National League Outfield (OF) Sleepers for 2014 Fantasy Baseball

March 17, 2014

Aaron Schooler analyzes sleeper outfielders (OF) in the National League for the 2014 fantasy baseball season. These sleepers can help you win your fantasy league.

After the marquee names have disappeared in your fantasy draft, it may be time to look for specific needs from the remaining outfield pool.  These three National League outfielders may be light on power and driving in runs, but high on speed and run scoring potential.  Each of these players is a bit of a gamble, but one worth taking as a third/fourth outfielder or bench help.

Angel Pagan

San Francisco’s offense really clicks when Pagan is healthy. Last year, the Giants became also rans as injuries took their toll on Pagan. At the top of the line up, Pagan is the best lead-off threat the Giants have and will be counted on heavily to return them to post season glory. When banking on health, many fantasy managers will be scared off because of the unknown.  What we do know is that in his last full season he hit nearly .290 with 95 Runs and 29 stolen bases.   That would put him as an elite outfielder if he could annually replicate those numbers.  Not known for big power, Pagan gets himself into scoring position with extra base hits including a ridiculous 15 triples in 2012.  Last year ended well for him as he hit an impressive .323 in the second half of the season.  San Fran has been good every other year lately and if the pattern holds true, Pagan and the crew will be ready for 2014.

Will Venable

Petco Park can be looked at in two different ways.   A huge park where deep fly balls go to die, or it can be thought of as a gap, speed hitter’s paradise.  Venable seems to be settling in to friendly confines as each year he has refined his skills with the bat.  In fact, last year his numbers were clearly better from a power standpoint more than doubling his HR total at home than on the road. Before his 2013 breakout, fantasy owners grew to expect little power, high K-rate and a middling average.  Venable surprised with 22 dingers to go along with 22 doubles.  His track record shows over the last four years you're going to get about 60+ RBI, 50+ Runs,  and 20+ stolen bases.  Along with his power development, Venable’s progress in hitting left-handers must be noted: he's gone from .174 to .231 to .276 over the last 3 years.  All in all he is solid choice for outfield depth for your draft if he slips late.

Ben Revere

The Phillies knew that they were going to get defense from Revere after the trade from Minnesota and he delivered.  Revere made some of the more memorable grabs early last spring.  However, after a slow start with the stick, he made a nice turnaround especially with the average (.305). This could be a sign that he has made a quick adjustment to switching leagues and should be prepared for the start of 2014. Another factor that keeps him in a prominent role is his ability to hit left-handers, meaning the Phils will not be tempted to platoon him.  Although the stolen bases dipped from 40 to 22, that was due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the second half of the season.  The Phillies will need to turn him loose to have a chance in NL East.  So his batting average, stolen bases and runs will be a plus, with HR and RBI being a minus.  He is still a young and developing player whose defense was initially ahead of the offense, but the stick looks to be catching up. Revere has enough question marks to drop in the draft, but he'll be a nice sleeper in the very late rounds.