Phantic Phantasy Baseball

The Phanatic Magazine kicks off its fantasy baseball coverage today. Staff writers Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley will unleash their position-by-position rankings over the next week and a half to help you get prepared.

And of course, look for Wiley and Rushton to give you updated fantasy rants throughout the season, especially Wiley, who will look to have his "Papa Bear" squad rebound from last season's disappointing finish.

Today's position: 1B

By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine

First base is a deep, yet important position in fantasy baseball. Power and runs batted in are two important categories to look for when selecting a first baseman for your team, but there are enough sluggers at first that average should be taken into account as well. Pay close attention to this position in your draft, as a big injury or sub par performance can be deadly to your team's playoff chances.

Legend: HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB

Wiley's List

1) Albert Pujols (STL) - Stud. Best position player available. Only question is his health. Missed time last year with strained oblique.
2) Ryan Howard (PHI) - Overall top 5 player. He's been a bit cranky over the lack of a big contract offer. I like guys playing for a contract. Expect big numbers again. If he gets lineup protection, expect even more.
3) Lance Berkman (HOU) - The addition of Carlos Lee will only help him. Without protection last year he still went for 45/136/.313/90. Expect RS to improve with Lee on board.
4) David Ortiz (BOS) - Expect Big Papi's numbers to start to decrease from his 54/137/.287/115 last season, but 45/125/.280/110 is still better than most. Berkman gets the nod over him because of average.
5) Justin Morneau (MIN) - AL MVP. He turns 27 this season. That's the age when players start their peak. Expect better than his 34/130/.321/97 from 2006.
6) Mark Teixeira (TEX) - Started last year poorly, but his numbers were still solid. Currently in his prime, 40/130/.300/100 are within reach.
7) Derrek Lee (CHC) - Coming off injured plagued season. With Soriano and Aramis in lineup he should pick up where he left off in 2005.
8) Carlos Delgado (NYM) - Keep this in mind -- a player's first year in NYC is his worst. Last year he went for 38/114/.265/89. Those numbers should improve this year.
9) Paul Konerko (CHW) - His numbers will start to decline, but expect similar to last year, which is good enough.
10) Adrian Gonzalez (SDP) - At 25 years old and with a sweet swing, expect career numbers. Only down side is PETCO Park.
11) Prince Fielder (MIL) - I like him a lot. He's got a good eye, hits for average and his power numbers will continue to improve.
12) Adam LaRoche (PIT) - Pirates were high enough on him to trade Mike Gonzalez for him, but I'm not completely sold. Expect good fantasy numbers, but I wouldn't rely on him as a starting fantasy 1B, Corner infield spot is perfect.

The others 13-20: Nick Swisher (OAK), Richie Sexson (Sea), Todd Helton (Col), Jason Giambi (NYY), Lyle Overbay (Tor), Nomar Garciaparra (LAD), Mike Jacobs (FLA), Conor Jackson (ARI).

Rushton's List

1) Pujols - To be the best, you have to beat the best. Pujols is still the best. Don't be scared off by last year's injury. Should go number 1 overall in most drafts.
2) Howard - Has high expectations this year, but has ability to deliver. Just hope pitchers haven't figured him out yet.
3) Ortiz - Is due for a down year, but it won't be this season. One of the top clutch hitters in baseball.
4) Morneau - Never count out an MVP winner. Perfect blend of average and power potential.
5) Berkman - Has eligibility in OF too but will serve well as your first baseman. Hitting in Houston helps, as will the addition of Carlos Lee.
6) Teixeira - Was invisible in the first half last season, but really turned it on in the second. Teixeira is nice and snug in a powerful Texas lineup.
7) Lee - Will be a steal this year, as he was two years ago. Chicago's lineup is loaded and you can't assume Lee will get hurt again.
8) Delgado - His age is a concern (34), as is his wrist, but still has nice power potential until further notice. Will also see a lot of RBI opportunity.
9) Konerko - Greatly benefits from a hitter-friendly park and a healthy Jim Thome. Has 40 home run potential.
10) Giambi - Let's just assume he is clean. His power rebounded last year, but his .253 average last season will scare some people off.
11) Fielder - Wore down last year but has no where to go but up. Milwaukee could be surprise team of 2007 and Fielder will play a big part in that.
12) Helton - Is obviously on the decline, but a trade to say, Boston, at some point could rejuvenate him.

13-20: Gonzalez, LaRoche, Overbay, Sexson, Swisher, Jacobs, Jackson, Garciaparra.

Phanatic Sleepers: Howie Kendrick (LAA), Ryan Shealy (KC) *Nick Johnson (Was)
*Not expected to start seaosn b/c of injury.

Important note: Be sure to check your league eligibility rules to determine whether Jim Thome, Travis Hafner and Frank Thomas are eligible for 1B. The following list was compiled assuming they were not. However, all three players are top 20 first baseman if your league allows it.