2009 First Base Rankings

With some new guys moving over and now being 1B eligible, the re-emergence of some veterans, and some new young talent, first base is as deep as it has ever been. There are the usual suspects at the top of the list but there are some significant fluctuations in the rankings from years past.



1. Albert Pujols- Remains a top five overall pick. Had better numbers in '08 with an injured elbow. Prediction: .339 BA 99 R 38 HR 121 RBI

2. Ryan Howard- Only player in baseball with 50/150 potential. He's actually a better hitter than his BA has shown the last couple of years. Prediction: .278 BA 101 R 51 HR 145 RBI

3. Miguel Cabrera- Will only be 26 years old when the season starts. Could be breaking some of Pujols' records soon. Prediction: .299 BA 95 R 36 HR 117 RBI

4. Mark Teixeira- Where he ends up will not change his position in this list. Likely won't hit 40 HR again but he could be good for 35. Prediction: .307 BA 98 R 33 HR 110 RBI

5. Justin Morneau- HR were down last year but should put up more than 23 in '09. I see him having a better year next year. Prediction: .311 BA 93 R 31 HR 122 RBI

6. Prince Fielder- Questions have arisen about his game but still one of the best power hitters at his position. Prediction: .289 BA 91 R 37 HR 112 RBI

7. Lance Berkman- Capable of being ranked higher but it's hard to tell if he'll hit 28 HR or 38 HR. Still as solid as they come. Prediction: .306 BA 103 R 32 HR 105 RBI

8. Kevin Youkilis- Emerging as a power threat and an all-around excellent hitter. Still has potential for bigger numbers. Prediction: .321 BA 93 R 27 HR 108 RBI

9. Adrian Gonzalez- A beast of a hitter and only getting stronger. Will be the lone threat in the Padres lineup. Prediction: .285 BA 98 R 34 HR 102 RBI

10. Carlos Delgado- Looked as if he was dead and buried but turned it around to have an MVP type season. I see one more great year for him. Prediction: .277 BA 95 R 35 HR 110 RBI

11.Carlos Pena- Put up awesome power numbers in only 490 AB in '08. I expect the BA to be a little better this year. Prediction: .275 BA 97 R 36 HR 105 RBI

12. Aubrey Huff- Nobody saw his '08 numbers coming. It looks as if he's back and better than ever. I'm going to stay somewhat skeptic but hopeful. Prediction: .291 BA 93 R 27HR 99 RBI

13. Joey Votto- Great young left-handed hitter that is only going to get better. Expect a big year from him in '09. Prediction: .299 BA 88 R 28 HR 96 RBI

14. Jorge Cantu- Anyone who reads me knows how much I love this guy. Believe it or not, he has the potential to surpass his '08 numbers. Prediction: .281 BA 95 R 28 HR 98 RBI

15. Chris Davis- Could be much higher in the rankings after '09 but I'm tempering my enthusiasm. I think he could be a monster HR hitter in the next couple of years. Prediction: .279 BA 86 R 26 HR 88 RBI

16. Garret Atkins- I believe at this point in his career he is what he is. Which in his case is not a bad thing. Eligible at 1B but should be drafted as a 3B. Prediction: .288 BA 87 R 23 HR 92 RBI

17. Derrek Lee- Will never hit 30 HR again but will be a .300 hitter for a long time. Just does not hit many fly balls anymore. Prediction: .304 BA 96 R 22 HR 93 RBI

18. James Loney- Has the potential to be a high BA guy and even hit for a little more power. I think he'll do a little more of both in '09. Prediction: .301 BA 77 R 17 HR 93 RBI

19. Mike Jacobs- I am among those who questioned the acquisition of Jacobs by the Royals but they must see something special in him. Highly underrated hitter. Prediction: .269 BA 81 R 28 HR 91 RBI

20. Paul Konerko- Just about everyone has left him for dead but I know that he's too good of a hitter to fall off so quickly. Bounce back season in '09, just watch. Prediction: .274 BA 78 R 27 HR 88 RBI

21. Jason Giambi- On the downside of his career but still putting up numbers. Low BA is the norm for him. Prediction: .251 BA 82 R 29 HR 90 RBI

22. Conor Jackson- People confuse him for a power hitter. Good hitter for average but will share time. Adds a few steals as well. Prediction: .297 BA 75 R 14 HR 77 RBI 12 SB

23. Casey Blake- Looks to have found a good home in LA. It will be interesting to see what he does in a full season there. Solid CI choice. Prediction: .277 BA 74 R 23 HR 85 RBI

24. Adam LaRoche- Goes widely overlooked by many. Annual slow starter but patient players will stick with him. Better have another option early in the season. Prediction: .271 BA 68 R 26 HR 89 RBI

25. Pablo Sandoval- Outstanding young talent. May never be a power hitter but has potential to put up James Loney type numbers. Prediction: .287 BA 71 R 16 HR 73 RBI

26. Carlos Guillen- Not much of an option as 1B but a decent option at CI. I doubt he ever drives in 100 again but still a solid hitter. Prediction: .282 BA 82 R 14 HR 81 RBI

27. Ryan Garko- Some people thought that '08 would be a big year in power numbers for him. I was not among them. Will never be a power hitter but a solid hitter and CI option. Prediction: .280 BA 72 R 16 HR 88 RBI

28. Nick Swisher- Miserable season for him in '08. Tends to fold under pressure. Good luck with that in NY. Prediction: .239 BA 88 R 22 HR 66 RBI

29. Hank Blalock- I still question Blalock's health and his ability when healthy. I remain optimistic but I don't expect much. Prediction: .274 BA 69 R 16 HR 66 RBI

30. Casey Kotchman- With a full season in Atlanta he may improve on his '08 numbers but I remain skeptical. A decent CI in a bind. Prediction: .283 BA 67 R 15 HR 71 RBI