Fantasy Baseball Back to Earth Players – Outfielders

Here are some outfielders who could struggle to match their 2009 production.

Jason Bay, New York Mets

Things are already starting off poorly for the Mets with Beltran and Reyes out. Bay will be solid, but don’t expect him to lead all outfielders in RBIs like last year. Their lineup isn’t as good. Plus, Citi Field proved to be a difficult place to hit HRs last year.

Marlon Byrd, Chicago Cubs

He had a nice season with the Rangers, but he’s a 32 year old coming off his first 500 AB season. His 20 HRs are double his previous career high. Kind of reminds me of Gary Matthews, Jr.

Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers

I’m not willing to write off Cruz, but he seemingly came out of nowhere to light the league up with 33 HRs and 20 SBs. While I think he’ll have a good year, only eight players reached the 30-20 mark last year. Only Hanley Ramirez and Grady Sizemore reached the mark in 2008.

Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins

It’s not that I don’t expect Cuddy to have a solid year, but the 32 HRs he clubbed last year were eight more than his previous career high. In fact, it was only the second time he hit at least 17 HRs in his nine-year career.

Johnny Damon, Detroit Tigers

Damon hit 17 of his 24 HRs in Yankee Stadium. Now that he’s no longer playing in that launching pad, his HRs should plummet. He’s also not in as potent of an offense so look for his runs to decrease as well.

Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies

Ibanez was running away with the MVP award before a second-half slump. He’ll be 38 this summer. I can’t imagine he continues to play at such a high level.

Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins

It may come down to opportunities with Kubel. The Twins are crowded in the outfield with Denard Span, Cuddy, Delmon Young, and Kubel. He’ll also have Jim Thome pushing for some ABs. Not to mention Joe Mauer could get some rest at DH.

Back to Earth Catchers
Back to Earth Corner Infielders
Back to Earth Middle Infielders


Originally published at LestersLegends.com .