Fantasy Baseball 2012: The First 20 Players You Should Draft

Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just five weeks.  That means that if you haven't started scouting for fantasy baseball yet, then now would be a good time.  No matter what type of league you're in, it's always good to go into your draft with a good idea of which players you want as well as their projected draft time.

For example, after his stellar 2011 season, I can guarantee all of you that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp (pictured) will be a first-round pick.

Based on that fact alone, the first round shouldn't be the one where you use your pick on some average player or even a rookie with tons of hype.  I remember in 2010, one of the guys in my league had the third overall pick and used it to draft Jason Heyward.  Despite the fact that Heyward went on to finish second in Rookie of the Year voting, this proved to be a horrible decision as this manager went on to struggle throughout the season.  Simply put, your first pick should be a player who is a lock to have a great season no matter what.

That being said, I have a bit of a treat for you all.  Fresh from my own fantasy baseball file cabinet, here are the Top 20 players from my own personal fantasy rankings who could easily be a great first-round choice for you.

No. 20: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Compared to his first three seasons, 2011 was an off year for Evan Longoria.  He hit 31 home runs and had 99 RBI, but batted a career-worst .244.  Still, it should be noted that those home run and RBI totals came in just 133 games and that down the stretch, Longoria was instrumental in leading the Rays to the playoffs.

That being said, while his batting average will probably hover around .280, Longoria's home run and RBI totals will be more than adequate.  Also, if you play in an uber-competitive league like I do and have on-base-percentage as a stat that counts, he'll put up great numbers there.  For his career, Longoria has a .360 OBP to go with a .274 lifetime batting average.

Drafting Longoria with your first pick will give you a great option at third base along with some much-needed power that will only help your team, so definitely give him a look when it's your turn.

No. 19: Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees

Mark Teixeira was exposed as a pull hitter in 2010 and has only hit .252 the past two seasons.  Yet, in that time, he has also hit 72 home runs with 219 RBI and scored 203 runs.

Thus, while he may not seem like a first-round pick, Teixeira is still a good man to take with your first selection if you want to establish offense immediately.  The batting average may seem scary, but keep in mind that Tex's offense comes in bunches and when it does come, it's in epic dimensions.  So long as you draft effectively the rest of the way, he'll prove to be a solid pick.

No. 18: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox

There's only one way to describe Adrian Gonzalez's first year in Boston: amazing.  Not only did he finish second in the AL in batting with a career-best .338 average, but he also led the majors with 213 hits.

His power numbers may have been lower than expected, as 27 home runs is pretty low for a lefty hitter whose home stadium is Fenway Park, but the 117 RBI more than made up for that.  No matter how you look at it, Boston agrees with Gonzalez very much and he definitely has another great season on the horizon.

In drafting him first, so many stats are instantly fulfilled: batting average, hits, home runs, RBI and runs scored.  Unless he suffers a major injury early in the season, A-Gon is a lock for a productive year both in reality and on your fantasy team.

No. 17: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

In 2010, Jose Bautista's batting average was a respectable .260.  However, despite hitting just 59 home runs the previous six seasons, he also led the majors with 54 dingers and also drove in 124 RBI.

At that point, I and probably every other fantasy baseball nut went, "OK.  It's just one season.  It's a total fluke, so there's no way I'll be wasting an early pick on him next year."

Sure enough, Bautista made me and every other naysayer eat their words as he hit .302 and once again led the majors with 43 long balls and drove in 103 runs.  On top of that, his OBP was a phenomenal .447.

That being said, with all that he brings to the table offensively, it only makes sense to consider drafting Bautista in the first round.  He's proven that his power is now legit and if you don't take him in the first round of your draft, someone else probably will.

No. 16: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

As a rule, I don't usually take a pitcher with my first pick.  It's a position that's full of potential sleepers, so even if you don't get a few good arms in your draft, chances are you'll be able to find a couple on the waiver wire.  Yet, when it comes to Kershaw, I might have to make an exception.

This 23-year-old southpaw took home the NL Cy Young last season with a 21-5 record and an MLB-best 2.28 ERA.  He also led the NL with 248 strikeouts and 0.98 WHIP.

Seeing as how the Dodgers are expected to contend next season, Kershaw could be worth a gamble as the ace of your staff.  I don't think he'll match his 2011 performance, but considering his 2.57 ERA over the past two years, not to mention the strikeout totals, taking him first would guarantee your team having one of your league's best pitching staffs.

No. 15: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

Broken ribs limited Jacoby Ellsbury to just 18 games in 2010, so I wasn't expecting much from him in 2011.  On top of that, he had been little more than a speedy leadoff man who hit well for average in seasons past, so I definitely wasn't going to consider taking him with my first pick.

Yet, Ellsbury had a career year in 2011 and now finds himself among my Top 20.  Not only did he hit .321 last year, but he set career-highs with 32 home runs and 105 RBI while also stealing 39 bases.

Simply put, assuming last year wasn't a fluke, Ellsbury provides offense in every way possible.  He'll get on base, score runs, steal bases and create offense with either a long ball or an RBI base hit.  Most importantly, he's the leadoff man for a dangerous Red Sox team that has a shot at winning the AL East this year and was also the best offense in the majors last season.  Simply put, while his status as a first pick is debatable, can you really afford to pass on him if he's available?

No. 14: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

2012 will be Joey Votto's second year removed from his MVP season, and he'll continue to be a front-runner for that honor.  This dangerous lefty bat is a great option at first base who hits well for average as well as power, having batted .309 with 29 home runs and 103 RBI last year.  Also, if you play in an OBP league, you should know that Votto led the NL in that department with a .416 mark.

Seeing as how the Reds are in a key position to clinch the NL Central this season along with the fact that the team's lineup features a bunch of talented young hitters, Votto will surely get some good pitches to hit and have another great offensive season.

No. 13: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

I'm an advocate of taking any of the key offensive players on the Colorado Rockies with the hitter-friendliness of Coors Field, and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is no exception.  Considering how shortstop is a shallow position in fantasy baseball, you'd be wise to take this man first if he's available.

He may not have the speed one would associate with the position, but let's not forget that Tulo hit .302 with 30 home runs and 105 RBI in 2011.  He's a production monster at home and on the road, so drafting him will automatically set your team apart from the others, assuming the rest of your picks are good ones, of course.

No. 12: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

Some of you may be scratching your heads as to why I would put Lincecum in my Top 20 after he went 13-14 last season.  Well, while his record was unimpressive, The Freak still had a 2.74 ERA to go with 220 strikeouts.

Also, let's give the man his proper respect.  The only reason his record was as such was because the Giants' offense last year was borderline nonexistent.  Aubrey Huff never recovered from his slow start and the rest of the team never really got it going at the plate, not to mention losing Buster Posey early was a big loss.

The G-Men have a revamped lineup this year thanks to the acquisition of Melky Cabrera, who will surely provide a welcome spark.  If the rest of the offense gels with him, Lincecum could find himself contending for a third Cy Young.

No. 11: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies.

In the league I play in, all teams' pitchers need to throw a combined 30 innings (minimum) or else the pitchers' stats for that week won't count.  That being said, I'm always sure to draft one or two pitchers who are locks to throw six or seven innings per start.  In terms of innings eaters, one of the most reliable arms out there belongs to Cliff Lee.

The lanky left-hander threw 238 innings last season and also tossed six complete games, all shutouts.  In the month of June, he threw three straight shutouts on his way to a scoreless streak that lasted 34 innings.  Throw in some high strikeout totals and an effective WHIP, and Lee will also win you a lot of games this year. So be sure to put him high on your priority list.

No. 10: Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2011, Justin Upton further established himself as one of the best young outfielders in baseball. He batted .289 with 31 home runs and 88 RBI and was instrumental in leading the Diamondbacks back to the playoffs.  He finished fourth in MVP voting and at just 24 years of age, I'm about to make a crazy prediction.

In 2012, Upton will have an even greater season and bat over .300 while having 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI.  He's a lock to be a first-round pick this year and if you want the staple of your team to be a dominant outfield, I strongly suggest you draft him if he's available at your turn.

No. 9: CC Sabathia, New York Yankees

Much like Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia is a solid man to have in your rotation as an innings eater.  As the ace of the New York Yankees and their strong lineup, he's a near-lock to get at least 18-20 wins and post an ERA in the low threes to go with some decent strikeout totals.

Seeing as how nothing appears to be slowing him down, he's definitely someone you'll want to consider taking in the early rounds of your draft, maybe even in the first.

No. 8: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

I'm always in favor of drafting someone from the New York Yankees, and not just because they're my favorite team.  Their offense is one that preaches patience at the plate and is always a lock to score tons of runs.  That being said, you can see why I'm so high on Robinson Cano.

This All-Star second baseman is a great lefty bat to have on any fantasy roster and he will do it all for you.  He'll hit very well for average, be an RBI machine and also throw in about 25-30 home runs.  Every so often, just to have some fun, he might even steal a base for you.

Second base is a shallow position, so it's one you might want to shore up sooner rather than later.  If you choose to take that road, Cano is a must-have if he's available.

No. 7: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

I don't care that Roy Halladay turns 35 this season, he's still one of the best pitchers in the game.  In terms of fantasy baseball, he's a dream.  This veteran will win games, strike out hitters and eat tons of innings.  Over the past five years, he's thrown an incredible 42 complete games (12 shutouts).

On top of that, Halladay is a good man to have because he's just so fearless on the mound, regardless of circumstance.  No matter who he's facing, even if the 1927 Murderers' Row Yankees came back from the dead to play against him, he never loses focus.  If you want to establish pitching soon, then Halladay is definitely one to consider for your first pick.

No. 6: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

If you want to make a strong impression on offense from the get-go, Miguel Cabrera is a solid pick no matter how you look at him.  Sure, his attitude may be questionable at times, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he'll bat for a high average and hit 30-40 home runs with 100-plus RBI. 

I mean, come on.  We're talking about the man who won the AL batting title with a .344 average and also led the majors with an outstanding .448 OBP.  That being said, if the first round of your league's draft goes by and Cabrera hasn't been picked, then you probably need to take a long hard look at either yourself or the other guys you're playing with.

No. 5: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Some may think it unconventional that I have Justin Verlander at the No. 5 spot, but I don't think it's odd at all that he's there.  Why?  Well, allow me to present the evidence.

A 24-5 record, 2.40 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 250 strikeouts, a no-hitter, the AL Cy Young and the AL MVP Award in 2011.  Enough said.

No. 4: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Though there's a chance of him being suspended for the first 50 games of the 2012 season, Ryan Braun is going to be drafted very early if he's found innocent.  The reigning NL MVP hit .332 with 33 home runs and 111 RBI last year while also stealing a career-high 33 bases.

He won't have as much protection in the lineup this year considering Prince Fielder is almost definitely going to be playing somewhere else, but Braun will still have a solid 2012 season.  The man hits for average, has freakishly strong home run power and to top it all off, he steals bases.  Players like that are few and far between, so if you want to kill multiple birds with one stone, take Braun first.

No. 3: Prince Fielder, Free Agent

It's hard to estimate just how well Prince Fielder will do next season seeing as how he has yet to sign a new contract.  No matter where he ends up, the portly first baseman will be a lock for high totals in both OBP and home runs, maybe even batting average.

With the Brewers last year, Fielder hit .299 with 38 home runs and 120 RBI while also scoring 95 runs.  One stat of his that really stands out are his intentional walks, of which he drew an MLB-best 32.

Assuming that he ends up on a team that's already set to contend, Fielder could surely put up numbers greater than or equal to his 2011 totals.  Even if he signs with a team like the Seattle Mariners, this is still Prince Fielder we're talking about.  No matter where he's playing, he'll be a major offensive threat.

No. 2: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers

After an off 2010 campaign, Matt Kemp came into 2011 with some off-the-charts intensity that helped him finish second in the NL MVP race.  In 161 games, Kemp hit .324 with an NL-leading 39 home runs and an MLB-leading 126 RBI.  Even more impressive, the big outfielder also stole 40 bases.

Kemp also led the NL with 115 runs scored and took home a Gold Glove for his fielding efforts before signing a lofty extension with the Dodgers.  Given how he'll be riding on a lot of momentum entering 2012 along with the fact that the Dodgers have a shot at winning the NL West, it'd be silly to not take Kemp at some point if your pick is among the first five in your draft.

No. 1: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels

Come on, folks.  Did you really think anyone else would be at the top spot on this countdown?  Either way, let's have a look at Pujols and what makes him the best.

First off, he's only just about to turn 32 and already has 445 career home runs to go with a .328 lifetime batting average, two World Series rings and three MVP Awards. 

In 2011, he hit .299 with 37 home runs and 99 RBI.  Ready for the crazy part? The .299 BA was a career-low for him and last season marked the first time in his MLB career that he hasn't driven in over 100 runs.

He's set to be the alpha dog in a new-look Angels lineup, so don't expect anything but the best from Pujols.  If you're the one lucky enough to have the first pick in your league's draft, then be sensible and use it to put this man on your team.