Outfielder Tier Rankings part 1

The outfield position in fantasy baseball has always been one that was known as deep. However in fantasy baseball season 2009 the outfield position is anything but deep. Since every team has to start three outfielders it is a great strategy to grab two great ones early and have two every day players that will contribute on a daily basis. The top tier of outfielders in 2009 are 5 tool contributors and will most likely all be gone before the end of the second round. Having at least one super star outfielder will be essential to winning your fantasy baseball league. I have found that using a tier ranking system for ranking outfielders is the only way to go. Since you will be looking to grab an outfielder in each tier you will have an easy to look at picture of where to draft your outfielders. Here are my fantasy baseball 2009 tier rankings for outfielders. Projected stats are formatted: (HR/RBI/R/AVG/SB)

Tier 1.
This tier consists of the five tool studs. look to get one of these guys in the first round if you find it necessary. However waiting to the 2nd tier could be a strategy that pays off.

1. Grady Sizemore. (35/85/117/.280/40)
This will be Grady's break out year. Yes he has been great in the past, however he will improve on his impressive stats from 2008. He will be a great asset to your fantasy baseball outfield. Look for Sizemore to be gone before the first ten picks.

2. Matt Holliday. ( 24/105/102/.315/25)
Matt Holiday drops to the 2nd best outfielder with his move to Oakland. His numbers will drop but not by to much. Make not guesses about it, this guy is a stud! He will contribute in all 5 categories and has the chance to go 30/30. There is no chance that he doesn't get 100 runs and 100 RBI's, draft Holiday and be happy.

3. Ryan Braun. (33/108/90/.275/15)
His monster numbers will come down a bit, but still look for this guy to be one of the fantasy elite. Look for this guy to be a big time contributor to fantasy teams for the next few years.

4. Josh Hamilton. (30/120/100/.298/10)
This guy exploded on to the scene last year. He was un-believable. Un-drafted at the beginning of the season whomever picked him up in 2008 probably had a good chance of winning there fantasy baseball league. This guy will go drafted this year, in fact in many drafts he is going in the first round. If you want to take a chance here is your guy.

That is it for tier 1 of outfielders. Those are the guys that will be going very early in the draft. However don't worry there are still a few great bargains to be found at the outfield position in 2009. The second tier of outfielders is full of fantasy potential.

Tier 2.

5. Carlos Beltran. (24/105/100/.275/20)
Beltran used to be a fantasy stud. Now at the ripe age of 32 he is well past his prime. Look for his numbers to drop, but no lower than what I have projected. Look to steal Beltran in the late 2nd round or early third, either way he is a bargain.

6. Manny Ramirez. (38/115/100/.320/2)
If he ever signs he will be amazing. When he does sign a contract it will most likely be a for an insane about of money and he will surely have to prove his worth. If he goes to the Dodgers look for Manny to feel like the star and try to carry them on his back.

7. Lance Berkman. (30/110/98/.300/15)
Lance will still qualify in the OF for many leagues. Lance was a fantasy god in the first half of 2009. However after the all star break, he well took a break. If you have Lance this year get rid of him as soon as he goes on a streak.

8. Alfonso Soriano. (35/85/100/.275/22)
How does everyone forget about this guy? I have seen him fall past the 5th round in some mock drafts, I just don't get it. If he falls late snatch him up and have an outfielder that is capable of going 30/30.

9. Adam Dunn. (37/100/90/.240/2)
We all know what we will get with Dunn. He will hit about 40 HR's and get 100 RBI's. Don't expect more.

10. Nick Markakis. (25/100/90/.305/10)
So much potential with this pick. Try to get him late in the 5th round and you will not regret it. He has a lot of upside unlike most of the outfielders you can draft in the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.


That ends the first section of my outfielder tiers. Look for me to continue soon with the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.