Kemp, Matt

Context questions and Ryan Braun's fine finish in 2009 (.357 with eight steals from Sept. on) are the only thing that keep Matt Kemp out of the number one outfielder slot for 2010. At age 25 and coming off a 26/34 season, even more can be expected from the Dodger center-fielder. There's really no wrong choice between the two best fantasy outfielders in the game -- do you prefer a projected 35 home runs and 18 stolen bases? Or projected 30 and 30? Although Miller Park enjoys a reputation as a hitter's park, it's BPF rates as comparable to Chavez Ravine (which has always been a reasonable park for home runs). Both players are very durable, with neither missing significant amounts of time in their careers.

Kemp's 2009 numbers of 101 RBI and 97 runs came mainly out of the bottom third of the order, holding forth the promise that if he is moved up in the order better countables could follow. Speed, power and reliability for a probable contender is a formula for fantasy success. .305-100-30-100-30 in 600 AB