There are plenty of solid outfield options on this list if a fantasy owner misses on the top American League right fielders. However, they come with various risks and questions about their health. It would not be a surprise to see at least a couple players on this list to turn excellent seasons with good power. Most likely though, a fantasy owner will have to pick up some power at another position to compensate.
1) Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles
Markakis is a very good hitter, but his power is fading. Every year in the majors, he has hit at least .291 with an OBP of at least .347. Those are solid numbers, and it helps Markakis to being a good offensive bat. What keeps him from being an elite level hitter is a disturbing lack of power. His isolated power (slugging percentage- batting average) declined from a career high in 2007 and 2008 (.185) to a career worst in 2010 (.139). His walk rate (10.3% of his PAs) in 2010, and his strikeout rate was very good (13.12%) as well. Markakis has scored a solid amount of runs (94+ three of the last four seasons) as well, so that is an extra bonus, but does not compensate for his fading power. He simply does not have the ability to pull the ball on a consistent basis. A 2011 season with a .295+ average, 85+ runs, 15+ homers and 70+ RBIs is solid for what Markakis is now. At auction, he should be in the $18-22 range.
2) J.D. Drew, Boston Red Sox
Drew is one of the most patient hitters in the majors. However, major league pitchers used that patience against him last season and threw him a lot of first pitch strikes to put him in the hole. His walk rate was still excellent (10.99% of his PAs), and the strikeout rate (19.23%) was solid as well last year. Drew still had an above average season (.255/.341/.451 over 546 PAs) in 2010. A little more aggression is in store for Drew, who is 35 years old, for the 2011 season. There is very little indication that Drew is slowing down. A season with on a .275+ average, 20+ homers, 80+ runs and 70+ RBIs he is certainly capable of accomplishing in the 2011 season. That is solid production for a fantasy outfielder. At auction, expect him to be in the $16-18 range.
3) Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers
Ordonez was in the middle of a very good season (.303/.378/.474 over 365 PAs) when he broke his ankle and that finished him for the season. Detroit signed him to a one year deal this offseason. So far in spring training, Ordonez does not appear to be suffering any ill effects from the injury. He was one of the few major league hitters than had more walks (40) than strikeouts (38) last season. His injury and age (Ordonez will be 37 years old for the 2011 season) will keep his price down when the auction arrives. If he can stay healthy, then a 2011 season with a .300+ average, 17-20 homers, 80+ RBIs and 70+ runs is doable for Ordonez. At auction, Magglio will be in the $16-18 range.
4) Torii Hunter, LA Angels
Hunter is still an above average offensive player (.281/.354/.464 over 646 PAs), but is no longer a power/speed threat. His walk rate was very good (9.44% of his PAs), and his strikeout rate (16.4%) was solid too last season. He still has good power (21-31 home runs the last five seasons), and the ability to drive in a lot of runs (90+ RBIs four of the last five seasons). Hunter is 35 years old, so his base stealing woes (9 steals, 12 caught in 2010) might be a new reality for him. That seriously cuts into his fantasy value, because without his stolen bases Hunter is just another fantasy baseball slugger. A smart fantasy player will allow those owners that believe Hunter is a significant stolen base threat (15+ steals) to bid like he is one. A fantasy player that is willing to roll the dice might even try to up the bid to make other teams pay a little bit more for Torii at auction. A 2011 season with a .270+ average, 22-24 homers, 90+ RBIs seem about right for Hunter. At auction, his price should be in the $14-16 range.
5) Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
Quentin is a low average hitter (.251 career), but brings a lot of power (83 homers over the last three years) to the table. Overall, he had an above average offensive year (.243/.342/.479 over 527 PAs). His walk rate was very good (9.49% of his PAs) along with a solid strikeout rate (14.41%) last season. His BABIP (.241) was extremely low in 2010, so there should at least a good bounce upwards. However, it appears that the short left field is causing Quentin to alter his swing. If that is the case then the bounce back in BABIP might not be as much as it should be. Quentin is also one of those players (like Carlos Pena and Adam Dunn) whose value is much higher in leagues that use OBP as opposed to batting average. A 2011 season with a .255+ average, 25+ homers and 75+ RBIs in doable for Quentin. At auction in leagues with batting average he should be in the $15-17 range, and OBP leagues he will be around $19-21.
John Stroba - There are few that are more passionate about their writing than I am. I bring all that passion into the articles I am writing. Have been ...
