2012 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Breaking Down Best Picks of 1st Round

Setting a solid foundation for your fantasy baseball team by making the best possible pick in the first round will set you up for a championship season. On the flip side, a mistake with your first selection usually leads to a summer of disappointment.

To make sure you don't fall into the second category, here's a complete mock draft of the opening round featuring the best possible picks based on total value.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels

Switching leagues might cause a transition period for Pujols during April, but it won't be long before he starts dominating like usual. There isn't a more reliable player in all of fantasy baseball, and he'll illustrate that once again this season.

To put things in perspective, he hasn't hit less than 32 home runs in his entire career. When you can guarantee that type of production, it makes taking a couple chances on sleeper picks later on a whole lot easier since Pujols will be around to save the day.

As if Pujols needed anything else in his favor, he also steals around 10 bags per season. He's the fantasy king, and that won't be changing anytime soon.

2. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera will receive a boost in value once he gains third base eligibility since that position is weaker in terms of overall talent. He's one of the most consistent sluggers in the league and comes in only a shade behind Pujols.

3. Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Even though Kemp always possessed the ability to put up a monster season like he did in 2011, not many people were expecting it after a season when he hit .249. Now that everybody has seen his 40-40 upside, he should be picked in the top three.

4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies

Position scarcity has become a popular phrase among fantasy baseball owners. It's the idea that you should target players at weak positions early to get an advantage over your opponents. When you think about it, the theory makes plenty of sense.

Tulowitzki is a perfect example. Assuming he stays healthy, his production will dwarf that of even mid-level shortstops. Since the drop off is far less significant at positions like first base and outfield, that gives your team the edge heading into every week.

He hit 30 home runs last season and should be just entering his prime years. Add in the fact he'll play half his games at Coors Field, and Tulowitzki's prospects continue to look brighter. Draft him with confidence early in the opening round.

5. Jose Bautista, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays

Owners were still hesitant heading into last season because Bautista's 54-homer campaign came out of nowhere. Not only did he back it up, but he actually improved on it to provide more complete production. He should have another monster year.

6. Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees

Like shortstop, second base doesn't have much talent. Any owner who doesn't end up with an elite player at the position will be at a severe disadvantage. That's why taking Cano, even a couple picks before his average draft spot, would be a smart move.

7. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Braun should be in line for another MVP-level season now that the offseason drama is finally behind him. His ability to handle the mental pressure of proving his numbers from recent seasons aren't fraudulent remains the only reason he isn't even higher on this list.

8. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

Staying healthy continues to be the biggest key for Ellsbury. When he's able to stay off the disabled list, he's only of the best players in the league. His rare combination of power and elite speed make him a perfect cornerstone for fantasy teams.

9. Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers

Verlander had a season for the ages last year. He accomplished the pitching triple crown, which allowed him the win the Cy Young and MVP Awards. It was an example of a starter with all the tools finally putting it all together to have a historic season.

Backing it up won't be easy, but if anybody can do it, it's Verlander. His strikeout rate paired with improved control causes hitters to look downright silly at the plate. He should also receive more run support with Prince Fielder in the mix, as if he needs it.

Perhaps most importantly when it comes to pitchers, he's been durable. With so many starters heading for surgery on a monthly basis, having a guy you can trust to contribute all season is key for a first-rounder. Verlander respects the ideal staff ace.

10. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Boston Red Sox

Gonzalez shined in his first season with the Red Sox, hitting a career-high .338 and smashing 27 home runs. He should be able to match or exceed that production during his second season in Boston, making him worth the first-round investment.

11. Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

You aren't going to find a more consistent starting pitcher than Halladay. He goes out there every fifth day and dominates. Anything else is a surprise. Despite some early concerns about his velocity, he'll be a terrific ace of your staff.

12. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Upton continued his ascent last season with 31 home runs and 21 stolen bases. At just 24 years old, he still has plenty of room for improvement, which is scary for opposing pitchers. Getting him at the end of Round 1 should turn out to be a steal.