A look at the top 90, also broken down into tiers:

Outfield gets labeled a thin position by most analysts, but we’re here to tell you it’s a goldmine. That’s because our list of underrated and overrated players is so long that there are tons of buying opportunities.

This is one-stop shopping because outfield has a vast supply of all the categories and there are bargains aplenty if you know where to look. Just don’t wait too long, or you’ll wind up with a yawner like Ryan Ludwick in your lineup.

If you don’t get any of the big three of Carl Crawford, Ryan Braun and Carlos Gonzalez, the second tier isn’t that far behind with a number of five-category studs who could be in the top three going into next season.

Let’s cut to the chase, because we’ve got quite a list to get to.

The sixth in the RotoAce.com series of fantasy baseball position rankings is outfielders, so let’s look at how they all fit together and where you might find some potential bargains or pitfalls in your fantasy baseball draft or auction.

2011 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings and Projections

TIER 1	Age	PA	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
1. Carl Crawford, Red Sox	29	660	.304	108	17	86	46
2. Ryan Braun, Brewers	27	674	.301	100	32	109	15
3. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies	25	652	.302	97	29	103	24
TIER 2	Age	PA	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
4. Matt Holliday, Cardinals	31	654	.305	95	25	107	11
5. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians	28	644	.298	92	22	95	21
6. Josh Hamilton, Rangers	29	570	.307	86	27	92	7
7. Matt Kemp, Dodgers	26	692	.278	87	27	92	24
8. Nelson Cruz, Rangers	30	557	.285	82	29	91	19
9. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates	24	663	.282	99	17	61	34
10. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks	23	647	.275	88	25	91	19
11. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays	30	694	.253	94	36	106	6
12. Jayson Werth, Nationals	31	651	.271	89	26	94	14
13. Jason Heyward, Braves	21	640	.284	92	22	90	13
14. Jay Bruce, Reds	23	643	.273	88	30	95	7
15. Hunter Pence, Astros	27	634	.280	82	24	88	16
16. Alex Rios, White Sox	30	626	.277	77	20	85	28
TIER 3	Age	PA	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
17. Andre Ethier, Dodgers	28	643	.288	87	24	92	4
18. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox	27	601	.287	87	6	58	50
19. Mike Stanton, Marlins	21	629	.255	84	35	98	7
20. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners	37	707	.309	93	5	49	34
21. Shane Victorino, Phillies	30	647	.277	79	14	77	31
22. Nick Markakis, Orioles	27	697	.293	89	17	86	7
23. Colby Rasmus, Cardinals	24	606	.266	86	23	83	14
24. Corey Hart, Brewers	29	611	.271	77	24	86	10
25. Chris Young, Diamondbacks	27	650	.251	84	25	88	24
26. Drew Stubbs, Reds	26	632	.253	82	21	73	35
27. Brett Gardner, Yankees	27	602	.275	94	5	48	47
28. B.J. Upton, Rays	26	628	.247	79	17	70	41
29. Delmon Young, Twins	25	641	.294	78	19	85	6
30. Adam Jones, Orioles	25	606	.278	77	20	82	11
31. Curtis Granderson, Yankees	30	540	.260	72	23	78	14
32. Carlos Quentin, White Sox	28	547	.259	81	28	89	3
33. Nick Swisher, Yankees	30	630	.256	86	28	86	2
34. Vernon Wells, Angels	32	631	.268	75	23	84	10
35. Torii Hunter, Angels	35	606	.271	75	21	83	10
36. Juan Pierre, White Sox	33	643	.283	85	1	44	50
37. Rajai Davis, Blue Jays	30	597	.279	75	6	59	47
TIER 4	Age	PA	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
38. Angel Pagan, Mets	29	612	.276	75	9	68	30
39. Jose Tabata, Pirates	22	649	.285	79	7	64	28
40. Dexter Fowler, Rockies	25	643	.278	88	9	54	25
41. Denard Span, Twins	27	668	.282	85	5	61	25
42. Austin Jackson, Tigers	24	658	.278	88	5	45	28
43. Jason Bay, Mets	32	601	.261	83	22	83	11
44. Carlos Lee, Astros	34	631	.270	75	24	83	4
45. Bobby Abreu, Angels	37	615	.264	76	14	71	21
46. Grady Sizemore, Indians	28	540	.255	75	18	65	17
47. Michael Bourn, Astros	28	620	.262	79	2	41	51
48. Travis Snider, Blue Jays	23	540	.265	69	25	80	8
49. Manny Ramirez, Rays	38	466	.284	69	18	78	0
50. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers	37	534	.295	72	15	73	2
51. Ryan Raburn, Tigers	29	578	.271	76	21	80	5
52. Luke Scott, Orioles	32	558	.265	76	25	78	2
53. Carlos Beltran, Mets	33	515	.273	68	17	70	10
TIER 5	Age	PA	BA	R	HR	RBI	SB
54. Peter Bourjos, Angels	24	584	.259	63	10	64	32
55. Julio Borbon, Rangers	25	550	.281	63	5	52	28
56. Coco Crisp, A’s	31	488	.265	62	7	49	28
57. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs	35	545	.263	69	23	75	8
58. Marlon Byrd, Cubs	33	607	.286	72	14	74	6
59. Michael Cuddyer, Twins	32	643	.269	79	16	75	5
60. Logan Morrison, Marlins	23	617	.277	80	10	73	3
61. Andres Torres, Giants	33	565	.261	77	13	61	23
62. Chris Coghlan, Marlins	25	621	.285	81	9	58	14
63. Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners	28	635	.257	69	14	68	22
64. Jason Kubel, Twins	28	525	.265	64	19	72	1
65. Will Venable, Padres	28	552	.242	63	15	60	25
66. Mike Morse, Nationals	29	487	.278	60	21	69	1
67. Tyler Colvin, Cubs	25	545	.255	63	21	69	6
68. J.D. Drew, Red Sox	35	535	.263	72	20	72	3
69. Seth Smith, Rockies	28	502	.279	69	18	70	4
70. Alex Gordon, Royals	27	589	.256	75	17	71	9
71. Raul Ibanez, Phillies	38	545	.263	63	15	71	3
72. Josh Willingham, A’s	32	516	.258	72	17	72	5
73. Cameron Maybin, Padres	23	558	.253	62	11	57	21
74. Michael Brantley, Indians	23	540	.270	59	5	48	23
75. Desmond Jennings, Rays	24	404	.266	51	4	36	26
76. Sean Rodriguez, Rays	25	509	.253	63	16	65	12
77. Domonic Brown, Phillies	23	431	.267	52	14	55	15
78. Nate McLouth, Braves	29	497	.251	63	14	58	15
79. Cody Ross, Giants	30	577	.265	63	18	69	6
80. Johnny Damon, Rays	37	579	.266	68	10	63	12
81. Ryan Ludwick, Padres	32	557	.255	67	19	70	2
82. Omar Infante, Marlins	29	630	.290	71	6	65	7
83. David DeJesus, A’s	31	582	.286	70	8	64	6
84. Pat Burrell, Giants	34	537	.242	65	20	63	0
85. David Murphy, Rangers	29	463	.275	55	12	59	10
86. Matt Joyce, Rays	26	452	.249	59	17	61	5
87. Ben Francisco, Phillies	29	421	.265	51	12	54	10
88. Carlos Gomez, Brewers	25	477	.245	50	6	44	24
89. Jeff Francoeur, Royals	27	557	.252	67	13	66	5
90. Garrett Jones, Pirates	29	448	.265	51	17	53	5

Overrated

Michael Bourn (ADP #27, RotoAce #47) is too much of a one-category player, as his average lags behind other elite base stealers and the Astros’ lineup limits his run-production capabilities.

Domonic Brown (ADP #59, RotoAce #77) is out with surgery on a broken hamate bone in his hand, but he was already overrated before that injury put a dent in his projections. Yeah, he’s a great prospect, but the Phillies may not have the patience that a lower-division team might have if Brown struggles in his first full exposure to major-league pitching.

Scott Podsednik (ADP #76, RotoAce NR) is fighting for a spot on the Blue Jays’ bench, so there just aren’t enough ABs here to make him even worth drafting.

B.J. Upton (ADP #20, RotoAce #29) continues to hold a spell on fantasy owners who want to be there when the 26-year-old finally blows up. It’s just too high a price to pay for a lot of steals when the average hasn’t shown any signs of coming around.

Delmon Young (ADP #25, RotoAce #30) had his career season last year with 112 RBIs, but he still doesn’t get on base enough to score many runs, has mediocre power and very little speed. Don’t pay for a repeat of the RBIs that is unlikely to come.

Curtis Granderson (ADP #24, RotoAce #31) was a major disappointment for much of last year before a late-season surge, but he’s not enough of a help in any one category to justify paying the big-name Yankee price tag.

Michael Cuddyer (ADP #47, RotoAce #59) hit just 14 home runs last year after 32 the previous season, so don’t overpay for power that may not return at age 32 in homer-challenged Target Field.

Andres Torres (ADP #49, RotoAce #61) was one of 2010’s greatest rags to riches stories, enjoying an incredibly rare age-32 breakout. As a general rule of thumb, don’t pay for career years, so expect a bit of a dip in his numbers.

Jason Kubel (ADP #52, RotoAce #64) followed up his .300-28-103 line of 2009 with a still respectable .249-21-92, but his inability to hit lefties (career .236 against southpaws) severely limits his ceiling, especially if he falls into a dreaded platoon.

Johnny Damon (ADP #69, RotoAce #80) is nearing the end after managing just eight homers and 11 SBs last year. The 37-year-old has to produce or risk losing ABs to younger Rays outfielders. Don’t pay for his name.

Nate McLouth (ADP #68, RotoAce #80) was having one of the all-time flop seasons, spending over a month in the minors and hitting .165 going into the final month before showing some signs of life in September – this from a guy who had averaged a 20-20 season over the three previous years. McLouth is worth a flier, but not as early as he’s being drafted in ESPN leagues.

Raul Ibanez (ADP #62, RotoAce #71) once again was the tale of two halves, hitting .243 before the All-Star break and .309 after. Ibanez still hits near the middle of a productive offense, but at age 38, the slumps will start to outweigh the streaks and there isn’t enough of any one category to make him worth what you’ll likely have to pay for the name-brand recognition.

Jonny Gomes (ADP #77, RotoAce NR) finished with a career-high 86 RBIs in his first season with 500+ ABs. Now repeat: do not pay for career years, especially not 30-year-old journeymen OFs.

J.D. Drew (ADP #54, RotoAce #68) is consistent … at sitting with an assortment of petty injuries and putting up mediocre fantasy numbers. If 20 homers, 70 RBIs and a maddening array of headaches is what you’re looking for, Drew’s your man.

Cody Ross (ADP #63, RotoAce #79) may still be getting a little too much love from his out-of-this-world postseason performance. It shouldn’t hide the fact that Ross annually arrives at his mediocre season totals on the strength of a few hot streaks like the one he had last October.

Carlos Gomez (ADP 78, RotoAce #88) can still cover center field and run the bases like a gazelle, but the guy can’t figure out a way to get on base. In parts of four major-league seasons, Gomez has yet to crack a .300 OBP. There are no signs that he’s learned anything yet, so look elsewhere to chase steals.

Underrated

Shin-Soo Choo (ADP #11, RotoAce #5) is the quintessential five-category star who doesn’t shine enough in any one category to make fans sit up and take notice. Now with the weight of a possible military service obligation in his home country of South Korea gone and Scott Boras in tow as his new agent looking for his next megadeal, Choo is poised to have a true breakout. Even if the breakout doesn’t come, it’s nice to be able to put .300 with a 20-20 in the bank.

Nick Markakis (ADP #36, RotoAce #22) was much like Choo as an under-the-radar five-category contributor until last year, when he slipped to 60 RBIs after averaging 100 over the previous three seasons. Entering his age-27 season and with a much-improved Orioles lineup around him, Markakis is a good bet to get back to where he was or even beyond.

Nick Swisher (ADP #41, RotoAce #33) is a rare bird – an underrated Yankee! Swisher found a way to raise his average 39 points last season while dropping his OBP by 12 points, by cutting his walk rate almost in half. If he can keep his average up while smashing his customary 29 homers in the middle of one of the best offenses in baseball, Swisher will be a steal. Even if the average drops near .250 like we project, he still is a nice bargain for his consistent run production.

Denard Span (ADP #50, RotoAce #41) battled an assortment of minor injuries last year and his average dropped 47 points from the previous season. If Span can get on base like he did in 2009 (.392 OBP), expect a lot of runs and steals – the 27-year-old was 26-of-30 on stolen-base attempts last year when he only had a .331 OBP.

Austin Jackson (ADP #51, RotoAce #42) turned in a remarkable rookie season, scoring 103 runs while riding a league-high BABIP to a .293 average. Some sabermetricly-inclined owners are staying away as they perceive Jackson to be “lucky,” but he always had high BABIPs in the minors thanks to his blazing speed and ability to keep the ball out of the air.

Magglio Ordonez (ADP #60, RotoAce #50) was having a nice bounce-back season before a broken ankle ended his year in July. There’s a lot of wear and tear on this 37-year-old body, but the .312 career hitter was flashing enough power before the injury to think that there’s plenty left in the tank.

Franklin Gutierrez (ADP #70, RotoAce #63) got caught up in the black hole that was the Mariners’ offense in 2010, seeing his average drop 38 points and his runs fall by 24. But the defensive whiz was successful on 25-of-28 stolen-base attempts, so if the ice thaws on the Seattle lineup and the average rises back to where it was, Gutierrez could be a major find this season. Our projection has him just hitting .257, but he’s a cheap source of steals with double-digit homers.

Julio Borbon (ADP #72, RotoAce #55) stumbled out of the gate with a 3-for-36 start last season, losing his spot atop the explosive Rangers lineup in the process. He finally showed what he could do in September when he hit .341 with 5 steals, 11 runs and 14 RBIs in 25 games. The expected breakout could come a year late, or he could just settle into being a nice source of steals.

Will Venable (ADP #70, RotoAce #65) put up one of the quieter 13-homer, 29-steal seasons you’ll ever see, thanks in part to playing half his games in the fantasy wasteland of Petco Park. Venable managed to hit six homers at home, so the late-blooming 28-year-old should again provide a lot of bang for the buck (literally, may be had for $1 in some auctions). His ceiling is more limited by his .154 average against lefties, so don’t get too excited.

Peter Bourjos (ADP #84, RotoAce #54) made headlines when he was called up in August to start in center field for the Angels, pushing perennial Gold Glover Torii Hunter over the right. But he only showed flashes at the plate, hitting just .204 with six homers and 10 steals in 51 games. The speed and power is here for a Drew Stubbs-like breakout, although we’d settle for the 10 HRs and 32 SBs we have projected to provide a nice return on a small investment.

Coco Crisp (ADP #70, RotoAce #56) squeezed in just 75 games between his usual slew of injuries, but he sure made them count this time. Once considered the second coming of Johnny Damon, Crisp crashed out with just 180 ABs and a .228 average with the Royals in 2009. Then it took him until the end of June to get in the Oakland lineup to stay, but he piled up 32 steals, 51 runs and eight homers. If you draft Crisp, be sure to get a solid backup, but Crisp can be an impact starter when healthy and worth the risk.

Jose Tabata (ADP #64, RotoAce #39) arrived in Pittsburgh without the fanfare of fellow top prospect Pedro Alvarez, but had a similarly impressive debut by hitting .299 with 19 steals and 61 runs in 102 games. Still just 22 years old, Tabata has the power potential to eventually turn into another Andrew McCutchen. In the meantime, Tabata’s an underpriced source of steals and more.

Dexter Fowler (ADP #67, RotoAce #40) should finally receive full-time ABs in the Rockies’ outfield – and look what that did for Carlos Gonzalez a year ago. Fowler doesn’t have the power for a full Car-Go breakout, but 25+ steals and solid peripherals amplified by the light air at Coors Field would make Fowler a solid value.

Michael Brantley (ADP #92, RotoAce #74) was a speedy on-base machine in the minors, so if he can hold down a spot in the Indians’ outfield, Brantley could provide an excellent return if you’re looking for cheap steals.

Josh Willingham (ADP #90, RotoAce #72) seems to be getting penalized for getting traded to Oakland, but Willingham has always played for teams with spacious ballparks (Marlins and Nationals) and still managed good power numbers. Think of him as a solid power option off your bench.