Post by Steve on Dec 14, 2013 22:50:16 GMT -5
With this article, I factor in production, talent ratings, contract, and age for the true outcome of their value…I weigh talent ratings along with age more, and this could be a good guide to see who truly the best valuable 1B on the market is. Here we go:
Top 10 MLB 1B
1. David “Big Papi” Ortiz- MON- Age 28- This is a tougher call at number 1 then you would think. Let’s get to the positives first. Brilliant in Hits/2Bs/HRs…insane. I don’t think we have any hitter in the WHOLE league to sport that besides Miggy of course. He fills out nicely by having good talent in walks and Ks…he’s an extra base machine. At age 28 I felt comfortable putting him at the top of list…yes, he makes more then a few of these guys that will be coming up, but at 11 Million…who the fuck wouldn’t be happy with that contract? He actually gets really good production from his walk rating…I feel some teams fear him, and give him an extra pass. His OPS approached 1.000, and I think it’s only a matter of time before he puts together a truly monster season. He has his PD reversal left so there’s some insurance for Kobe.
2. Albert “The Machine” Pujols- TOR- Age 24- If you were looking for Todd Helton, well, you’ll be disappointed…anyway, Pujols’ career is finally gaining traction. He’s starting to develop, and at a B/B/G/G/B talent level, he’s ridiculous. His first 3 years in the bigs, he was essentially a doubles machine with little HR power. This past season is what Game and others probably expect out of him. He has been fully camped, which does give Votto an argument for this spot, but I think at this stage Pujols is belonging. Plus, he gives you some flexibility in the OF. His walk to K ratio improved big time this season. Just another stud for Game’s roster. He’s already accomplished two 200-hit seasons. There should be more of those. He’s been PD reversed, but he’s franchise-eligible if you traded for him (if I’m reading the rules correctly)…
3. Joey Votto- SEA- Age 21- Nanz with his franchise-guy here. He was the clear-cut number 1 draft pick when he came out. He recently just made his debut because of a PD hit he took…so Nanz called him up, and secured him as his franchise guy. Anyway, he’s very similar to Pujols. Pujols has him in Ks, but everything else is virtually the same. Nanz has the ability to IRI him (all 5 left)…Do you take Votto over Pujols because he’s younger or do you take Pujols because he’s the slightly better player. Insane decision there. He’s going to be a force in that stacked lineup for Nanz…Seattle/Toronto are so loaded.
4. Adrian Gonzalez- ARI- Age 22- Darell! Ho-hum, another franchise guy on this list. I love A-Gone, I wanted him badly, but Darell was a smart man to hang onto him. His career is taking form as he’s still developing across the board…G/B/B/G/B is pretty dang sexy. He’s eclipsed 20 HRs and 35 2Bs his first 2 seasons in ‘Zona. He’s been fully IRId, and to me, I’d always hold off on a guy that’s franchised. Wait until his ratings match his talent level, and then up him…but hey, Adrian Gonzalez is a stud, and will be the centerpiece for this ‘Zona franchise.
5. Todd “The Toddfather” Helton- CLE- Age 31- As you can tell age was a big factor as to why Mr. Helton dropped down. Also, take note…he seems to be on the decline. Not that I’d have a problem taking his .906 OPS and running away with it. He used to have higher ratings, but they seem to be dropping as he’s getting older. Honestly, if Todd was a few years younger, he’s probably be number 2, but age 31…well, he’s really only got a few years left, and no body ahead of him would trade their player for him. Still, though, his numbers are crazy good. Has already eclipsed 1600 hits, 400 2Bs, 225 HRs, 850 RBIs, 900 Runs, and 600 BBs…wow. A career OPS of 1.014…I’m not so sure I have Helton placed right here, but he’s going to be an interesting topic nonetheless. His contract is similar to Ortiz…high-way robbery for his production.
6. Jack Cust- BAL- Age 25- Cust is fantastic, and seems to have finally had his break-out year. Jeez, 1B is crazy good. What limits Cust here is his ability to hit doubles, but otherwise, he’s going to be a .320 type hitter with 35+ bomb potential each year. Oh, and he’s another franchise guy. He still has his PD reversal left, though, if you wanted to acquire him. He’s just about been fully camped, and he’s big part of the O’s success. Awesome walk to K ratio for this young buck, too.
7. Carlos Pena- NYM- Age 26- Wow, this guy is number 7! Pena is a guy I wish I had for my team. On base + Slugging machine…love those guys. He’s got a G/G/B/B/A…obviously his K’s are a negative, but not too bad since he walks a ton, and will hit some dingers. He just finished his best year, and I think he can be a .950+ OPS guy for quite some time. Plays some exceptional D as well. Still has his PD reversal, and he can still be IRId…I’d possibly IRI those HRs against LHP, and bring his hits to a 7…if J-Mase can do that, then wowsers.
8. Paul Konerko- DET- Age 28- My lord, look at that contract! He struggled in multiple places before making CHI-town his home…then Play traded him! I still think Play got the wrong end of the deal, but who am I to care! Konerko talent-wise is a G/G/B/G/B…finally this year he took off. He finished with around 50 2Bs, 20 HRs, and 100 RBIs…he’s been fully camped, and IRId, but his contract helps him vault up to number 8 here ahead of guys like Howard/D Lee.
9. Ryan “Big Piece” Howard- FLA- Age 24- He’s similar to D Lee, but I think age and contract are difference makers here. He’s coming off a Rookie campaign where he didn’t strike out over 100 times! How the hell did that happen!? He hit a shit load of doubles (46), but they will soon turn into HRs. He still has all of his IRIs, and his PD reversal. Ashes is in such a great situation right now. He’s the envy on the NL side of things, I think.
10. Derrick “D-Lee” Lee- OAK- Age 29- He’s been a terrific player for the past four seasons. His previous two seasons in Montreal, he lit it up. In Oakland, his numbers will take a dive, but he’s still a run producing machine. This is his 3rd straight year where he’s eclipsed 40 2Bs and 30 HRs…he does K too much, but I think you’ll be okay with that. His contract isn’t too bad either.
Honorable Mentions: Aramis Ramirez (MIL/26), Nick Johnson (CHI/26), Garrett Jones (HOU/23), Justin Morneau (TEX/23), Dan Johnson (CIN/25), Jay Gibbons (COL/27), and Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas (CHI/35)
Top 3 1B Prospects
1. Casey McGehee- MIL- Age 22- Well, I look at McGehee (even though he’s listed at 3B) as more of a 1B prospect. Unless Steve improves his fielding percentage at 3B, then to me he’s a 1B guy. Either way, he looks to be a really big piece to the puzzle for my fellow Steve. He’s still a few years away, and has his PD reversal left…
2. Pablo “Kung Fu Panda” Sandoval- ARI- Age 18- Sandoval is very risky prospect…he has a lot of seasoning left, and at age 18, you never know how his development will go. At least Darell has his PD reversal left just in case something bad happens. He’s solid all the way around (literally, fellas) with a G/B/G/G/G talent level. He’s another guy that I project to play at 1B unless Darell uses TIBs to make him an effective 2B or 3B prospect. I think Cantu was more of a 1B prospect BTW…
3. Prince Fielder- KC- Age 20- He’s already used his PD reversal, but a TIA to his hits, and he’s at that level of a McGehee in my opinion. He’s still got another year left in the system, but I think the KC GM needs to TIA those hits to get back to that elite level.
Bash Away!
Note: Berkman played OF so that's where he'll be slotted.
Top 10 MLB 1B
1. David “Big Papi” Ortiz- MON- Age 28- This is a tougher call at number 1 then you would think. Let’s get to the positives first. Brilliant in Hits/2Bs/HRs…insane. I don’t think we have any hitter in the WHOLE league to sport that besides Miggy of course. He fills out nicely by having good talent in walks and Ks…he’s an extra base machine. At age 28 I felt comfortable putting him at the top of list…yes, he makes more then a few of these guys that will be coming up, but at 11 Million…who the fuck wouldn’t be happy with that contract? He actually gets really good production from his walk rating…I feel some teams fear him, and give him an extra pass. His OPS approached 1.000, and I think it’s only a matter of time before he puts together a truly monster season. He has his PD reversal left so there’s some insurance for Kobe.
2. Albert “The Machine” Pujols- TOR- Age 24- If you were looking for Todd Helton, well, you’ll be disappointed…anyway, Pujols’ career is finally gaining traction. He’s starting to develop, and at a B/B/G/G/B talent level, he’s ridiculous. His first 3 years in the bigs, he was essentially a doubles machine with little HR power. This past season is what Game and others probably expect out of him. He has been fully camped, which does give Votto an argument for this spot, but I think at this stage Pujols is belonging. Plus, he gives you some flexibility in the OF. His walk to K ratio improved big time this season. Just another stud for Game’s roster. He’s already accomplished two 200-hit seasons. There should be more of those. He’s been PD reversed, but he’s franchise-eligible if you traded for him (if I’m reading the rules correctly)…
3. Joey Votto- SEA- Age 21- Nanz with his franchise-guy here. He was the clear-cut number 1 draft pick when he came out. He recently just made his debut because of a PD hit he took…so Nanz called him up, and secured him as his franchise guy. Anyway, he’s very similar to Pujols. Pujols has him in Ks, but everything else is virtually the same. Nanz has the ability to IRI him (all 5 left)…Do you take Votto over Pujols because he’s younger or do you take Pujols because he’s the slightly better player. Insane decision there. He’s going to be a force in that stacked lineup for Nanz…Seattle/Toronto are so loaded.
4. Adrian Gonzalez- ARI- Age 22- Darell! Ho-hum, another franchise guy on this list. I love A-Gone, I wanted him badly, but Darell was a smart man to hang onto him. His career is taking form as he’s still developing across the board…G/B/B/G/B is pretty dang sexy. He’s eclipsed 20 HRs and 35 2Bs his first 2 seasons in ‘Zona. He’s been fully IRId, and to me, I’d always hold off on a guy that’s franchised. Wait until his ratings match his talent level, and then up him…but hey, Adrian Gonzalez is a stud, and will be the centerpiece for this ‘Zona franchise.
5. Todd “The Toddfather” Helton- CLE- Age 31- As you can tell age was a big factor as to why Mr. Helton dropped down. Also, take note…he seems to be on the decline. Not that I’d have a problem taking his .906 OPS and running away with it. He used to have higher ratings, but they seem to be dropping as he’s getting older. Honestly, if Todd was a few years younger, he’s probably be number 2, but age 31…well, he’s really only got a few years left, and no body ahead of him would trade their player for him. Still, though, his numbers are crazy good. Has already eclipsed 1600 hits, 400 2Bs, 225 HRs, 850 RBIs, 900 Runs, and 600 BBs…wow. A career OPS of 1.014…I’m not so sure I have Helton placed right here, but he’s going to be an interesting topic nonetheless. His contract is similar to Ortiz…high-way robbery for his production.
6. Jack Cust- BAL- Age 25- Cust is fantastic, and seems to have finally had his break-out year. Jeez, 1B is crazy good. What limits Cust here is his ability to hit doubles, but otherwise, he’s going to be a .320 type hitter with 35+ bomb potential each year. Oh, and he’s another franchise guy. He still has his PD reversal left, though, if you wanted to acquire him. He’s just about been fully camped, and he’s big part of the O’s success. Awesome walk to K ratio for this young buck, too.
7. Carlos Pena- NYM- Age 26- Wow, this guy is number 7! Pena is a guy I wish I had for my team. On base + Slugging machine…love those guys. He’s got a G/G/B/B/A…obviously his K’s are a negative, but not too bad since he walks a ton, and will hit some dingers. He just finished his best year, and I think he can be a .950+ OPS guy for quite some time. Plays some exceptional D as well. Still has his PD reversal, and he can still be IRId…I’d possibly IRI those HRs against LHP, and bring his hits to a 7…if J-Mase can do that, then wowsers.
8. Paul Konerko- DET- Age 28- My lord, look at that contract! He struggled in multiple places before making CHI-town his home…then Play traded him! I still think Play got the wrong end of the deal, but who am I to care! Konerko talent-wise is a G/G/B/G/B…finally this year he took off. He finished with around 50 2Bs, 20 HRs, and 100 RBIs…he’s been fully camped, and IRId, but his contract helps him vault up to number 8 here ahead of guys like Howard/D Lee.
9. Ryan “Big Piece” Howard- FLA- Age 24- He’s similar to D Lee, but I think age and contract are difference makers here. He’s coming off a Rookie campaign where he didn’t strike out over 100 times! How the hell did that happen!? He hit a shit load of doubles (46), but they will soon turn into HRs. He still has all of his IRIs, and his PD reversal. Ashes is in such a great situation right now. He’s the envy on the NL side of things, I think.
10. Derrick “D-Lee” Lee- OAK- Age 29- He’s been a terrific player for the past four seasons. His previous two seasons in Montreal, he lit it up. In Oakland, his numbers will take a dive, but he’s still a run producing machine. This is his 3rd straight year where he’s eclipsed 40 2Bs and 30 HRs…he does K too much, but I think you’ll be okay with that. His contract isn’t too bad either.
Honorable Mentions: Aramis Ramirez (MIL/26), Nick Johnson (CHI/26), Garrett Jones (HOU/23), Justin Morneau (TEX/23), Dan Johnson (CIN/25), Jay Gibbons (COL/27), and Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas (CHI/35)
Top 3 1B Prospects
1. Casey McGehee- MIL- Age 22- Well, I look at McGehee (even though he’s listed at 3B) as more of a 1B prospect. Unless Steve improves his fielding percentage at 3B, then to me he’s a 1B guy. Either way, he looks to be a really big piece to the puzzle for my fellow Steve. He’s still a few years away, and has his PD reversal left…
2. Pablo “Kung Fu Panda” Sandoval- ARI- Age 18- Sandoval is very risky prospect…he has a lot of seasoning left, and at age 18, you never know how his development will go. At least Darell has his PD reversal left just in case something bad happens. He’s solid all the way around (literally, fellas) with a G/B/G/G/G talent level. He’s another guy that I project to play at 1B unless Darell uses TIBs to make him an effective 2B or 3B prospect. I think Cantu was more of a 1B prospect BTW…
3. Prince Fielder- KC- Age 20- He’s already used his PD reversal, but a TIA to his hits, and he’s at that level of a McGehee in my opinion. He’s still got another year left in the system, but I think the KC GM needs to TIA those hits to get back to that elite level.
Bash Away!
Note: Berkman played OF so that's where he'll be slotted.