2008 First Base Rankings

It's time for the first basemen. 1B is a key position on your squad. If you don't have a good one you're in trouble. It's a good thing there are so many quality first basemen out there. 1B is also important on my team because I always want to own the power categories. I sometimes like drafting two 1B on my team and use one for my Utility spot. Enough talk, time to get right into it.

Top 15 First Base


1. Ryan Howard- PHI -I think Howard is the best pure power hitter in the game today. He will once again rack up monsterous HR, RBI and R totals this year. His AVG should be around .275 with 55 HR and 145 RBI. He is a freak.
2. Albert Pujols- STL -Albert has slipped a little in the last couple of seasons but is still the most feared hitter in the game. The Cardinals lineup has holes so he most likely won't have much protection. Still great numbers for Pujols: .313 AVG 39 HR 125 RBI
3. Prince Fielder- MIL -The only reason he isn't no.2 is because I want to see him do what he did last year again this year. I think he's going to be the most feared hitter in the league someday soon. Can't go wrong with him: .280 AVG 48HR 130 RBI
4. Lance Berkman- HOU-Berkman is as reliable as it gets. He had a slow start to '07 but came on strong and posted his usual numbers. No reason for that to change with an even more potent Astros lineup: .285 AVG 36 HR 115 RBI
5. Mark Teixeira- ATL -The move to ATL hurts Mark's numbers a little but not much. It's a bigger park but he hits in a good lineup. The young man is still a monster and eats baseballs. I like Teixeira to go for: .290 AVG 32 HR 110 RBI
6. Derrek Lee- CHC -We all know Lee had an off year last season after coming off the wrist injury the previous year. I like Lee to bounce back in the power department. The whole Cubs lineup couldn't hit last year and that just not going to happen again this year. With an improved lineup Lee's number will look like this: .325 AVG 30 HR 105 RBI
7. Justin Morneau- MIN -The young Twins first basemen is the best the AL has to offer at his position. He's a big lefty with power to all fields. The Twins lineup is also improved and with some added protection Morneau should have another big year. I'm thinking: .280 AVG 32 HR 120 RBI
8. Victor Martinez- CLE -Martinez is the Indians best hitter and should have another big season. His double eligibility makes him very valuable. If I drafted him though, I would draft him first as my 1B and see what else happens in the draft to see where you want to play him. Either way, good numbers: .304 AVG 27 HR 110 RBI
9. Paul Konerko- CHW -He had a bad year in '07 and still put up 30 HR and 90 RBI. Look for Paulie to bounce back this season with an improved Sox lineup. Swisher will add some enthusiasm to the team and the White Sox will be better than most people think. Outlook for Konerko: .275 AVG 35 HR 110 RBI
10. Carlos Pena- TB -I doubt that Pena can put up the numbers he did last year and so does just about everyone else. That doesn't mean he won't put up good numbers. Remember how touted he was, he just never matured. Now he's getting it and in bunches. He can potentially top these numbers: .270 AVG 33 HR 100 RBI
11. Adrian Gonzalez- SD -He's the best hitter that the Padres have and an overall solid first basemen. He's finally lived up to his potential and will continue to improve. Too bad the Padres don't have anyone to protect him. Good fantasy numbers nonetheless: .295 AVG 28 HR 95 RBI
12. Nick Swisher- CHW -I think the move to the South Side will definitely benefit Swisher. He's in a better lineup and will be hitting in an HR factory. He's still young and very talented. He disappointed a little last year but look for some numbers close to his '06 season: .270 AVG 30 HR 95 RBI
13. Carlos Guillen- DET -Very versitile player who hits no matter where he plays on the field. Detroit has a dominating offense which Guillen is a big part of. I think he's going to have his best season yet. Would have no problem with him starting 1B for me: .305 AVG 25 HR 105 RBI
14. James Loney- LAD -The big guy started to produce a little last year. People are really high on this guy. Maybe a little too high, he's going way too early in drafts. While he is a little overrated, I think he's still a good player and a viable option at 1B. Let's see what he does in a full season: .310 AVG 22 HR 85 RBI
15. Alex Gordon- KC -The young phenom disappointed last year in his rookie season. A little too hyped you think? Well there is no denying he has talent and I think it will show a little more this year. He's eligible at 3B too which helps. Continued improvement: .280 23 HR 85 RBI

Honorable Mentions

--Todd Helton- COL -I believe we've realized the Helton of old is never coming back. But still a very good hitter: .315 AVG 16 HR 95 RBI
--Kevin Youkilis- BOS -For a big guy you would think he'd have more power, but he doesn't. Again still a good hitter: .295 14 HR 85 RBI
--Carlos Delgado- NYM -Man did this guy get old quick. I know he's been hurt but his injuries linger...like old people. Numbers continue to decline: .255 AVG 23 HR 79 RBI
--Joey Votto- CIN -He's a big dude plus young and can hit. Showed some flashes of greatness late last year. Possible Rookie of the Year? .288 AVG 24 HR 90 RBI potential this season.
--Adam LaRoche- PIT -He took a step back last year but ended up with respectable numbers. He'll try to make a step in the right direction this year. .275 AVG 23 HR 85 RBI
--Ryan Garko- CLE -He's a promising young player. He'll never be a true power hitter but he'll be a very good hitter. Continued improvement from him too: .293 AVG 19 HR 80 RBI

So there is my list of first basemen for 2008. I'll be trying to get the rest of the position rankings done in the next couple of weeks before pitchers and catchers report. If you have any comments or questions just send me an email.