Fantasy 40/40: 2010 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Who’s The Next 40/40 Club Member?
Who is the next ballplayer fortunate enough and skillful enough to become a member of the elite and prestigious 40/40 club? Which fantasy super stud will take that next step to fantasy greatness. For those curious out there, I am referring to recording 40 homeruns (HR) and 40 stolen bases (SB) in a single season. It has been done four times in history. Ever.
- 1988: Jose Canseco OAK (42,40).
- 1996. Barry Bonds PIT (42,40).
- 1998. Alex Rodriguez SEA (42,46).
- 2006. Alfonso Soriano WAS (46,41).
Who will be lucky number five?
I know three of the names on that list have been associated with PED’s or steroids. And with Soriano, you never know after all those injuries. BUT – I am a “glass-is-half-full” type of guy and think someone will get there again. Here are some players that I think that can reach 30/30 and with some work, may reach 40/40 sometime in the near future. Each guy will have their career high in HR and SB listed. To start, each player needed to be a major threat in at least one of the categories - I also took into account ballpark, age, upside, talent, opportunity, track record and lineups.
- Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA - (33/51) He’s a stud and has proven he can hit for power and steal 40 bags. His huge ballpark makes it difficult to maximize his power, but The Fish will be moving into a new home soon – maybe they make it hitter friendly, increasing Hanley’s chance to go yard. Think about if he was in Philly. Jeez.
- Ryan Braun, LF, MIL – (37/20) The Hebrew Hammer is young and produces ridiculous numbers already. He will hit 40 HR before his career is done and if he’s given the green light on the bases, you never know.
- Matt Kemp, CF, LAD – (26/35) Kemp is starting to hit his stride and maturing as a ballplayer. He’s built like a linebacker and reminds me of a more talented Brian Jordan. Athletic, fast and strong. He has a shot.
- Grady Sizemore, CF, CLE – (33/38) Everyone forgets that Grady Sizemore was the flavor of the week last srping after coming off a monster year. He’s healthy and hitting his prime years. Grady might bat 3rd this year, giving him some room to swing and to be more aggressive towards the ball.
- Justin Upton, RF, ARI – (26/20) Upton is only 22 and getting better daily. This kid projects to be a fantasy stud over the next 10 years and definitely has the potential to reach 40 SB, maybe 40 HR power will follow with age and maturation physically.
- Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX - (31/31) Already a 30/30 member, Kinsler plays in a great park to rake in and is hitting his prime. If Kinsler can ever stay healthy and grab 600 AB, this kid could do it realistically in 2010.
- Mark Reynolds, 3B, ARI - (44/24) He showed the power last year and also showed his base running ability, going 44/24 in ‘09. I don’t know if the 44HR or 24SB will ever be repeated, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt.
- Jayson Werth, RF, PHI - (36/20) The stars are aligning for Werth to have a career year this season. He is in a walk year and likely to command a pretty penny. This means he will invoke the greatness of “Willie Mays Hayes” on the base paths and run, run, run to inflate his stats. He likely will not re-sign with the Phillies since they have Dominic Brown waiting in the wings. He is playing in a little league stadium in 81 games which allows him to repeat the 36 HR. 40/40 in 2010? Maybe.
- Curtis Granderson, CF, NYY - (30/20) He has never gone over 30/20, but Granderson comes to the New Yankee Stadium and joins the lefties playing homerun derby. He hit 30 HR in Commerica so 35 to 40 isn’t really such a stretch. If he sees some time in the 2-hole, he can increase AB’s and SB opportunities.
- Jason Heyward, RF, ATL – (11/15) -Minors – I threw him in here based on what I’ve seen and read about him. Comparisons have crossed him with Dave Winfield, Cliff Floyd, Andre Dawson and many others. A good group to be compared to at age 20. He has at least 3 to 6 years before he has a shot.
Any thoughts? Who did I leave off? I tried to throw as many options, but am I crazy with some of these ideas? Please leave comments on what you think, I’d like to hear other opinions.
i think grady gets there first. he’s fixed his injuries and should post 30 homers and 40 sb this year.