NFL Tickets
Typically when I sit down to break down a division’s position for fantasy baseball, there are five, maybe six players I need to consider. For the AL West’s First Basemen, there are a whopping 10 options. Some of them should only be considered in deep leagues, but here’s a look at all of them.
Let’s start with the best first baseman in fantasy baseball, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Albert Pujols. Considering how much Pujols struggled during his first six weeks as an Angel in 2012, he still put up 85 runs, 30 HR, 105 RBI, 8 SB and a .285 AVG. Yeah, Albert is still the king of first basemen heading into 2013. With a year in the American League under his belt, look for him to put up 101 runs, 37 HR, 115 RBI, 5 SB and a .301 AVG.
Another option at first for the Angels is Mark Trumbo, who also has outfield eligibility and will see most of his time at designated hitter in 2013. Look for Trumbo to put up 73 runs, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 4 SB and a .264 AVG.
The Texas Rangers acquired Lance Berkman this off season and even though he will see most of his time as designated hitter, he brings first base eligibility with him to Texas. Amazingly, even though he brings first base eligibility with him, he forgot to bring his glove with him to Spring Training. That doesn’t bode well for him seeing a lot of time in the field, but as fantasy players we don’t need it because this will probably be his last season. Look for him to put up 66 runs, 19 HR, 63 RBI, 3 SB and a .276 AVG.
Mitch Moreland will be the starting first baseman in Texas and even though he is having a nice spring, don’t expect much out of him for fantasy. Look for 55 runs, 15 HR, 61 RBI, 2 SB and a .269 AVG.
The Seattle Mariners have declared Justin Smoak their everyday first baseman. He’s the man who has the coolest nickname for us fans of the television show “Lost”: the Smoak Monster. The nickname has yet to translate into fantasy value. Expect the Smoak Monster to put up 55 runs, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 0 SB and a .235 AVG.
The Mariners will use Kendrys Morales at DH, but he also has first base eligibility. Look for him to put up 64 runs, 22 HR, 75 RBI, 0 SB and a .280 AVG in his first season in Seattle. Another option who might see some time at first base is Jesus Montero. See my AL West Catcher Breakdown for his projections.
The happiest person on the planet about the Houston Astros moving to the AL West has to be Carlos Pena. He can split his time between first and DH. He is only worth drafting in the deepest of leagues. Expect 65 runs, 19 HR, 65 RBI, 2 SB and a .215 AVG.
The most disappointed person on the planet about the Astros moving to the AL West has to be Brett Wallace because he will now probably only be a part-time player. Look for the former big time prospect to put up 56 runs, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 1 SB and a .261 AVG.
Amazingly, the Oakland A’s are the only team in the AL West that gives us only one option at first base in Brandon Moss. Look for the slugger to put up 68 runs, 25 HR, 74 RBI, 4 SB and a .260 AVG.
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