The sun is shining and the birds are chirping, which of course means it’s time to sit on our computers and play fantasy baseball.
If you haven’t had your draft yet, you’ve come to the right place. With Opening Day less than one week away, now is the time to build your foundation for the summer.
We all know that stars can propel your team to the title, but which one should you select with your first pick? Just scroll down to find out.
1. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers
With Albert Pujols’ numbers declining, Cabrera is the best option for the first overall pick.
He won’t be stealing many bases (2 SB last year), but he’s going to produce some monster power numbers. Last season he drove in 105 runs, hit 30 homers and and posted a ridiculous .448 on-base percentage.
You can expect similar numbers from him in 2012.
2. Albert Pujols, 1B, Anaheim Angels
Although his numbers have been dropping off, Pujols isn’t going anywhere. He’s still the most dangerous slugger in the game, and judging by his career interleague numbers (.348 with 39 homers in 541 at-bats), he shouldn’t have any problem adjusting to the American League.
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
After winning his suspension appeal, Braun should be one of the first three players taken in any draft. Last year he went for 33 home runs and 33 stolen bases while hitting .330.
If he has similar success this season, he could easily be the MVP of fantasy baseball.
4. Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2011, Kemp became just the third player in history to steal at least 35 bases and hit 35 home runs while batting .320 or better.
I think his numbers will drop a little this year, but he’s still a great pickup in the top five.
5. Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays
Bautista cranked 43 home runs in 2011, while also driving in 103 runs and posting a solid .302 batting average. However, his post-All-Star Game slump (.257, 12 HRs) is a bit concerning.
6. Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees
Cano is unquestionably the best second-baseman in fantasy baseball. He’s already batted better than .300 in five seasons, while hitting 25-plus homers three times. Expect more big numbers, as he’s just now entering his prime.
7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies
Tulowitzki is pretty injury-prone, but he’s still the best option at shortstop. You can expect another 30-home run season from him in 2012.
8. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
I wouldn’t be surprised if the 24-year-old Upton is the best player in fantasy this season. Last year he hit 31 home runs and stole 21 bases. Look for him to improve on both numbers this season.
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox
I wouldn’t expect Ellsbury to hit 32 home runs again, but he’s guaranteed to steal at least 30 bases and hit in the .300-.320 range.
10. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
Votto is one of the most well-rounded hitters in baseball, and with the hitter-friendly stadium in Cincinnati, he should put up strong numbers in 2012. He’s definitely worth a top 10 pick.
11. Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
This is a bit of a reach for a pitcher, but I think Halladay’s worth it. Last season, he set a career high in strikeouts per nine innings (8.47) and posted a 2.35 ERA.
You can expect him to continue his dominance this year.
12. Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays
His batting average dropped last year (.244), but his power was excellent (31 HRs). If he can bring his average up this season, Longoria will be one of top 10 or 12 players in fantasy.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com