Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

First Basemen - NL

March 10, 2006 @ 16:00:00

Tier 1

1) Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
605	203	.336	42	124	130	10
--	--	X	X	X	X	--

PROS: Aside from maybe New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez, no player should be drafted above Pujols. He hits for power and average and last year he even upped his stolen base totals to 16. Rarely does he miss a game and even if he is injured he plays through the pain. He also plays in a lineup that is among the best in the National League.

CONS: With Pujols there are not really any negative aspects as he has one of the best all-around games in the league.

BOTTOM LINE: Pujols should without doubt be your No. 1 pick even though he plays at one of the deepest positions. No other player can give you better numbers across the board, and he would be an amazing cornerstone for your fantasy team.

Tier 2

2) Derrek Lee - Chicago Cubs

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
610	190	.311	43	101	114	14
--	--	X	X	X	X	X

PROS: Lee had one of the best half-seasons so far this decade with the numbers he put up (.378-27-72) before the All-Star break. While his average and RBIs tailed off in the second half he is still a threat in all five major categories and should be even better with OF Juan Pierre batting, running and scoring in front of him.

CONS: It is hard to see Lee reaching the heights that he reached last year, as it was a career year, so there will most likely be some drop-off in his 2006 numbers.

BOTTOM LINE: Lee's numbers were so good last season that even if there is a significant drop-off, he is still ranked as one of the top first basemen in the league and is a threat in all five major categories. He is well worth a first-round pick.

Tier 3

3) Todd Helton - Colorado Rockies

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
525	175	.333	27	100	122	3
--	--	X	X	X	X	--

PROS: Helton has been the model of consistency so far this decade. He has a career average of .337 and plays in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league. His numbers last year dropped from previous years but he still managed to lead the majors in on-base percentage and tied for second in walks.

CONS: Helton is not a threat to steal many bases and he does play for one of the worst teams in the league. He lacks any real protection in the lineup, which adversely affects his RBI totals. While he finished off last season on a tear (13 home runs and 43 RBI in the last 68 games) his numbers have still dropped the last two seasons.

BOTTOM LINE: Even with the lack of other hitters in Colorado's lineup, Helton is still a threat for 30 home runs and over 100 RBI, which puts him in the elite category of first basemen. He should go sometime in the first two rounds.

Tier 4

4) Lance Berkman - Houston Astros

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
545	170	.312	32	109	105	6
--	--	X	X	X	X	--

PROS: Berkman (knee) came back from injury last year after missing the month of April and initially struggled but soon picked up right where he had left off in previous years. He is the best hitter Houston has and will be looked to carry them on his back. He's proven in the past that he can carry this team and will combine with 3B Morgan Ensberg to form a dangerous one-two punch.

CONS: Houston is built around their pitching and as such they offer little protection in the lineup for Berkman. With his injury he is also not a threat to steal many bases (not that he was before).

BOTTOM LINE: Discounting the first two months of the season when Berkman was injured, his numbers were among the best for first basemen for the rest of the season. He should go somewhere in the third or fourth rounds.

5) Ryan Howard - Philadelphia Phillies

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
545	165	.303	39	110	90	0
--	--	X	X	X	X	--

PROS: The Phillies traded away 1B Jim Thome to clear room for Howard to feature everyday. He had put up solid numbers for the Phillies as a rookie and should explode this year. He hits for power and could easily go over 40 home runs and he has a penchant for getting on base.

CONS: He is prone to strikeouts, although this is offset by his high walk totals. He isn't a base-stealing threat, either. While all signs point to Howard having a monster year, he could have a sophomore slump and fail to build off of his breakout rookie campaign.

BOTTOM LINE: Howard is a step below the top-tier first basemen mainly because this will be his first full season as a starter. He should put up monster numbers and should go in most drafts around the fourth or fifth rounds.

Tier 5

6) Carlos Delgado - New York Mets

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
501	150	.299	32	112	84	0
--	--	X	X	X	X	--

PROS: Fresh off a move from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Florida Marlins last year, Delgado improved his numbers in almost every category (although this is partially due to not missing as much time to injury). He only lasted one season in Florida as the Marlins shipped him off to New York as part of their fire sale this offseason. He should have good protection in the lineup, and he is a threat in every category aside from stolen bases, which makes him one of the top first basemen in the National League. He is also consistent and has put up good numbers every year that he has been healthy.

CONS: Delgado has never been great stealing bases, so you'll have to look elsewhere for that category. Also, he is starting to get older and after years of wear and tear you have to figure he might be due for a major injury sooner rather then later.

BOTTOM LINE: Delgado is still one of the best hitters in the league, and although he is not in the elite category anymore, he shouldn't fall past the eighth round in most leagues.

7) Adam Dunn - Cincinnati Reds

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
535	129	.241	42	97	103	6
--	--	--	X	X	X	--

PROS: The Reds recently signed Dunn to a new two-year extension after he racked up another 40-homer season. Dunn has been consistent so you know what you are getting with him, and with his new contract he should have another 40-home run, 100-RBI season and rack up quite a few walks.

CONS: Aside from his power and RBIs he doesn't bring much else to the table. His average dropped 19 points last season and he led the league again in strikeouts. He also is not a threat for many stolen bases.

BOTTOM LINE: Even with his low average and high strikeouts, Dunn is still a solid fantasy option at this position because of his high RBI and home run numbers. He shouldn't fall past the eighth round.

Tier 6

8) Prince Fielder - Milwaukee Brewers

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
518	145	.280	25	80	68	9
--	--	--	X	X	X	--

PROS: Fielder has only 59 previous at-bats in the league but the Brewers are hoping that he can build off of his great minor league numbers. Fielder can hit for power (much like his father, ex-Detroit Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder) and is a disciplined hitter. This should be a breakout year for him and he could easily put up some of the best numbers at his position.

CONS: Like Philadelphia Phillies 1B Ryan Howard, Fielder lacks experience at the major-league level. All signs point to him putting up good numbers but it is hard to accurately predict how he will do in his first full season.

BOTTOM LINE: Fielder hit .288 with 10 RBI and two home runs in two call-ups last year and with 1B Lyle Overbay being traded to Toronto in the offseason he should spend the full season with the big club this year. If the big left-hander falls past the eighth round he should be looked at closely as one of your corner infielders.

9) Sean Casey - Pittsburgh Pirates

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
534	168	.315	15	73	76	2
--	--	X	--	X	X	--

PROS: Casey is the model of consistency with regards to his average (career average of .305). Expect the same this year along with decent RBI and run totals, as the Pirates should be better. With OF Jason Bay maturing into one of the top players in the league, Casey should give him more then adequate protection in the lineup. He is also in his final year of his contract so look for him to play even harder then usual to get that big payday.

CONS: Aside from average, Casey does not offer much else. His home run numbers dropped from 24 to nine last season, which is cause for alarm.

BOTTOM LINE: If you are drafting Casey it means that you must have stocked up on power elsewhere--look for Casey to fall no farther then the twelfth or thirteenth rounds in most drafts.

Tier 7

10) Mike Jacobs - Florida Marlins

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
400	115	.288	23	75	64	1
--	--	--	X	X	X	--

PROS: He was considered the future at first base for the Mets until he was packaged as part of the deal for Carlos Delgado. Now playing for the Marlins he will bring his power and discipline at the plate to a franchise that is rebuilding. He hit 11 home runs and drove in 23 runs in only 100 at-bats last year.

CONS: He has never played a full season and could buckle under the pressure of everyday play. There also isn't a lot of protection in the lineup after the most recent exodus of star players from the Marlins.

BOTTOM LINE: Jacobs has the potential to be a good fantasy sleeper this year and should go somewhere in the early teens in most drafts.

11) Nick Johnson - Washington Nationals

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
375	106	.283	18	78	58	5
--	--	--	--	X	--	--

PROS: Johnson has the talent to be a good fantasy contributor. He has power to hit 20+ home runs and 80+ RBIs and he has enough protection in the lineup.

CONS: Injuries have been a large part of what has prevented Johnson from rising to a second-tier first baseman. He has been fighting injuries for most of his career and with him getting older don't expect that to change much.

BOTTOM LINE: Johnson is still good for 15+ home runs and 65+ RBIs regardless of how often he plays. If you draft him (he should go in the middle teens) make sure you have a good backup, as he will most likely miss time during the year to injury.

12) Adam LaRoche - Atlanta Braves

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
490	135	.276	23	85	60	0
--	--	--	X	X	--	--

PROS: LaRoche was a solid contributor last year on what was a surprising Atlanta team. He is part of the youth movement that the Braves have going on and last season he lived up to his billing as a young power hitter. He also came through in the clutch and put up good RBI totals.

CONS: Consistency. He went through a six-week stretch last season where he was atrocious at the plate. It also came in August when the team needed him the most so he might not have been able to handle the pressure during a tight pennant race.

BOTTOM LINE: If LaRoche can develop consistency he could move up the list of first basemen. He has the talent to hit over .300 and should put up solid numbers across the board (excluding stolen bases). He should go somewhere in the middle rounds of your draft, but no later than the fifteenth round.

Tier 8

13) Ryan Klesko - San Diego Padres

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
400	110	.275	15	65	61	2
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Gone are the days when Klesko was one of the better power hitters in the league. He still will give you an adequate number of home runs and RBIs and his average has not dropped that much. He should be able to avoid more injuries now that the Padres have moved him from the outfield to first base.

CONS: He is still not close to the stats he put up earlier in his career. He will also be pushed by some younger players (namely Adrian Gonzalez) and could lose some playing time to them.

BOTTOM LINE: You could still do far worse than what Klesko will give you and if you are starved for some protection for a higher-tier player at this position he should be available in the last few rounds of your draft.

14) Nomar Garciaparra - Los Angeles Dodgers

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
400	115	.288	15	50	55	3
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Garciaparra finished the season on a high note after batting .311-5-19 in September and we could see a return to his earlier form in LA. His nine homers after the All-Star break provide reason to think he hasn't lost all of his power, although his average is likely the only guaranteed positive contribution to your fantasy team.

CONS: He no longer has the speed or possibly even the power he had earlier in his career. Combine that with the injury troubles he's had in the past and he is a somewhat risky pick.

BOTTOM LINE: While Garciaparra could always return to his previous career form he will most likely be haunted by injuries that have sapped him of his power and speed. For those reasons he is most likely a late round pick in your draft.

Tier 9

15) Conor Jackson - Arizona Diamondbacks

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
300	83	.277	7	62	44	3
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Jackson never had a real shot last season as both 1B Tony Clark and then-1B Chad Tracy were playing well enough to justify keeping Jackson in the minors for more seasoning. However he now has more than enough experience and will look to be an everyday first baseman with the Diamondbacks after being moved in from the outfield. He has a great eye for the ball, although he lacks any real power.

CONS: His lack of power and major-league experience should be enough to warn you off of him.

BOTTOM LINE: He could be a sleeper this year (he has more then enough talent to be an everyday first baseman) so keep an eye on him in spring training to see how he fares.

16) Lance Niekro - San Francisco Giants

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
395	100	.253	15	55	54	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Niekro got off to a hot start last year, especially in the RBI category. However, he cooled off immensely and the Giants were forced to use a first base by committee approach. He offers solid numbers in every category, although they are nothing outstanding.

CONS: He tailed off strongly last season and unless he gets back on track he will be relegated even further. The Giants signed Mark Sweeney to give him some competition at the position.

BOTTOM LINE: Niekro will be given every chance to assume the role of everyday first baseman and he should put up good numbers if he does. He is worth an eleventh or twelfth round pick in most drafts.

Tier 10

17) Adrian Gonzalez - San Diego Padres

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
275	76	.276	13	42	35	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: The Padres don't have anyone set at this position so Gonzalez could become the starter if he plays well. He has more then enough power to post a 20+ home run season and his RBI totals should be up as well, provided he plays.

CONS: He has yet to put it all together and with the more experienced 1B Ryan Klesko at the position he might not be given a chance.

BOTTOM LINE: He will most likely go undrafted and could be a sleeper in some deep leagues. Approach at your own risk.

18) Hee Seop Choi - Los Angeles Dodgers

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
293	71	.242	14	42	44	1
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Choi managed to put up decent power numbers in limited time last year and with a new manager he might be given another chance to prove he belongs.

CONS: He is prone to slumps and was in the doghouse for most of last season. He also is not a threat on the basepaths and does not hit for a very great average, partly because he doesn't seem to make many adjustments to improve his game.

BOTTOM LINE: Choi should be avoided in most leagues until he has proven he can play a bigger role on the Dodgers.

19) Julio Franco - New York Mets

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
247	73	.296	5	35	35	2
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: The ageless one continues to bounce around the league and has found a new home with the Mets. He continues to be a good contact hitter but after that he offers little else.

CONS: His power numbers have dropped significantly and with bad knees he is not a threat to steal.

BOTTOM LINE: Age is finally catching up with him and he will be mainly a pinch-hitter this season. Avoid him as best you can.

Tier 11

20) Tony Clark - Arizona Diamondbacks

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
255	63	.247	12	42	31	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Clark came out of nowhere and almost doubled his home run and RBI totals from the previous year. This was while seeing only limited action as he had to split time with Chad Tracy, although Tracy will be playing third base this year.

CONS: With Conor Jackson ahead of him at this position it will be hard for him to get regular playing time. Also, last year could be viewed as an aberration as they were far from the normal numbers Clark has posted over his career.

BOTTOM LINE: With him unlikely to duplicate his numbers from last season, he should only be looked at if you are really desperate.

21) Mike Lamb - Houston Astros

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
280	68	.243	8	42	33	1
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Lamb had a down year and just about his only redeeming quality is his average, although last year that dropped too low.

CONS: Lamb will not have a permanent roster spot with Berkman and Morgan Ensberg entrenched at the corner infielder spots. He also doesn't hit for much power and his average dropped too low to be of any value last year.

BOTTOM LINE: Let him be in the draft and only pick him up for sentimental reasons if you choose to.

22) Olmedo Saenz - Los Angeles Dodgers

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
217	56	.258	9	36	25	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Unexpectedly given the starting job due to injuries to other positions, he put up solid home run and RBI totals last year. He will be relegated back to primarily a pinch-hitter and filling in at the corner infield positions.

CONS: He faded in September of last year and most likely will not see the same amount of playing time as last year. He isn't a great threat in any of the major categories.

BOTTOM LINE: He should go undrafted and only look to him if he is given the starting job due to injuries, and only if you are really desperate.

23) Scott Hatteberg - Cincinnati Reds

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
300	80	.267	4	38	32	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: He is a solid contact hitter and has great patience at the plate; sadly those haven't translated into good numbers the past few seasons.

CONS: His numbers have dropped significantly and he offers no real positive in any of the important fantasy categories.

BOTTOM LINE: He will most likely be undrafted and will probably stay on waivers for most of the season. Look elsewhere for your needs at first base.

Tier 12

24) Mark Sweeney - San Francisco Giants

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
200	58	.290	5	25	18	2
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: He hits for a good average and put up decent numbers in San Diego last season in limited playing time.

CONS: He was signed mainly as an insurance policy if Lance Niekro regresses badly. So don't expect much out of him this year.

BOTTOM LINE: He should only be looked at as an injury replacement if Niekro goes down.

25) Daryle Ward - Washington Nationals

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
216	53	.245	10	34	22	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Ward had a solid first half of the season and will be part of a solid Nationals lineup. He hit .274 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs in the first half of the season showing that he can be a solid contributor when he is on his game.

CONS: When he is off his game he is one of the worst hitters in the league. He is one of the streakiest hitters in the league, which is never a good fantasy quality.

BOTTOM LINE: Ward will most likely be able to be found on the waiver-wire. Keep an eye on his numbers; if he does get hot he might be worth a look.

26) Robert Fick - Washington Nationals

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
267	67	.251	7	35	29	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Fick functions mainly as a pinch-hitter and does a good job at that for the Nationals. He hits well against lefties but has very little power.

CONS: He won't see much time at the position, as he is mainly a role-player. He has very little power and is not a threat for any steals.

BOTTOM LINE: Avoid him.

Tier 13

27) Jeff Bagwell - Houston Astros

At-Bats	Hits	Avg.	HRs	RBI	Runs	SB
120	30	.250	4	20	12	0
--	--	--	--	--	--	--

PROS: Not much can be said about Bagwell and the upcoming season. He has plenty of experience even if he was injured most of last season. But other then that he doesn't have much else going for him.

CONS: Bagwell only had 100 at-bats last season and Houston is unsure whether they really want him back. He has lost most of his upper-body strength meaning he won't be hitting for power and with his average dropping the last few years he won't provide you decent numbers in that respect. He is the polar opposite of the coveted five-tool player.

BOTTOM LINE: Bagwell showed up to training camp but it remains to be seen whether or not he'll even have a place on the Astros. He will be undrafted in most leagues, as he should be.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.