MLB Top Five of 2009: First Base

This week's Top Five takes us to first base.

The endless talent of a massive amount of great major league first basemen is sure to be on display in 2009.

However, when narrowing down the best in the league to only five of those players, this week's top five takes a backseat to no one.

Each one fills out the desirable qualities most managers and coaches look for in an elite first baseman.

5. Miguel Cabrera—Detroit Tigers

New to this side of the diamond, the Tigers moved Cabrera from third base to first in 2008 figuring that it was in the best interest of the team.

While Cabrera's defense may need some work to begin the 2009 season, he will more than make up for his faults in the field with his offense.

Despite a dismal 2008 season for the Detroit Tigers, Cabrera did not disappoint at the plate during his first year in a Tigers uniform.

He led the American League in home runs (37) and ranked third in runs batted in (127); career highs for Miguel in both categories.

Assuming that Cabrera stays in shape for 2009 and beyond, his career ceiling should well exceed his 2008 numbers.

Projected Stats for 2009: .302 BA, 36 HR, 130 RBI, .398 OBP

4. Justin Morneau—Minnesota Twins

The former MVP had yet another solid season in 2008, posting over 20 home runs and over 100 runs batted in for a third straight season.

Despite their low payroll, the Minnesota Twins always seem to at least be in the hunt for a playoff spot every year. Justin Morneau has been one of the main reasons for this reality over the last five seasons.

Along with catcher Joe Mauer, Morneau carries the Twins offense on his shoulders, answering the bell every year.

Seeing as how consistancy has been the name of Morneau's game ever since entering the league in 2003, there is no reason to believe Morneau will not have another great year at the plate; especially with a healthy Michael Cuddyer backing him up again this year.

Projected Stats for 2009: .305 BA, 28 HR, 126 RBI, .380 OBP

3. Mark Teixeira—New York Yankees

Yankee fans are hoping that a new uniform still means old numbers for Tex.

With the aging Giambi's unreliablility in 2008, Teixeira should be a site for sore eyes in New York.

Not only does Mark Teixeira bring a big bat to protect Alex Rodriguez in the lineup, he gives New York its first Gold Glove caliber first baseman since the days of Don Mattingly.

And speaking of Donnie Baseball, Teixeira idolized Mattingly as a young boy growing up in Maryland.

Mark has explained that being a Yankee has always been one of his dreams. This leads many to believe that he may not fall victim to those first year New York jitters that we have seen other Yankee players struggle with in the past.

With the greatest amount of lineup protection Teixeira has ever experienced in his young career, 2009 should be a very good year for the 28 year old.

Projected Stats for 2009: .310 BA, 36 HR, 125 RBI, .410 OBP

2. Ryan Howard—Philadelphia Phillies

Ryan Howard is the exact definition of the word "slugger."

While he has shown a tendency to bat for a low average, he more than makes up for it with absolutely sick power numbers, leading the major leagues in both homers (48) and runs batted in (146) for 2008.

While his walks were down, leading to a low on-base percentage, there is no reason to believe that they will not be back up to 2006 and 2007 levels (108 and 107 walks, respectively) in 2009.

Ryan's batting average should see an increase from 2008 as well, as he batted a career low .251 for the season. One must recall that Ryan got off to a painfully slow start at the beginning of the last year.

By getting out of the gate early, that average should be fine.

Combine Howard's power numbers with improved on-base numbers, and you begin to realize that you have the best example of a clean up hitter that there is to find in the majors.

Projected Stats for 2009: .274 BA, 44 HR, 142 RBI, .395 OBP

1. Albert Pujols—St. Louis Cardinals

Arguably the best hitter in the game, Albert Pujols had another outstanding season in 2008.

Collecting his typical power numbers for the season (37 HR, 116 RBI, 104 BB), Pujols went on to challenge Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones for the National League batting title this past year.

While Pujols ultimately lost the race to Jones, fans were reminded, once again, of why this man is such an awe inspiring player; enough so to earn him his second NL MVP Award.

His swing is effortless, the ball jumps right off his bat, he sports a flashy glove at first, and he will even steal the occasional base if the situation calls for it.

Yup, Albert Pujols does it all.

And just in case all of those exceptional qualities do not impress you, consider this: six out of the eight years of his career, Albert's home run total has been more than half that of his strikeout total (49:50 in 2006!).

As the leader of the St. Louis ball club, there is no reason to believe that 2009 won't just be another day at the office for Prince Albert.

Projected Stats for 2009: .330 BA, 40 HR, 120 RBI, .426 OBP