[davethesportsguy]

This year in the AL, the first baseman position has some really good players to watch, especially when it comes to fantasy.

The best, no doubt in my mind, is Mark Teixeira of the Texas Rangers. Teixeira, can hit for average, power and is only going to get better. This year, I think he will hit about 45 home runs, knock in between 130-140 and hit around .315. If you get the opportunity---DRAFT HIM EARLY!!!

Richie Sexson, of the Seattle Mariners, can hit about 40 home runs and knock in about 110, but the risk is he doesn't hit for average, and he strikes out way too much (167 last year).

Paul Konerko, is a quality first baseman who doesn't get respect, especially when it comes to fantasy, but I expect him to hit between 35-40 homers, knock in nearly 100 and he is good for a .280 average.

As for the rest of the AL first baseman, you do have two risks in Jason Giambi of the Yankees and Jim Thome of the White Sox. If healthy, Giambi can hit about 30 homers and Thome nearly 40, but to me they are both cautions.

Finally, if their is one other first baseman to draft, it would be Aubrey Huff of Tampa Bay. Yes, I did say someone from the Rays, but he can hit about 25 long balls and knock in nearly 100.

[Lefty Noob]

I noticed David Ortiz missing from your list. He qualifies as a first baseman in my league, and over the past two seasons he's been good for at least a .300 average, 40 HR and 130-140 RBI. Where would you rank "Big Papi" on this list?

[davethesportsguy]

I do consider Ortiz a DH, however if I had to choose him in the AL first baseman, I have him behind Teixeira. Although, I do think Ortiz will hit around .300, with 40-45 homers, and knocking in between 135-140.

[bahoena]

I see that you mention Huff. Do you think he's going to be back to the form that hit 30+ homers a couple years ago, or is last year more the production to expect from him?

Luckily in the league I'm in, he'll be eligible at 3rd and 1st this year, which gives him some solid value. But as just a 1st basemen, I'm not sure. There's so many 1B eligible players that can hit 20+ HRs.

[davethesportsguy]

I feel that way about him, but it all depends on the support around him in the lineup.

[pigskinfanatic]

Last season I drafted Travis Hafner pretty late in my www.sportsline.com league. Even though he was only the 10th ranked first baseman at first, in the second half of the season, especially down the stretch he was amazing. I thought I had no chance at the all star break then thanks to Andruw jones and Travis Hafner, I ended up going to the Championship game where I lost. I collected a $200 second prize thanks mostly to Travis Hafner's spectacular play during Clevelan's pennant race. This year I will not hesitate to draft him again as I expect a monster year out of him

[ThePundit]

I got Konerko late last year - after Mike Sweeney. The problem is,with his phenominal post season last year, he's going to go too early....Maybe Hafner or Texiera can sneak under the radar until the middle rounds. The trick is to try to take a loaded position a little later - and take a not so loaded one earlier. For example, take Victor Martinez early because his differential from other catchers will be greater than the differential between Konerko and say Giambi or Texiera who might last a few rounds.