Fantasy Name Game - Crawford or Kemp?

Due to lack of content, I took some time to provide a fantasy baseball article that I wrote earlier this year for another site.. Hope you enjoy! More EHCC related stories to come in-season....

So I’m at work on a Monday morning, and I’m posed with this question… from my boss… Matt Kemp or Carl Crawford? My Boss is in a keeper-league as well, but with only 4 keepers. His last guy to keep is Crawford. It took me a while to dissect my answer, and try to see through my man-crush on Kemp, but let’s take a minute to breakdown the comparison:

Crawford – entering his 27 year.
Career highs (.315 average, 18 HRs, 81 RBIs, 104 runs, 59 SBs).
Biggest Fantasy Strength – Stolen bases.
Biggest Fantasy Weakness – Declining games totals. Never has had that “breakout” year. Doesn’t walk enough to score a ton of runs.
ADP (2009) – 30.

Kemp – turning 25 in September 2009.
Career highs (.342 average – 300 ABs, 18 HRs, 76 RBIs, 93 runs, 35 SBs).
Biggest Fantasy Strength – Potential 5-category player.
Biggest Fantasy Weakness – Only one full season under belt. Isn’t great at anything.
ADP (2009) – 39.

So the debate continues when you look into the potential lineups for Tampa and L.A… With Tampa, they have the power to back up Crawford (see: Pena, Longoria, Burrell, Upton). But, Crawford had a similar lineup last year, got injured, and didn’t post numbers that impressive before the injury. Is he a slap hitter? Is he capable of breaking out? Or has he peaked already?

In L.A., you struggle to find where Kemp should fit. Is he the leadoff guy? Is he a middle of the lineup guy? Joe Torre juggled around the lineup a lot last year to see what fit. Until Manny came along… Kemp and Russell Martin where no longer required to swing for fences. If the Dodgers can re-sign Ramirez, that opens everything up for Kemp to have a fantastic fantasy season. (edit: Manny has since signed with LA).

Personally, I’d go with Kemp. I feel like Crawford “is who we thought he was”. With Kemp, the sky is the limit with his swing and speed. I also have a man-crush on Mr. Kemp… Feel free to discuss or post your view.