Fantasy Baseball 2012: Outfield Rankings (40-21)

This is the next installment of my fantasy baseball rankings series. I'm now at the outfield position. For this slideshow, instead of the usual top 20/top 25, my projected top 40 outfielders will be ranked.

My projected top 40 will be divided into two slideshows. I will include No. 40-21 in order for this slideshow.

Each player ranked will have projected stats included. Let me know what you think in the comment section and stay tuned for No. 20-1.

Here are my previous rankings if you want to read them.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1083138-2012-fantasy-baseball-catcher-rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1084862-2012-fantasy-baseball-first-base-rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1089319-2012-fantasy-baseball-2nd-base-rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1092151-fantasy-baseball-2012-shortstop-rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1098325-fantasy-baseball-2012-3rd-base-rankings

40. Melky Cabrera, Giants

Cabrera had an All Star-caliber season for the Royals and will hit leadoff for the Giants.

Being a more aggressive hitter should help him come close to last year's numbers, and he's become a better baserunner too.

His power numbers will likely go down since AT&T Park is pitcher-friendly.

Projected Stats: .283, 84 R, 13 HR, 75 RBI, 15 SB 

39. Corey Hart, Brewers

Hart is still a good power hitter but can't steal as much anymore.

Fielder leaving the Brewers will decrease his RBI chances too, so he's a borderline No. 3 outfielder at best.

Projected Stats: .280, 76 R, 24 HR, 73 RBI, 6 SB

38. Austin Jackson, Tigers

Jackson isn't a good contact hitter but has fantasy value for his speed and lineup position. 

His speed will lead to a lot of steals and runs, especially with the power in the Tigers lineup.

Projected Stats: .269, 93 R, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 24 SB

37. Nick Markakis, Orioles

Markakis will never have that power breakthrough that everyone has been waiting for, but he's still a consistent hitter.

He can hit for average and drive in plenty of runs, and the Orioles lineup is solid.

Projected Stats: .291, 76 R, 17 HR, 79 RBI, 9 SB

36. Lance Berkman, Cardinals

Berkman came out of nowhere last season and returned to the form he had in Houston.

He'll move to first base and should post solid numbers even with Pujols gone. Repeating last year's numbers will be almost impossible though.

Projected Stats: .279, 78 R, 23 HR, 81 RBI, 3 SB

35. Angel Pagan, Giants

Pagan regressed in his final season with the Mets but should do better this year with the Giants.

Being in a pitcher-friendly park won't affect Pagan since he already played in one, and the Giants lineup is an upgrade from a weak Mets lineup.

His speed will be a plus and so will his average if he gets back on track.

Projected Stats: .281, 77 R, 9 HR, 63 RBI, 34 SB

34. Martin Prado, Braves

Prado had a drop off in his numbers last season due to injuries.

He should bounce back this season though; he'll be healthy, and the Braves lineup will get better.

His third base eligibility is a bonus as well.

Projected Stats: .288, 85 R, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 5 SB

33. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

Ichiro failed to get 200 hits for the first time in his career and is showing obvious decline at age 38. A weak Mariners lineup doesn't help either.

Ichiro is still a serviceable fantasy option with speed and can hit for average.

Projected Stats: .290, 82 R, 5 HR, 51 RBI, 36 SB

32. Jeff Francoeur, Royals

Francoeur got some of his power back when he started playing for the Royals and became a better baserunner.

Hitting in a solid Royals lineup will help his numbers stay up. It will be difficult to match his average spike though.

Projected Stats: .271, 74 R, 18 HR, 80 RBI, 17 SB

31. Chris Young, Diamondbacks

Young is always a 20-20 threat but can't hit for average.

He's very inconsistent too, so his streaky play may cost your team if you rely on him as a starter. The Diamondbacks lineup is stacked though.

Projected Stats: .248, 87 R, 23 HR, 79 RBI, 23 SB

30. Nick Swisher, Yankees

Swisher isn't flashy, but he's a very consistent power hitter.

His average is never great, but he can hit 25 home runs and 80 RBI each year, and he draws walks when he needs to.

Projected Stats: .265, 87 R, 26 HR, 87 RBI, 1 SB

29. Adam Jones, Orioles

Jones had the breakout season that everyone was waiting for.

His power increased, and he improved his baserunning. Hitting in a solid Orioles lineup will help him post similar numbers, as he enters his prime. 

Projected Stats: .281, 79 R, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 10 SB

28. Brett Gardner, Yankees

Gardner is a speed demon who can steal 50 bases. The Yankees lineup will get him home a lot too.

He has little power though and can be a streaky hitter. Don't overpay for his stolen bases.

Projected Stats: .271, 92 R, 7 HR, 46 RBI, 47 SB 

27. Cameron Maybin, Padres

Maybin had a productive first full season in the majors. He stole 40 bases and demonstrated occasional power.

Hitting in a weak Padres lineup at PETCO Park holds him back from having more upside though. 

Projected Stats: .259, 84 R, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 39 SB

26. Drew Stubbs, Reds

Stubbs was supposed to be a future 30-30 threat, but he hasn't even come close to that so far.

His contact rate is terrible, especially for a leadoff hitter. He also strikes out way too much. His speed makes his fantasy value relevant though, and it might not be time to give up on his potential just yet.

Projected Stats: .258, 90 R, 18 HR, 59 RBI, 35 SB 

25. Michael Bourn, Braves

Bourn is a lock to steal 50 bases every year and can hit for average. 

The Braves lineup has improved and will give him a lot of run-scoring opportunities too. Don't overdraft him for his stolen bases though. ESPN mock drafts have him going way too early.

Projected Stats: .278, 95 R, 3 HR, 48 RBI, 55 SB

24. Desmond Jennings, Rays

Jennings is known as Carl Crawford's replacement and is on everyone's sleeper radar, so this will lead to him being overdrafted.

His stolen bases are a gem if you draft him. His power is limited though. Don't be fooled by his home run ratio from last year.

He has a very bright future but isn't quite ready for fantasy stardom.

Projected Stats: .261, 80 R, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 34 SB 

23. Michael Morse, Nationals

Morse had a huge breakout season with 31 home runs and 95 RBI in 2011. 

The Nationals lineup is continuing to emerge, so he'll be capable of matching his numbers.

Ryan Zimmerman's return will help him too.

Projected Stats: .278, 72 R, 26 HR, 86 RBI, 1 SB

22. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians

Choo had an uncharacteristic year with injuries and a DUI arrest derailing his season.

He used to be Mr. Consistency and was drafted too early last season as a result. Last year's troubles will make him a steal this year though.

Projected Stats: .283, 79 R, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 20 SB

21. Jason Heyward, Braves

Heyward went through the classic sophomore slump thanks to injuries and a disappointing Braves lineup.

He can only get better this season though, and the Braves lineup is emerging. Look for Heyward to have his best season ever, and he'll only be getting started.

He can be drafted as a bargain this year too.

Projected Stats: .279, 87 R, 22 HR, 82 RBI, 14 SB