Article:2008 NL Team of the Future: Outfield

RULES - I will assemble a team of players to build the best team for the next five years.

- Salaries are not a factor.

- Whether or not the player will play for a major league team all five years or start for them is not a factor; therefore, i can select minor leaguers who may not be in the majors for two more years if I feel they are the best player to have. They will be starters on my team.

- The players do not have to be a certain age. Although, selecting Jim Thome may be a bad move because he would more than likely retire or fade very quickly.

Left Field: Matt Holliday

Holliday, now in his prime years, is good for 30 HRs and a high OBP. Adam Dunn has more HR power, but brings negative value to the field (lots of it) and on the basepaths. Since Dunn has "old player" skills, a big improvement in his prime probably will not come. Alfonso Soriano has never had the on-base skills to be an elite player, and he lacks consistency from year to year in terms of defense. Also, at 32-years-old, one should start expecting a decline in the next few years. Jason Bay would have been a yearly MVP candidate before last year if he did not play for the Pirates. Last year, one of the most well-rounded players in the game saw his production drop drastically. This was partially due to injury/rehab issues, but it was a big enough drop to be a major concern. By far, Holliday is the safest pick with the most upside at this position.

Center Field: Jay Bruce

This man is the future of the outfield in the National League. It could take a few years, but Bruce should be a 40-HR guy with an above-average OBP in his prime. Bruce may not have the defensive capabilities to stay in center, but his bat will be valuable at any position. At 21-years-old, there is no sense in rushing Bruce, but he already has the skills to play in the majors. Other CFs like Hunter Pence (older, less power), Justin Upton (too young, did not impress in majors), and Carlos Beltran (on the decline) all have weaknesses placing them below Bruce.

Right Field: Corey Hart

Last season, Hart showed a glimpse of what he could do. At 26-years-old, the next five years will be the prime of Hart's career. He plays stellar defense with 20/20 skills and an above-average OBP. Matt Kemp, three years younger, does not have quite the defensive nor the power skills of Hart.

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