Rankings Update: First Base
Back, but probably not better than ever. If the rankings are crazy, blame my cold.
Gigantic Two
Albert Pujols
Miguel Cabrera
I knew it felt wrong to slide Cabrera in front of Pujols, so after some evaluation, Pujols is back on top. I expect Miggy to have better power numbers going forward, but the steals that Albert may grab you will make up for it.
Big Three
Joey Votto
Justin Morneau
Adrian Gonzalez
Three lefties, and three big performers. All of these guys will put up similar numbers, but I think Votto comes out ahead. But, really, can you go wrong with any of them?
Strong Contributors
Ryan Howard
Adam Dunn
Kevin Youkilis
Paul Konerko
Howard has been disappointing, Konerko has been a nice surprise, while Dunn and Youk continue to do their thing. Losing Pedroia, and possibly Victor for some time could hurt Youkilis’ value. …
I am Jack’s First Baseman
Prince Fielder
Mark Teixeira
Garrett Jones
Troy Glaus
It pains me to do it, but Fielder and Teixeira need to drop down this far. Fielder isn’t even driving in runs, something you’d expect even if he wasn’t hitting homers. I’m really close to putting Jones above Teixeira. Maybe Glaus, too.
Writers Block
Billy Butler
Nick Swisher
Adam LaRoche
Big AVG from Butler, but it’s a bit too empty. Swisher has been great, and LaRoche needs to bring his strikeout rate down.
The Rest of ‘Em
Luke Scott
Justin Smoak
Aubrey Huff
David Ortiz
Derrek Lee
Carlos Pena
Russell Branyan
Ike Davis
Lance Berkman
I know this group is huge, but that’s how close these guys are. You could take any one of these guys over another, and I couldn’t chew you out for it.
Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.
umm, Daric Barton? Am I missing something here? he beats plenty of these guys in WAR this year, and is only 24
His strengths are sac bunts and OBP, has no power and therefore no fantasy value for a first baseman.
yes, you are missing the fact that this is about fantasy baseball….
Which 1B makes the best keeper? Teixeira, Howard or Votto? I’m looking at the next 3-5 years.
Votto by a long shot I’d imagine.
Votto, and I don’t think it’s all that close.
Wow. Interesting… Thanks!
forgot Loney, im guessing hes in writers block or rest of em anyways.
Where are the OF rankings? I’m curious to see what you guys think of Rios and several others.
Grab LaRoche now before he turns into Jack’s First Baseman. As close to a sure fire post all-star stud as you can get off waivers if available.
Damn right. Too bad he won’t stay in lefty friendly Chase Field, but at least he’ll be on a contender. LaRoche is money in the bank in terms of quality 2nd half performers.
Are you saying you would actually trade Prince Fielder or Mark Teixeira for Paul Konerko in a one-year league?
Also–definitely agree on LaRoche.
I know Loney doesn’t project as a typical 1B, but he’s putting up good stats in every category except homers, and deserves to be on that list in place of a number of names low on that list. If you have a 2B or Catcher that hits for power, you can safely put Loney in as your 1B and have the net effect be equal. I think he’s very underrated this year, and would be a top MI option if he qualified.
How about Gaby Sanchez? He seems like he is worthy of the “Rest of Them.”
Agreed. I’d put him ahead of Ike at the moment.
so if berkman catches fire, is he gonna stay at the bottom?
Eh i wouldn’t give up on Tex yet..last week 3 hrs 10 rbi’s and has a 9 game hitting streak going. he also has hit around .270 since his horrible april. not top play like but looks like tex is finally waking up and hitting for more power.
I believe May was his best month in 2009 when he went about a dozen HR. He hasn’t really caught on fire in May and this is slump is quite elongated, we’re talking about a down year overall.
true…he didn’t have a monster may like last year …but his april last year was still much better than it was this year. Then again power numbers have been down across the league. Tex i feel isn’t in slump mode anymore but he’s still not red hot like a good part of last year
How has Howard been disappointing? He’s batting .295 and is on pace for over 100 R and 100 RBI in what is normally his terrible half of the season. I get that we expect 40 HR and 140 RBI from him, but he’s got a line of .312/7/22 in the last month which puts him right on that pace.
I will bet my left nut that Prince ends the season with better numbers than Glaus or Jones. He mashed last year in the second half and has hit plenty of bombs in June, they just haven’t been with guys on base yet. This site is turning into a joke. Are you seriously advising your readers to value Konerko, Dunn, Garrett Freaking Jones and Troy Glaus on the same level as Tex and Prince? This is ridiculous.