Who Would You Start A Team With? 1B

[JJHardy7]

I put Gonzalez ahead of Pujols just because I have a hard time taking Pujols. I don't know what it is -- if it's his age or the fact that I have this feeling he's going to become injury prone in the near future. These are all clearly my opinions and have no facts. It's just a gut reaction. If I'm building a team now, I'm looking at the future and not what these guys have done a few years ago.

 

Pujols is a great player. I don't think he defense is amazing, but it's pretty solid and wouldn't worry me at first. I think Prince has great plate discipline -- the one question I have with him is how his body will hold up in the future. I hope he doesn't get too big, but hopefully he's motivated enough not to let that happen. I really like Gonzalez. This is also a personal preference. I think he's going to be a really good player for a long time. While I don't know if he'll hit 30 HRs, I see him in the Morneau type, but with more power.

[billyhallfan]

jjhardy7,

 

what future are you talking about, do you not think that Pujols will be dominant in the next 4 or 5 years. Do you think he has peaked, I don't, I find it hard putting Gonzalez in front of him just because you know his age. Who cares, if Pujols is really 50 years old, what does it really matter. He has been and still will be very productive for the forseeable future, I guess I don't understand your logic for putting Gonzalez ahead of Pujols.

[Big Reed]

I would go with pujols. A chief concern I would have with building a franchise around Fielder is that in 8 years, he's going to be a Dh just like big poppy! I cannot see prince staying fit and being able to play first base for more than 10 years. once that first mega contract is signed, the temptation to eat will be too much. And once the awards start coming in, so will the banquet tours. I have no doubt prince will continue to be able to hit the ball. but I think he'll follow in his father's footsteps and eat himself out of the game.

[JJHardy7]

I think Pujols is a great player. Like I said before, I just think he's a few years older and is going to be injury prone soon. It's just my gut reaction and I totally understand taking Pujols first or second. I just have a different opinion of it -- not that I'm even right. I just think Pujols isn't going to beat his career highs in the next 4 or 5 years or so. I could be totally wrong, but it's my opinion. So maybe Pujols has peaked. We'll find out and I'm sure Pujols will no matter what put up solid numbers.

[Tbadder]

You gotta take Pujols unless the rumors are true. If they are true, well, then there is a god after all.

 

If not Pujols I'd go with Morneau. I'd never take Fielder as I don't trust his ability to stay healthy long term.

[TooLiveBrew]

"Healthy?" or "not fat?"

[bando1234]

The present: Pujols & Fielder

 

The future: James Loney

[TooLiveBrew]

?

 

care to qualify that?

[Big Reed]

I see Loney as an Overbay / Olerud / Wally Joyner / Garvey type of guy. He'll probably be an all star, but not a player you want to build a franchise around. To be a winning franchise, you have to have power at first.

[ILuvDaBush]

What is the general opinion of Billy Butler though? And how does Matt LaPorta compare to Butler? I always assumed the two would be similar, given their similar skill sets and position. And Butler had some fantastic games, and is one of the youngest 1B prospects in baseball. I know many have opined that the 1B/LF is going to ultimately be a DH but he wasn't Big Papi at 1B in terms of defense.

[Tbadder]

Fat is not healthy by definition. I hope I'm wrong.