Fantasy Baseball 2012: Outfield Rankings (20-1)

This is the second part of my outfield installment of my fantasy baseball rankings. Previously listed was the lower tier of my projected top 40 outfielders.

This slideshow will continue from there and reveal my projected top fantasy outfielder. Each outfielder will have projected stats included. Let me know what you think in the comment section.

Here are the links to my previous rankings slideshows:

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

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1099335-fantasy-baseball-2012-outfield-rankings40-21

20. Shane Victorino, Phillies

Victorino took a trip to the DL last season but still had a solid season. He's a consistent producer at the plate and steals plenty of bases.

He's had more power recently too. Drafting him gives you a solid starter.

Projected Stats: .284, 92 R, 17 HR, 71 RBI, 22 SB

19. Alex Gordon, Royals

Gordon shed his bust label last year with a breakout season for the Royals, scoring 101 runs and hitting 23 home runs with 87 RBIs.

It will be hard for him to repeat his numbers, but he should be able to come close to them since the Royals lineup is still young and improving. 

Gordon has solid speed too.

Projected Stats: .281, 88 R, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 17 SB

18. B.J. Upton, Rays

Upton can't hit for average but has a great combination of power and speed.

He can get inconsistent, which makes him frustrating to own, but he's still a top 20 fantasy outfielder.

Projected Stats: .257, 84 R, 23 HR, 78 RBI, 37 SB

17. Jayson Werth, Nationals

Werth was a big bust in his first year for the Nationals. Last year's struggles could make him a great value pick though.

The Nationals have an emerging lineup, and Werth's numbers can only improve from last year. He has decent speed too. Look for a bounce-back season from Werth.

Projected Stats: .263, 83 R, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 17 SB

16. Carl Crawford, Red Sox

Crawford had surgery on his left wrist, so he may miss the beginning of the season but should still be back sometime in April.

When he returns, he can only improve from last year's disappointment. The Red Sox still have a stacked lineup, and if Crawford can stay healthy, he should bounce back.

Projected Stats: .280, 81 R, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 30 SB

15. Michael Cuddyer, Rockies

Cuddyer will be hitting in a very hitter-friendly park now that he's on the Rockies. Coors Field and a stacked Rockies lineup will help his numbers go up.

He was able to hit 32 home runs with the Twins once, and he may be able to flirt with that number again. Cuddyer is being undervalued in every draft.

Take advantage of that situation and draft him with confidence. He's a low-risk, high-reward pick.

Projected Stats: .278, 85 R, 26 HR, 88 RBI, 8 SB

14. Hunter Pence, Phillies

Pence had a boost in his batting average last season thanks to leaving Houston, and he now hits in a much better lineup in Philadelphia.

He should continue to hit for average and will get much more RBI opportunities. He's a legitimate .300-25-100 candidate.

Projected Stats: .300, 88 R, 24 HR, 95 RBI, 10 SB

13. Matt Holliday, Cardinals

Holliday will have more pressure on him with Albert Pujols gone, but he's still a consistent hitter.

Last year was an off year, but his numbers can only go back up. He should be able to hit .300 again and possibly drive in 100 runs again.

Projected Stats: .306, 90 R, 25 HR, 98 RBI, 7 SB

12. Nelson Cruz, Rangers

Cruz would be an MVP candidate if he could just stay healthy for a full season, but he can't.

He can hit 30 home runs though, and he hits in a stacked Rangers lineup. If he could play a full season, he could even hit 40.

Projected Stats: .275, 77 R, 34 HR, 95 RBI, 13 SB 

11. Jay Bruce, Reds

Bruce increased his numbers last year, and the sky's still the limit for him. He's only 24 and hits in a stacked Reds lineup. 

His contact rate needs improvement though. His average is a liability for fantasy owners, but he's capable of hitting 40 home runs.

Projected Stats: .262, 86 R, 35 HR, 102 RBI, 5 SB

10. Josh Hamilton, Rangers

Like his teammate, a trip to the DL is inevitable for Hamilton. He posts MVP-caliber numbers when healthy though.

He's in a contract year, so he may be even scarier at the plate. He's an elite fantasy option, but draft insurance if you get him.

Projected Stats: .305, 88 R, 29 HR, 100 RBI, 9 SB

9. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

McCutchen's power increased last year, and he has great speed to go with it. 

The Pirates lineup is still improving, and McCutchen should get more RBIs if he can cut down on strikeouts.

Projected Stats: .270, 90 R, 24 HR, 92 RBI, 25 SB

8. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins

Stanton has unlimited power but strikes out too much. The Marlins lineup is improved though. 

Hitting 34 home runs in his first full season is very impressive for Stanton, and if he can improve his plate discipline, he should post even better numbers. He's very likely to lead the NL in home runs.

Projected Stats: .265, 84 R, 39 HR, 95 RBI, 5 SB

7. Curtis Granderson, Yankees

Granderson had an MVP-caliber season for the Yankees last year. It will be nearly impossible to repeat those numbers.

Hitting in a stacked Yankees lineup will help his numbers stay up though. His speed is a big plus too.

Projected Stats: .264, 111 R, 32 HR, 105 RBI, 20 SB

6. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox

Ellsbury's fantasy value shot up last year with a career-high 32 home runs and 105 RBIs. He won't likely repeat those numbers, but his power isn't completely gone.

His speed is still elite too, and the Red Sox lineup is stacked. Expect another huge season from Ellsbury.

Projected Stats: .303, 109 R, 25 HR, 93 RBI, 35 SB

5. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks

Upton is still really young at age 24. He had his best season ever in 2011 and should continue to post those kinds of numbers.

The Diamondbacks lineup is already stacked but still improving. Upton should be able to hit 30 home runs and 100 RBIs and steal 20 bases again.

Projected Stats: .291, 101 R, 33 HR, 100 RBI, 21 SB

4. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

Gonzalez's numbers regressed last season but were still great. Injuries slowed his campaign too.

His power-speed combination is elite, and Coors Field is as hitter-friendly as it gets. Expect Gonzalez to have a season similar to his 2010 breakout season.

Projected Stats: .309, 100 R, 31 HR, 102 RBI, 22 SB

3. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

Bautista proved that his breakout season was no fluke as he led the majors in home runs again. 

The Blue Jays lineup is stacked and should help him continue to post elite numbers. He draws a ton of walks too. 

Projected Stats: .289, 103 R, 41 HR, 106 RBI, 7 SB

2. Ryan Braun, Brewers

Braun managed to escape a 50-game suspension for his alleged steroid use, and he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder now, making him an even more dangerous hitter.

Prince Fielder leaving may hurt his production, but Braun is an elite outfielder who should continue to post MVP-caliber numbers and steal plenty of bases. 

Projected Stats: .311, 104 R, 34 HR, 109 RBI, 27 SB

1. Matt Kemp, Dodgers

Kemp improved his work ethic and had an amazing season for the Dodgers. He just missed the 40-40 club and hit .324.

After missing out on the NL MVP award, Kemp will play to prove the voters wrong and have a season similar to last year. 

He's a surefire top five pick in your draft. 

Projected Stats: .301, 106 R, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 34 SB