Last week I began a series that looks at the power shortage in baseball. I began with the corner-infield positions. I am concentrating on the most common starting lineup for each club and then looking at the top prospects for the position.In some cases, the teams are employing a platoon. In that case, I will list all the viable players.This week I look at the outfielders with special concentration on power.All grades are for the current situation (the guy that will start the second half) and the future does not take into account any trade or player movement. Grades are weighted towards power contribution but are not based solely on that tool.# - I am particularly bullish about the power potential of this prospect
^ - less power potential than those marked #, but some promise
CF – Chris Young - struggles at the plate, but power is available.
RF – Justin Upton - huge disappointment but power exists.LF prospect = Bobby Borchering C+ (2013) #
CF prospect = A.J. Pollock C+ (Sept 2012)
RF prospect = Adam Eaton C+ (2013)
OF prospect = Marc Krauss C- (2013) #
CF - Michael Bourn - fantasy gem, but lacks power.
RF - Jason Heyward - overrated for me,
^ - less power potential than those marked #, but some promise
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS LF B/C+ CF C+/C+ RF B-/C+
LF - Jason Kubel - has brought surprising power and solid defense.CF – Chris Young - struggles at the plate, but power is available.
RF – Justin Upton - huge disappointment but power exists.LF prospect = Bobby Borchering C+ (2013) #
CF prospect = A.J. Pollock C+ (Sept 2012)
RF prospect = Adam Eaton C+ (2013)
OF prospect = Marc Krauss C- (2013) #
ATLANTA BRAVES LF B/C CF B/C RF C/?
LF - Martin Prado - outstanding hitter, but little power.CF - Michael Bourn - fantasy gem, but lacks power.
RF - Jason Heyward - overrated for me,
Last week I began a series that looks at the power shortage in baseball. I began with the corner-infield positions. I am concentrating on the most common starting lineup for each club and then looking at the top prospects for the position.In some cases, the teams are employing a platoon. In that case, I will list all the viable players.This week I look at the outfielders with special concentration on power.All grades are for the current situation (the guy that will start the second half) and the future does not take into account any trade or player movement. Grades are weighted towards power contribution but are not based solely on that tool.# - I am particularly bullish about the power potential of this prospect
^ - less power potential than those marked #, but some promise
CF – Chris Young - struggles at the plate, but power is available.
RF – Justin Upton - huge disappointment but power exists.LF prospect = Bobby Borchering C+ (2013) #
CF prospect = A.J. Pollock C+ (Sept 2012)
RF prospect = Adam Eaton C+ (2013)
OF prospect = Marc Krauss C- (2013) #
CF - Michael Bourn - fantasy gem, but lacks power.
RF - Jason Heyward - overrated for me, but coming along.LF prospect = Adam Milligan ^
CF prospect = Matt Lipka
CF prospect = Todd Cunningham
CF prospect = Mycal Jones
RF prospect = can't identify another corner outfield prospect
CF - Adam Jones - this is now the guy the Orioles traded for.
RF - Nick Markakis - really hasn't done it yet, but dangerous.LF prospect = L.J. Hoes (2013)
CF prospect = Xavier Avery (has already played this season)
CF prospect = Glynn Davis (2015)
RF prospect = Roderick Bernadina (2014)
LF - Daniel Nava - finally getting playing time.
CF - Jacoby Ellsbury - still a very good fantasy option.
RF - Cody RossLF prospect = Brandon Jacobs (2014)
CF prospect = Jackie Bradley (2013)
CF prospect = Kolbrin Vitek (2015)
RF prospect = Bryce Brentz (2013) #
RF prospect = Juan Carlos Linares (late 2012 or 2013)
CF - Tony Campana - he can fly if he can get on base-no power.
CF - Joe Mather - not much power here
CF - Reed Johnson - good fourth outfielder
RF - David DeJesusLF prospect = Brett Jackson (possibly late 2012)
CF prospect = Brett Jackson
CF prospect = Matt Szczur (2013)
CF prospect = Jae-Hoon Ha (2013)
CF prospect = Dave Sappelt (2012)
RF prospect = Reggie Golden (2014)
CF - Alejandro De Aza - good hitter with a little pop.
RF - Alex Rios - candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.LF prospect = none really available for left corner
CF prospect = Keenyn Walker (2015)
CF prospect = Jared Mitchell (2013)#
RF prospect = Trayce Thompson (2013) #
LF - Chris Heisey - has not been the player expected
CF - Drew Stubbs - stolen bases and little else
RF - Jay Bruce - a complete player with powerLF prospect =
CF prospect = Ryan LaMarre (2013)
RF prospect = Yorman Rodriguez (2015)
LF - Shelley Duncan - has power, but can't hit for average/brutal outfielder.
CF - Michael Brantley - finally showing he can play-took a while.
RF - Shin-Soo Choo-complete player, but not a huge home-run threat.LF prospect = Nick Weglarz I value him higher than Indians value him #
CF prospect = Luigi Rodriguez (2014) #
CF prospect = LeVon Washington (2015)
RF prospec t= ? the cupboard is bare
CF Dexter Fowler - can surprise with power.
CF Eric Young, Jr.
RF Michael Cuddyer - I sure expected more at Coors.LF prospect = Charlie Blackmon (late 2012)
LF prospect = Corey Dickerson (2014) #
CF prospect = Rafael Ortega (2014)
RF prospect = Tim Wheeler (late 2012) #
RF prospect = Kent Matthes (2013) #
RF prospect = Kyle Parker (2014) #
LF - Delmon Young - streaky at best, but has some pop.
CF - Austin Jackson - what a year-big comeback.
RF - Brennan Boesch - career has been streaky so far.LF prospect= Tyler Collins (2014)
LF prospect= Danry Vazquez (2015)
CF prospect= Tyler Gibson (2016)
CF prospect= Daniel Fields (2014)
RF prospect= Avisail Garcia (2014)
CF - Jordan Schafer - speed without power.
RF - Brian Bogusevic - no power for a corner outfielder.LF prospect = none
CF prospect = George Springer (2014) #
RF prospect = Domingo Santana (2013) #
RF prospect = Ariel Ovando (2015)
CF - Jarrod Dyson - a speed demon with little to no power.
RF - Jeff Francoeur - We are seeing the real Jeff Francoeur.LF prospect = David Fletcher (2014)
LF prospect = David Lough (2013)
CF prospect = Bubba Starling (2014) #
CF prospect = Brett Eibner (2014) #-
RF prospect = Wil Myers (2012 late or 2013) #
RF prospect = Jorge Bonifacio (2015)
CF - Mike Trout - not enough words to describe his present and future.
CF - Peter Bourjos - speed with little power, but some.
RF - Torii Hunter - still can get loft on ball.LF prospect =? (Trout or Bourjos move there next year)
CF prospect = Jeremy Moore (2014-out with hip injury now)
CF prospect = Travis Witherspoon (2014) ^
RF prospect = Ronald Grichuk (2014)+2013 we could see Trumbo at 3B, Trout in LF, Bourjos in CF and Hunter in RF
LF - Bobby Abreu - fits well in platoon.
CF - Matt Kemp - power will return.
RF - Andre Ethier - centers the ball with authority.LF prospect = Joc Pederson ((2015)
LF prospect = Scott Van Slyke (2012) ^
CF prospect = James Baldwin (2015)
RF prospect = Alfredo Silverio (2015) # (out indefinitely after car accident)
RF prospect = Jonathan Garcia (2014) ^
RF prospect = Alex Castellanos (2013)
CF - Justin Ruggiano
RF - Giancarlo Stanton - mammoth power-watch out when he returns.LF prospect = Christian Yelich (2013) #
LF prospect = Kyle Jensen (2014) ^
CF prospect = Scott Cousins (2013 if ever)
CF prospect = Kevin Mattison (2012)
CF prospect = Jesus Solorzano (2015)
RF prospect = Marcell Ozuna (2014)
CF - Nyjer Morgan
CF - Carlos Gomez
RF - Corey Hart - I still like what he brings but he's inconsistent.
RF - Norichika AokiLF prospect = Caleb Gindl (2012 late or - 13)
LF prospect = Kentrail Davis (2013)
LF prospect = Kris Davis (2013)
CF prospect = Logan Schafer (2012 late)
RF prospect = Michael Reed (2015)
CF - Denard Span - nice overall game, no power.
RF - Ben Revere - see Denard Span.LF prospect = none
CF prospect = Aaron Hicks (2014)
CF prospect = Max Kepler (2015)
RF prospect = Joe Benson (2012 late)
RF prospect = Oswaldo Arcia (2014)
LF - Kirk Nieuwenhuis
CF - Andres Torres and Nieuwenhuis
RF - Lucas Duda - I thought he would show even more home run power.LF prospect = Juan Lagares (2013)
CF prospect = Brandon Nimmo (2014)
CF prospect = Matt den Dekker (2013)
CF prospect = Darnell Ceciliani (2014)
RF prospect = Cesar Puello (3013)
RF prospect = Cory Vaughn (2014) ^
LF - Andruw Jones - has a new career off the bench in NY.
CF - Curtis Granderson - a fabulous source of power.
RF - Nick Swisher - still can take the ball deep.LF prospect = Ramon Flores (2014)
CF prospect = Mason Williams (2015)
CF prospect = Ravel Santana (2015)
CF prospect = Slade Heathcott (late 2012 or 2013)
RF prospect = Zoilo Almonte (2013) ^
LF - Jonny Gomes
CF - Yoenis Cespedes - kills fastballs - why throw him one?
RF - Josh Reddick - what a great surprise - power is real.CF prospect = Michael Choice* #
CF prospect = Grant Green
CF prospect = Jermaine Mitchell
CF prospect = Aaron Shipman
RF prospect = Michael Choice* #
RF prospect = Michael Taylor ^
*could play CF, RF or 1B
LF - John Mayberry, Jr.
CF - Shane Victorino
RF - Hunter Pence - a really underrated power hitter.LF prospect = Larry Greene (2015)
LF prospect = Leandro Castro (2013)
CF prospect = Jiwan James (2014)
CF prospect = Carlos Tocci (2016)
RF prospect = Aaron Altherr (2015)
CF - Andrew McCutchen - incredible season with home run power.
RF - Jose Tabata - yet to produce as a corner.LF prospect = Robbie Grossman (2013)
CF prospect = Starling Marte (2012 late) #
RF prospect = Josh Bell (2015)
CF - Jon Jay
RF - Carlos Beltran - still hitting home runsLF prospect = Lance Jeffries (2016)
CF prospect = Charlie Tilson (2015-currently out with injury)
CF prospect = C.J. McElroy (2016)
CF prospect = Adron Chambers (2013)
RF prospect = Oscar Taveras (2013) #
CF - Cameron Maybin - A huge disappointment at the plate.
RF - Will Venable
RF - Chris Denorfia - a very underrated player but little power.LF prospect = Jaff Decker (2013) ^
CF prospect = Blake Tekotte (2014)
CF prospect = Raymond Fuentes (2014)
CF prospect = Donavan Tate (2014)
RF prospect = Rymer Liriano (2014) #
CF Angel Pagan
RF Gregor BlancoLF prospect= Leonardo Fuentes (2016)
CF prospect= Gary Brown (2113)
CF prospect= Chuckie Jones (2015)
CF prospect= Jesus Galindo (2015)
RF prospect= Francisco Peguero (20013)
RF prospect= Jarrett Parker (2014) ^
CF - Michael Saunders - tremendous improvement this year.
CF - Franklin Gutierrez (now injured)
RF – Ichiro SuzukiLF prospect = Vinnie Catricala (2013)**
LF prospect = Guillermo Pimentel (2015)
LF prospect = Jaban Blash (2014) ^
CF prospect = none
RF prospect = Phillips Castillo (2016) #
RF prospect = Chih-Hsien Chiang (2013)
RF prospect = Johermyn Chavez (2013)** could also play 3B and 1B
++ current Major Leaguer Carlos Peguero may figure here
CF – B.J. Upton - has spurts, but disappoints again
RF - Ben Zobrist - starting to come around - even w/powerLF prospect = Brandon Guyer (2012-has already played)
CF prospect = Mikie Mahtook (2013)
CF prospect = Kes Carter (2016)
RF prospect = Drew Vettleson (2014)
RF prospect = Brandon Guyer (2012-has already played)
LF - David Murphy
CF - Craig Gentry
CF - Leonys Martin
RF - Nelson Cruz hits his homers in streaks - waiting for one this year.LF prospect = Mike Olt #
CF prospect = Jordan Akins (2016)
CF prospect = Angel Beltre (2013)
RF prospect = Jake Skole (2015)*Olt is now playing OF, 1B and 3B
CF - Colby Rasmus - much improved over last season.
RF - Jose Bautista - now injured, but homers are his game.LF prospect = Dwight Smith, Jr. (2016)
CF prospect = Anthony Gose (2012)
CF prospect = Jake Marisnick (2013)
RF prospect = Moises Sierra (2012) #
RF prospect = Jacob Anderson (2015)
CF - Bryce Harper - we haven't seen what he is capable of producing.
RF - Mike Morse - when healthy he's just getting better and better.LF prospect = Destin Hood (2013)
CF prospect = Brian Goodwin (2014) ^
CF prospect = Michael Taylor (2014)
CF prospect = Eury Perez (2013)
RF prospect = was Bryce Harper
^ - less power potential than those marked #, but some promise
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS LF B/C+ CF C+/C+ RF B-/C+
LF - Jason Kubel - has brought surprising power and solid defense.CF – Chris Young - struggles at the plate, but power is available.
RF – Justin Upton - huge disappointment but power exists.LF prospect = Bobby Borchering C+ (2013) #
CF prospect = A.J. Pollock C+ (Sept 2012)
RF prospect = Adam Eaton C+ (2013)
OF prospect = Marc Krauss C- (2013) #
ATLANTA BRAVES LF B/C CF B/C RF C/?
LF - Martin Prado - outstanding hitter, but little power.CF - Michael Bourn - fantasy gem, but lacks power.
RF - Jason Heyward - overrated for me, but coming along.LF prospect = Adam Milligan ^
CF prospect = Matt Lipka
CF prospect = Todd Cunningham
CF prospect = Mycal Jones
RF prospect = can't identify another corner outfield prospect
BALTIMORE ORIOLES LF D/C CF A/C RF B-/C
LF - Ryan FlahertyCF - Adam Jones - this is now the guy the Orioles traded for.
RF - Nick Markakis - really hasn't done it yet, but dangerous.LF prospect = L.J. Hoes (2013)
CF prospect = Xavier Avery (has already played this season)
CF prospect = Glynn Davis (2015)
RF prospect = Roderick Bernadina (2014)
BOSTON RED SOX LF C/B- CF B+/ C RF C/B
LF - Carl Crawford - we'll have to wait and see.LF - Daniel Nava - finally getting playing time.
CF - Jacoby Ellsbury - still a very good fantasy option.
RF - Cody RossLF prospect = Brandon Jacobs (2014)
CF prospect = Jackie Bradley (2013)
CF prospect = Kolbrin Vitek (2015)
RF prospect = Bryce Brentz (2013) #
RF prospect = Juan Carlos Linares (late 2012 or 2013)
CHICAGO CUBS LF B/B- CF C-/B RF C/C
LF - Alfonso Soriano - Power can't be denied.CF - Tony Campana - he can fly if he can get on base-no power.
CF - Joe Mather - not much power here
CF - Reed Johnson - good fourth outfielder
RF - David DeJesusLF prospect = Brett Jackson (possibly late 2012)
CF prospect = Brett Jackson
CF prospect = Matt Szczur (2013)
CF prospect = Jae-Hoon Ha (2013)
CF prospect = Dave Sappelt (2012)
RF prospect = Reggie Golden (2014)
CHICAGO WHITE SOX LF B-/? CF B-/C RF B/B-
LF - Dayan Viciedo - has had good spurts with more to come.CF - Alejandro De Aza - good hitter with a little pop.
RF - Alex Rios - candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.LF prospect = none really available for left corner
CF prospect = Keenyn Walker (2015)
CF prospect = Jared Mitchell (2013)#
RF prospect = Trayce Thompson (2013) #
CINCINNATI REDS LF C+/C CF C/C RF B/C+
LF - Ryan Ludwick - has occasional pop and is dangerous at homeLF - Chris Heisey - has not been the player expected
CF - Drew Stubbs - stolen bases and little else
RF - Jay Bruce - a complete player with powerLF prospect =
CF prospect = Ryan LaMarre (2013)
RF prospect = Yorman Rodriguez (2015)
CLEVELAND INDIANS LF D/D CF B-/C- RF B/C-
LF - Johnny Damon - done, thank you.LF - Shelley Duncan - has power, but can't hit for average/brutal outfielder.
CF - Michael Brantley - finally showing he can play-took a while.
RF - Shin-Soo Choo-complete player, but not a huge home-run threat.LF prospect = Nick Weglarz I value him higher than Indians value him #
CF prospect = Luigi Rodriguez (2014) #
CF prospect = LeVon Washington (2015)
RF prospec t= ? the cupboard is bare
COLORADO ROCKIES LF A/C CF B-/C- RF C/C
LF Carlos Gonzalez - a great park for his swing.CF Dexter Fowler - can surprise with power.
CF Eric Young, Jr.
RF Michael Cuddyer - I sure expected more at Coors.LF prospect = Charlie Blackmon (late 2012)
LF prospect = Corey Dickerson (2014) #
CF prospect = Rafael Ortega (2014)
RF prospect = Tim Wheeler (late 2012) #
RF prospect = Kent Matthes (2013) #
RF prospect = Kyle Parker (2014) #
DETROIT TIGERS LF B-/C CF B/C+ RF C-/C+
LF - Quintin Berry - great surprise.LF - Delmon Young - streaky at best, but has some pop.
CF - Austin Jackson - what a year-big comeback.
RF - Brennan Boesch - career has been streaky so far.LF prospect= Tyler Collins (2014)
LF prospect= Danry Vazquez (2015)
CF prospect= Tyler Gibson (2016)
CF prospect= Daniel Fields (2014)
RF prospect= Avisail Garcia (2014)
HOUSTON ASTROS LF B/? CF C/B- RF C/B-
LF - J.D. Martinez - a really good looking young player w/power upside.CF - Jordan Schafer - speed without power.
RF - Brian Bogusevic - no power for a corner outfielder.LF prospect = none
CF prospect = George Springer (2014) #
RF prospect = Domingo Santana (2013) #
RF prospect = Ariel Ovando (2015)
KANSAS CITY ROYALS LF C/C CF C/B (only with Sterling) RF C/B
LF - Alex Gordon - power we saw last year is now gone.CF - Jarrod Dyson - a speed demon with little to no power.
RF - Jeff Francoeur - We are seeing the real Jeff Francoeur.LF prospect = David Fletcher (2014)
LF prospect = David Lough (2013)
CF prospect = Bubba Starling (2014) #
CF prospect = Brett Eibner (2014) #-
RF prospect = Wil Myers (2012 late or 2013) #
RF prospect = Jorge Bonifacio (2015)
LOS ANGELES ANGELS LF A/A CF A/C RF B-/C
LF - Mark Trumbo - amazing season with huge power. +CF - Mike Trout - not enough words to describe his present and future.
CF - Peter Bourjos - speed with little power, but some.
RF - Torii Hunter - still can get loft on ball.LF prospect =? (Trout or Bourjos move there next year)
CF prospect = Jeremy Moore (2014-out with hip injury now)
CF prospect = Travis Witherspoon (2014) ^
RF prospect = Ronald Grichuk (2014)+2013 we could see Trumbo at 3B, Trout in LF, Bourjos in CF and Hunter in RF
LOS ANGELES DODGERS LF C/B CF A/C+ RF B/C
LF - Juan RiveraLF - Bobby Abreu - fits well in platoon.
CF - Matt Kemp - power will return.
RF - Andre Ethier - centers the ball with authority.LF prospect = Joc Pederson ((2015)
LF prospect = Scott Van Slyke (2012) ^
CF prospect = James Baldwin (2015)
RF prospect = Alfredo Silverio (2015) # (out indefinitely after car accident)
RF prospect = Jonathan Garcia (2014) ^
RF prospect = Alex Castellanos (2013)
MIAMI MARLINS LF C+/A- CF C/C- RF A-/B
LF - Logan Morrison – streaky - we haven't seen the real power yet.CF - Justin Ruggiano
RF - Giancarlo Stanton - mammoth power-watch out when he returns.LF prospect = Christian Yelich (2013) #
LF prospect = Kyle Jensen (2014) ^
CF prospect = Scott Cousins (2013 if ever)
CF prospect = Kevin Mattison (2012)
CF prospect = Jesus Solorzano (2015)
RF prospect = Marcell Ozuna (2014)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS LF A/C CF C/C+ RF B/D-
LF - Ryan Braun - For me, probably the best pure power hitters in baseball.CF - Nyjer Morgan
CF - Carlos Gomez
RF - Corey Hart - I still like what he brings but he's inconsistent.
RF - Norichika AokiLF prospect = Caleb Gindl (2012 late or - 13)
LF prospect = Kentrail Davis (2013)
LF prospect = Kris Davis (2013)
CF prospect = Logan Schafer (2012 late)
RF prospect = Michael Reed (2015)
MINNESOTA TWINS LF B/? CF C+/C RF C/C+
LF - Josh Willingham - would love to see him in hitter - friendly park.CF - Denard Span - nice overall game, no power.
RF - Ben Revere - see Denard Span.LF prospect = none
CF prospect = Aaron Hicks (2014)
CF prospect = Max Kepler (2015)
RF prospect = Joe Benson (2012 late)
RF prospect = Oswaldo Arcia (2014)
NEW YORK METS LF C/C CF C/B- RF B-/B-
LF - Scott HairstonLF - Kirk Nieuwenhuis
CF - Andres Torres and Nieuwenhuis
RF - Lucas Duda - I thought he would show even more home run power.LF prospect = Juan Lagares (2013)
CF prospect = Brandon Nimmo (2014)
CF prospect = Matt den Dekker (2013)
CF prospect = Darnell Ceciliani (2014)
RF prospect = Cesar Puello (3013)
RF prospect = Cory Vaughn (2014) ^
NEW YORK YANKEES LF C/B- CF A-/C RF B-/C-
LF - Raul IbanezLF - Andruw Jones - has a new career off the bench in NY.
CF - Curtis Granderson - a fabulous source of power.
RF - Nick Swisher - still can take the ball deep.LF prospect = Ramon Flores (2014)
CF prospect = Mason Williams (2015)
CF prospect = Ravel Santana (2015)
CF prospect = Slade Heathcott (late 2012 or 2013)
RF prospect = Zoilo Almonte (2013) ^
OAKLAND ATHLETICS LF C+/C- CF B-/B- RF B/B with Choice
LF - Seth SmithLF - Jonny Gomes
CF - Yoenis Cespedes - kills fastballs - why throw him one?
RF - Josh Reddick - what a great surprise - power is real.CF prospect = Michael Choice* #
CF prospect = Grant Green
CF prospect = Jermaine Mitchell
CF prospect = Aaron Shipman
RF prospect = Michael Choice* #
RF prospect = Michael Taylor ^
*could play CF, RF or 1B
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES LF C/C CF B-C RF A-/C
LF - Juan PierreLF - John Mayberry, Jr.
CF - Shane Victorino
RF - Hunter Pence - a really underrated power hitter.LF prospect = Larry Greene (2015)
LF prospect = Leandro Castro (2013)
CF prospect = Jiwan James (2014)
CF prospect = Carlos Tocci (2016)
RF prospect = Aaron Altherr (2015)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES LF C-/C+ CF A/C RF D+/B
LF - Alex PresleyCF - Andrew McCutchen - incredible season with home run power.
RF - Jose Tabata - yet to produce as a corner.LF prospect = Robbie Grossman (2013)
CF prospect = Starling Marte (2012 late) #
RF prospect = Josh Bell (2015)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS LF B/D CF C/C RF B+/A-
LF - Matt Holliday - storming at the plate lately - still has popCF - Jon Jay
RF - Carlos Beltran - still hitting home runsLF prospect = Lance Jeffries (2016)
CF prospect = Charlie Tilson (2015-currently out with injury)
CF prospect = C.J. McElroy (2016)
CF prospect = Adron Chambers (2013)
RF prospect = Oscar Taveras (2013) #
SAN DIEGO PADRES LF B/C CF C-/C RF C/B+
LF - Carlos Quentin - big time power in a bad hitters' park.CF - Cameron Maybin - A huge disappointment at the plate.
RF - Will Venable
RF - Chris Denorfia - a very underrated player but little power.LF prospect = Jaff Decker (2013) ^
CF prospect = Blake Tekotte (2014)
CF prospect = Raymond Fuentes (2014)
CF prospect = Donavan Tate (2014)
RF prospect = Rymer Liriano (2014) #
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS LF A/D CF C/C RF C/C
LF Melky Cabrera-another great seasonCF Angel Pagan
RF Gregor BlancoLF prospect= Leonardo Fuentes (2016)
CF prospect= Gary Brown (2113)
CF prospect= Chuckie Jones (2015)
CF prospect= Jesus Galindo (2015)
RF prospect= Francisco Peguero (20013)
RF prospect= Jarrett Parker (2014) ^
SEATTLE MARINERS LF C+/C+ CF B-/D+ ++ RF C/C
LF - Casper Wells - has some power, but bad park for his swing.CF - Michael Saunders - tremendous improvement this year.
CF - Franklin Gutierrez (now injured)
RF – Ichiro SuzukiLF prospect = Vinnie Catricala (2013)**
LF prospect = Guillermo Pimentel (2015)
LF prospect = Jaban Blash (2014) ^
CF prospect = none
RF prospect = Phillips Castillo (2016) #
RF prospect = Chih-Hsien Chiang (2013)
RF prospect = Johermyn Chavez (2013)** could also play 3B and 1B
++ current Major Leaguer Carlos Peguero may figure here
TAMPA BAY RAYS LF C/C CF C/C+ RF B/C
LF – Desmond Jennings - hasn't producedCF – B.J. Upton - has spurts, but disappoints again
RF - Ben Zobrist - starting to come around - even w/powerLF prospect = Brandon Guyer (2012-has already played)
CF prospect = Mikie Mahtook (2013)
CF prospect = Kes Carter (2016)
RF prospect = Drew Vettleson (2014)
RF prospect = Brandon Guyer (2012-has already played)
TEXAS RANGERS LF A/B CF C/C RF B/C-
LF - Josh Hamilton - if healthy, he's amazing (especially in Texas).LF - David Murphy
CF - Craig Gentry
CF - Leonys Martin
RF - Nelson Cruz hits his homers in streaks - waiting for one this year.LF prospect = Mike Olt #
CF prospect = Jordan Akins (2016)
CF prospect = Angel Beltre (2013)
RF prospect = Jake Skole (2015)*Olt is now playing OF, 1B and 3B
TORONTO BLUE JAYS LF C/C CF B-/C RF A/C
LF - Rajai DavisCF - Colby Rasmus - much improved over last season.
RF - Jose Bautista - now injured, but homers are his game.LF prospect = Dwight Smith, Jr. (2016)
CF prospect = Anthony Gose (2012)
CF prospect = Jake Marisnick (2013)
RF prospect = Moises Sierra (2012) #
RF prospect = Jacob Anderson (2015)
WASHINGTON NATIONALS LF C/C CF B/C RF B
LF - Stephen LombardozziCF - Bryce Harper - we haven't seen what he is capable of producing.
RF - Mike Morse - when healthy he's just getting better and better.LF prospect = Destin Hood (2013)
CF prospect = Brian Goodwin (2014) ^
CF prospect = Michael Taylor (2014)
CF prospect = Eury Perez (2013)
RF prospect = was Bryce Harper
MY CONCLUSIONS
If I am building a fantasy team, I strike quickly and select those few proven outfielders with power. Currently they are few and far between.The scarcity of power hitters becomes more acute in "only" leagues. The future of power hitting outfielders is not bright. Granted, the # and ^ above are only my opinion. However, I have very few players noted as having power.Some teams have virtually no power hitting prospects in their pipeline.Fans of a team that know their prospects better than I know them can argue my conclusions. However, even if there are more than 10% more power hitters than I have listed, the number is still very low.Outfielders are not the only source of power on a team. However, corner outfielders were once a very good source of power. That is no longer the case with every club.Follow me on Twitter @BerniePleskoff and at MLB.com in the Voices section.
