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This is the home of FSWA member Johnny Archive, who is honored to be a Feature Host at BlogTalkRadio. Johnny is the commissioner of the prestigious JAIL fantasy baseball league, a Top 100 Blogger at MLBlogs.com and is the original Fantasy Sports Consultant. Recent guests include Comedian/Actor Craig "The Lovemaster" Shoemaker, Jeff Erickson of Rotowire.com, Mike Siano of MLB.com, Lenny Melnick, Bob Sikon of FantasyBaseballTradeMarket.com and writer Matt Hackenmiller -- who actually joined the show in May of 2009. This show is part of The Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogTalkRadio. Call-in Number: (347) 945-6845
Date / Time: 6/3/2009 10:21 PM UTC
Where Did All the Outfielders Go?
On draft day, most fantasy baseball managers like to go after a couple of top tier outfielders during the early rounds of the draft. There is a misconception that the outfield position is a deep one considering each major league team starts three each game. But when platoon situations and offensive struggles are figured in, there aren’t many elite outfielders available. I like to follow this strategy because normally the outfield position thins out quickly and it becomes difficult to find quality players to fill the five outfield spots on a roster. Through the first quarter of this season, this particular approach has not been very effective because of some of the struggles the top tier outfielders have had. Below is a list of the preseason top ten outfielders and how they have faired so far this season.
1. Grady Sizemore-Injured
2. Ryan Braun
3. Josh Hamilton-Injured
4. Carlos Beltrán
5. B.J. Upton-Injured & struggled
6. Alfonso Soriano
7. Carlos Lee
8. Manny Ramírez-Suspended
9. Carlos Quentin-Injured
10. Carl Crawford
As you can see from the list, half of the top ten outfielders have not produced as expected whether it has been because of injuries, offensive struggles, or because of taking some medication that “prescribed” by a doctor. Managers might have been better off passing on these players and drafting from the second tier of outfielders.
11. Nick Markakis
12. Ichiro Suzuki
13. Jason Bay
14. Matt Kemp
15. Carlos Quentin-Injured
16. Matt Holliday
There was even more depth in the draft as the following outfielders are producing like the top players in the position
113. Torii Hunter
122. Raúl Ibañez
124. Nelson Cruz
132. Brad Hawpe
179. Adam Jones
What has occurred with the players from the top tier is almost certainly a fluke. Very rarely will injuries beset as many top players as is happening this season. With that said, I think we can come away with a couple important ideas based on this information. First, there is a lot of the baseball season left which means there is plenty of time for those struggling players in the top tier to improve. I find it hard to believe that players with the track records like Sizemore and Upton will continue to play this poorly. Secondly, on draft day, don’t panic if you miss out on some of the elite players. Continue to try and find value to add depth to your roster and you might be pleasantly surprised by some of the players you discover.
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