Jeff Hochman's 2009 MLB Fantasy Preview: First Baseman
There are a lot of really good First Baseman this season so if you don't get a Top-notch guy chances are you will still end up with a very productive player. This position has historically been the least injured and it makes sense since the majority of time they are receiving the ball rather than throwing it.
3-Year Avg. Leaders: (2006-08)
Games Played: Adrian Gonzalez (160)
Batting Average: Albert Pujols (.338)
Home Runs: Ryan Howard (51)
Doubles: Miguel Cabrera (41)
RBI: Ryan Howard (144)
Triples: James Loney (5)
Stolen Bases: Lance Berkman (9)
Walks: Ryan Howard (99)
Runs: Albert Pujols (106)
Cream of the Crop: #1 Albert Pujols (STL) #2 Ryan Howard (PHIL) #3 Miguel Cabrera (DET) #4 Lance Berkman (HOU) #5 Prince Fielder (MILW) #6 Justin Morneau #7 Mark Teixeira (NYY) #8 Derrek Lee (CHC) #9 Adrian Gonzalez (SD)
The Next Best: #10 Kevin Youkilis (Bos) #11 James Loney (LAD) #12 Carlos Delgado (NYM) #13 Jim Thome (CHW) #14 Conner Jackson (Arz) #15 Paul Konerko (CHW)
#16 Adam Laroche (Pit) #17 Ryan Garko (Clev) #18 Joey Votto (Cin) #19 Todd Helton (Col) #20 Carlos Pena (TB)
You could do worse: #21 Aubrey Huff (Bal) #22 Lyle Overbay (Tor) #23 Mike Jacobs (Fla) #24 Casey Kotchman (Atl) #25 Richie Sexson (FA) #26 Dmitri Young (Wash) #27 Nick Johnson (Wash)
Hope and Prey: #27 Daric Barton (Oak) #28 Russell Branyan (Sea) #29 Ross Gload (Kc) #30 Chad Tracy (Arz) #31 Kendry Morales (LAA) #32 John Bowker (Sf) #33 Joe Koshansky (Col) #34 Wilson Betemit (Chw) #35 Ryan Shealy (Kc) #36 Doug Mientkiewicz (Pit)
Career Year: James Loney (LAD) James Loney was my sleeper pick on this list last year and he did not disappoint anyone. He went for .289, 13 HRs, 35 doubles, 6 Triples, and 90 RBI. James Loney is a hitting machine who will gradually hit a lot of HR's during his career. James Loney has been in the league for 3 years and is batting over .300 in his career. It will really help if and when Manny Ramirez is batting in the 3rd spot for the Blue Crew. Expect even better numbers in 2009 for the former PCL Batting champion.
Sleeper: Casey Kotchman (ATL) He will get to play a full year in a hitter's park and the comfort of knowing he will not be traded. Had a decent year playing 100 games for the Angles and another 41 for the Braves. Overall, he went for .272, 14 HRs, 28 Doubles, and 74 RBI. No bad considering he had to switch leagues. He is very comfortable in Atlanta and is poised for a huge "breakout" season. Turner Field was a hitter's ballpark in 2008. Average number of runs scored was 9.74 per game which was above the league average of 9.3 runs per game.
Bust: Carlos Pena (TB) He did hit 31 HRs, 24 Doubles, 102 RBI, but batted only .244 and whiffed 166 times in 139 games played last season. Those strikeout totals are going up too. If you don't put the ball in play you have no chance of producing valuable fantasy points!
Good Luck in your Draft!
Jeff H/JHSL
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