with 24 home runs and 104 RBI in 2009, splitting time between Oakland and St. Louis. He hit .353 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in 63 games with St. Louis after his arrival there. Consider him a strong fantasy outfielder and first round draft pick.

Lance Berkman (Projected Value: $19)
Berkman (34) still gives strong fantasy numbers, as shown by his .274 batting average with 25 home runs and 80 RBI in 2009. However, the 80 RBI represented his lowest tally since his rookie year (2000). Expect a lot, but not as much as you used to. Injuries (wrist, calf) and age became a factor last year.

Carlos Beltran (Projected Value: $15)
Beltran (32) will miss Spring Training after having knee surgery in January. He missed half the Mets’ games last year because of issues with the knee. He has become the ultimate high-risk, high-reward fantasy option.

Skip Schumaker (Projected Value: $8)
Schumaker (30) batted .303 last year, performing virtually the same as he had the year before. He will probably do it again, and score 80+ runs.

Tampa Bay Rays

Ben Zobrist (Projected Value: $22)
Zobrist (28) had a career year with Tampa Bay in ‘09, affecting all the major offensive categories in a good way. He became one of fantasy's top middle infielders and also qualifies as an outfielder. Consider him an elite second baseman.

B.J. Upton (Projected Value: $19)
Upton (25) had major shoulder surgery last off season, and apparently did not recover enough to put up the numbers that he should have – at least according to fantasy owners. Clearly, he can deliver the stolen bases. Can he hit with power? He still has plenty of time to prove that he can.

Luke Scott (Projected Value: $0)
Scott (31) has averaged 20+ home runs over the last three seasons and batted consistently around .255. He actually hit more home runs in fewer at-bats last year. Expect more of the same in 2010 - mostly from the DH slot.

Texas Rangers

Josh Hamilton (Projected Value: $17)
The injury bug bit Hamilton good last year. He played in only 89 games because of rib, abdominal, and back injuries. He still has a lot of upside because of his age - and obvious talent. Keep in mind that he has put up 500+ at-bats only once in his (three-year) career.

Julio Borbon (Projected Value: $15)
Borbon (23) opened up a lot of eyes in limited action last year. You have to marvel at the number of steals that he had: 19 of them in only 157 at-bats. With Marlon Byrd out of the picture, look for Borbon to start in center field and to bat lead-off in 2010 – an obvious sleeper.

Nelson Cruz (Projected Value: $13)
Cruz made the most out of his first full season playing in the outfield. He did not end the season on a strong note – batting .239 from September until the end of the year. Yet you can attribute that to his playing full-time for the first time. All things considered, this guy can rake, and probably will again this year.

David Murphy (Projected Value: $11)
Murphy started the season slowly, but came on strong, in part because he got regular at-bats when Josh Hamilton was injured. He will probably get more at-bats than a fourth outfielder gets and produce the same output as last year – but he probably will not overachieve beyond that.

Toronto Blue Jays

Rajai Davis (Projected Value: $12)
Expect Davis to steal at least the same number of bases in 2010 as he got in 2009; you should also expect his batting average to return to the .250 - .260 range - if history has any validity. Don't get too upset; the 40 SB won’t hurt you.

Colby Rasmus (Projected Value: $7)
Rasmus (23) worked his way from the Opening Day fourth outfielder to the starting centerfielder when Rick Ankiel landed on the 15-day DL in May. Rasmus had a productive first half, but faded down the stretch with a .216 average and a .314 slugging percentage. He might need to platoon for a while as southpaws can handle him easily. He still has a great upside.

Jose Bautista (Projected Value: $6)
Bautista (29) ended 2009 with a .235 batting average, 13 homers, 40 RBI, 54 runs, and 4 stolen bases. He hit ten home runs between September and October. Consider him a late-round pick in AL-only leagues. He might get a lot of starts in the Toronto outfield.

Travis Snider (Projected Value: $5)
Snider (22) should play better this year. He did not quite make the mark with the Blue Jays last year, not that he embarrassed himself, and he did go back to Triple-A Las Vegas and rake. He might strike out a lot in the Big Leagues, but he has great power potential.

Ben Francisco (Projected Value: $4)
Francisco (28) has 20 HR and 20 SB ability if he plays regularly, but the Phillies will probably use him as a fourth outfielder, at least initially.

Washington Nationals

Jayson Werth (Projected Value: $21)
Werth (30) displayed signs of his potential in 2008 before emerging as a big-time power hitter last year. He also stayed off the DL for the first time since 2002. He might produce another 30-20 year in 2010- if he stays healthy.

Mike Cameron (Projected Value: $15)
The Red Sox expect Cameron (37) to play centerfield and to hit 25 home runs with an acceptable (i.e., not .300) average. You might not want to set your expectations that high. He steals far fewer bases than before. How soon will it be until he hits far fewer round trippers?

Rick Ankiel (Projected Value: $8)
Ankiel (30) likely felt like the Cardinals could have given him a break. After returning from the DL for a bruised shoulder in May, he became a fourth outfielder through the end of the year. He probably can still generate power from the stroke that produced 25 home runs in '08, so he should see plenty of at-bats this year.