Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2012: Risky 1st Basemen Worth Nabbing Late

There is a clear-cut group of elite fantasy first basemen this year: Miguel Cabrera (still eligible there from last year), Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Joey Votto and a few fringe elite options like Mark Teixeira and Paul Konerko.

But after that wave, the pickings get slim at first.

Instead of panicking, throwing your computer out of a window and calling 911, however, I've got a few guys you should snag in the later rounds that could save your season.

And your computer.

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

Listen, I'm concerned about the injuries as well. I understand your apprehensions.

But Morneau will be primarily used as a DH, which should limit the opportunities for injury. And as of Monday, Morneau had been smoking-hot in his last 10 games, hitting .379 with three home runs.

He may never return to MVP-candidate status, but he could post sneaky-good numbers for your team at a cheap price in your draft.

Kendrys Morales, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

In 51 games before injuring his ankle in 2010, Morales hit .280 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI. And Morales hit .453 with two home runs in seven games this spring—his recovery and timing are far ahead of schedule.

Morales is obviously a huge risk, but if he hits early, he could put a choke hold on the Angels DH slot. There, he always has the potential to hit 25 home runs and 100 RBI, and could be a huge boost to your offense.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

Yes, you'll have to have another option and be willing to store Howard on your bench for at least a month, but when he comes back, he could provide a huge boost to your team with his ability to consistently knock runs in.

Temper your home run expectations, but you're taking him late anyway—if he gives you 25 home runs, he's still a bargain.

Ike Davis, New York Mets

Before an ankle injury sidelined him for the year just 36 games into last season, Davis was hitting .302 with seven home runs and 25 RBI.

Stretch that out to a full season, and Davis would have hit about 30 homers and knocked in around 110 runs.

Not too shabby.

While you shouldn't expect that type of production from Davis, it isn't outside the realm of possibility. If he stays healthy, he'll produce, and you can brag to all of your friends you saw it coming all along.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets will remain Linsane in tribute.