2009 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Outfielders

1. Seth Smith, RF, COL
The number one guy that nobody is talking about is the leader for the Rockies leftfielder job, Seth Smith. Throughout his minor league career he has been an on base machine. Plus he plays for the Rockies. Let me repeat that HE PLAYS FOR THE ROCKIES and he gets to hit in the launching pad we all know and love as Coors Field. You can draft this guy as your fifth outfielder but be assured that he may end up being your number two. If you missed out on Matt Holiday's breakout a few years ago then picking Smith is the way to redeem yourself this year.

2. Raul Ibanez, LF, PHI
This guy had 110 RBI's for the lowly Mariners last season as well as popping out 23 homers in the pitchers haven known as Safeco Field. However with a move to a loaded Philly's lineup in Citizen's Bank Bandbox, I mean Park, you may not find a better value then Ibanez. Ibanez very easily could put up .290 30 100 and you can get him outside of the top 30 outfielders. Jump on Ibanez now before the word gets out about what a massive potential steal he could be right here. He is a great fourth outfielder that will put up number two outfielder stats.

3. Andre Ethier, RF, LAD
If you haven't heard by now, Eithier hit .462 last September hitting in front of one Manny Ramirez. Fast forward to today where Manny has just resigned with the boys in blue and Joe Torre is already talking about hitting Eithier third right in front of Manny. Now don't expect him to sustain a .462 batting average but this may finally be the year that Eithier puts together a .300 30 100 year. His minor league stats point to this type of breakout happening, it is now time for him to put it all together. Draft him as a third outfielder with potential for much more.

4. Lastings Milledge, CF, WSH
The former top prospect of the Mets looks like he has found a home playing in our nation's capital. Although he had a modest stat line in 2008, he really started to put it together after the All Star break hitting .299 with seven homers and eleven steals. Now with an everyday job as the Nats centerfielder, a 20/20 season could happen as soon as this year. Draft him knowing that barring injury that this may be the year this Speedster puts it all together. And for those of you that play in keeper leagues he is one to stash away for future seasons.

5. Nelson Cruz, RF, TEX
This is the make it or break it year where we find out if Cruz can truly profile as a solid major leaguer or is destined to be known as Quadruple A player. Cruz posted ridiculous power totals in the minor leagues last season and then came up and posted a stat line of .330 7 26 in 115 late season at bats. Although he is known for his high whiff rates, he may profile this season as a poor mans Adam Dunn, a player that hits .250 but hits 35 home runs. He will definitely be a useful player for fantasy players to own this season.