Fantasy Baseball 2012 Rankings: Robinson Cano and Safest 1st Round Picks

While first-rounders are generally the safest picks when drafting a fantasy baseball team, there are always some "sure things" who fail to live up to the expectations. Matt Kemp turned out to be a very disappointing first-round pick in 2010, and Carl Crawford was the same in 2011.

Here's a list of four players who you should feel safe picking in the first round.

Miguel Cabrera, 1st base, Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera is the definition of a sure thing in fantasy baseball. After his rookie season in 2003, Cabrera has had at least 100 RBI every season, batted at least .300 in all but two seasons, hit at least 30 home runs in all but one season and had an OPS of at least .900 with only two exceptions.

Cabrera has been producing at the plate ever since he put a major-league uniform on for the first time. With Prince Fielder now in the same lineup, expect Cabrera's numbers to only go up from there. Don't hesitate to snag Cabrera with any pick in the first round.

Robinson Cano, 2nd base, New York Yankees

There won't be many second baseman who will get picked in the earlier rounds of the draft, but Robinson Cano will be a top-10 pick. He's the best second baseman in baseball, and that holds especially true in regards to fantasy baseball, when offense means everything.

He will hit for a high average and drive in a ton of runs, especially for a second baseman. One thing that jumps out at you when looking at his statistics is his power numbers. He has hit at least 25 home runs in each of the last three years, and only Dan Uggla has been able to accomplish the same feat at the position.

Cano could turn out to be one of the best value picks in the first round, as there aren't many second baseman who are guaranteed to put up solid all-around numbers like Cano.

Adrian Gonzalez, 1st base, Boston Red Sox

I was surprised that Adrian Gonzalez did not go a lot earlier in fantasy baseball drafts last season. He did nothing but put up incredible numbers for the San Diego Padres, even though he batted in the spacious Petco Park and in the middle of the Padres' lackluster offense.

Gonzalez had another solid season in 2011, and he will repeat that success in 2012. He took advantage of the hitter-friendly Fenway Park, and I'm sure the deep Red Sox's lineup will continue to boost his overall numbers.

If Carl Crawford can turn into the leadoff hitter that the Red Sox originally anticipated, expect Gonzalez's RBI total to increase from the 117 he had last season.

Albert Pujols, 1st base, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

This list wouldn't be complete without Albert Pujols. You want consistency? Pujols should change his last name to Consistent because that's exactly what he is.

Before his "down year" last season, Pujols had hit at least 30 home runs, drove in at least 100 runs and had a batting average of over .300 during his first 10 seasons in the pros. And the funny thing is that if he had at least one more hit that drove in a run, he would've increased that incredible streak to 11-straight seasons—he finished with a .299 batting average and 99 RBI.

And if you're worried about Pujols switching leagues, don't be foolish. He is a career .348 hitter during interleague play (188-for-541), with an incredible on-base percentage of .438.

Don't be afraid to pick Pujols with the first-overall pick if you happen to end up with it. He's the definition of a sure thing in fantasy baseball.