Best late speed OF

[AussieDodger]

Gardner, Maybin, Escobar, Carlos Gomez, Desmond

Re: Best late speed OF

[mushman05]

No love for Scotty Pods? I was able to grab him for a buck as a 6th OF at auction this weekend and was pretty happy about it. He hit .303 with 75 runs scored and 30 SBs last year in just over 500 ABs. Can't really see anyone threatening him for PT in the Royals outfield this season, so a .290/80 R/40 SB really isnt out of the question.

[AussieDodger]

No love for Scotty Pods? I was able to grab him for a buck as a 6th OF at auction this weekend and was pretty happy about it. He hit .303 with 75 runs scored and 30 SBs last year in just over 500 ABs. Can't really see anyone threatening him for PT in the Royals outfield this season, so a .290/80 R/40 SB really isnt out of the question.

His average has been all over the place, and his SB success rate last year was only about 70%, which is when you start getting a red light.
There are heaps of players and scenarios that could push Podsednik to the bench, or off the team completely (they've only got $1.75mil committed to him).

1. Josh Fields takes his place in LF
2. Kila Ka'aihue makes the team at DH, pushing Guillen to LF
3. Alex Gordon returns to 3B, and Callaspo moves to LF.
4. The Royals decide Getz or Aviles or an OF prospect need the at-bats in LF.

IMO he is very much under threat for playing time, and his erratic performance might not buy him much of it.

[J.C.Fighter]

Carlos Gonzalez
--gap--
Juan Pierre
Julio Borbon
Nyjer Morgan
Rajai Davis
--gap--
Michael Bourn
--gap--
Austin Jackson

Carlos Gonzalez could potentially out-perform his MDP by a long long way.
Pierre is top of the next group because of his track record.
Michael Bourn is on his own at the next level because he strikes out too much for a slap hitting base stealer.
Austin Jackson looks like a bust waiting to happen, especially on a team that could be contending. The Tigers could replace him in a panic move if he fails early.

Extras:

Brett Gardner - has all but locked up a starting spot.
Dexter Fowler - sneaky power, gives himself good opportunity to run with a strong OBP.

Dude Pierre is awful as a LF, no arm strength at all. Chisox have plenty of OF's in camp and I wouldn't bank on Pierre playing the majority of the time.
Austin Jackson could possibly end up being a bust but he's been playing well this spring. It also doesn't hurt that he has Leyland's trust as the lead off hitter. Barring a complete meltdown , Austin should be at least solid this season.

I see alot of people hyping up Gardner but am I missing something here? I think he's a below average hitter. I'm saying the guy is a slap hitter that doesn't even do that well. Randy Winn was brought in for a reason , and it wasn't to watch Gardner play everyday.

[TheRock]

Since I'm done drafting, I'll just throw out all my sleepers.

I think Chris Coghlan is a sneaky late source of some speed. He's not a speed specialist like some of these other guys, but nor will he hurt you in every other category like they will. He looks to be hitting 2nd in a pretty good lineup in Florida so should see some good run scoring and SB opportunities. Probably won't steal 40 bases, but could easily swipe 15-20 while hitting .300+. Denard Span-like numbers available 60-80 picks later. Worth a late round grab.

[Cards07Champs]

Dude Pierre is awful as a LF, no arm strength at all. Chisox have plenty of OF's in camp and I wouldn't bank on Pierre playing the majority of the time.
Austin Jackson might possibly be a bust but he's been playing well this spring. It also doesn't hurt that he has Leyland's trust as the lead off hitter. Barring a complete meltdown , Austin should be at least solid this season.

I see alot of people hyping up Gardner but am I missing something here? I think he's a below average hitter. I'm saying the guy is a slap hitter that doesn't even do that well. Randy Winn was brought in for a reason , and it wasn't to watch Gardner play everyday.

And Manny has a freakin' gun....

C'mon, your arm in LF matters about as much as your 40 time as a C.

Pierre will get over 600 ABs. Guillen has committed to a 'whiteyball' style team this season and Pierre, with his insanely low K rate and solid BA, fits that mold perfectly. And while he can't throw, Pierre can cover a lot of ground out there and is a pretty capable glove man.

He's a SABRE nightmare, but that's not the type of team Guillen's trying to build. Guillen says his club's going to lead the league in SBs.

If you're drafting purely for SBs (i.e. a source of steals in the late rounds, not a solid OFer that happens to steal 30 bases), Pierre in the 23rd round of your average 10 teamer is a no-brainer. He's stealing 60+ bases this season and he'll only K about 30 times in the process. In a re-draft league he's a lot like Jacoby Elsbury but 200 picks later. His average will be acceptable and his Rs will be good. I'd rather have Morgan, but not 8 rounds sooner. Guys like CarGo and Borbon are better overall players but not guys I would consider 'late round' nor will he be as good a source for steals. Bourne is awful, Davis could be good, but doesn't have Pierre's track record and has a poor enough offense around him to cost him ABs.

[Cornbread Maxwell]

I am in the Pierre camp this draft season as well. He seems like the safest late OF speed pick with his ridiculously low ADP and situation in CHI. I don't like counting on an aging speedster, but at the same time he puts up a very strong case compared to many of the other guys discussed in this topic: plenty of ABs, a good OBP, and a manager conviced his team will lead the AL in SBs.

[sf05]

I really like Fowler to emerge this season.

[jsphlly]

Not much love for Rajai. Is it a playing time issue? He's younger then Nyjer or Pierre, he's not as hyped as C-Gon or Borbon.

Career Major League AVG of .280 and Minor League AVG of .305.
2008 AVG between SF & OAK: .242, but a BABIP of only .287
2009 AVG: .305, but a BABIP of .366

I don't think .290 is unreasonable to project?

Steals?

2009: 41 in 390 ABs
2008: 29 in 214 ABs (OAK & SF)
2007: 49 in 401 ABs (SF, PIT, AAA)


EDIT: And he's got RICKEY now!!!

[SignGuy]

Michael Brantley could be a nice late option in deeper leagues if he keeps a spot all season. So far he is on opening day roster with Branyan on DL