Analyzing Fantasy Baseball's First Round

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing who I think should and should not be first round picks. Factor in both injuries and a return to the field, and the first round has taken some significant twists. 

So, if it were up to me, how would I make my first-round selections? 

Let’s take a look:

1. Hanley Ramirez - Florida Marlins
2. Jose Reyes - New York Mets
3. Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
4. David Wright - New York Mets
5. Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers
6. Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers
7. Grady Sizemore - Cleveland Indians
8. Chase Utley - Philadelphia Phillies
9. Jimmy Rollins - Philadelphia Phillies
10. Ryan Howard - Philadelphia Phillies
11. Mark Teixeira - New York Yankees
12. Josh Hamilton - Texas Rangers

Notes

• With Alex Rodriguez falling out of the mix in the first round things completely get thrown off. For me, it’s Jose Reyes who steps into the No. 2 spot because of what he brings to the table. That speed is just tough to replace, especially coming from the SS position.
• It would be tough passing up on Pujols, however. He may be the best pure hitter in the league, but when I picked again I would expect Prince Fielder and/or Adrian Gonzalez to still be on the board. While they aren’t the same as Pujols, they are a lot closer then any available SS would come to Reyes.
• I know a lot of people would bump Sizemore into the Top Five now, especially with Braun hurting, but not me. Braun has proven to be too good of a hitter and I feel like he is the best outfielder. I discussed why I felt he was more valuable then Sizemore when I did my Top 20 OFer list (click here to view). To me, Sizemore’s power total is just unlikely to be repeated, dropping his value.
• The more intriguing question is the speed of Sizemore vs. Cabrera. For me, Cabrera wins out, especially with the flexibility with him likely eligible at both 1B and 3B in leagues (depending on your rules). Plus, how can you not love that bat? The guy can just flat out rake and is one of the most potent hitters in baseball.
• The Phillies trio comes next, and these can really go in any order, though position does play a role. Utley back in the first round? Considering he is already playing in spring games just how much time do we really expect him to miss? Honestly, he may end up not missing a single game. If there was no injury fear he would certainly have been here, so he belongs now.
• I have previously discussed why I think Teixeira should be a first-round pick, but click here to read for yourself.
• The final spot is so tough to decide. I’ve already said why Kinsler (click here to read) and Hamilton (click here to read) both don’t deserve in the first round, but without Alex Rodriguez someone needs to take the spot. Could Rodriguez himself be considered? Yeah, it’s possible, especially given how some people got burned by passing on Utley. Still, he’s a tough sell at this point.
• I considered Johan Santana, but that’s a bit of a stretch. I’m much more comfortable selecting him in the middle of the second round.
• Lance Berkman perhaps? He’s been a bit on the decline and scares me in the first round. I want a sure bet at this pick and I just don’t see him as it.
• For me it comes down to Josh Hamilton and Carlos Beltran.  When I originally ranked the OFers I had Hamilton ranked above him and while it’s really close, I’m still going to stick to that.  While I previously didn’t view him as a first round pick, someone has to fill A-Rod’s void so he gets it by default.  Honestly, if I’m picking last in the round I’m just hoping someone else slips down to me.

Who do you think is missing? Who’s too high? Too low?

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