Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed.

These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

 

Tigers’ first baseman Miguel Cabrera is the epitome of consistency.

Discounting his rookie campaign, Cabrera has seven full seasons under his belt averaging 158 games player per year. Miggy’s career averages (again not counting his rookie season) would be worth the third overall pick: 100 runs, 34 homers, 117 RBI, .317 average.

Cabrera will likely be sandwiched between Magglio Ordonez and Victor Martinez as the Tigers’ cleanup hitter in 2011, providing him plenty of protection and opportunity.

Any thoughts of a letdown following his career-best 2010 campaign should be directed to the positive trends in his peripherals over the last three seasons:

 

OPS

  • 2008: .887
  • 2009: .942
  • 2010: 1.042

BB%

  • 2008: 8.2%
  • 2009: 9.9%
  • 2010: 13.7%

K%

  • 2008: 20.5%
  • 2009: 17.5%
  • 2010: 17.3%

 

First base is deep, but other than Albert Pujols, Cabrera is the most consistent and reliable option available.

Draft him with the third pick and plug him into your lineup, knowing you’re set at first base for the rest of the season.

  PA R HR RBI SB AVG
2010 stats 648 111 38 126 3 .328
3-year average 672 97 36 119 3 .314
2011 FBI Forecast 685 105 35 125 3 .325

 

 

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

Follow Fantasy Baseball Insiders on Facebook & Twitter

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com