Posted by Mike Caprio March 1, 2009

Center Field is one of the positions undergoing a metamorphosis in Major League Baseball. General Managers are focusing their efforts on developing players high on fielding efficiency and speed.  This has the potential to render CF a position closer to the SS’s of the 70-80’s than the power hitters who have roamed centerfield over the last ten years.

There are several young prospects who fit that mold who will be breaking into the majors this season, including Cameron Maybin in Miami, Andrew McCutchen in Pittsburgh, and Colby Rasmus in St. Louis…making it all the more important to identify and lock up players with power at the CF position.

1. Grady Sizemore (Age:26)-2008 Stats.- .268 Avg, 33 HR, 90 RBI, 38 SB, .374 OBP, .502 SLG, 876 OPS

Sizemore provides superior defense combined with a spark to drive the Indians lineup.  He is far above and beyond any other CF based on his age, performance and multi-year fixture patrolling the outfield at Jacobs Field. With a career batting average of .270, his Roto value is not as high as his PPA value.

2. Josh Hamilton (Age:28)-2008 Stats.- .304 Avg, 32 HR, 130 RBI, 9 SB, .371 OBP, .530 SLG, 901 OPS

His role at CF is likely to end this upcoming season depending on the success of Andruw Jones in Arlington.  If Hamilton remains in CF, his value skyrockets.  If not, he’s among a group of very good Right Fielders.  An amazing story, but one you should consider before going “all in” on this talented player.

3. Carlos Beltran (Age:32)-2008 Stats.- .284 Avg, 27 HR, 112 RBI, 25 SB, .376 OBP, .500 SLG, 876 OPS

Beltran came to New York in a Free Agent bonanza for Scott Boras and the gold glove center fielder.  Amazingly, many in the New York press, including Shea’s finest,  have been disappointed in his power numbers and his perceived passivism in the Met clubhouse.  He has turned into one of the best all around values in major league baseball, taking into consideration both his defensive efficiency and performance behind the plate. 

4. BJ Upton (Age:24)-2008 Stats.- .273 Avg, 9 HR, 67 RBI, 44 SB, .383 OBP, .401 SLG, 784 OPS

Upton owners were poised for a breakout season in 2008, only to be disappointed by a lack of power, and lack of consistency.  These owners were given a glimpse of what they had expected in the postseason with 7 HR’s during the ALDS and ALCS.  There’s too much talent here for a repeat performance, however offseason shoulder surgery may put him on the shelf until May.  I drafted him in the 2^nd Round of this year’s Can of Corn League Inaugural Keeper League draft…so I am in the camp banking on 30/50 seasons for the next ten seasons.

5. Curtis Granderson (Age:28)-2008 Stats.- .280 Avg, 22 HR, 66 RBI, 12 SB, .365 OBP, .494 SLG, 859 OPS

After a productive 2007, Fantasy owners were convinced that Granderson was the “real deal”. Couplling that with him sitting atop a potent lineup anchored by Miguel Cabrera, he became a top pick in most leagues.  Instead, much like most of the Tigers, Granderson disappointed, off career highs in every major offensive category.  Look for a rebound, and with a solid 2009, he could be a Top 3 CF in baseball.

6. Chris Young (Age:25)-2008 Stats.- .248 Avg, 22 HR, 85 RBI, 14 SB, .315 OBP, .443 SLG, 758 OPS

Fantasy owners are either believers or have given up on Arizona’s young Chris Young.  I’m among the believers, but to me he’s on a short leash.  His combined power/speed potential is enough to look past the low batting average in Roto leagues, however his inability to adjust at the plate, is a bigger concern with a lifetime OBP of .306.  Young is a “risk/reward” pick, providing a potential breakout opportunity against the backdrop of a steep performance regression.  At 25 he has plenty of time to hone his plate discipline, but if you don’t see an improvement this season, try to move him to another  ”believer” in the offseason.

7. Alex Rios (Age:28)-2008 Stats.- .291 Avg, 15 HR, 79 RBI, 32 SB, .337 OBP, .461 SLG, 798 OPS 

 Admittedly I am not as big of a fan of Rios than most.  If you play in Roto leagues, his batting average and stolen bases make him more valuable than in a PPA league, where his lack of power drive his point levels down.  With Vernon Wells still in Toronto, and Travis Snider on the way, it’s unclear whether Rios will retain CF eligibility.  If he loses it, his value drops.

8. Vernon Wells (Age:30)-2008 Stats.- .300 Avg, 20 HR, 78 RBI, 4 SB, .343 OBP, .496 SLG, 839 OPS

It’s sad that the aforementioned Alex Rios sits above the “can’t miss” Vernon Wells in CF. However, two years of disappointment since his breakout 2006, have soured many owners who have been burned by unfulfilled expectations.  In my opinion, a change in scenery would do him wonders.  If Toronto is out of the race in early June, look for Wells to join a list including Roy Halladay that hits the trading block.

9. Jacoby Ellsbury (Age:25)-2008 Stats.- .280 Avg, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 50 SB, .336 OBP, .394 SLG, 780 OPS

 Ellsbury rebounded after a miserable June/July last season to put up respectable fantasy numbers overall.  With Ellsbury you will always get steals, however,  his difficulty in managing inside fastballs will continue to hinder his ability to get on 1^st base…a necessity if you expect to steal 2^nd and 3^rd.   This offseason is key, as the Red Sox and Ellsbury work to change his approach, to battle the league’s scouting report which is  to “pitch him hard and in on the hands”.

10. Ichiro Suzuki (Age:35)-2008 Stats.- .310 Avg, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 43 SB, .361 OBP, .386 SLG, 747 OPS

Ichiro was always a Roto God, providing a massive Batting Average and steals you could rely on year in and year out.  Last season Ichiro started to show some wear on the tread.  In a poor Seattle lineup, look for a similar stat line as last season, as opposed to his .330 career MLB batting average.

In Miami for a conference and will try to round out the Outfield tomorrow or Tuesday….

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