2009 Prelim 1B&DH Rankings

I'm trying something new this week. With some owners now looking to build for next year, I'm publishing a very, very preliminary set of 2009 rankings for keeper leaguers. I'll be doing the usual position rankings and an overall top 100. These rankings are for 2009 only, so I'm not giving top prospects credit for what they might do in 2010 and beyond.

One note: I've fixed some, but there's still probably a few players here listed with their old teams. I was using my preseason spreadsheet for the new rankings.

Click to see other 2009 Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 100 Overall Rankings

Rank - Player - Team
1 - Albert Pujols - Cardinals
2 - Miguel Cabrera - Tigers
3 - Prince Fielder - Brewers
4 - Ryan Howard - Phillies
5 - Mark Teixeira - Braves
6 - Justin Morneau - Twins
7 - Lance Berkman - Astros
8 - Derrek Lee - Cubs
9 - Adrian Gonzalez - Padres
10 - Billy Butler - Royals
11 - Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox
12 - Conor Jackson - Diamondbacks
13 - James Loney - Dodgers
14 - Carlos Pena - Rays
15 - Chris Davis - Rangers
16 - Joey Votto - Reds
17 - Paul Konerko - White Sox
18 - Carlos Delgado - Mets
19 - Casey Kotchman - Angels
20 - Adam LaRoche - Pirates
21 - Todd Helton - Rockies
22 - Aubrey Huff - Orioles
23 - Chad Tracy - Diamondbacks
24 - Mike Jacobs - Marlins
25 - Daric Barton - Athletics
26 - Jason Giambi - Yankees
27 - Nick Johnson - Nationals
28 - Lyle Overbay - Blue Jays
29 - Ryan Garko - Indians
30 - Richie Sexson - Yankees
31 - Kevin Millar - Orioles
32 - Kendry Morales - Angels
33 - Dan Johnson - Rays
34 - Dmitri Young - Nationals
35 - Jeff Larish - Tigers
36 - Wilson Betemit - Yankees
37 - Juan Miranda - Yankees
38 - Ben Broussard - Yankees
39 - Shelley Duncan - Yankees
40 - Micah Hoffpauir - Cubs

- I was rather down on Miguel Cabrera for 2008, but I expect a big second season in the American League. He's the clear No. 2 here, while Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard and Mark Teixeira are grouped closely behind. Teixiera would likely remain in fifth if he stays with the Angels. He could move up if he leaves for a team in a friendlier ballpark.

- Matt LaPorta is listed with the outfielders, so this list is light on minor leaguers. I wouldn't want to have to count on Kendry Morales, Jeff Larish or Juan Miranda for next year. Larish probably has the most upside, but the Tigers probably won't have room for him with Gary Sheffield owed another $14 million. I doubt Morales will get a chance to start even if Teixeira leaves, but he could be a traded to a team that would use him.

- Omitted were Mike Carp and Nick Evans, since I doubt the Mets will go cheap at first base if they decline to bring back Carlos Delgado. Also, Brian LaHair, who is doing a nice job as a stopgap for Seattle, didn't make the cut. The Mariners should be able to do better next year.