KAC BASEBALL |
As usual, there is abundance of power to choose from in the first base position. There also a tremendous amount of depth, as finding a gem 15-20 spots down is even a possibility. Don't bother looking for the stolen bases, those can be found in the middle infield as well as the outfield.
The biggest loss in the position obviously is Mark McGwire's retirement. The biggest additions this year will be the returns of Frank Thomas and Mo Vaughn (moving from ANH to NYH). The other big change is Jason Giambi moving from Oakland to the Yankees. Donning the pinstripes does not necessarily mean a boost in stats. After a possible adjustment period, I expect Jason to be in the usual mix.
Now for the rundown, at the end there will also be a couple of DH types listed...
Todd Helton (COL/1900/$39) - There is no exchange rate in fantasy baseball. So they're Coors inflated numbers, so what. You can never pass up a surefire 140 runs, 50 bombs, 150 ribbies, and a .350+ BA, and is at the peak age of 28. Highway to Helton is a surefire top five overall selection.
Jeff Bagwell (HOU/1790/$34) - Not quite the 5-cat stud he was back in 1999, when he added 30 SB's to the mix, which has gone down to 9 and 11 since. Bags does benefit from playing his home games at Bankrupt Ballpark though, and is good for a .300 avg along with 40 bombs, 130 runs, and 130 ribbies. Be advised that Bags is a notorious slow starter.
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Jason should fit right in NY... |
Albert Pujols (STL/$33) - Tony Phillips was a fantasy baseball value merely by being eligble at several positions. So what does that make someone coming off a .329/112/37/130 rookie season. Pujols qualifies at first (43 games), third (55 games), and the outfield (78 games). In CDM Al will only qualify in the outfield.
Jim Thome (CLE/1320/$29) - Those who traded Thome after an awful April had to feel foolish after Jim proceeded to finish with a .291/101/49/124. Jim may not get you a .300 average but will contest with the big boys in the other three cats.
Carlos Delgado (TOR/1510/$30) - In 2000 Carlos had an MVP type campaign going .344/108/43/137. Those who took the dive with him '01 was disappointed with a .279/102/39/102. Not horrible stats, but the drop in ribbies and average was very noticle. Split the different between the two to project his '02 totals.
Rafael Palmeiro (TEX/1550/$27) - Has had two of the quietest 47 bomb seasons in recent years, not to mention 391 ribbies in the last three campaigns. Rafie turns 38 in September and may DH more often, but will still be a force in the middle of a potent lineup.
Ryan Klesko (SD/1300/$26) - The one stolen base threat at the position, swiping 23 bags the last two years. At age 34 do not be surprised to see a decline there though. Phil Nevin moves from third to first in '02, with Klesko going to the outfield, so he will qualify there in most leagues at some point. Look for another .280/100/30/100 season out of Klesko.
Frank Thomas (CWS/1300/$25) - The first of the two '02 comebacks. Big Hurt was shut down (shoulder) after only 20 games last year, but had a huge year in 2000 with a .328/115/43/143 campaign, that followed a miserable '99 season (.305/74/15/77 in 135 games). Look to Frank to split the difference with a plus .300 ave along with 30 bombs and 110 ribbies. Frank's eligibility at first in many leagues is also in question, as Hurt usually DH's except for interleague games in NL parks.
Mo Vaughn (NYM/1120/$24) - Mo comideered a trade out of Anaheim after a pair of seasons in the neighborhood of .280/80/35/113 before missing all of last season (torn biceps). Vaughn will be a good value if he returns to his old Anaheim, or even better, Boston form.
Richie Sexson (MIL/1280/$23) - Batting Average (.271) and strikeouts is always an issue, but the home runs are not, finishing '01 with 45 bombs and 125 RBI's. Playing in a favorable hitters park, 50+ HR's is not out of the question.
Jeff Kent (SF/$25) - Kent qualifies at both first and second where he will be covered in more detail.
Paul Konerko (CWS/1220/$21) - 26 years old and topped the 30-HR plateau for the first time. Also a reliable hitter in the .290-.300 range, so a .300/100/30/100 season is a reasonable expectation. Beware of Paul sitting when Thomas plays first in the interleague games.
Dmitri Young (DET/$20) - Qualifies at first (38 games), third (36 games) and the outfield (87 games). Qualifies in the outfield in CDM. Coming off BA's of .300, .303, and .302, going along with 20+ HR potential.
Tony Clark (BOS/770/$17) - My sleeper for the position. The Detroit ballpark and injuries have kept him from producing monster stats the last two years. Remember Tony goes 6'7", 245 with endless power and is still only 29 years old and now is in Fenway. The potential career year surpassing '99's #'s (.280/31/99) is indeed possible.
Tino Martinez (STL/1250/$20) - 34 bombs, 113 RBI, and a .280 average, and the Yanks decided that an upgrade at the position was needed. Not a bad middle-to-late round steal.
Fred McGriff (CHC/1270/$21) - Another golden oldie (38) coming off a .306/31/102 campaign, should be good for similar #'s hitting behind Sosa.
Paul LoDuca (LA/$20) - Also qualifies at catcher where he is chronicled in more detail.
Sean Casey (CIN/1260/$20) - If you want a .310-.330 batting title contender, Casey is your man. Downside is that the HR's have gone down from 25 to 19 to 13. A return to '99 HR numbers would be nice.
John Olerud (SEA/1100/$18) - A quiet solid, professional hitter who will get you a .300 BA along with a 100 RBI's (Ichiro on the basepaths helps). HR's usually fall in about the 20 range.
Todd Zeile (COL/980/$9) - Merits consideration only for being traded to Colorado, where he is slate to play third, which would give him an additional position of eligibility. On the downside, Zeile is 36, and slumped to .266/10/62 (531 AB's) in 2001, down from .293/24/98 just two years earlier.
Travis Lee (PHI/810/$16) - For those who like the 26-year old theory. Went .258/20/90 in '01, his '99/'00 BA's were .237 and .235 - getting him a ticket out of AZ. A BA breakthrough is badly needed.
Derek Lee (FLA/780/$17) - Derek and Travis were not seperated at birth, but they might as well be. Derek is also 26, and is coming off a .282/21/75 season, following a .280/28/70 '00 campaign.
Juan Pena (OAK/???) - Leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, 23 bombs while hitting .288 in AAA last year. Giambi's departure makes the first base gig Juan's to lose.
Lee Stevens (MON/960/$12) - 24, 22, and 25 bombs the last three seasons, along with 95 RBI last year. Coming off a .245 BA playing for a carcass of a team may not bode well for the 34-year old though.
Doug Mientkiewicz (MN/890/$15) - Had a great start in '01, had a horrible June, and finished .306/15/74. Probably as good as it gets for this retread.
Jeff Conine (BAL/$14) - Also qualifies in the outfield (where he's listed in CDM). Coming off 97 RBI and a .311 BA, but only 14 HR's in 524 AB's. Expect the #'s to go down for the 35-year old.
Brian Daubach (BOS/770/$9) - Consistant for 20+ HR in just over 400 AB's. Never seems to get the AB's though.
Carlos Pena (TX/580/$10) - 3 HR and 12 RBI in a 62 AB last season trial, could be good for 20 HR+ if he manages to get enough AB's - Palmeiro stands in the way though.
Nick Johnson (NYY/600/$7) - The other power-filled first base prospect. With Giambi on board Nick is going to have to get most of his AB's at DH.
Steve Cox (TB/620/$6) - A final, late-round option for 20-HR potential now that he's playing full-time.
Robert Fick (DET/$10) - More value at catcher, where you can find more info.
The following players qualify only as a DH in most leages, but are listed as first basemen in CDM games...
Edgar Martinez (SEA/1380/$21) - Now 39, the author of a .319 career average including .300+ BA's the past seven seasons (10 overall). Drove in a ridiculous 145 runs (w/37 bombs in 2001), and added an addition 116 RBI in '02. Should still provide a decent .300/25/100.
David Ortiz (MN/640/$10) - Went .234/18/48 in 89 games (missed 2½ mos. w/a broken hand). If he can keep the power while increasing the BA, he may be a nice sleeper.