Though there are countless fantasy treasures to be found in the outfield, one thing is certain: None will be dug up at Citi Field.
Nothing against the Mets, but Lucas Duda, Collin Cowgill, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Jordany “The Cupless Wonder” Valdespin are hardly names to be debated on draft day (maybe Duda could be considered a late-round sleeper, but you probably would be asleep by the time you hit his name on your master list).
What will be debated, however, is which outfielder deserves to be taken first. Is it Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun or the Angels’ wunderkind Mike Trout? Arguments can be made for both.
Braun: Despite being surrounded by constant talk of performance-enhancing drugs and no Prince Fielder as his sidekick, the 2011 MVP continued to put up incredible numbers last season (.319, career-high 41 home runs, 112 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, 108 runs, 191 hits and an OPS of .987). Since his 2007 debut, Braun is one of just three players to have at least a .300 batting average, 200 home runs, 600 RBIs and 600 runs scored. Who are the other two players? Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols. Oh, and Braun stole more than 100 bases, which the other two didn’t.
Trout: Here’s what Trout’s 139-game rookie season looked like: .326 BA, 30 HRs, 83 RBIs, 182 hits, 129 runs. While finishing second to Cabrera in the MVP race, Trout became the youngest player (and first rookie) to join the 30-30 club. With a season like that and expectations so high, some may say there’s nowhere for the 21-year-old to go but down. Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine a sophomore slump occurring when he has Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo hitting behind him. There is nothing but long-term upside with this kid.
VERDICT: Both five-tool players are young, loaded with talent and are worthy of a first-round pick. Though it’s hard to argue with Braun’s consistency over the years, we find it hard to pass on a talent such as Trout to build your fantasy outfield around.
Here’s a look at the rest of the Top 5 outfielders:
3. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates: Another five-tool player (31 HRs, 96 RBIs, 20 SB, 107 R, .327 BA) who could be considered as the No. 1 outfielder.
4. Matt Kemp, Dodgers: He’s just 28, but last season’s hamstring issues and October shoulder surgery could raise some red flags.
5. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies: Has missed 62 games over the last two seasons, but his numbers (.303 BA, 22 HRs, 85 RBIs, 20 SB) remained stellar last year.
6. Justin Upton, Braves: Big year ahead! Should flourish in new setting with brother, B.J., and Jason Heyward. Grab him with a second- or third-round pick.
7. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins: Virtually no supporting cast, but his power (37 HRs in 449 at-bats) is astonishing.
8. Josh Hamilton, Angels: Moves away from hitter friendly park in Arlington, but should post solid numbers as long as he stays healthy.
9. Bryce Harper, Nationals: Stellar rookie campaign (22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 18 SB, .278 BA) and he’s 20-year-old. Take him early.
10. Adam Jones, Orioles: Only 27-years-old and coming off a career year (.287 BA, 32 HRs, 82 RBIs). His star is rising. Worth drafting in the third or fourth round.