FanHouse positional rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of the Fantasy FanHouse staff. The easiest thing in my job is to fill in that "number one" spot in fantasy baseball's first basemen rankings. Regardless of whether Albert Pujols finishes with the best numbers at the position, he's always in the top three and he will never, ever let you down. This year won't be any different. You can expect .330 with 40 homers, 120 RBI and over 100 runs. He may even steal close to 10 bases for you. Don't think too hard about the decision, just pick him if you get the chance.
More comments after the rankings.
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
3. Ryan Howard, Phillies
4. Mark Teixeira, Yankees
5. Lance Berkman, Astros
6. Prince Fielder, Brewers
7. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
8. Justin Morneau, Twins
9. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
10. Chris Davis, Rangers
11. Aubrey Huff, Orioles
12. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
13. Joey Votto, Reds
14. Carlos Delgado, Mets
15. Derrek Lee, Cubs
16. Carlos Pena, Rays
17. Jorge Cantu, Marlins
18. James Loney, Dodgers
19. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks
20. Paul Konerko, White Sox
21. Adam LaRoche, Pirates
22. Casey Kotchman, Braves
23. Jason Giambi, A's
24. Mike Jacobs, Royals
25. Pablo Sandoval, Giants
26. Nick Swisher, Yankees
27. Todd Helton, Rockies
28. Ryan Garko, Indians
29. Hank Blalock, Rangers
30. Billy Butler, Royals
31. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays
32. Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks
33. Daric Barton, A's
34. Nick Johnson, Nationals
35. Kevin Millar, Blue Jays
• Fielder is only turning 25 this year. Was the gigantic step backward (50 to 34 home runs) due to an aberration, his well-publicized dietary change, or his seemingly ballooning weight? We don't care in fantasy, we'd just like to see which guy is the real one between version '07 and '08. Judging from his spot above Morneau and Gonzalez, we like a slight uptick from last season, but not a full-blown return to 2007 form.
• Expect Votto to build upon his solid rookie season, but he hasn't shown enough power to convince us he'll ever hit many more than 30 in a season. He's more of a gap power guy than slugger.
• The same could be said for Loney, but to a much lesser extent. He feels like a Mark Grace type, at best.
• Deep sleeper? Butler has tortured minor league pitching every chance he's gotten. He has the size and strength for the numbers to eventually translate, and he's received 832 plate appearances in the past two major league seasons -- so he should have seen enough pitching to start showing his immense talent. He's only going to be 23 this year, so it would behoove those in deep leagues to take a late shot on him.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to hit us up just below. We'll answer every question you ask, guaranteed.
