We continue today with our 2012 Fantasy First Base Prospect Rankings. Keep in mind these rankings are for fantasy purposes, and JUST for 2012. If you want more of a scout's take on prospect rankings, I suggest you check out John Sickel's site, Minor League Ball.
I will also provide rankings for those of you in keeper and dynasty leagues, so let's get started with our First Base Prospect Rankings for 2012:
1. Yonder Alonso, SD
2. Bryan LaHair, CHC
3. Anthony Rizzo, SD
4. Mat Gamel, MIL
5. Brandon Allen, OAK
6. Chris Parmalee, MIN
7. Matt Adams, STL
8. David Cooper, TOR
9. Chris Carter, OAK
10. Matt Davidson, ARI
11. Neftali Soto, CIN
12. Tyler Moore, WAS
13. Lars Anderson, BOS
14. Clint Robinson, KC
15. Brett Pill, SFG
16. Allan Dykstra, NYM
17. Chris Marrero, WAS
18. Scott Van Slyke, LAD
I wrote an article analyzing Cardinals first base prospect Matt Adams over at Minor League Ball yesterday, so click the link and check it out.
My thoughts on a few of these first base prospects, and my keeper/dynasty league rankings after the jump:
The problem with prospect rankings for fantasy purposes is that some of these guys won't sniff playing time in 2012, but sometimes you just never know when someone will have a breakout season at a higher level and get the call.
Saturday's trade between the Reds and Padres certainly makes Yonder Alonso relevant for 2012 fantasy drafts, as he should get the majority of playing time in San Diego. The Padres are rumored to be listening on offers for Anthony Rizzo, and new GM Josh Byrnes was quoted saying that his mobile phones has been "blowing up" since Saturday with teams asking for Rizzo.
The Cubs are rumored to be interested in Rizzo, since the two guys responsible for drafting him for the Red Sox, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, are now in Chicago. If Rizzo is traded, he will move up to #2 in my 2012 first base rankings, but if not, it appears Bryan LaHair will get the nod at first base in 2012. He has plenty of power as he tore up AAA last year, and appears to have solid plate discipline, but he is already 30 years old, so he may end up being just an organizational player.
Another guy who might get an opportunity to play first base in 2012 is Brewers prospect Mat Gamel. He has proven he can hit AAA pitching, but has struggled in limited at bats at the big league level. I think he just needs an extended look before we can label him a bust.
I like Cardinals first base prospect Matt Adams a great deal and am anxious to see how he hits in AAA in 2012, as he could be the Cardinals first baseman of the future. A month ago, Adams was just hoping to get some at bats at the major league level, but then Albert Pujols changed all that, and now things are looking up for Adams. He has plenty of power and can hit for average, so he could get a look as soon as 2012.
Keeper/Dynasty League Rankings
1. Yonder Alonso, SD
2. Anthony Rizzo, SD
3. Jonathan Singleton, HOU
4. Matt Adams, STL
5. C.J.Cron, LAA
6. Matt Davidson, ARI
7. Chris Carter, OAK
8. Chris Parmalee, MIN
9. Mat Gamel, MIL
10. Brandon Allen, OAK
11. Angelo Songco, LAD
12. Neftali Soto, CIN
13. David Cooper, TOR
14. Tyler Moore, WAS
15. Clint Robinson, KC
16. Joey Terdoslavich, ATL
17. Brett Pill, SFG
18. Lars Anderson, BOS
19. Allan Dykstra, NYM
20. Chris Marrero, WAS