We will be posting one of these articles everyday of the week until Opening Day…
1. Ryan Braun – A complete five-tool outfielder ever since he entered the majors, Braun has been putting up consistent all-star numbers for three years now. Only 26, Braun is entering his prime and only seems to be getting better. Deserving of a first-round pick, expect Braun to hit near .325, 35 home runs, 120 RBIs and steal 20 bases.
2. Matt Holliday – Formerly the best outfielder in baseball, Holliday’s average and home run totals have been declining slightly since his monster 2007 season. Still an all-star caliber player, Holliday will benefit greatly from hitting alongside Albert Pujols for an entire season. Holliday still has the ability to put up numbers close to his 2007 season, hitting .330, 30 home runs and finishing the season with 115 RBIs.
3. Curtis Granderson – His average declined greatly over the last two seasons as did the rest of the Tigers lineup. With his new powerhouse pinstripe teammates batting around him, Granderson is going to get a lot more at-bats this season barring injury. Johnny Damon hit a career high 24 home runs at age 35 last season, now Granderson get to take advantage of Yankee stadium and he only just turned 29. Hitting .290, hitting 45 home runs and stealing 30 bases is attainable.
4. Matt Kemp – Had a breakout 2009 season and will compete with Ryan Braun as the most complete outfielder in the National League. Kemp should have his first .300, 30 home run and 100 RBIs season and could put even bigger numbers. The centerpiece for the best outfield in baseball, Kemp will get a decent amount of RBI opportunities could score 100 runs for the first time in his young career. A solid second round pick who will go early in drafts.
5. Carl Crawford – He’s a base-stealing machine who hits over .300 when healthy and will chip in a dozen home runs. A great leadoff hitter who should score 100 runs this season, Crawford has been a productive speedster for years with no signs of slowing down. Should be drafted in the late third or early fourth rounds.
