Breakout Prospects: Outfield (part 2)

Denard Span (L/L) -- Twins -- Many forget that Span was slated to go within the first few picks in the 2002 MLB Draft. His bonus demands were said to be too outrageous and thus he fell to Minnesota at #20 overall. He cost himself almost a million dollars and a few years off of his career by making this mistake. After some much needed maturing while struggling in the minor leagues, Span has finally broken through on the expectations many had for him heading into that draft. Span is a real good gap-to-gap hitter. He will go to the opposite field when necessary and even lay down a bunt or hit the ball on the ground to let his speed get him on base. I believe he is one of the next top leadoff hitters in the game and especially in fantasy baseball. Span will steal 30+ bases and have an OBP of .360+ in most seasons. Although his power has not developed, watching him play and seeing that little swoop that he has at the end of his pull swing tells me he could go for 10-15 HR's in the big leagues. But for this year you can expect to see Span playing a lot of RF and some CF and being on base quite a bit driving opposing pitchers and catchers crazy.

Andrew McCutchen (R/R) -- Pirates -- McCutchen's rise to the majors is a long time coming. The Pirates have been touting this kid for so long some would believe that he is a 4 year veteran by now. The sad part is that McCutchen's rise has taken quite a hit the past two seasons as his power never really developed and a need to pull everything mentality has caused severe mechanics issues with his swing. For all of his speed, McCutchen also has got thrown out stealing way too much in the minors to be thought of as a top base stealer as many thought he would one day be. But on the bright side the Pirates need some impact players especially in the outfield this season. McCutchen knows how to get on base and can electrify in spurts with his all out play. I expect a fast start for him in 2009 as pitchers try and figure him out which they will. Whether or not he can adjust to major league pitching and not try and hit the ball out of the ballpark or pull everything he sees is another story. With plenty of AB's to be had, McCutchen should make for a decent late round selection and pad the stolen base and OBP numbers for your fantasy team.

Cameron Maybin (R/R) -- Marlins -- One of a few up and coming prospects who have true five tool ability. He has a big frame that hasn't quite filled out the way we all thought a couple of years ago but his Gary Sheffield like quick wrists still generate plenty of bat speed and power. His defensive ability alone will win him the starting CF job in Florida this year. Maybin has taken more walks since coming to the Marlins organization but still strikes out too much. He needs to learn to chop and hit the ball on the ground to get himself on base more often. Either way, Maybin is a 20/20 candidate this year and beyond. Some will draft Maybin in the mid rounds based on name recognition alone. Please don't let this be you. If you can get him in the later middle or late rounds he has great value but there are other players and frankly better prospects like the aforementioned Denard Span who will produce better numbers and be taken later on than the precious Cameron Maybin.

Wladimir Balentien (R/R) -- Mariners -- Those of you looking for a right hand hitting power hitter can look no further than Wladimir Balentien. This guy is a monster. His swing is so reckless, my ribcage hurts just watching it. Either way he generates so much bat speed and can crush a ball into the second or third deck of any major league ballpark. The bad news is that Balentien does not get on base nearly enough or hit for a high enough average to be considered a front level prospect. But I believe this is the season he becomes comfortable with the big league team and realizes his role in the Seattle offense and that is to drive in runs. Balentien will also surprise people with his ability to swipe a base. He could get 20 or so stolen bases early on in his career. I envision him as a lefty killer and a 20+ HR guy with plenty of upside in 2009.

Fernando Perez (S/R) -- Rays -- Here is a guy that nobody is talking about but I am officially intrigued. For starters, he is an educated man who attended Columbia University. Coaches rave about his ability to breakdown and understand the game on levels they can never dream. Perez is a worldly man who loves to tackle projects from archeology in Spain to writing a daily blog for mlb.com. On the baseball side, he has blazing speed and is making great progress in learning how to switch hit. It seems as if he is the forgotten man in Tampa Bay these days but I am a strong believer in the smart ballplayers always find a way to stick and excel. I expect Perez to take off Rocco Baldelli's role on the big league club this year. The coaches and fellow players for that matter will love having him around and it will not be long until he becomes an everyday player. If B.J. Upton misses the start of the season, that opportunity may come sooner rather than later.

Those are a few of the guys I have on my radar heading into spring training. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Post your comment below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com