Fantasy Baseball Preview: First Basemen

Today, Burga and I take a look at the sluggers of the MLB: First basemen. These guys are generally going to be your Fantasy Team’s big bat. It’s a very strong position, as several other players could state their claim to make this list. In the end, here is what we got. Note: Kevin Youkilis was purposely kept off this list due to his impending move across the diamond to third.

Burga's Rankings:
Albert Pujols
Miguel Cabrera
Joey Votto
Adrian Gonzalez
Mark Teixiera
Ryan Howard
Prince Fielder
Kendry Morales
Justin Morneau
Adam Dunn

Key Points:
• With Pujols still being the consensus number 1, it’ll be interesting to see who finishes behind him in the rankings. Average Joe has Votto over Miggy, whereas I had them the other way around. I believe Miggy has a greater chance to surpass Pujols, especially in a better lineup than Votto, and he’s been around a little longer which gives them a slight edge over Votto in my book.
• Though Average Joe and I have the same players consisting our top 3, don’t be the one who underestimates Adrian Gonzalez on draft day. Playing in a MUCH better hitters park, in the middle of a studded lineup, this guy should be in the running for AL MVP and has the chance to unseat the first 3 if he hits the ball like people expect him to in Fenway.
• Joe has Justin Morneau 4 spots higher than me. If Morneau stays healthy then Average Joe might prove me wrong here by seasons end. However, Morneau’s history proves otherwise and he was limited to 81 games last year. This guy can rake with the best of them when healthy but in the meantime I’ll take a less risky pick here.
• Adam Dunn is always a 40 home run threat and one of my favorite players. His consistency makes him a great addition to any fantasy team and, unlike some other power hitters, his average won’t kill you. Being upgraded from Washington to Chicago will give him a hitter-friendly park and a stronger lineup, where he could thrive in his best year yet.

Average Joe's Rankings:
Albert Pujols
Joey Votto
Miguel Cabrera
Adrian Gonzalez
Justin Morneau
Mark Teixiera
Ryan Howard
Prince Fielder
Paul Konerko
Kendry Morales

Key Points:
• First base is an extremely top-heavy position, in that all ten of these players could be on an all-star team. Votto did win MVP last summer, but Pujols still is superior to Cincinnati’s first basemen. If you have the first spot, and you want the best baseball player overall, take Pujols
• Caution: Boston Bias. Cabrera is the best AL first basemen, but if Gonzalez can wrap some home runs around Pesky’s poll, and live off of opposite field homers and wall-ball doubles, don’t be surprised if their numbers are pretty similar.
• Justin Morneau and Kendry Morales should both bounce back from their injuries. And when healthy, Morneau is an MVP candidate (he already has one). So don’t forget about them.
• On the same note, take Teixiera with caution. His April struggles could hurt your team, but in the end his numbers will be MVP-caliber.
• Konerko makes the list, a no-brainer for me. Yes, he is inconsistent; last season was the first time since 2006 that his average was above .300. But, at age 34, his 2010 OPS was the best of his career. This is the only positions where a guy who it .312 with 39 home runs is ranked 9th at that position.