2012 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Full-First Round Projections for 10-Man League

Preparation is invaluable.

The 2012 MLB regular season doesn’t start for a few more days, but it’s never too early to start thinking fantasy baseball.  Here is a full first-round mock draft for a 10-man league:

1. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Braun isn’t on performance-enhancing drugs, but he sure produces like he’s juiced up.  He hit for contact and power last season, recording a .332 batting average while blasting 33 home runs and 111 RBI.  While many are predicting a drop-off, his career averages should lead you to believe otherwise.

2. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera is a 6’4”, 240-pound hitting machine.  The infielder almost always finishes among the league’s best batters in average.  Last season, he hit .344 and added 30 homers and 105 RBI.

3. Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kemp fills up a stat sheet with the best of them.  In 2011, his .324 batting average exhibited his consistency, his 39 home runs displayed his strength and his 40 steals showcased his speed.  And you can’t forget about his 126 RBI despite playing on a mediocre ball club.

4. Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels

All eyes will be on Pujols as he attempts to equal his astonishing production in his new home.  The 32-year old’s numbers dipped a bit last season to a .299 batting average, 37 long balls and 99 RBI due to an injury.  His age is a concern, but his ceiling makes Pujols worth any risk.

5. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies

Tulowitzki’s durability issues make it dangerous to select him early.  But his offensive output erases any doubt about rolling the dice.  Last year, he hit for .302, along with 30 home runs and 105 RBI.

6. Jose Bautista, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

One year after evolving into a power hitter, Bautista transformed his game again.  In 2011, he batted over .300 for the first time in his career.  And even though he missed 12 games, he cranked out 43 homers and 103 RBI.

7. Robinson Cano, SS, New York Yankees

Cano always hit for average, but his introduction to a weight room has made him a fantasy fiend.  Last season, he recorded 28 home runs, 118 RBI and a batting average of .302.

8. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

If Pujols’ numbers take a dive, Votta possesses the potential to take the title of the top first baseman in fantasy baseball.  In 2011, he hit .309 for 29 home runs and 103 RBI.

9. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

The 24-year old Upton is about to blow up.  He hit .289, 31 home runs and 88 RBI last season.  But another year of development will do him wonders.

10. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

Ellsbury really emerged last season after being plagued by injuries the year before.  He hit for .321 and added 32 home runs and 105 RBI.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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