Top 5 first basemen to watch for in 2011
A good first baseman is a must for any team that expects to be a contender in any pennant race. They are the first line of defence and can put runs on the board. Let’s take a look at the top five first basemen to watch for in 2011.
5-Justin Morneau:
The Minnesota Twins’ key player is expected to return on opening day of the Major leagues. Last year he was sidelined due to a concussion on 7 July, 2010. Before the concussion, he had a batting average of .345, compared to his overall batting average of
.286. He was also leading the league with a .617 slugging percentage and .437 on-base percentage at the all star break.
Morneau’s career stats include a batting average of .286, 181 home runs and 679 Runs Batted In (RBI).
4-Kendry Morales:
The Los Angeles Angels took a nose dive after Kendry Morales got injured midway through last season. His season was going well, with a batting average .290, 11 home runs and 39 RBIs before hitting a walk-off grand slam on May 29, 2010. The grand slam earned
his team a win but he fractured his lower left leg while celebrating the win.
Injury kept him away for the remainder of the season. He is set to return and help his team bounce back.
Key stats for Morales include a batting average of .286, 275 home runs, 906 RBI, 1321 Hits, and a .913 On-base plus slugging.
3-Joey Votto:
Votto is another player who had a great year in 2010. He won both the National League Most Valuable Player and the National League Hank Aaron Award. He also led the league in On Base Percentage (.424) and Slugging Percentage (.600). Last month, he showed
his commitment to the Cincinnati Reds by extending his contract to 2013.
His Career stats include a batting average .314, 90 Home runs, 511 Hits and 298 RBI.
2-Miguel Cabrera:
Cabrera was at the top of his game last year. He hit his career best of 38 home runs. Cabrera suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against the Cleveland Indians that kept him out of the remaining part of the season. The 2008 American League home run champion
is expected by many analysts to hit 50 homers in the upcoming season. With his rehabilitation going well fans should expect big things from the heavy hitter.
Career stats include: Batting average .313, 1,400 Hits, 247 Home Runs and 879 RBI.
1-Albert Pujols:
Pujlos has exceptional talent and is skilled in many aspects of baseball. He is a strong hitter, great fielder and swift runner. His ten year career has shown consistent performances for every season he has played. He is undeniably one of the best first
baseman in recent major league history. There are rumours of Pujols being traded to another team but where ever he ends up expect good things to come this upcoming season.
Career stats include: Batting average .331, 408 Home runs, 1,230 RBI.
Eric Hosmer:
Players in the league have to be apprehensive of the upcoming talent in major league this year. Eric Hosmer is one of the six Royals Minor Leaguers who was among top 50 Prospects in the country. He was at number 8 on the list. Hosmer has had some impressive
performances in the minor leagues. Playing for Class A Advanced Wilmington he batted with an average of .354. He was promoted to Double-A where he played 50 games scoring an average of .313 and hitting 13 home runs.
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