2012 Bloomberg Sports Draft List: First Basemen                               Print

Bloomberg-Rank (B-Rank), compares player stats and positional value to rank each player's projected performance according a standard 5x5 league.
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				B-RANK		2012 PROJECTIONS
RANK	NAME	POS	TEAM	2011	2010	AB	R	HR	RBI	SB	AVG	IP	W	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
1.	Albert Pujols	1B	LAA	1	1	582	110	41	124	10	.304
After failing to reach a .300 average for the first time in his career in 2011, Pujols should bounce back with the Angels and produce closer to what owners have come to expect in the past. When comparing him to fellow first base mashers like Miguel Cabrera or Adrian Gonzalez, don't forget that Pujols also offers double digit steal potential. Pujols' walk rate dipped below 10 percent for the first time in his career, a legitimate concern for his long-term outlook. With that said, his BABIP was 20 points below his career-low and with a little bit of luck, Pujols will hit comfortably over .300.
2.	Miguel Cabrera	1B	DET	4	2	583	107	34	117	3	.315
As if Miguel Cabrera wasn't attractive enough as a fantasy option, the Tigers have apparently decided to try him out at third base. The extra eligibility at a scarce position for power is nice, but the real draw remains his reliable power numbers and production. Cabrera hit .344 with 30 home runs, 111 runs scored, and 105 RBI in 2011. He's been remarkably durable for a big guy--his 161 games played marked the eighth straight year in which he has played at least 150 games a season. Since 2004, Cabrera has hit 30 or more home runs in every year except 2006. The loss of Victor Martinez will be more than offset by the addition of Prince Fielder. Even if owners don't buy into the idea of "protection," Prince's presence can only help Cabrera's runs total.
3.	Joey Votto	1B	CIN	8	3	582	108	33	105	9	.299
The Reds first baseman followed his MVP season with another fine showing. Though Votto's home runs declined, it was likely the result of the opposition throwing fewer strikes over the heart of the plate. With Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder now out of the National League, Votto is the league's premier first baseman. Expect a season of 30-plus home runs, 100-plus RBI, and a .300-plus average.
4.	Adrian Gonzalez	1B	BOS	14	26	588	105	31	110	1	.304
5.	Prince Fielder	1B	DET	21	54	558	104	35	111	1	.284
6.	Eric Hosmer	1B	KC	84	1767	607	90	25	103	11	.292
7.	Mark Teixeira	1B	NYY	39	23	580	97	34	106	2	.265
8.	Billy Butler	1B	KC	49	68	604	92	19	96	1	.294
9.	Paul Konerko	1B	CWS	59	11	533	86	28	96	0	.279
10.	Michael Morse	1B	WSH	68	193	551	81	27	95	1	.274