Here's today's installment of the WAY too early fantasy baseball rankings for 2011. First base is always a very deep position, and this year looks to be no exception. With so many powerful options, you can usually wait to fill the position if you miss out on one of the studs.
Quick disclaimer: The reason guys like Victor Martinez don't end up on this list is because they qualify at positions where they would be more valuable.
So without further ado, the top 10 1Bs of 2011:
- Albert Pujols, Cardinals- The most consistent fantasy star out there. You can argue for Votto or Cabrera, but lets face it, Pujols owners never lose sleep over their decision.
- Joey Votto, Reds- Was tremendous across the board last year. I can only see him replicating his 2010 line or improving on it.
- Miguel Cabrera, Tigers- If he ever managed to start swiping bags like Pujols, he could be the #1 player out there.
- Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox- The trade to Boston is why I originally ranked him so high. It was inevitable. Gonzalez should explode as he leaves the worst hitters ballpark and will land smack dab in the middle of a great offense in a much more forgiving park.
- Ryan Howard, Phillies- An incredible power source. He can help carry you in categories in a good year.
- Mark Teixeira, Yankees- Smack dab in the middle of the best lineup. Oh, and he can swing a pretty mean bat himself.
- Prince Fielder, Brewers- It was a down year across the board in Milwaukee, but Fielder could revert back to his '09 numbers at any minute.
- Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox- Thanks to Jason for keeping me on my toes. Youk loses his 3B eligibility, but is still a force to be reckoned with at the plate.
- Kendry Morales, Angels- If he hadn't destroyed his leg celebrating, Morales would have had a line like this over a 150 game season: 90/.290/33/120. That's good enough for me.
- Justin Morneau, Twins- The risk is definitely there, but he says he will be good to go at spring training, and he was incredible when he did play last year.
- Adam Dunn, White Sox- The move to Chicago makes my mouth water. Dunn is now an essential lock for 40 homers, and may even near 50.
- Aubrey Huff, Giants- Huff will be a great guy to fall back on if you miss on the studs. Good stats across the board.
- Paul Konerko, White Sox- It looks like Konerko will stay put on the South Side. But if he leaves, he slides a good 4-5 spots.
- Billy Butler, Royals- Showed last year that he can hit for average. Hopefully he can finally start turning some of those doubles into homers.
- Ike Davis, Mets- Was impressive as a rookie. Way I see it, he can only go up from here.
- Gaby Sanchez, Marlins- I really like the upside here. He went for 20/70/85 in his first real season. Oh, and did I mention he's 27? The prototypical breakout age.
Check back tomorrow as we move around the infield to second basemen!
