Fantasy Baseball Advice

Oakland Athletics 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm rankings via Baseball America (2010)
2010 (12) | 2009 (3) | 2008 (27) | 2007 (27) | 2006 (26) | 2005 (8) | 2004 (17)

Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [81 – 81] AL West
AAA: [79 – 65] Pacific Coast League – Sacramento
AA: [70 – 70] Texas League – Midland
A+: [74 – 66] California League – Stockton
A: [71 – 67] Midwest League – Kane County
A(ss): [42 – 36] Northwest League – Vancouver
R: [30 – 26] Arizona Rookie League

The Run Down
After the 2009 season in which the A’s saw eight prospects graduate, the 2010 season saw only one – Tyson Ross. Their minors had several disappointments, such as Michael Ynoa pitching only nine innings before having to have Tommy John surgery; Jemile Weeks continuing his consistent string of injuries to his legs and hip; Max Stassi, the A’s prized catching prospect, struggled at Low-A with a line of .229/.310/.380 in 411 at bats (showed power potential, but bat was not polished (poor pitch recognition and struggled with contact) and defensively wasn’t as good as pre-draft expectations); Michael Taylor struggling at Triple-A and a string of other poor performances from pitching prospects. There is good news, 2011 is a new season. Chris Carter has home run derby-type power. Grant Green one of the best young hitting shortstops and should be moving to Double-A. Josh Donaldson is a sneaky catcher if given the playing time. Pitching may be thin, but there are a few relievers in the minors that could help when the inevitable injury to a pitcher happens in the Bay Area. Without further ado, the 2010 Oakland A’s Minor League Review.

Arizona Fall League Players – Phoenix Desert Dogs
Pitchers: (RHP) Travis Banwart; (RHP)Mike Benacka; (LHP) Carlos Hernandez; (RHP) Justin James
Hitters: #3 (SS) Grant Green; (3B) Stephen Parker; #3 (PHI; OF) Michael Taylor

Graduated Prospects
#6 (RHP) Tyson Ross

Players of Interest
Hitters
#1 Chris Carter | 1B | D.o.B: 12-18-86 | Stats (AAA): .258/.365/.529 | 465 AB | 62 XBH | 31 Hr | .271 ISO | 1/1 SB/CS | 138:73 K:BB | .296 BABIP
Carter is ranked number 29 in my Top 50 Fantasy Prospects. He would be higher, but I don’t know how much playing time he’s going to receive, his power potential alone could rank him in the mid teens. Grey went over him in a 2011 Fantasy Outlook article in late January. If you need more information you could read his Scouting the Unknown article, or you know, just ask in the comments.

#3 (PHI) Michael Taylor | OF | D.o.B: 12-19-85 | Stats (AAA): .272/.348/.392 | 464 AB | 38 XBH | 6 Hr | .120 ISO | 16/5 SB/CS | 92:51 K:BB | .325 BABIP
Talk about a downer. 2010 was his worst season of career. The strikeouts went up, the slugging disappeared, but at least his walk rate was near career average. John Sickels doesn’t know what happened – the hype train may be blowing its departure whistle – though he did suffer a shoulder injury early. Taylor still possesses great athleticism, good defense, and slightly-above average strikeout-to-walk rate. Expect him to rebound and see significant time in the majors. His age is catching up to him (25 years old), though. I think his upside over a full season, early in his career, would be 10 home runs and 20 steals.

#14 Josh Donaldson | C | D.o.B: 12-8-85 | Stats (AAA): .238/.336/.476 | 294 AB | 33 XBH | 18 Hr | .238 ISO | 3/1 SB/CS | 79:45 K:BB | .255 BABIP
Solid defender, power hitter, good plate discipline (at least in the past), catches and Kurt Suzuki is ridden hard. Donaldson has a career .280 average in the minors and his .255 BABIP this past year should be a contributing factor to the low average this past year. I like Donaldson as a sneaky catcher pick in deep leagues, especially AL-only leagues. Could be up in early summer.

#9 Adrian Cardenas | 2B | D.o.B: 10-10-87 | Stats (AA/AAA): .304/.379/.396 | 404 AB | 28 XBH | 4 Hr | .094 ISO | 6/8 SB/CS | 51:50 K:BB | .368 BABIP (AA); .302 BABIP (AAA)

Not sure what to think of Cardenas at this point in his career. He’s boring, average defensively, a gap power, contact hitting MI with strong control of the strike zone. He’s a perfect utility player, even if his defense is only solid at second. Last year I compared him to Orlando Hudson at best. I’m starting to think Cardenas won’t ever had a full time gig barring injuries. Oh, and he has struggled at Triple-A to the tune of .260/.319/.349 in 393 at bats at Triple-A.

Corey Wimberly | 2B | D.o.B: 10-26-83 | Stats (AAA): .284/.373/.354 | 531 AB | 24 XBH | 3 Hr | .070 ISO | 56/18 SB/CS | 64:58 K:BB | .317 BABIP
An older Eric Young Jr. All speed and no power. His career slash line is .302/.373/.363 with 259 steals (80 CS) and a solid strikeout-to-walk rate of 262:191 all in 2215 at bats. I don’t really expect him to have much playing time. Reminds of Eugenio Velez from San Francisco.

Pitchers
#13 Henry Rodriguez | RHP | D.o.B: 2-25-87 | Stats (AAA): 13.1 K/9 | 3.8 BB/9 | 21 1/3 IP | 1.69 ERA | 2.17 FIP | .90 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 4.2 H/9 | .200 BABIP
The A’s don’t have a lot of starting pitching on the way to the majors this year. This is assuming a conservative outlook on their younger pitchers, but you just never know. However, Henry Rodriguez pitched a fair amount in the majors this past year posting the following line:   Majors: 10.7 K/9; 4.2 BB/9 | 27 2/3 IP | 4.55 ERA | 3.15 FIP | .319 BABIP. Not bad. Definitely has the ability to be a Wuertz-type and worth a look at in Holds leagues.

Mickey Storey | RHP | D.o.B: 3-16-86 | Stats (AA/AAA): 8.2 K/9 | 2.9 BB/9 | 84 IP | 3.64 ERA | 3.40 FIP (AA); 5.20 FIP (AAA) | 1.19 WHIP | .9 Hr/9 | 7.8 H/9 | .264 BABIP (AA); .316 BABIP (AAA)
71 IP at Double-A and 13 IP at Triple-A.
Storey pitched primarily at Double-A last year, 71 of 84 innings. From the 2009 article, “Fastball sits between 86 and 90 mph and a devastating curveball that is thrown with tremendous accuracy.” At best, looks like a solid early innings reliever.

#14 Danny Farquhar | RHP | D.o.B: 2-17-87 | Stats (AA): 9.3 K/9 | 4.9 BB/9 | 76 2/3 IP | 3.52 ERA | 4.28 FIP | 1.20 WHIP | .8 Hr/9 | 5.9 H/9 | .239 BABIP
Part of the Rajai Davis trade. I am quoting his blurb from the Toronto Blue Jays 2010 Minor League Review.
His fastball has improved to 93 to 94 MPH topping out at 95 to 96 MPH. The 89 to 91 MPH fastball in the quote is a two-seamer with good sink. All of his pitches have good action. He struggles with control due to the different arm slots.

Honorable Mention
Hitters
#3 Grant Green | SS | D.o.B: 9-27-87 | Stats (A+): .318/.363/.520 | 548 AB | 65 XBH | 20 Hr | .202 ISO | 9/5 SB/CS | 117:38 K:BB | .366 BABIP
Baseball America (2010) said, “… [P]erhaps a lesser version of Troy Tulowitzki.” The positives first:  plus speed, a smooth defender with decent range and a strong bat. The negatives:  average will drop as the pitching gets better (see 117:38 K:BB and 2011 Arizona Fall League ratio), questions about long-term defensive position (37 errors and large frame), and his 2010 season was inflated by playing in the California League. Don’t be surprised to see Green play on the other side of second in the near future. Wouldn’t hurt to have a 20 to 25 home run hitting second basemen for fantasy, especially with 10 to 15 steals.

Steve Parker | 3B | D.o.B: 9-3-87 | Stats (A+): .296/.392/.508 | 524 AB | 64 XBH | 21 Hr | .212 ISO | 3/1 SB/CS | 105:84 K:BB | .327 BABIP
His defense is average. Scouts saw him in the Arizona Fall League and believe his numbers weren’t solely a product of the California League. He has a strong grasp of the strike zone (105:84 K:BB), power was both gap (38 doubles) and fence (21 home runs), and his BABIP was not extraordinarily high. Parker is not a young chap, but with only Kouzmanoff manning third for the near future. Another strong campaign could see Parker getting to the majors.

Pitchers
#16 Ian Krol | LHP | D.o.B: 5-9-91 | Stats (A): 6.9 K/9 | 1.8 BB/9 | 118 2/3 IP | 2.65 ERA | 2.87 FIP | .99 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 7.4 H/9 | .263 BABIP
Throws a 88 to 90 MPH fastball with good sinking action, curveball could be a plus pitch in the future, and his changeup is already league average. Middle of the rotation-type. Scouts feel what you see with Krol is what you’re going to get with little improvement. I don’t know if I believe that completely as his frame (6’1” 180lbs).  He could add more mass. Velocity may not increase, which is the scouts issue with Krol’s ability to be projectable. Krol did throw 19 innings at High-A in four starts, I would expect him to return to High-A and make the transition to Double-A towards the end of the year.

The top 50 fantasy baseball prospects list aims to provide a list solely for fantasy baseball purposes. Due to fantasy baseball’s immediacy of statistical production, players are not necessarily ranked based on tools or projections far into the future, but instead, current production. Aspects taken into consideration are fantasy baseball’s positional scarcity, Razzball philosophies, scouting reports and personal biases.  There are highly touted names omitted from the Top 50 list that some might believe warrant a ranking. Before lamenting, please check the Honorable Mention section. The most notable omissions are likely from the Kansas City Royals; this is due to Dayton Moore’s Project 2012. Other prospects are either blocked, provide more real world baseball performance, need to repeat performance because of their pedigree, have GM’s avoiding Super-2 status or are rebounding from injuries.  The signings in the upcoming weeks and Spring Training could cause many players to rise or fall. Disputes, inquiries and general feedback is welcomed and encouraged.  To be included, I used MLB eligibility requirements — less than 130 ABs or 50 IP, though I’ve made a few exceptions where I felt it was warranted.

1. Domonic Brown – OF – PHI: With Jayson Werth in Washington, it’s Brown’s time to show off his five-tool potential. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown and Domonic Brown, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

2. Jeremy Hellickson – RHP – TBR: The trade of Matt Garza opens the door for Hellboy. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown and Jeremy Hellickson, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

3. Aroldis Chapman – LHP – CIN: Even as a reliever, Chapman has the ability to be helpful in the strikeout category, a la Carlos Marmol. For further details, see Aroldis Chapman, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

4. Desmond Jennings – OF – TBR: Even with new signings of Damon and Manny, Jennings could be in the majors in the spring. Does have injury concerns; value lies in speed. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown and Desmond Jennings, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

5. Jesus Montero – C – NYY: The Russell Martin signing complicates his ETA, however, Montero could be a dominating force much like Ryan Braun was in 2007. For further details, see Jesus Montero, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

6. Freddie Freeman – 1B – ATL: Only thing stopping Freddie is himself, or his Mark Grace type hitting upside. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown and Freddie Freeman, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

7. Dustin Ackley – 2B/CF – SEA: Sneaky speed and power for your middle infielder position, yes please! For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

8. Mike Moustakas – 3B – KC: What isn’t there to like about Moustakas? Dayton Moore’s 2012 plan doesn’t count. I have him below Ackley due to ETA concerns. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown and Mike Moustakas, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

9. Brett Lawrie – 2B/OF – TOR: Not sure if he’ll get the playing time, but has 20 home run power, much like Dan Uggla. If he plays more outfield, he’s only waiting for Jose Bautistia to return to his old self. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

10. Lonnie Chisenhall – 3B – CLE: He’s a poorman’s David Wright, so an Adrian Beltre clone works too. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

11. Simon Castro – RHP – SD: Maybe not be in the opening rotation, but Castro has a power fastball and a solid changeup to have success in the majors. Now let’s see some consistent control and we’ll all be happy. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

12. Zach Britton – LHP – BAL: Pitching in the AL East is a daunting task and the string of prior prized Orioles pitching prospects should make us cautious. Britton is a groundball pitcher though, which should be more helpful than Matusz and Chris Tillman who are flyball pitchers. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

13. Chris Sale – LHP – CHW: Quote my Chicago White Sox, 2010 Minor League Review, “[Sale's] [f]astball sits in low to mid 90?s – this may sit lower when he starts. He also throws a sharp slider and has a promising change-up. If Sale can maintain the 50% ground ball rate he had this past year when starting, he could easily be the AL ROY. Yeah, I said it.”

14. Danny Espinosa – 2B – WAS: Check out Grey’s Danny Espinosa, 2011 Fantasy Outlook for the best expectations of his 2011 season.

15. Michael Pineda – RHP – SEA: Shot up everyone’s charts this past year. A great fastball and drastic improvement of his secondary pitches makes Pineda an intriguing pick in 2011. He’s still going to be in Hellickson and Chapman’s shadow, could be a sneaky success story. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown, just know I wasn’t sold on him when I wrote that article and still not to the extent everyone else happens to be.

16. J.P. Arencibia – C – TOR: 25 home runs from my catcher spot, I’ll take the poor average. For further details, see Grey’s 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Top 20 Catchers and Scouting the Unknown.

17. Brandon Beachy – RHP – ATL: Could be this year’s Mike Minor while Julio Teheran (ranked 19th) becomes last year’s Hellickson (i.e. everyone just waiting for him to be called up).

18. Jordan Lyles – RHP – HOU: An innings eater who could be up 7.5 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 on a poor team. Not exciting, but should have the chance. Finished his 2010 season in Triple-A. Very close to making opening day roster. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

19. Julio Teheran – RHP – ATL: The new Hellickson. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

20.a. Matt Moore – LHP – TBR: I am putting Moore and McGee as 20a and 20b due to the fact they both could help in the majors at some point in 2011, Moore as a starter and McGee as a stud reliever. I like Moore’s upside more as he starts. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

20.b. Jake McGee – LHP – TBR: For further details, see 1/8th inch above. Throws a mid 90′s fastball and tops at 98 MPH.

21. Craig Kimbrel – RHP – ATL: Another Carlos Marmol and has inside edge on the closer job. Could put up 100 Ks in 70 innings.

22. Matt Dominguez – 3B – FLA: Comparisons to Jeff Cirillo and Mike Lowell make him intriguing. Slightly above-average defense with a solid hitting approach. Could he be another Melvin Mora? Possibly. Won’t hit for significantly high average but could provide deep league value.

23. Brandon Allen – 1B – ARI: Technically not a rookie, but I feel warrants a ranked position (he’s 19 at-bats from having rookie eligibility). Has great power potential deep in the draft. For further details, see Grey’s Brandon Allen, 2011 Fantasy Sleeper.

24. Kyle Drabek – RHP – TOR: The prized pitching prospect that Toronto received in the Roy Halladay trade. I envision him producing a 7.0 K/9 and a 3.2 BB/9 in about 100 innings in the majors.  Grey took a look at Drabek’s fantasy prospects when he was called up.

25. Brandon Belt – 1B/OF – SF: The resigning of Aubrey Huff significantly impacts Belt’s road to the show. Nevertheless, a player that strikeouts out as often as he walks with slightly above-average power (think 20 to 25 home runs) shouldn’t be repressed for long if Huff or Nate Schierholtz struggle. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

26. Trayvon Robinson – OF – LAD: I have to give props to Jason Grey as he alerted me to this name, and the fact that the Dodgers are struggling in left field. Robinson has great speed and slight power. Think 10/40 with a .280 average as ceiling over a full season.

27. Nick Weglarz – OF – CLE: If he’s healthy over a full season, has 20 to 25 home run power potential with a high OBP, Sickels’ think he could get 100 walks in a season. Doesn’t play great defense nor is there much room in the Indians’ outfield.

28. Kyle Gibson – RHP – MIN: Making stops at three levels of the minors, reaching Triple-A, Gibson is another innings eater like Jordan Lyles. The epitome of a Twins pitcher. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

29. Chris Carter – 1B – OAK: Great power potential but has struggled to hit advanced pitching and struggled during his major league debut. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown or Grey’s Chris Carter, 2011 Fantasy Outlook.

30. Casey Kelly – RHP – SD: Great upside, but might be nothing more than a number two starter on an average team. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

31. Alex White – RHP – CLE: More of a groundball pitcher than a strikeout pitcher. Throws a 91 to 95 MPH fastball with great sink, a splitter and slider. Threw 104 innings at Double-A in 2010, could be a midseason call-up.

32. Randall Delgado – RHP – ATL: The forgotten pitching prospect in Atlanta. Delgado has a mid-90s fastball, a potential plus curveball and potential plus changeup. Still young, turns 21 on February 9th and projectable (6’3” and 180 lbs).

33. Anthony Rizzo – 1B – SD: I don’t buy him playing in the majors on opening day, that and they signed Brad Hawpe to start the year. There are still some hitting mechanics he needs to work on. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

34. Wilson Ramos – C – WAS: Received in the Matt Capps trade to the Twins. Ramos is an underrated catcher who has plus “raw” power, good contact skills, and good defense. With Ivan Rodriguez aging, Ramos may get his chance sooner rather than later.

35. Rudy Owens – RHP – PIT: In my Pittsburgh Pirates, 2010 Minor League Review I stated, “This is who I am extremely excited about … Throwing a 88 to 90 MPH fastball, a changeup – his best pitch – and a ‘slurvy curveball’ doesn’t speak of a dominating pitcher. Baseball America calls him the, ‘classic crafty lefthander.’” That was the recipe for Travis Wood (who I conveniently cut out of that quote).

36. Tanner Scheppers – RHP – TEX: A mid-90s fastball and a power curveball, Scheppers was everyone’s favorite reliever to be called up in 2010. Never happened, but now everyone is expecting him to make the opening day roster. Has trouble with command but 10 K/9 potential and, as everyone knows, strikeouts are fantasy baseballer’s crack. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

37. Andy Oliver – LHP – DET: Quintessential pitching prospect, clean mechanics, low-to-mid 90s fastball, a cutter, a curveball and changeup. Pitched 22 innings in five starts for the Tigers in 2010. The Tigers have a shallow rotation and I could see Oliver helping out from day one.

38. Brent Morel – 2B/3B – CHW: Morel is the James Loney of a third base prospect; good defense, solid hitting, but lacking game changing power (e.g. 15 to 20 home run ceiling).

39. Hank Conger – C – LAA: With the way Mike Scoicia treats hitting catchers, I’m not sure Conger will get a long look. Statistically is a Joe Mauer-lite. Solid hitting, good plate discipline, but a lot left to be desired.

40. Dayan Viciedo – 1B/3B – CHW: Good power, doesn’t walk often and has below-average defense. Did have a successful 104 at-bats in the majors this year, but his 25:2 K:BB is scary. I don’t see him having great success in the near future, barring a lucky BABIP run. For further details, see Scouting the Unknown.

41. Scott Cousins – OF – FLO: Considered to have a high ceiling, second highest in the Marlins farm system behind Mike Stanton. Cousins has 20/20 potential, more realistically a 20/10 type player.

42. Zach Braddock – LHP – MIL: Should anchor a bullpen with John Axford. Throws a mid-90s fastball and a power/sharp slider. Great strikeout pitcher, career 11.8 K/9 in the minors (281 strikeouts in 214 innings).

43. Corey Luebke – LHP – SD: Throws a low 90 to 92 MPH fastball, a solid slider, and a changeup. Luebke isn’t a strikeout pitcher. Ceiling is a number three starter. Helps that he throws in Petco. Should get a shot before Simon Castro.

44. Ivan Nova – RHP – NYY: Personally, I think his 2010 in the majors was a mirage. You can’t pitch in the AL East with a 5.6 K/9 and a 3.6 BB/9 in the majors, or a 6.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 career numbers in the minor league. Nevertheless, he has the inside track at a rotation spot for the Yankees. For further details, see how the media bought into the same hype as J.A. Happ in 2009.

45. Tyler Flowers – C – CHW: A poor 2010 season, marked with a career low.283 BABIP, at Triple-A really hurt Flowers prospect status. Baseball America states he has “light-tower power,” and “strong plate discipline.” A.J. Pierzynski signed a new deal, so Flowers will have to play second fiddle for at least the next two years.

46. Mark Trumbo – 1B – LAA: Trumbo is having a hard time playing any other position but 1st with positive results. And Kendry’s there.  Trumbo has hit well in the minors, and was atop the minor league home run leader boards this past season. Then again, Brandon Wood hit at the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in the past. For further details see Scouting the Unknown.

47. Jeff Locke – LHP – PIT: A left-handed Jordan Lyles? Pretty darn close.

48. Jordan Walden – RHP – LAA: The last of the relievers with good strikeout potential (8.2 K/9 career in minors). Helps that he throws a “heavy 90 to 94 mph fastball … [and] a mid-80s slider.” Baseball America has already pegged him as late-innings reliever with “his power fastball/slider combo.”

49. Daniel Descalso – 2B – St.L: Average across the board, Descalso is a Felipe Lopez type MI with 10/10 upside.

50. Martin Perez – LHP – TEX: Much like Tyler Flowers, his 2010 season was disappointing. He did have a 9.1 K/9 rate, but combined with a 4.1 BB/9 and a .368 BABIP he was flirting with disaster. The upside, he did have a 4.24 FIP (nearly 1.50 point better than ERA) and a low LOB% of 62.6%. For further details see Scouting the Unknown.

Honorable Mentions
In no particular order: Eric Hosmer (1B, KC); Arodys Vizcaino (RHP, ATL); Jason Kipnis (2B, CLE); Mike Trout (CF, LAA); Fernando Martinez (CF, NYM); Lance Lynn (RHP, St.L); Jenry Mejia (RHP, NYM); Chris Marrero (1B, WAS); Jerry Sands (1B, LAD); Jeremy Jeffress (RHP, KC); Mike Montgomery (LHP, KC); John Lamb (LHP, KC); Danny Duffy (LHP, KC); Derrick Robinson (CF, KC); Christian Friedrich (LHP, COL); Michael Taylor (OF, OAK); Dee Gordon (SS, LAD); Grant Green (SS, OAK); Ben Revere (OF, MIN); Juan Francisco (3B, CIN); Mat Gamel (3B, MIL); Paul Goldschmidt (1B, ARI); Bryan Peterson (OF, FLA); Wilin Rosario (C, COL); Ivan DeJesus Jr. (SS, LAD); Zach Stewart (RHP, TOR); Michael Burgess (OF, CHC); Carlos Peguero (OF, SEA); Tony Sanchez (C, PIT); Nick Hagadone (LHP, CLE); Devin Mesoraco (C, CIN); Alex Liddi (3B, SEA); Jacob Turner (RHP, DET); Jaff Decker (OF, SD); Brett Jackson (CF, CHC); Chris Archer (RHP, TBR); Jarrod Parker (RHP; ARI); Derrick Norris (C, WAS); Yunesky Maya (RHP, WAS); Chris Withrow (LHP, LAD)

In last year’s top 80 outfielders post, I told you to take a flyer on Krispie Young, Delmon Young and Nick Swisher.  Like the quarter of Harrison Ford that is Jewish, not too shabby.  Then there was crap, crap, kinda crap and Jason Heyward.  That’s what you’re probably getting late at outfield again this year.  I’m no Nostradumbass, but I’m telling you there’s not going to be a whole lot of greatness coming out of this post.  We’re Cousteau deep right now.  So all the 2011 fantasy baseball rankings are found under yonder and we’re moving onto pitchers next.  That should excite you, you special person you.  Anyway, here’s the top 80 outfielders for 2011 fantasy baseball:

61. Tyler Colvin – This is a continuation of the last tier in the top 60 outfielders for 2011 fantasy baseball.  This tier ends at Boesch.  You’re looking at a guy who should get around 20 homers and a handful of steals, assuming you don’t have Alfonseca hands.  Though I’m legitimately concerned he’s going to hit just .240, have homers in the teens and be unusable.  2011 Projections:  70/25/80/.265/10

62. Coco Crisp – Seems like Coco is the du jour pick of people who think they’re, like, totally smart.  People look at him and see a guy that gave a cheap, very valuable season last year.  It’s true.  Okay, now think about his ownership last year.  He was always on and off waivers for a reason.  He was 30 years old while having his first productive season in years and he can’t stay healthy.  He’s fine if he’s healthy but you’ll be dropping him at some point.  Mark my words.  Not with a permanent marker though, they’re on your computer.  2011 Projections:  50/6/35/.260/22

63. Ryan Kalish – Kalish is a big time friend of Grey.  He’s got great upside.  I guarantee at some point he will be the hottest add off of waivers.  Just right now, as I write this in January, I have no idea where he’s playing every day.  You wanna grab him in the last few rounds as a flyer?  I’m all for it just to see if he can break camp and start.  Just know, you may be dropping him a few days into the season.  2011 Projections:  65/7/50/.270/25 in 400 ABs

64. Franklin Gutierrez – I think I’m finally ready to admit that I like Gutierrez’s nickname, The Big FraGu, more than I like him in fantasy, but not quite.  He’s a cheap 15/15 guy!  (Which does grow crazy boring over the course of the season.)  2011 Projections:  65/15/70/.260/17

65. Garrett Jones – Robot Jones didn’t make the top 20 1st basemen for 2011 fantasy baseball.  Neither the hoo!  He’s worth a flyer at a corner infidel spot if you’re desperate.  His average last year was a bit on the unlucky side, he has power and some slight speed.  What I’m basically saying is, he’s a’ight.  2011 Projections:  65/24/80/.270/7

66. Chris Carter – Could hit 30 homers, but will he ever reveal what happened to The Smoking Man?  Actually, I have no idea if that makes sense.  I never saw The X-Files.  I’m not a dork!  Anyway, back to fantasy baseball…  My Chris Carter fantasy is there.  I wrote it in pink highlighter while riding on the back of an emu.  I suggest you picture that while reading it.  2011 Projections:  35/22/55/.225/3

67. Brennan Boesch – Is he even a starter?  Not sure, but if he gets hot he might start for a couple of months.  He did show last year that when he’s hitting he can keep it going for a bit.  He’s probably more of a guy to look at in Spring Training to see what his playing time is.  2011 Projections:  60/16/70/.250/7

68. Brad Hawpe – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until Ordonez.  I call this tier, “If you draft any of these guys in your last outfield slot, you deserve to lose.”  Veteran outfielders are fine to pick up once the season starts and you want to play the hot hand, but to draft one is wasting a pick.  Even if a guy like Hawpe explodes in Petco (which is highly doubtful), you’re not going to hold him when someone is sitting on waivers that is far more enticing the first week of the season.  Really you shouldn’t even be drafting hitters this late.  You should’ve already filled your hitting and be grabbing random closer handcuffs or an SP.  Oh, and I have nothing to say about Hawpe.  2011 Projections:  55/24/70/.260

69. Josh Willingham – It’s the 2nd coming of The Hammer in Oakland, only this Hammer you can touch.  Though you shouldn’t.  2011 Projections:  60/20/70/.260/4

70. Johnny Damon – If he played 2nd base, he’d have value and be able to reach the base he’s throwing to.  2011 Projections:  85/14/45/.280/10

71. J.D. Drew – He’s in a good place to play, assuming he’s playing and not on the trainer’s table getting his quad rubbed down.  2011 Projections: 60/21/70/.270/3

72. Cody Ross – Probably will hit a few homers some random week of the season and I’ll tell you to grab him while he’s hot.  That will probably last for about two weeks then you’re going to need to drop him again.  2011 Projections:  60/17/70/.260/10

73. Jack Cust – He only has outfield eligibility in Yahoo leagues.  That’s okay, cause you’re not drafting him anyway.  Cust kayin’.  2011 Projections:  60/20/70/.235

74. Magglio Ordonez – Soul Glo Magglio of yesteryear is donezo.  Now he’s “Maybe you get 20 homers and a good average while boring the Capris off of you” Magglio or you get “Oft-injured vet that causes people to mock you when you draft him” Magglio.  Neither is very good.  2011 Projections:  65/15/75/.300

75. Luke Scott – I call this tier, “Guys that have outfield eligibility in Yahoo, but you should be playing them at different positions.”  I don’t necessarily dislike all of these guys.  They’re kinda hit or miss.  Or not really hitting and missing, as the case will probably be.  As for Luke “I am not your waiver wire fodder” Scott, it’s cute that you think you’re going to own him all year, but we both know you’re not going to.  If you want to draft him, I won’t stand in your way, but I also won’t stand in your way when you drop him before the season starts.  2011 Projections:  60/22/70/.260

76. Eric Patterson – Patterson’s projections can be found at the top 20 2nd basemen for 2011 fantasy baseball post.

77. Bill Hall – I don’t think H-A Double Hockey Sticks got mentioned in the top 20 basemen post but I guess that’s the point.  He’s not that memorable.  All kidding aside– Were we kidding? I did not know. Quiet, Random Italicized Voice.  Bill Hall’s not a terrible crazy late flyer at 2nd base.  Don’t put him in your outfield.  2011 Projections:  50/15/65/.240/7

78. Ryan Doumit – Doumit’s projections can be found at the top 20 catchers for 2011 fantasy baseball post.

79. Omar Infante – Infante’s projections can be found at the top 20 shortstops for 2011 fantasy baseball post.

80. Mark Teahen – Member when people were excited by Mark Teahen for a minute a few years ago?  That’s not an Urban Dictionary dot com “minute” either, which is actually a long time.  I have a nickname for Mark Teahen, MT Promises.  2011 Projections:  60/15/75/.275/7

After the top 80 outfielders for 2011 fantasy baseball, there’s more names than you can throw a stick at, but here’s three worth mentioning:

David Murphy – I like Murph, but you have to platoon him.  Say, grab him with your next to last round pick then Matt Diaz with your last round pick.  You’ll actually end up with decent numbers if you switch them out per matchups but you also might grow bored by April 15th and drop both.  Or have an injury to someone and need to drop one.  2011 Projections:  50/15/65/.280/12

Matt Joyce – If it wasn’t for Damon and Manny, Joyce could mollywhop homers and save kittens.  Then again, Manny and Damon, or as I like to call them Damanny, will get hurt and Joyce will see some time.  2011 Projections:  40/17/55/.250/4

Brandon Allen – I’d actually rank Allen 63rd on this list, but here he is so I can highlight him.  I like Brandon Allen probably more than I should.  The addition of Nady hurts his value, Juan Miranda hurts his value, Brandon Allen hurts his own value, but I think he finally gets his ABs in the desert.  If they play Parra over Allen, I could have a fit, or phit if you spell like a graffiti artist.  Allen will hit 25 homers with everyday at-bats and, in his last year of Triple-A, he stole 14 bases.  He might hit .230 but it’s absolutely worth the flyer.  I also already went into a seedy motel and soiled it further with my Brandon Allen fantasy.  I.e., Grey hearts Brandon Allen.  2011 Projections:  60/25/80/.245/7

No, not that Chris Carter.  This Chris Carter looks like Ryan Howard.  In every possible way.  He strikes out a lot.  He hits a lot of homers.  He talks to Turtle about tequila.  He weighs 230+ el-bees.  He stands six foot five.  He once finished off a grand slam 7 hours after the last pitch of a game thanks to Denny’s.  You know that bar game Picture Perfect where you try and pick out the differences between two pictures that look nearly identical?  You could have Ryan Howard on one side and Carter on the other side and stump the soberest of men.  In 2010, Carter hit 31 homers in Triple-A and batted .258.  Then in a short stint in the majors, Carter had only 13 hits in 70 ABs for a .186 average, but three of those hits were homers.  Sure, Carter farted up those numbers, but, to clear the air, it was a small sample size and he did something similar in his first taste of Triple-A and straightened that out in time.  So what can we expect of Chris Carter in 2011 fantasy baseball?

Homers and a terrible average.  Any guy who only hits .258 in Triple-A is not someone that will compete for a batting title.  To follow the previous comparison, Ryan Howard hit .299 in 1855 ABs in the minor leagues.  (BTW, Ryan Howard probably missed at least two productive years being in the minors and might already be approaching 400 homers.  Not that 400 homers means anything anymore.)  So, yo, yo, yo what’s the best case scenario for Chris Carter in 2011?  Carlos Pena.  Carter could get lucky and hit .240-.250 next year, but I think it’ll be closer to .220.  His plate discipline isn’t bad once he gets comfortable at a new level, but his Ks are wild, man, wild.  30 homers wouldn’t be out of the question though if he gets a full season of ABs and, if I had my druthers, and knew what druthers were, I’d give him the job out of Spring Training.  More likely, Carter comes up around June 1st once the A’s settle into their familiar spot of “We’re in third place and aren’t sure if we’re in the pennant race or not, but really we’re not.”  In 400 ABs, Carter’s line would be 35/22/55/.225/3.  In keepers, he’s worth drafting very late if you have room to wait for him.  In mixed, redraft leagues, he’s passable unless your league requires you field at least one Ryan Howard-lookalike.

With more outfielders than random hairs growing from my grandfather’s ear, we take it to the top 60 outfielders for 2011 fantasy baseball.  These guys may seem like they’re not worth the effort, but remember last year Colby Rasmus, Drew Stubbs and Corey Hart were found here.  As with the other 2011 fantasy baseball rankings, where tiers start and stop are mentioned and my projections.  Anyway, here’s the top 60 outfielders for 2011 fantasy baseball:

41. Travis Snider – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until Pagan.  I call this tier, “I’m grabbing at least one of these guys as my third or fourth outfielder.”  I’m all in again with Snider.  I’m rolling Snider into my sleeve like a pack of smokes and unclogging his pipes.  Okay, that sounded bad.  Not bad as in good but bad as in bad.  In 82 games, Snider hit 14 homers.  I’m not one to prorate stats unless you just have to double something, so over 164 games (assuming a four way tie for the playoffs and the Jays play two extra games and Snider plays in every single game a’la some Cal Gehrig Jr. shizz), Snider’s going to hit 28 homers!  Pretty sweet, right?  Okay, see that prorating thing doesn’t even work because Snider is young and can be better in 2011 than he was in 2010.  And he can be healthier.  Want more effusiveness?  Try my Snider fantasy for 2011.  2011 Projections: 65/27/80/.270/5

42. Delmon Young – I dropped a triple tissue already on my Delmon Young fantasy for 2011.  There was only three typos in the whole post.  “Grey, you created a work of art!  Sorry, Miles, that means you’re eliminated.”  Young is teetering between a solid upside pick and an overrated pick, which worries me.  He’s not going to put up the numbers that, say, Jay Bruce could.  He’s mooby like Billy Butler and Pablo Sandoval but he shares their power too.  Okay, a tad more, but not much.  Aside, there should be a Razzball glossary term for these fat guys that are missing the big time power.  2011 Projections:  75/24/85/.300/7

43. Carlos Quentin – I should’ve called this tier, “To wit, guys I didn’t learn my lesson with.” “To wit” because it makes me sound smart.  Though saying that it makes me sound smart makes me sound dumb.  The irony!  I’m not calling Quentin a sleeper this year.  I’m not going caca-cuckoo for him this year.  I do like him and I do think his upside really is his 2008 MVP-like season, which is crazy valuable.  His downside is every other season though.  His ability to get injured is almost as uncanny as his resemblance to Jose Canseco.  2011 Projections:  80/27/90/.260/3

44. Adam Jones – Another guy that I wish I could say I’m done with, but old habits die yadda³.  I’m really excited to draft Jones this year.  I might even write a sleeper post about him.  Still think he can make good on some of that promise that he failed to live up to last year.  He’s going to move up the outfielder ranks for next year.  I can feel it in my bones.  Speaking of bones, what happened to the picture of Adam Jones looking stoned?  2o11 Projections:  85/25/95/.295/12 (<–optimistic but whatevs)

45. Nick Markakis – Member when this schmohawk was a top 20 outfielder?  Trick question, he never was.  There was a time when fantasy baseball ‘perts said he was.  At the end of every season though, Markakis left you with blue balls.  Markakis’ homer totals from 2007 are as follows:  23, 20, 18, 12.  If this were a SAT question and you had to guess his 2011 homer total, the answer would be like 6.  The way he’s going, Juan Pierre’s going to outhomer him by 2013.  I like Markakis’ plate discipline and I think he’s young enough to bounce back, but I’m not reaching for him.  He falls to me and I’ll grab him.  2011 Projections:  85/17/80/.305/10

46. Ryan Raburn – Went over Raburn’s projections in the top 20 2nd basemen for 2011 fantasy baseball post and I dropped a Raburn fantasy sleeper on you too.  I love Raburn this year.  And I loved him before Karabelly.  To wit!

47. Andres Torres – On one hand, you want to believe Torres’ 2010 was fluke.  On the other hand, you think he can repeat.  On a third hand that is actually just a foot wearing a mitten, you don’t know what to make of Torres’ last year.  I hear you, loyal Razzball reader.  It’s a pickle, I tell ya.  Here’s my take, Torres has 10+ homer power and 25+ steal speed but he’s also injury prone.  It’s one of the reasons why he’s so old and just now bursting on the scene.  I’d pay for Torres as a fourth outfielder, then pray he stays healthy.  2011 Projections:  75/12/45/.260/25

48. Angel Pagan – It’s appropriate that he falls right next to Torres in the rankings because they’re pretty much the same player.  Took a while in the minors because of injuries, does have some slight power and good speed, and he’s older than most guys who just get on the scene.  I really don’t like one more than the other.  Could’ve put Pagan above Torres.  They ended up this way because Pagan has a bit less power.  I would not draft both on the same team.  Unless I was trying to lose.  Then I would.  2011 Projections:  75/9/45/.280/25

49. Jason Bay – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until Ibanez.  I call this tier, “That last tier was fun, wasn’t it?  Yeah, this tier not so much.”  I suppose Jay Bay can bounce back.  But when you suppose, you make a supp out of you and me.  Hmm… That makes no sense.  Fenway inflated Bay’s power.  He’s kinda a 20+ homer hitter in a neutral park.  He picks and chooses his running spots carefully… A little too carefully so he’s not going to put up a huge steal season.  It’s all a’ight, but he’s in Metco, he’s getting old and I think his name value will cost you more than he’s worth.  I’d take two (other outfielders) and pass.  2011 Projections:  70/18/80/.265/10

50. Alfonso Soriano – I’m telling you right now or write now, if homonyms always get you, this tier is not going to be that interesting to read.  I suggest you put on some music and half pay attention to the next few names.  Maybe hire a homeless person to read it for you.  That could be fun.  2011 Projections:  65/22/75/.260/5

51. Michael Cuddyer – See Kubel, Jason.  Or an 1/8th of an inch below.  2011 Projections:  85/20/80/.275/5

52. Jason Kubel – The Twins manage to consistently field a team that is solid in regular baseball terms but underwhelms for fantasy.  Not everyone, of course.  It’s a generalization.  Go with it.  2011 Projections:  75/24/85/.270

53. Chris Coghlan – If he does start at 2nd base, he’ll have nice value there.  In the outfield, Coghlan’s Law says anything else is always better.  2011 Projections:  95/8/60/.300/17

54. Denard Span – See Kubel or a half of an inch above.  For those of you who look at Span and think he’s a cheap underrated option, 6 homers and 24 steals over the course of the season breaks down to one homer and 4 steals per month.  That’s like watching the paint dry in a public restroom.  2011 Projections:  90/6/60/.280/24

55. Raul Ibanez – Maybe I should’ve just titled this tier, “Yawn.”  Or, “Draft these guys and drop them by April 7th when someone much more exciting starts hitting.”  Your call.  2011 Projections:  70/20/85/.270/3

56. Logan Morrison – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until we get to the top 80 outfielders.  I call this tier, “I just had to get out of that last boring tier, so here’s some fun upside guys again.”  It’s time for Morrison to break on through.  See what I did there?  I’m a freakin’ genius!  Though I do tend to spell genius wrong.  Thank you, spellchecker!  Morrison will probably disappoint in 2011.  Oh, he’ll be a good one at some point, but I’m not sure he’s going to be there yet in 2011.  Probably a bit up and down this year.  This high ranking is due to his August and September and his minor league stats.  In those last two months, he hit .297.  A Morrison-type pick usually translates to a guy who has one bad month and people drop him across most 12 team leagues, i.e., this comment, “Grey, Cuddyer’s hot and Morrison’s not doing anything, should I switch them out?  BTW, love the stache.  Rock it, Grey, rock it!”  For Morrison’s upside, I’m placing him here.  2011 Projections:  65/18/80/.290/5

57. Dexter Fowler – “Aw, sookie.”  That’s me getting excited about Fowler again this year.  What do you want me to say?  I’m a sucker for this guy.  If shizz breaks right, he’s basically Tabata.  Okay, maybe that’s not the most exciting way to put it.  How about this?  Give Fowler 600 ABs, he could steal 35+ and hit 10+ homers.  That’s good for a late round flier.  2011 Projections:  75/8/40/.270/20

58. Domonic Brown – (UPDATE:  Don’t draft Brown outside of keeper leagues.)  Here’s my rejected Penthouse letter about my Domonic Brown fantasy.  You’re probably throwing away your draft pick by going with Brown (or Desmond Jennings, who I’ll get to).  Their value will probably be at its highest the day before the season starts.  If you find the guy in your league that loves them some rookie nookie, I’d look to move them.  To do this, pay attention to who in your draft room says something like, “Oh, man!  Great pick.  I was going to grab Jennings (or Brown) with my next pick.”  There’s always one of those doodes.  Or doodettes (for our 3 girl readers). 2011 Projections: 55/12/70/.290/14 30/8/40/.275/10

59. Lorenzo Cain – In most leagues, you’re not going to hold any of the outfielders in this tier for very long so you may as well try for some upside.  If it doesn’t pan out the first couple of weeks of the season, you drop them.  I’d also gamble on any outfielder who is hitting well in Spring Training who isn’t on this list.  They’re flyers, ya’ll.  I briefly warmed up my Lorenzo Cain fantasy already.  I don’t want to yell fire in the theater of Razzball but I’m gunning for Cain as my fifth outfielder in a lot of leagues.  He’ll probably put up the numbers you’re hoping Coco Crisp gives you.  2011 Projections:  70/7/40/.275/30

60. Desmond Jennings – This tier just got foxy!  Wanna get hotter under your collar?  See my Desmond Jennings fantasy.  Unfortunately, the Rays are going conservative (read: cheap!) and supposedly leaving Jennings in the minors.  The Damon and Manny signings don’t help Desmond’s cause.  But he’s my constant!  Situation is obviously fluid until we’re out of Spring Training.  In non-keepers, I wouldn’t draft him if he doesn’t break camp with the team.  In keepers, I’d go after him.  2011 Projections:  55/3/25/.270/20 (if call up is June 1st)