Fantasy Baseball 2008: First Base Sleepers

Fantasy baseball is all about piling up statistics, and first basemen in fantasy baseball certainly do that for every single fantasy owner. The first base position is perennially one of the deepest and most reliable positions in the fantasy game, as there are a myriad of options available that can deliver top-notch statistic production.

Who are the top first basemen, and where should I draft my starter?

The top first basemen available to fantasy baseball owners in 2008 is Albert Pujols of the Cardinals, Ryan Howard of the Phillies, the Brewers' Prince Fielder, and the Braves' Mark Teixeira. If you expect to get top tier production from your first basemen, expect to spend a great deal of your fantasy dollars or a high draft pick on one of those four players. However, if you are looking for first basemen values, there are certainly enough to go around. Do not feel obligated to spend a high draft pick on your first basemen, as the position is so deep.

Who are the best values at first base for fantasy baseball this season?

Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy owners always knew of Carlos Pena as a journeyman first baseman with decent power and a horrible batting eye. Going into 2008, many owners will believe that Pena's breakout season was merely a fluke, especially looking at his past statistics with decent home runs and below average batting averages.

Pena has the ability to be a massive value in 2008 drafts because of his shaky history. I encourage you to believe the hype: his power skills are for real and definitely here to stay. He should be able to contribute around 35-40 home runs to your fantasy team while delivering a decent batting average (look for something around .260, and you won't be disappointed). His numbers remind a lot of owners of Andruw Jones, with high power numbers and a decent batting average.

Pena and Jones essentially have the same batting skill set. Pick him up with confidence.

Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks

Conor Jackson always seems to be among the least appreciated MLB players, but he is a fine baseball player. He has always been known as a contact hitter, but as a young batter in Arizona's lineup, he should gradually start to develop more power and become a key cog.

Jackson hit 5 home runs and posted a .276 batting average in the first half of last season, and went on to post 10 home runs and a .293 batting average in the second half. There is obvious signs of growth on his part, and he could develop into a perennial .300 hitter with some decent power. Buy low, and enjoy the ride.

Other First Base Values: Mike Jacobs (Florida Marlins), Richie Sexson (Seattle Mariners), Lyle Overbay (Toronto Blue Jays)