We continue with our fantasy rankings in anticipation of the upcoming 2017 fantasy baseball season (which cannot get here soon enough). If you’re reading this and haven’t looked at our Top 20 Outfielders, Top 40 Outfielders, or Top 60 Outfielders articles, take a look before we continue with another 20 outfielders with the Top 60 Outfielders today.
Tier 7: Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good And Who Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too (Continued)
61. Josh Bell (Pittsburgh Pirates) - This late in a draft, when you're looking at the 61st outfielder, you're looking for upside. Josh Bell definitely has that, we just don't really know what he's going to do this year. Bell's biggest strength is his hit tool, he's someone that could eventually hit in the .290s-.300s every year, but I don't think he's there quite yet (though it's not outside the realm of possibility). Bell showed impressive plate discipline for a rookie last season, ending his 45 games with a .368 OBP and an impressive 1.11 BB/K ratio. Bell could hit around .275-.280 with 10-13 home runs and probably 70ish runs considering he'll be batting at the top of the lineup.
Where is Brett Gardner falling in these rankings? I was expecting a top 80 finish and for him to be ahead of judge.
I actually *almost* included Gardner. I just don’t necessarily see him as that particularly special any more. Maybe a .250 average, 10 home runs, 10-15 steals. Meh. I just don’t see the upside there. He’s useful, and of you wanted to take him over any of the guys at the end of the top-80, I wouldn’t argue with you.