By ROB SHAW When it comes to the performance of first basemen, the fantasy baseball season has met expectations.
Albert Pujols remains the best player in baseball, while Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, Mark Teixeira, and Miguel Cabrera offer additional power.
Among the surprises are rising stars Mark Reynolds, Kendry Morales, and Joey Votto, while Derrek Lee and Adam Dunn surprised us with fine seasons.
The disappointments include Lance Berkman, Hank Blalock, and due to injuries, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Pena, and Justin Morneau.
Here’s a look at Who’s On First:
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
He’s simply the best player in Major League Baseball, and he is only getting better. He is currently just three home runs, nine RBI, and three steals shy of career highs. The 29-year-old superstar has a shot at finishing the season with 130 runs, 50 homeruns, 140 RBI, 15 steals, and a .333 average.
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers
The 25-year-old Fielder is reaching new heights in run production. His 136 RBI are already 17 greater than his previous high. Fielder has the power of Ryan Howard, but is a more well-rounded hitter. In fact, his current .299 batting clip would also mark a new high.
3. Ryan Howard, Philllies
One of the premiere sluggers in the game, Howard attained his fourth straight 40-plus home run season. He still strikes out a ton, and his .273 average isn’t anything to write home about, but Howard did establish career highs with seven steals and 35 doubles.
4. Mark Teixeira, Yankees
Yankees fans are begging for the media to honour Mark Teixeira with the MVP award because of his remarkable consistency. The Yankees slugger is solid across the board with 99 runs, 37 home runs, and 119 RBI to complement a .293 average. He’s certainly great, but not the best.
5. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks
The greatest surprise to make this list, Mark Reynolds offers the rare combination of power and speed. While setting Major League records in strikeouts, Reynolds also powered 43 long balls and 24 steals. He has cooled off considerably in the second half of the season, but he should still rank within the top 10 first baseman this season.
6. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
The least discussed superstar, Miguel Cabrera is the lynchpin of the Tigers success. The 26-year-old will finish the season with close to 35 home runs, 100 runs, 110 RBI, and a .330 average. Cabrera even offered six steals to round out his game. He’s the closest thing to Albert Pujols.
7. Derrek Lee, Cubs
After combining for 50 home runs over the past three seasons, Lee surprised fantasy managers with a power display that currently has totaled 35 dingers. Though at 34, he no longer offers steals, he does provide everything else including 91 runs, 109 RBI, and a .306 average.
8. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
Hampered by a myriad of injuries throughout the season, Kevin Youkilis continues to contribute with 25 home runs, 94 runs, 87 RBI, six steals, and a .304 average. One of the more well-rounded first baseman, Youkilis has been solid, but has not excelled in any one particular category.
9. Kendry Morales, Angels
This is the season in which Morales finally blossomed into the star that was expected of him when he first signed a Major League deal. Morales has accumulated 31 home runs, 99 RBI, and a .301 average. He’ll be worth an early pick next season.
10. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
There is no more difficult task than being the slugger for the San Diego Padres. For an idea of what Gonzalez should be offering fantasy managers, simply double his road statistics. In 156 games, Gonzalez would have 114 runs, 54 home runs, 120 RBI, and a .303 average. Instead, thanks to Petco Park and a lack of protection in the Padres lineup, Gonzalez has a still respectable 39 home runs, 95 RBI, and a .274 average.
An off-season move to a new team would push Gonzalez into the top five.
A Look Back (The Sportsnet.ca Fantasy Pre-Season 1B Rankings):
1. Albert Pujols
2. Miguel Cabrera
3 .Ryan Howard
4. Mark Teixeira
5. Lance Berkman
Last season’s second half struggles crept into this season, as Berkman hit just .162 in April. Though he has gotten better throughout the season, Berkman has been limited by injuries resulting in just 24 home runs and 76 RBI.
6. Prince Fielder
7. Adrian Gonzalez
8. Justin Morneau
Half of the M&M Boys, Justin Morneau enjoyed another stellar season before a back injury forced him to shut down early. His attempt to play injured resulted in a .201 average after the All-Star break.
9. Kevin Youkilis
10. Carlos Pena
The Rays big bopper offered plenty of power with 39 bombs and 100 RBI in 135 games. Unfortunately, he offered very little of anything else as his average sunk to .227 and he whiffed on 163 occasions. Pena suffered a premature ending to the season when he broken a few fingers on a hit by pitch.
