Fantasy Preview by Position: First Base

At first base, I usually just go for pure power with little else - you can fill out the peripherals at the middle infield positions and catcher.

1) Albert Pujols (STL) - Think about this for a second - even in a "down" year, the guy hit .327 / .429 with more than 30 HR and 100 RBIs. And he was hurt for part of the year. Rumors are he's battling injuries now, but with Albert, it's tough to argue in favor of anybody else.

2) Prince Fielder (MIL) - I got lucky and snagged Prince in the 8th round last year - BIG payoff there. He went on to slug 50 HR with 119 RBI. A full year of Ryan Braun behind him will force pitchers to pitch to him (see Ortiz, David) and he'll continue to mash.

3) Ryan Howard (PHI) - Howard is another guy that started off slow but somehow wound up nearing 50 HR and 140 RBI. The average was significantly down from 2006, but for power numbers and OBP, it's tough to argue. Especially with Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino always on base in front of him - Howard's going to knock in a boatload of runs.

4) David Ortiz (BOS) - Ortiz seemed to sacrifice home run totals (35) for a higher batting average (.332) last season. Not exactly what fantasy owners signed up for, but still nice production. I had him as the #2 first baseman last year, hence the dropoff. If Manny Ramirez's slide is for real, he may not see as many pitches in 2008, either.

5) Travis Hafner (CLE) - BOUNCEBACK CANDIDATE! That wrist is all healed up. His batting eye was still good last year, as evidenced by the .385 OBP. Look for more of a 2006 Hafner than 2007. I wouldn't call him a sleeper, but if he falls late into the second round, jump all over it. The 1B eligibility is nice, too.

6) Mark Teixeira (ATL) - Big Tex seemed a bit lost during the first half of the year in Arlington last year, but once he was traded to Atlanta, he mashed, with 56 RBI in 54 games. Look for strong run production this year.

7) Derrek Lee (CHC) - Even if the 46 HR of 2005 were a fluke, so long as Lee stays healthy he's going to have the opportunity to drive in a ton of runs this year; especially if the Cubs manage to acquire Brian Roberts from Baltimore.

8) Carlos Guillen (DET) - How good is this guy? He's got SS eligibility but his numbers play pretty well as a 1B, too. Should easily knock in over 100 runs and swipe a few bags. Less wear and tear on his body from the position switch will keep him fresher as the year goes on, too.

9) Carlos Pena (TBR) - OK, he's probably not going to 46 HR again this year. But he does have real power and with BJ Upton and Carl Crawford on base in front of him, he's going to have plenty of RBI opportunities. The .282 batting average likely isn't going to happen again, either. I'd pencil him in for about 35 HR and 120 RBI.

10) Lance Berkman (HOU) - Berkman's numbers were down last year, and that Houston lineup is just going to be terrible. He may get some protection from newly-acquired Miguel Tejada, depending on how their lineup shakes out, though.

Worth a Look: James Loney (LAD)