Zach Abrams First Base Rankings

First base is extremely deep this season, like it is most years. However, this year especially, you can wait to grab a first baseman, and still snag a potential 30+ HR guy in the middle to late rounds. There are five guys on this list who can potentially be drafted in the first round, depending on team totals or preference. I have Howard as my 5th ranked 1B, due to his decreasing potency against left handers. His HR and SLG totals have been in a sharp decline against LHP, and I expect this to continue. Don't be fooled by last years average, as I also foresee another sub .270 batting average.

Two players who I think can be pleasant surprises this season in returning value are Billy Butler, and James Lones. The hype machine has been pumping Butlers name for months, and many are expecting 30 homeruns. Thirty Home Runs may be asking a lot, but a .290 90r 25hr 100rbi season out of Butler, would make many people do back flips.

Loney on the other hand may be at the short end of the Joe Torre line up musical chairs game he plays every year. Kemp MUST be brought into the heart of the line up, and Loney may be pushed down. I do expect him to continue to grow, and 20 home runs, and a .300+ average is not unrealistic.

If you see yourself on the short end of the first tier 1B run, dont panic, and draft another position. The Firsebase pool is very deep, and all the position scarcity fans will rejoice for now.

Poll

Is James Loney on your First Base Sleeper List?

Yes

31 votes

No

59 votes

90 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 9 comments |

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Comments

Yuke

Is over 5 players that will out perform him this year, these rankings must be ESPN face time. Can’t wait for the production version.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."

by fourfingerwoo on Mar 11, 2010 2:59 PM EST reply actions

five??

really? who? I could see a couple, but its one man’s opinion.

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by Ray Guilfoyle on Mar 11, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Just my oppinion

But I see
1. Gonzo
2.Mark Reynolds{he’s elligible}
3. Kendry
4. Billy Butler
5.Cuddyer

last 2 might be a reach but we’ll see.

But not knocking dudes work just trying to coment.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."

by fourfingerwoo on Mar 11, 2010 5:35 PM EST reply actions

Neither here nor there.

This is a moot point; Youkilis is unlikely to get selected as a first baseman anyways. He’s in the 5-7 range at 3B and that’s where he’ll get picked.

by ILLZ on Mar 11, 2010 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Rebuttle

I agree wth Reynolds, but did not include him in these rankings since he is eligible at more then one position.

Gonzalez is in one of the worse hitters parks in a terrible lineup. He also does not smell .300, and after his hot start only hit 40 home runs last year.

Kendry is risky, only one really good season, even though i believe he will put up good numbers, he is a risk, and not one I am willing to take when he is drafted.

Butler I am a fan of, but do not think he is capable of putting up 30+ HR’s or 100 rbis.

Cuddyer should not even be in this conversation..

Youkilis the past two years has averaged 28 hrs 105 rbis 96 runs .308 ave Also averaged 5 sbs. Many look at Votto and pat him on the back for his 10sb possibilities, so we have to do the same for Youkilis (7sb last yr). All these numbers cam in only 500 at bats. He has missed 20+ games in each of the last two years. Yes you can say he is injury prone, or a risk, but he had minor fluke injuries that many players endure over a long season. Youkilis is only 31, going into the prime of his career, and playing in a potent lineup. Ellsbury came into his own last year, and I expect Pedroia and Victor Martinez to play well through the year, which will only help Kevin. I respect your opiniion 4 finger, just wanted to share my thoughts. Reynolds I can agree with but think he is more valuable at other positions as is Youkilis, even though I included him on my 1b list

by ZachAbrams on Mar 12, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

Waiting on 1B

Due to it’s (better than ever) depth, my plan in drafts has been to wait on 1B. While it seems like a great plan, be careful how long you wait. Most teams are grabbing their second 1B earlier than you’d think to play at UTIL. I’ve done several mocks where I’ve ended up with Cuddyer or Loney. While these guys are not bad by any means, when other teams are playing Prince AND Kendry, you can find yourself at a significant disadvantage in HRs and RBIs.

by hayzer13 on Mar 11, 2010 6:55 PM EST reply actions

2B/SS

I think the key is that if you’re going to wait on 1B, you really need to get some high-level players at 2B and SS. Those positions drop off rather rapidly from the top players.

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by Jason Hunt on Mar 12, 2010 7:02 AM EST up reply actions