Unlike their second base cohorts, these guys pack some serious star power at the top. Try to get one of the top 11, however, because the quality falls off fairly rapidly.
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
2005 Stats: .321, 48 HR, 124 R, 130 RBI, 21 SBs
Outlook: Well, you know about him.
2. David Wright, Mets
2005 Stats: .306, 27 HR, 99 R, 102 R, 17 SBs
Outlook: To me, he's the most exciting young player in the game. He does everything well so don't hesitate to take him in the first round.
3. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
2005 Stats: .323, 33 HR, 106 R, 116 RBI, 1 SB
Outlook: He's ahead of Wright with the bat but doesn't run. Many assume his production will be way down because of Florida's fire sale, but I'm not one of them.
4. Chone Figgins, Angels
2005 Stats: .290, 8 HR, 113 R, 57 RBI, 62 SB
Outlook: You have to love the versatility and speed. You could justify spending a second-round pick on him.
5. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs
2005 Stats: .302, 31 HR, 72 R, 92 RBI, 0 SB
Outlook: He always seems a tad overlooked but could be primed for a big power year.
6. Troy Glaus, Blue Jays
2005 Stats: .258, 37 HR, 78 R, 97 RBI, 4 SB
Outlook: You can bank 35 homers, which never hurts.
7. Morgan Ensberg, Astros
2005 Stats: .283, 36 HR, 86 R, 101 RBI, 6 SB
Outlook: I think you can trust the breakout this time, at least mostly.
8. Eric Chavez, A's
2005 Stats: .269, 27 HR, 92 R, 101 RBI, 6 SB
Outlook: A very good player but he's plateaued.
9. Hank Blalock, Rangers
2005 Stats: .263, 25 HR, 80 R, 92 RBI, 1 SB
Outlook: He really tailed off last year but he's still young and playing in a hitters' paradise.
10. Chipper Jones, Braves
2005 Stats: .296, 21 HR, 66 R, 72 RBI, 5 SB
Outlook: Still has tremendous skills but not a good bet to play 150 games.
11. Melvin Mora, Orioles
2005 Stats: .283, 27 HR, 86 R, 88 RBI, 7 SB
Outlook: If you can get him in the middle rounds, he's a bargain.
12. Adrian Beltre, Mariners
2005 Stats: .255, 19 HR, 69 R, 87 RBI, 3 SB
Outlook: Expect a slight rebound but 2004 was the aberration.
13. Scott Rolen, Cardinals
2005 Stats: .235, 5 HR, 28 R, 28 RBI, 1 SB
Outlook: I don't see him coming all the way back.
14. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
2005 Stats: .287, 13 HR, 62 R, 89 RBI, 0 SB
Outlook: Coors is a lovely mistress.
15. Edwin Encarnacion, Reds
2005 Stats: .232, 9 HR, 25 R, 31 RBI, 3 SB
Outlook: Could surprise with a combination of pop and a little speed.
16. Mike Lowell, Red Sox
2005 Stats: .236, 8 HR, 56 R, 58 RBI, 4 SB
I could see a nice bounceback, because he's moving to a much better hitter's park. On the other hand, he was really awful last year.
17. Joe Randa, Pirates
2005 Stats: .276, 17 HR, 71 R, 68 RBI, 0 SB
Outlook: Well, he probably won't hurt you.
18. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
2005 Stats: .397, 0 HR, 6 R, 6 RBI, 0 SB
Outlook: He won't give you much power this year, but he looked very comfortable during his call-up last fall and could be a nice target in keeper leagues. Don't be seduced by the hype though.
19. Joe Crede, White Sox
2005 Stats: .252, 22 HR, 54 R, 62 RBI, 1 SB
Outlook: World Series hero could get a little better.
20. Pedro Feliz, Giants
2005 Stats: .250, 20 HR, 69 R, 81 RBI, 0 SB
Outlook: Always a good for a little cheap pop.