Fantasy Baseball 2012: National League Hitters Watch List for May 21-27

Here's a countdown of four premium National League hitters (and one slumping wild card) who should fare well for the week of May 21-27:

1. 1B Joey Votto, Reds

All signs point to Votto (seven HRs, 28 RBI, 24 runs, two steals, .301 batting) posting monster numbers from this point forward. Since May 3, he's hitting at a .313 clip. He's also the current MLB leader in doubles (17) and walks (38), numbers that fuel his off-the-charts OBP (.455) and portend a sizable uptick in homers for the next four months.

Another measure of greatness: Outside of David Wright, Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera, no one dominates the walks-to-strikeouts rate like Votto (38/34). Votto has seven home dates with the Braves and Rockies this week. 

2. OF Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

CarGo's brilliant year can best be encapsulated like this: As of May 21, he leads the Rockies in runs, doubles, homers, RBI, steals and OPS.

I recently swung a 3-for-1 blockbuster deal for Gonzalez (28 RBI, .318 batting since April 22), surrendering an elite shortstop (Jose Reyes) and two strong pitchers (Gio Gonzalez/Ricky Romero)...without a tinge of regret.

Gonzalez has six road dates with the Marlins and Reds this week.

3. OF Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

As of May 21, McCutchen is the only Pirates hitter with 20-plus runs or a .300 batting average. He's one of three Pittsburgh hitters with on-base percentages above .300 (Neil Walker/Josh Harrison); and sadly, only McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez are the only Pirates with more than five homers.

Put it all together, and it'd be impossible to exclude McCutchen from the list—at least until opposing pitchers start handing out free passes to first base on a regular basis.  

4. OF Matt Holliday, Cardinals

Holliday's been hitting at a .303 clip since April 22 (with six homers), indicating that a cold April might have little effect on his summertime numbers.

Bottom line: Holliday may be on the wrong side of 30, but he's a healthy lock for 24 homers, 91 RBI, 90 runs, seven steals and a .292 average by season's end. For the week, Holliday has seven home dates with the Padres and Phillies.  

5. SS Jose Reyes, Marlins

I don't have any wonderful hidden stats to affirm why Reyes (.247 batting, 11 steals) should have a stellar fantasy week. Let's face it: Steals aside, he's been a high-priced (or high-round) dud for the first seven weeks.

However, he's simply too gifted and too aggressive to fail for a full season. And with seven home dates against the Rockies and Giants, Reyes could be a candidate for eight hits, six runs and four steals this week.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.