tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Oufielders (part 1)

This is the first part of a 3 part projection list for outfielders.  There are no real superstars however there are plenty of players who can help you with different categories.  The key is getting those players who can help you in multiple categories.

4*: Braun - Milw, Gonzalez - Colo: Ryan Braun is a legitimate first round pick who has a proven track record.  Carlos Gonzalez burst onto the scene last year and was a pleasant surprise for his fantasy owners.  While CarGo will go high in the draft, remember last year was his first big fantasy season.

3*: Holliday - Stl, Crawford - Bost, Hamilton - Tex, Choo - Cleve, Cruz- Tex, Upton - Ariz., Heyward - Atl:  Matt Holliday is truly the model of consistency and is worth a second round pick.  Carl Crawford should do well in Boston and provide HR's and SB's along with average.  Josh Hamilton and Shin Cho Choo are both good fantasy players however injuries are a concern.  Choo has a sore shoulder so keep an eye on that.  As far as Hamilton goes, if he remains injury free he could carry your fantasy team but there's always a chance of him going down.  Nelson Cruz has become one of my favorite players.  If this guy can stay healthy he can dominate.  Justin Upton has plenty of upside but I would probably like him to be my second outfielder.  The same can be said for Jason Heyward.  This is Heyward's second season so have to be concerned about sophomore jinx.

Players to watch:  If Braun falls in your lap in the first round take him.  He's solid.  The same can be said for Matt Holliday.  Carl Crawford is a great selection in the second round.  The others all have some type of risk attached.

Black Balled List:  None in this group.  But wait until we get to the rest.

Part 2 will cover all of the 2* players and part 3 will cover the 1*'s.