Fantasy Baseball 2012: Positional Draft Tiers—First Base

Here's a look at the four tiers of first base prospects in 12-team mixed roto leagues. The general rule of thumb: Make every effort to grab a Tier I talent in the first two rounds (Mark Teixeira might slip to Round 3); and if that falls through, grab two, three or four players from Tiers II and III to make up the difference.

Tier 1

• Miguel Cabrera, Tigers (eye-injury setback hasn't bumped Miggy from No. 1)
• Albert Pujols, Angels (the No. 2 overall pick in mixed and AL-only leagues)
• Joey Votto, Reds (No. 1 option in NL-only leagues)
• Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox
• Prince Fielder, Tigers
• Mark Teixeira, Yankees

Tier 2

• Eric Hosmer, Royals (could graduate from this tier by May -- he's that good)
• Paul Konerko, White Sox
• Lance Berkman, Cardinals
• Carlos Santana, Indians
• Freddie Freeman, Braves (consider last year's 21 HRs/76 RBIs a baseline measure)
• Mark Trumbo, Angels (should gain 3B/OF eligibility by May 10)
• Mike Napoli, Rangers
• Michael Morse, Nationals (here's hoping 30 HRs/.300 BA is the new normal)
• Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox (should regain his four-category form in 2012)

Tier 3

• Ryan Howard, Phillies (could be Tier II performer from July-September)
• Ike Davis, Mets (a potential OPS machine for rebuilding club)
• Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
• Gaby Sanchez, Marlins
• Kendrys Morales, Angels
• Mark Reynolds, Orioles
• Adam Lind, Blue Jays
• Brandon Belt, Giants (expect a big jump in Year 2 production)
• Carlos Pena, Rays
• Carlos Lee, Astros
• Michael Cuddyer, Rockies
• Mitch Moreland, Rangers
• Justin Morneau, Twins (a reputation pick -- fingers crossed on his health)
• Mike Carp, Mariners
• Adam Dunn, White Sox (a leap of faith he won't be historically awful in 2012)

Tier 4

• Lucas Duda, Mets
• Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays
• Justin Smoak, Mariners
• Todd Helton, Rockies
• James Loney, Dodgers
• Daniel Murphy, Mets
• Aubrey Huff, Giants
• Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
• Yonder Alonso, Padres (will be a four-category factor sooner than later)
• Juan Rivera, Dodgers
• Chris Davis, Orioles (a late-round gem with 26-HR potential)
• Casey Kotchman, Indians
• Matt LaPorta, Indians
• Casey McGehee, Pirates
• Brett Wallace, Astros
• Lyle Overbay, Diamondbacks
• John Mayberry Jr., Phillies
• Jesus Guzman, Padres
• Daric Barton, Athletics
• Chris Carter, Athletics
• Brandon Allen, Athletics

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.