The Top 10 Fantasy 1B of 2009

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These weekly posts of mine will be based on a rotisserie format using a traditional 5×5 scoring system to keep things simple. Personally I prefer more statistics in my leagues (which is why I was the commissioner in one of my leagues), but in order to reach the most readers we will just stick with the basic. But, feel free to either e-mail me or leave a comment in this post if you have specific questions. If I don’t reply to the comment, then ping me in an e-mail, too!

We will go around the horn in this series after skipping the pitcher’s position.

And remember, just because a player had a good fantasy season in 2009, it doesn’t mean he will have another one in 2010 and beyond. Sometimes you need to look into the player’s past and see if he is showing signs of decline over a few years.

Please Note: The 5×5 stats listed below are as follows in this order Runs/HR/RBI/SB/Ave

10 — Adrian Gonzalez (27) Padres

90/40/99/1/.277
With a better supporting cast where he wouldn’t get walked or pitched around SO much would have put Gonzalez much higher on this list and he may have even hit 50 bombs with over 120 RBI. If he gets traded this off season, his value should skyrocket closer to the top of the 1B list.

9 — Joey Votto (25) Reds

82/25/84/4/.322
Given how many games he was limited to due to that weird injury/illness of his makes this inclusion above Gonzo to be just short of amazing. Where do you think he would be without that time off?!

8 — Kevin Youkilis (30) Red Sox, also qualifies (20 game min.) at 3B

99/27/94/7/.306
The formerly nicknamed “Greek God of Walks” (Moneyball) can also be tagged as Mr. Reliable or Mr. Versatile. Reliable because you can always expect to get close to 100 runs and RBIs while hitting close to 30 bombs and all with an above .300 average. Versatile for his ability to play either 1B or 3B ata high level and in emergencies has been know to play in the OF, too just don’t expect him to qualify for the OF in any given year.

7 — Kendry Morales (26) Angels

86/34/108/3/.306
Morales is one of the only surprises to this list if you ask me although some might say that he always had the potential to have a year like this but who would have thought hat would happen so soon? Hitting over 30 HR and 100 RBI while maintaining an average above .300 is always impressive and most valuable.

6 — Derrek Lee (33) Cubs

91/35/111/1/.306
I hereby label Derrek Lee as the comeback player of the year! Who, outside of the biggest Derrek Lee or Cubs fans ever expected the 33 year old to reach such heights again? The question now is, can he do it for two years in a row? Later this offseason I will attempt to answer that question is the numbers allow.

5 — Mark Teixeira (29) Yankees

103/39/122/2/.292
For a player who was considered for the AL MVP award, a number 5 ranking is surprising especially looking at this lists # 4. Now with that being said, these numbers are nothing to sneeze at! One bomb away from 40 with over 100 runs scored and over 120 RBI while hitting close to .300 is impressive and only to be topped by the MLB elite.

4 — Miguel Cabrera (26) Tigers

96/34/103/6/.324
He’s the second youngest player on this list, probably has the most talent, but is probably the most likely to fall from grace (this type of production) before anyone else on this list due to his lack of maturity (his drinking and inability to stay in good shape). That being said, the numbers don’t lie and Cabrera is once again one of the best fantasy players at this position and in 2009 he also qualified for 3B in most leagues.

3 — Ryan Howard (29) Phillies

105/45/141/8/.279

Most of these numbers were expected except for the .279 batting average which fantasy owners of Mr. Howard will most definitely accept! He has been almost a lock for 40+ HR and over 120 RBI batting in this stacked Phillies offense and while he may not hit close to .280 again, the 40/120 are all but a given is he stays as healthy as he has in the past.

2 — Prince Fielder (25) Brewers

103/46/141/2/.299
After orchestrating one of the most unique HR celebrations in recent memory you will find that Prince has put up another strong all around year and almost hit .300 to boot! He may not hit 40+ HR or 140+ RBI every year but you can expect numbers close to those on a regular basis.

1 — Albert Pujols (29) Cardinals

124/47/135/16/.327

He’s the NL’s 2009 MVP for a second straight year, who else were you expecting to be in this slot? Need I say more? The numbers speak for themselves! The year he does NOT sit at the top of this will probably be due to injury given his unworldly consistency.

Honorable Mentions…

Todd Helton (35) Rockies

79/15/86/0/.325

Billy Butler (23) Royals

78/21/93/1/.301