Fantasy Baseball: 2010 Top 40 Outfielder Rankings

This is my second look at outfielder rankings, expanded from the top 25 to the top 40.

1. Ryan Braun – Not only is he the top outfielder, but he’s a top five overall pick.

2. Matt Holliday – Thankfully the Oakland experiment was short-lived. Great decision to stay in St. Louis.

3. Matt Kemp – Dating Rihanna. Continually improving at the plate. What’s not to like about Kemp.

4. Grady Sizemore  – If he could improve his average, he could move up to No. 2.

5. Justin Upton – Upton turned heads last year with his breakout season. He should be even better this year.

6. Jacoby Ellsbury – Had 70 SBs last year, which gives you a great jump on the competition.

7. Carl Crawford – Another SB machine. Has a little more pop in his bat than Ellsbury but will likely score fewer runs.

8. Jayson Werth – Has averaged 30 HRs and 20 SBs the past two seasons.

9.  Andre Ethier – Doesn’t steal many bases, but a good bet for .280-90-30-100-5.

10. Jason Bay  – Would prefer him in Boston, but he’s quietly been one of the most all-around productive OF for years.

11. Manny Ramirez – As long as the bat speed doesn’t fail him, ManRam should be a No. 1 fantasy OF this year.

12. Curtis Granderson – As long as the pressure of playing in New York doesn’t get to him, look for Granderson to put up big numbers.

13. Nick Markakis – Needs to get either his speed back (18 SBs in 2007) or finally deliver 25+ HRs, he’s best suited as a No. 2 fantasy outfielder.

14. Adam Dunn – Consistent power threat with first base eligibility. 

15.  Ben Zobrist – You’re not going to use him as an OF most likely, but the position flexibility is nice. He’ll give you solid power numbers and swipe a few bases.

16. Ichiro Suzuki – Not the same guy he used to be, but still darn good.

17. Bobby Abreu – Quietly delivers in all five offensive categories.

18. Carlos Lee – Great No. 2 power OF.

19. Adam Lind – He’ll go before I’m comfortable taking him. Many have him as a top ten OF so if you want him, you’ll have to take him early.

20. Nelson Cruz – Was a force at times. He’ll need to be more consistent. He had three good months (April, May, July) and three bad ones (June, August, September).

21. Josh Hamilton – If he can regain his form, he’ll shoot up this list like a rocket.

22. Carlos Quentin – If he can stay healthy, he’ll move up this list.

23. Shane Victorino – If you miss out on Ellsbury or Crawford, Victorino is a nice consolation prize.

24. B.J. Upton – If he can put it all together a 20-40 season is possible.

25. Adam Jones  – Injuries caught up with Jones as well. Has the potential to blow up in 2010.

26.  Shin-Soo Choo – He doesn’t stand out in any one category, but he is solid across the board.

27.  Hunter Pence – Similar to Choo, Pence quietly gives you production in all categories.

28.  Denard Span – The competition at CF is over with Carlos Gomez moving to Milwaukee. Span should hit .300+, score 100+ runs, and steal 20+ bases. 

29.  Jay Bruce – The power potential is there. The average will hold him back. Don’t reach on Bruce.

30.  Andrew McCutchen – He dazzled in his rookie debut, and will be a solid No. 3 fantasy outfielder this year. Don’t count on him for power, but he should help your average, runs, and SBs.

31.  Nate McLouth – McLouth had 26 HRs and 23 SBs in 2008 and 20 HRs and 19 SBs last year. Though he played better with Pittsburgh, another 20-20 season seems likely.

32.  Jason Kubel – Kubel was a nice source of power for the Twins. Thome’s addition means he’ll play more outfield, which is a good thing. Kubel hit .308 with 14 HRs and 46 RBIs in 201 ABs while playing OF and .294 with 11 HRs and 52 RBI in 303 ABs at DH.

33.  Alfonso Soriano – His power and speed numbers have been in a free fall. If he can stay healthy, which is a big if, he could have a 25-20 year.

34.  Raul Ibanez – Age is not his friend, but Ibanez still has another productive season in him.

35. Franklin Gutierrez  – Gutierrez will likely see his SB total decrease hitting fifth in the lineup. His RBI total should increase though. 

36.  Torii Hunter – Hunter continues to produce for the Halos. He’ll turn 35 this summer, but should still be solid across the board.

37.  Nyjer Morgan – Runs, average, and SBs are the name of the game for Morgan.

38.  Juan Pierre – Ditto.

39.  Corey Hart  – A bounce back year is in order.

40.  Julio Borbon – See No. 37 & No. 38.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .