First base is the easiest position on the diamond to punt on draft day. If you have no doubt about that then all you need to do is look at this second tier list of first sackers. They are a part of the second list because they fell outside the top ten in real offensive value. Of course, some of them are better than that and were drafted higher than that. The point is not to look at where everyone ranks, but the sheer volume of good first basemen makes it easy to justify waiting on draft day.

From a human interest point of view, the names we find on this list are fascinating. It is a pure example if there ever was one of how times will always change. You used to be able to set your watch to guys like Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, and Miguel Cabrera, but those days are moving on. The funny thing is that they never move on suddenly. It’s a gradual process that sneaks up on you and we are witnessing the beginning of that process with Cabrera. It’s been a lovely ride, but all rides must end.

This is a fine list of first basemen and more proof that there are plenty of guys to go around. There are 24 first basemen with wRC+ rates over 100. That is among the guys that have qualified with 200 or more plate appearances at the halfway point. Obviously, that is enough for every team in a twelve team league to have two such players. Don’t worry about waiting.

David Ortiz– Boston Red Sox

Big Papi’s legacy is about as complicated as any in professional sports. Will he be seen as an all-time great or is he simply a good player that played great in the right moments? Of course, some would argue that that is the definition of a great player. Then, there is the problem of the so-called positive PED test that he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He is on pace to surpass 30 home runs and come close to 100 RBI again. That by itself is not enough to get hot and bothered about, but those home runs and RBI just seem to come at the right moments don’t they.

Miguel Cabrera– Detroit Tigers

Here is a quick tutorial for you, can you name the only players in history to win multiple MVP awards and not get elected to the Hall of Fame? The funny thing is that all three of those players won consecutive MVPs. One of those answers is easy because the particular player won seven such awards. The other two are a bit more obscure and we can only hope Cabrera doesn’t end up like them.

Barring injury or utter collapse, he will eclipse 100 or more RBI in eleven consecutive seasons. That being said, he is probably on his way down. Of course, that is always the best time to lock a guy up long-term. Fortunately for you, you only have to worry about this season. Simply put, he isn’t going to be the guy he has been the past two or three seasons, but then again, who could play up to those standards?

Mark Teixeira— New York Yankees

If you take away the month he missed, he would be on pace to hit 40 home runs this year. If I were a foot taller and could shoot, I’d be in the NBA. Like many of his comrades, he is getting older and injuries are becoming a part of the game. That being said, his numbers might sneak up on you when the dust settles. If someone is willing to deal him to you you should definitely think about it.

Matt Adams— St. Louis Cardinals

There was an interesting report done about the proliferation of shifts in baseball. Adams was one of the many players that were the focus of the report. What is interesting is his response has been different from many. He has adjusted his game to combat the shifts. The results have been mixed to be sure. He is hitting for much higher average, but his power has almost been eliminated in the process. That in concert with his low walk rate has torpedoed his secondary average. If you really need batting average, he is your guy, but otherwise you should look somewhere else.

Albert Pujols– Los Angeles Angels

The long-term contract is the binge drinking of the baseball world. It feels good for a few hours but then you end up paying for it the next day and beyond. The ink wasn’t even dry on Pujols contract before everyone realized it was foolhardy. The best case scenario is that he continues to play as he is playing now. He hits for a lower average and walks less often, but he is still a dangerous power threat. Just make sure you aren’t pining for the good ol’ days.