Fantasy Baseball 2011: Seven Value OBP Options

Ryan LesterMar 25, 2011

With more and more leagues turning to on-base percentage (OBP) rather than batting average, let’s take a look at some value options to help you in that category. Average draft positions (ADP) are from Mock Draft Central.

Daric Barton, Oakland A’s: Barton was ninth in the majors with a .393 on-base percentage. His 110 walks were second to only Prince Fielder (114). Only two of Barton’s walks were intentional, compared to 17 for Fielder, which shows how keen an eye Barton really has. His ADP is 334, but he gets a little boost in OBP leagues.

Brett Gardner, New York Yankees: Gardner is especially valuable in OBP leagues thanks to his .383 mark that ranked 18th in the league last year. He walked 79 times in 569 plate appearances. Throw in 97 runs and 47 stolen bases and you have a true value at his 179 ADP.

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox: Big Papi had a .370 on-base percentage thanks to 82 walks in 606 plate appearances. His OBP, along with his HR and RBI numbers, make him a nice value at 177.

Luke Scott, Baltimore Orioles: Scott had a .368 OBP last year, which raised his career average to .354 despite a career batting average of .268. With his OBP and the 25 HRs that he has averaged over the past three years, he’s a nice bargain at 282.

Hideki Matsui, Oakland A’s: Matsui had a .361 OBP last year and his career mark is .369. He offers some pop and RBI production, making him a solid pick at 265.

Scott Rolen, Cincinnati Reds: Rolen had a .358 on-base percentage last year. His career mark is .369 as well. He plays a shallow position (3B) and should contribute in the HR and RBI categories as well, making him a good value with his 168 ADP.

Ike Davis, New York Mets: Davis posted a .351 OBP as a rookie. His minor-league mark was .371. He could easily be in the top 25 in this category this year. His ADP of 199 makes him a strong value.