Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
Ryan Braun is Sporting News’ No. 1-ranked fantasy outfielder entering the 2010 season, but after Braun, owners can make strong arguments for a few different players to fill second place. Kemp is one of those players, and judging by the way he is climbing in preseason mock drafts, he could eventually claim the No. 2 spot all by himself.
Why are fantasy owners enamored with Kemp? For Rotisserie leaguers Kemp’s across-the-board production is unique and valuable. Among players that stole 30-plus bases last season, only Kemp and Bobby Abreu had 100 RBIs. Kemp also chipped in with 26 home runs, 101 RBIs and a .297 batting average.
Kemp has shown a nice upward trend over the last three seasons in his key fantasy stats. And at 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career. It’s no wonder he’s the "Fantasy Player of the Week" and a sure bet to be one of the first outfielders drafted this spring.