tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

2011 Fantasy Projections: First Basemen

There are plenty of top rated first basemen and its a key to get one because they provide a great source for home runs and rbi's.  Here we go:

First Base

5* - Pujols - STL, Cabrera - Det. These two are both top 1st round picks.  Not worried about Cabrera's off the field issues.

4* - Howard - Phil, Votto - Cinc, Fielder - Milw, Texiera - NYY, Gonzalez - Bost.  All 5 of these guys are big time contributors for a fantasy team.  Gonzalez and Votto will probably go in the 1st round.  The other 3 could fall to early to mid 2nd.  If you have the chance get one of them.

3* - Youkilis - Bost. Solid player who will eventually have 3b eligibility.

2* - Morales - LAA, Dunn - CWS, Morneau - Minn, Lee - Balt, Pena - Cubs, Posey - SF (C elig).  I really like Morales and Dunn here.  Both could have monster seasons.  If Morneau is healthy he is a big time producer.   Derek Lee could be very interesting in Baltimore as could Carlos Pena with the Cubs.  With both you may be rolling the dice. 

1* - Konerko - CWS, Davis - NYM, Sanchez - Fla, Butler - KC, Huff - SF, Loney - LAD.  Davis and Sanchez could be pleasant surprises this year.  Billy Butler is great for average, doubles and rbi's.  Hopefully more home runs will follow for Butler.  Huff and Loney are ok but if they are your starters you are going to need power from other sources.

With this position I think the key is to try to get someone in the 3* to 5* group.  I would also feel comfortable with Dunn and Morales.  The other 2 *'s could pan out but there are some risks. 

Black Balled List: Carlos Lee - Houst: Lee killed me last year as he was a third round pick who had a terrible first half and beefed up on home runs and rbi's after he killed my fantasy season.   He is also outfield eligible.  Kevin Youkilis - Bost:  I'm not a big Youkilis fan and his injured season last year also killed me.  I will need to be pushed to the brink to select him .