First base is one of the deeper positions in fantasy baseball. Depending on the size and depth of your league, there is a good chance you will have more than one first baseman on your team. It's a position that owners depend on for power. Though it's deep, it's important to choose the right one that will bring you positive value. UPDATE! fills you in on who’s game and who's lame.


St. Louis Cardinals
Comment: Only thing missing from his resume is the Triple Crown, and this year is as good as any to obtain it. Last three-year averages among first basemen — No. 1 in average, runs, home runs, RBI and No. 2 in steals. Any questions?

Philadelphia Phillies
Comment: Hit most home runs in a single season in the modern era by a player not named Bonds, McGwire or Sosa. Howard is entering his prime and hits in a great park, with great table-setters. His 181 strikeouts in 2006 and lack of protection are flags for lower average and homers.

Houston Astros
Comment: Since 2000, his OPS hasn't been below .927 and there's no sign of decline. Multi-positional eligibility in most leagues, a hitter's park, and Carlos Lee hitting behind him all point to another solid year. He's outfield eligible.

Texas Rangers
Comment: Slow start last year depresses value, actually hit better on the road than at Ameriquest. Since 2004, has had at least .923 OPS every half except for first half last year, which is an anomaly. Bid with confidence.

Minnesota Twins
Comment: Every single stat trends in the right direction. Key stats that have propelled him to an elite level — hitting against left handed pitching (.315) and improved plate discipline (.57 BB / K ratio).

Chicago White Sox
Comment: Model of consistency the last three years — ranking fourth in runs (93), second in homers (39) and third in RBI (110) — among first basemen. Expect more of the same, especially with the big sticks behind him.

Chicago Cubs
Comment: Only true five-category first baseman. A projected .285-95-30-100-15 season is a conservative guess, but represents great value in all formats. Still young enough to run and Lou likes to run.

Milwaukee Brewers
Comment: Very impressive rookie season, but is still developing. His power is for real and his plate patience is good. Fielder's age, along with a maturing lineup, will make 2007 a bumpy, but bright road. His 7 SB last year were a nice bonus.

New York Mets
Comment: Loves playing in New York and has a great supporting cast. Since 2000, has never had a season with less than 30 HR, 99 RBI and .9070 OPS. The Mets were an emerging team a year ago. Delgado should do even more damage this summer.

New York Yankees
Comment: Hitting in the Yankees lineup, he'll give you nice HR and RBI totals, but don't count on AVG. He'll be full time DH. But last year he actually hit better as first baseman (.289) than DH (.224). Needs to improve AVG against lefties (.213).

Oakland Athletics
Comment: A power switch hitter who is entering his peak years. In his first full season, Swisher learned to draw a walk (a required skill in Oakland), but swings for the fences and K's a lot. Don't count on him for AVG.

Seattle Mariners
Comment: One thing is for sure, he'll give you HR and RBI. A great middle- to late-round power source. Sexson's last two years are typical: .265-85-35-105.

Toronto Blue Jays
Comment: Solid gap hitter to plug in at utility or corner infielder, or even first base if you must. Don't expect a ton of home runs, but enjoy a steady line of .300-85-20-90 without great peaks and valleys.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: It's all about the health. Still a pure hitter that gets on base and doesn't strikeout, Garciaparra hit .368 with RISP last year. A full season played out could mean Top 10 value.

Boston Red Sox
Comment: Currently projected to hit second, with Big Papi and Manny behind him. Who could ask for anything more? With a solid OBP of .381 and entering his prime years, expect 15-20 HR, 75 RBI and 100 runs.

San Diego Padres
Comment: Development of plate discipline in second half increased his numbers across the board last year. Only hold back could be spacious Petco Park and losing the plate discipline he established last year. Gonzalez is 25 and slated to hit cleanup, so his potential is great.

Kansas City Royals
Comment: Didn't have plate discipline last year (.28 BB / K) in the bigs, but showed this skill in the minors (.59 BB/K). Definitely brought the power (expect him to slam 20-plus homers) but average will follow with maturity. An excellent late-round pick.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Comment: Broke out last year with a strong second-half performance. His aggressiveness paid off in increased doubles (38) and homers (32). He'll hit cleanup, and playing for Pittsburgh, he could get lost on draft day.

Los Angeles Angels
Comment: A young prospect with five-category potential who can hit for average with moderate power and speed. Kendrick hit well in every level of the minors, batting .368 overall. Had 21 doubles last year in only 62 games after the All-Star Break.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Comment: Tools are there for a solid growth season. Strong second half showed a more aggressive approach without sacrificing OBP. Never had a lot of pop in the minors, but new approach could pay dividends. Still young and maturing with good upside.


Colorado Rockies
Comment: Three-year trends point downward in AVG, HR, RBI and OPS. His current numbers are still respectable, but replaceable. On the flip side, lack of HR is only thing keeping him from being a Top 5 first baseman. Let someone else take the chance.

Washington Nationals
Comment: If not for his injury history, he'd be on the sleeper list. Has solid skills all around: excellent eye (1.11 BB / K ratio), good power (23 HR, 46 2B) and excellent OBP (.428). At this point, there is no timetable for his return from the broken right leg he suffered last September.

Florida Marlins
Comment: Certainly has power, but needs to harness a few basic skills, such as taking a walk and hitting left-handed pitching (.182 AVG). Hopefully, with a full big league season under his belt, Jacobs, 26, will figure it out.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Comment: Has multi-positional eligibility and had career highs in HR and RBI. Took a free-swinging approach that resulted in more K's, which in turn will depress AVG and value. Ride him while he's hot; cut bait when he's not.

Los Angeles Angels
Comment: Doesn't strike out or walk much, but hits for average (.293 three-year average) and modest power. Reliable option that will get you by, but once Juan Rivera returns, playing time could be an issue. Go for potential and upside in the late rounds.