Fantasy Baseball: 5 Stud First Basemen Flying Under the Radar
First base may be one of the most loaded positions in fantasy baseball, but if you haven't managed to land one of the spot's many superstars, you may want to consider some of these guys.
Sure, their names aren't the biggest in the game, but their early production could provide a serious boost to any fantasy owner.
Bryan LaHair, Chicago Cubs
1 of 5Current Numbers: .380 AVG, 7 HR, 16 RBI, .458 OBP
When the Chicago Cubs missed out on the Prince Fielder sweepstakes they named former Seattle Mariner Bryan LaHair their starting first baseman.
So far, so good.
LaHair has exploded onto the scene this season, blasting seven of the Cubs' first 15 home runs and becoming a cornerstone of the young Chicago lineup.
While he isn't likely to keep up his torrent pace at the plate over the long run, LaHair is shaping up to be one of the National League's biggest surprises and could serve as a viable fantasy backup at the very least.
LaHair is currently owned in just 76 percent of Yahoo! Sports leagues, but his stock is rising rapidly, so grab him while you can.
Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals
2 of 5Current Numbers: .290 AVG, 5 HR, 16 RBI, .330 OBP
Don't let Billy Butler's goofy physique fool you. The guy can flat-out hit.
While the Royal's have been talking up Butler's game for several years now, the 26-year-old has gotten off to a hot start in 2012 and seems finally to be living up to his high acclaim.
Butler has recorded the 14th most hits in the American League (29) and benefits greatly from being the No. 3 hitter in Kansas City's solid, young lineup.
Considering he's still available in 12 percent of Yahoo! Sports leagues, he could prove to be quite a mid-season pickup.
Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
3 of 5Current Numbers: .302 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBI, .322 OBP
Freddie Freeman had an impressive rookie campaign in 2011, and at just 22 years of age, he is only going to get better.
Batting in the heart of Atlanta's explosive order, Freeman is off to a hot start in 2012 and should continue to produce at a high level for the remainder of the season.
If he's still floating around your league's waiver wire, don't hesitate to pick him up.
You won't be sorry.
Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
4 of 5Current Numbers: .318 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI, .366 OBP
Chris who? Chris Davis.
The 26-year-old Baltimore first baseman is making the most of his first full season with the Orioles, and is quickly climbing up the fantasy rankings.
While his power has been never questioned, Davis' solid batting average and on-base percentage have made him a legitimate fantasy option this season.
We'll have to wait and see if he can continue to reach base consistently, but as for now, he is certainly worth a look in most leagues.
Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
5 of 5Current Numbers: .295 AVG, 9 HR, 24 RBI, .350 OBP
While Encarnacion is technically a third baseman by trade, he has first base eligibility in several different fantasy formats.
In other words, if you're still looking for an everyday first baseman and Encarnacion is still on the board...take him immediately!
With Jose Bautista struggling mightily, Encarnacion has taken it upon himself to carry the Toronto offense. With the league's fourth most RBI (24) and nine homers, he'll be flying off fantasy waiver wires in no time at all.

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