BY ROB SHAW
sportsnet.ca

Remember the days when the game's best sluggers roamed the outfield? I'm not necessarily referring to the days of Willie, Mantle, and the Duke, but more recently Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ricky Henderson.

These days, the power positions are found in the infield, with second base more loaded than first base. Nonetheless, there are plenty of young talents in the outfield these days who offer the promise of fantasy stardom.

Here's a look at the top 30 outfielders in fantasy baseball.

1) Ryan Braun, Brewers

The talented Brewers slugger can do it all; he's a good measure above any other talent gracing the outfield.

2) Matt Holliday, Cardinals

So what if he couldn't do much in Oakland? All that matters now is that he bats next to Albert Pujols in a fine hitter's park.

3) Matt Kemp, Dodgers

His stock has soared over the last year or so because of his blend of power, speed, and average.

4) Justin Upton, Diamondbacks

In a sense, you're drafting based on potential with Upton, but then again, we're talking about freak potential here.

5) Carl Crawford, Rays

The fact that he's playing for a contract has me thinking that last year's big numbers are repeatable, even though he did slow quite a bit in the second half.

6) Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox

The top speedster in baseball, Ellsbury plays in a fine ballpark, bats in a solid lineup, and he's young and improving in all categories.

7) Grady Sizemore, Indians

It's all about staying healthy for this franchise player. I'm a little concerned about his lack of protection in the lineup, but that has almost always been the case for Sizemore.

8) Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

There are no comparables for this future Hall of Famer. If you want to hold your own in speed and average, draft Ichiro.

9) Curtis Granderson, Yankees

This is a little bit of a risky pick, but when it comes to possessing the tools, Granderson has all five of them. It should be fun to see his numbers soar as he dons the pinstripes.

10) Jayson Werth, Phillies

An underrated talent for the Phillies, Werth has the ability to go 30-30.

11) Adam Lind, Blue Jays

A rising talent for the Blue Jays, Lind has proven that he has major power. Whether he can sustain that in back-to-back years and maybe add a few steals is undetermined.

12) Nelson Cruz, Rangers

The combination of power and speed make Nelson Cruz a player worth drafting. He must now stay healthy for a full season.

13) Andre Ethier, Dodgers

I bet the A's regret trading this talent to the Dodgers for Milton Bradley. Ethier is the real deal and should offer solid all-around production (On a side note, it's interesting that Manny Ramirez will rank third in the Dodgers outfield).

14) Shin-Soo Choo, Indians

Finally given a chance to play everyday, Choo raised his game to become a mini Grady Sizemore. Should be fun to see what he can do with the potent Sizemore healthy and supporting him in the lineup.

15) Adam Jones, Orioles

The Orioles now have three young talents in the outfield and Adam Jones has the most potential thanks to his five-tool talent.

16) Nick Markakis, Orioles

He's basically a slugger who is still waiting to approach the 25-homer mark. Even if he doesn't, he offers fantasy managers plenty of value with his run production, high average, and decent speed.

17) Adam Dunn, Nationals

A great slugger to combine with Ichiro, Adam Dunn has 40-homer potential though be wary of his average.

18) Hunter Pence, Astros

The Astros are banking on Pence to carry the team while Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee are slowing down. He's got 25-homer potential with solid speed and a high average.

19) Shane Victorino, Phillies

The Hawaiian Punch lacks power, but he'll offer plenty of runs, steals, and a high average.

20) Josh Hamilton, Rangers

When it comes to raw talent, there are few players that compare to Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton. It's just a matter of staying healthy and sober. He's your high risk, high rewards option.

21) Carlos Lee, Astros

Lee regressed last season, leading to some reluctance to draft him early this season. Perhaps due to the Astros offensive struggles, Lee's run production was way down and his power has tapered off from recent seasons.

22) BJ Upton, Rays

Another risky selection, Upton has the ability to slam 20-plus home runs with 50-plus steals. He needs to regain his confidence to avoid another dismal season in the average category.

23) Jason Bay, Mets

The transition from Boston to Queens will be a tough one for this slugger. Not only does he join a club that seems cursed with injury woes, but he will have to hit the ball a few feet further to surpass the deep fences at Citi Field.

24) Manny Ramirez, Dodgers

There are plenty of questions concerning this potential Hall of Famer. Was his good vibes a few years ago a result of his ability or because of steroid abuse? He did not look very capable upon his return to the lineup last season after sitting out 50 games due to suspension.

25) Carlos Quentin, White Sox

The White Sox slugger was on the verge of a home run title a few years ago before an avoidable injury shelved him for the remainder of the season. Last year, Quentin dealt with the injury bug yet again while his average fell to .236. Nonetheless, at just 27 years old, the White Sox slugger is likely to bounce back this season.

26) Torii Hunter, Angels

Though he brought some negative attention upon himself with controversial comments during spring training, Hunter is at his best on the field where, when healthy, he can offer 30 home runs and 20 steals.

27) Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

The Pirates phenom enjoyed a stellar debut with 12 home runs, 22 steals, and plenty of runs scored. He's a decent sleeper pick in the middle rounds.

28) Nate McLouth, Braves

He's got that valuable combination of power and speed, but he is a streaky hitter who can cause some headaches throughout the season.

29) Jay Bruce, Reds

The major Reds phenom disappointed last season in Cincinnati. He looked a heck of a lot like Adam Dunn with his all-or-nothing swing. The good news is that he enters the season at just 23 years old and calls home to a fine hitter's park. 30-plus home runs is practically expected.

30) Raul Ibanez, Phillies

Only an injury could cool this Phillies slugger down last season. Unfortunately, injuries may be something we'll have to deal with as Ibanez turns 38 this summer.