Continuing the series of AL and NL-only positions rankings, here are the first base rankings. Everyone knows that first base is the deepest position come draft day, so I was reading a recent Daily Dose over at Baseball by Paul written by Paul Sporer who wrote that since power is becoming more and more scarce, and first base has the most power hitters, that fantasy owners should draft two first baseman early and place one at the corner spot on your roster. Just something to consider.
NL-Only
Albert Pujols, STL
Joey Votto, CIN
Ryan Howard, PHI
Prince Fielder, MIL
Carlos Lee, HOU
Buster Posey, SFG
Carlos Pena, CHC
Adam Laroche, WAS
Gaby Sanchez, FLA
Ike Davis, NYM
Aubrey Huff, SFG
James Loney, LAD
AL-only rankings and commentary after the jump:
AL-only
Miguel Cabrera, DET
Adrian Gonzalez, BOS
Mark Teixeira, NYY
Adam Dunn, CHW
Kevin Youkilis, BOS
Kendry Morales, LAA
Paul Konerko, CHW
Justin Morneau, MIN
Billy Butler, KC
Derrek Lee, BAL
Justin Smoak, SEA
Mike Napoli, TEX
In the NL, I think both Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder can have a bounce back year in the power department, and the Astros Carlos Lee should do a better job in the BA department to go along with his 25-30 HR power.
A couple guys who could move up their respective lists this year are the Mets Ike Davis and Marlins Gaby Sanchez, along with Justin Smoak and Billy Butler in the AL. Smoak will be in his first full season hitting in Seattle and has a chance to prove his naysayers wrong this year. He will have a hard time showing his power in the pitcher friendly Safeco Field.
Buster Olney recently predicted that Adrian Gonzalez could go 48-145-.320 hitting in the Red Sox excellent lineup this season. I could see 40 HRs should he be healthy all year.
I am curious if Aubrey Huff's 2010 season was a fluke, and think he will come back to earth this year. The Dodgers first baseman James Loney has to prove he can hit for more power, or he could follow the footsteps of Russell Martin out of LA in 2011.
Can Carlos Pena hit 40 HRs in the NL? I think he could hitting in Wrigley for 81 games.