Top Five Fantasy Baseball National League First Basemen For 2009
The position of first base has long been a very important one to fantasy players around the country and this year, it is easy to see why. The first base position, especially in the National League, is absolutely loaded with great players who will go very high in fantasy baseball drafts. Trying to narrow the list down to only five was quite a challenge, even though the top two were absolute no brainers. The last three are interchangeable with about six other big league players. That said, here are my top five fantasy baseball National League first basemen for 2009:
1. Albert Pujols – Pujols has quite simply been the best in the game since his entry into the world of baseball a few years ago. This guy is the most efficient, productive, and consistent source of fantasy baseball points this side of Alex Rodriguez. This season he is coming off one of his best years and appears to be somewhat healthy for the first time in a couple of years. That can not be good news for pitchers throughout the National League, but it is great news for your fantasy baseball team if you get him.
2. Ryan Howard – Big Howard is all about driving in runs and home runs. The big guy does enough of these two things to make up for the fact that he gives you slim to nothing with speed. This guy has averaged 50 home runs over the last three years, and he should reach even higher with the lineup that Philly has assembled. The World Champion has to feel good going into to 2009.
3. Prince Fielder – Fielder got a bit of a bad rap last season due to a decrease in his power numbers. The bottom line for fantasty owners, however, is that Fielder was a gem if you had him in your lineup regularly. The temporary power shortage will work itself out, and Fielder should be back to his normal self this season. The bottom line is this guy hits and hits regularly.
4. Adrian Gonzalez – Gonzalez quickly established himself in 2008 as the guy everybody wished they had drafted when they had the chance. The guy goes on tears through National League pitching that makes it seem as though he is playing tee ball. The scary thing is, is that he has not yet reached his full potential. Expect another solid year from Gonzo.
5. Lance Berkman – Berkman is another one of those guys that seem to sneak up on you. Do you realize that in addition to the power and RBIs that Berkman steadily provides that he also sneaks in 10-15 steals per season? Impressive for a guy that seems to run like he is standing in mud. Either way, the guy is a fantasy baseball points machine. Draft him if you get the chance.
Each of these five players are very capable and likely to be your number one draft pick in your fantasy league. Go grab them now while you have the chance, and reap the benefits all season long.
