2011: First Baseman

In Major League Baseball, the majority of power hitters come from the same position: first base. Why that happens, I'm not so sure, but in the overall player rankings for 2011, 4 out of the top 8 play at first base. Considering the fact that at first base you have players like: Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder, Joey Votto, and Ryan Howard (blog about him yet to be written). Other powerful first baseman Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn, Kendry Morales, Justin Morneau, and Kevin Youkilis are still fan and "fan"tasy favorites. But what is it about this position that draws the power? I'm not quite sure but I for one believe that first base is a key position for offense, defense, and everything in between. I know all Phillies fans will cringe when they read this, but look at a personal favorite of mine: Mark Teixeira. Yes, I know, he plays for the Yankees. But Tex has one four Gold Gloves at first base, carries immense numbers after the month of April, a switch-hitter, and lead the American League in runs scored with 113 this past season. After starting the season with a .136 batting average, I'd say that Teixeira is a great first baseman. (Possibly "shirt worthy"). First baseman make big money in baseball and they deserve it. They are often found around the clean-up position, or somewhere near it. Good luck to all the first baseman out there in the 2011 season.

Fantasy Outlook: First basemen really come easy to find. The top first baseman are all stated in the lists above and all are quality picks. If you really want to have a solid team in every position, look for the first baseman in the first or second round, and if someone like Adam Dunn still hasn't been chosen in the third round, get him for your utility position. Kendry Morales is looking to bounce back after a season ending injury during a celebration for a walk-off win. Miguel Cabrera may lose some playing time for his DUI, but we are still unsure about that. Adrian Gonzalez has stronger players backing him up in the lineup, so look for him to have a great season, he really should be a first round pick by anyone. I will keep my pick secret, because I know who will have the best season out of all first baseman, if you would like, feel free to guess, but please do not take him early.