2012 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Stars You Must Draft in First Round

It's fantasy baseball season, the time when stats mean more than anything, including your stats class.

Whether you are vying for a three-peat or simply trying to be a viable contender after years of mediocrity, the 2012 fantasy baseball season offers plenty of spills and thrills.

Some will go for hitting, some will go for pitching, some will go for balance and some will go for the all-bust team (unknowingly, of course).

But don't you fear, I've got you covered for at least the first round.

Here's my 2012 fantasy baseball mock draft.

1. Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

If it wasn't for that Ryan Braun fellow, Matt Kemp would have won the National League MVP last season. He was a five-category stud, hitting .324 with 39 home runs, 126 RBI, 115 runs and 40 stolen bases despite being on the disappointing Dodgers.

This season, Kemp appears to have a better team surrounding him and he's just realizing his potential. That's a scary thing.

2. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera is not only one of the most consistent hitters in baseball, he hit .344 with 30 home runs, 105 RBI and 111 runs last season.

Did I mention he has Prince Fielder batting behind him in 2012?

3. Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Bautista is the star of a rather shallow third baseman class, he gives you flexibility at outfield and he's averaged 48.5 home runs, 113.5 RBI and 107 runs in his past two seasons. 

His .302 average last season is probably his ceiling in that department, but there's no doubt he's improved as a contact hitter, as well. 

4. Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels

Albert Pujols is still the most intimidating hitter in the game. He hit .299 with 37 home runs, 99 RBI and 105 runs in a down season in 2011. 

Pujols isn't the type of player who takes it easy after getting a massive contract. Instead, I expect him to be more determined than ever to prove himself to the Angels.

That, combined with the return of Kendrys Morales, will make Pujols a very dangerous player in 2012.

5. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies

Troy Tulowitzki hit .302 with 30 home runs, 105 RBI and 81 runs last season and he's still a rising player. On top of that, he headlines what is always a shallow position at shortstop.

There's also the fact that he plays at Coors Field.

6. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Lost in the PED controversy this offseason was the fact that Ryan Braun was a star player before 2011.

Braun was named the MVP last season when he hit .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI, 109 runs and 33 stolen bases, but, the fact of the matter is, he was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2005 draft and he had four straight seasons of at least 25 home runs and 97 RBI before 2011.

Braun's numbers may dip slightly with Prince Fielder's departure, but his combination of hitting and base-stealing makes him a legit top-six pick.

7. Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees

The second base position is deeper than in previous years this season, but it's still not as deep as first base or outfield.

In that respect, I would draft Robinson Cano over Adrian Gonzalez.

Cano is in a loaded offense, as always, and he hit .302 with 28 home runs, 118 RBI and 104 runs last season.

8. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Boston Red Sox

So much for Adrian Gonzalez having trouble adjusting to the American League and the bright lights last season.

All Gonzalez did in his first season with the Red Sox was bat .338 with 27 home runs, 117 RBI and 108 runs. I expect him to have an even better season in 2012.

9. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Joey Votto remains one of the best hitters in baseball, hitting .309 with 29 home runs, 103 RBI and 101 runs last season.

Votto once again has protection in the lineup with Jay Bruce, not to mention Brandon Phillips batting ahead of him.

10. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Justin Upton isn't surrounded by the offense as some of the other sluggers, but his five-category ability is outstanding.

Last season, Upton hit .289 with 31 home runs, 88 RBI, 105 runs and 21 stolen bases. Remember, he's only 24 years old. He's only going to get better.

11. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

To say Jacoby Ellsbury had a breakout season in 2011 would be an understatement. He hit .321 with 32 home runs, 105 RBI, 119 runs and 39 stolen bases. 

Ellsbury, like Upton, is a rising five-category monster. You could easily flip Upton and Ellsbury. 

12. Prince Fielder, 1B, Detroit Tigers

Prince Fielder does have to adjust to American League pitching this season. Then again, when you're a great hitter, sometimes that doesn't matter as much (see: Adrian Gonzalez).

Fielder hit .299 with 38 home runs, 120 RBI and 99 runs last season and he's likely hitting behind the rising Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera. He'll have plenty of opportunities to knock in some runs.

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