All the great (and healthy) 1st basemen are in the AL except Votto

[Blitz Dorsey]

Just a few years ago, the NL had the likes of Teixeira (for a brief period of time), Adrian Gonzalez, Pujols and Prince Fielder. Now they're all in the AL.

That basically leaves Joey Votto and Ryan Howard in the NL as far as top-shelf first basemen. And Howard is coming off a very serious injury (torn Achilles) and likely won't be able to play until post-All-Star break. He was getting up there in age even before the injury. I can't imagine he'll ever be the same ... and the Phillies had just given him that huge contract extension.

Anyway, it's pretty cool knowing that the Reds have by-far the best first baseman in the NL for the next two years (and hopefully beyond, although I doubt it).

[RedsManRick]

It is pretty crazy how few very good 1B there are in the NL now.

Even were he healthy, I wouldn't put Howard in the "Great" category. The last two years he's hit a combined .265/.350/.497. I think I'd go with Morse as the clear #2 and I'd probably put Freddie Freeman 3rd.

Heck, Yonder could have a shot an an all-star gig if he can hit for a high average.

[Vottomatic]

Making the All-Star game as a 1Bman in the AL is going to be tough to do. They could make an All-Star team simply out of AL first basemen.

[RED VAN HOT]

The AL is in a better position to gamble long term on a plus hitter because a 1B can still move down the defensive spectrum to DH. Given his weight, an NL team would take a significant risk on Fielder with a long term contract. In the AL he can still be a DH for the last 3 or so years of the contract. MLB was talking about this today and the tendency for hitting to migrate to the AL and pitching to the NL. It should make for an interesting contrast in styles of play over the next decade.

[Sea Ray]

Making the All-Star game as a 1Bman in the AL is going to be tough to do. They could make an All-Star team simply out of AL first basemen.

Sounds like we're sure to have one starter in the All Star game this year...

[Joseph]

Sounds like we're sure to have one starter in the All Star game this year...

Berkman could have a good year and we all know Cards fans vote like crazy. Same with the Cubs if they get anyone. Still a good bet.

[pahster]

What about Berkman? I know he's getting older, but he's been very good outside of 2010.

[powersackers]

Ike Davis is my No. 3 behind Votto and a healthy Howard. Freeman and Morse are good too.

[RedlegJake]

Berkman, Davis, Freeman - those guys are good but no one else is left in the same class as Votto. He is the premier NL first sacker hands down.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Casey McGehee moves to 1st base in Milwaukee and could put up All Star numbers. Guy can hit.

[*BaseClogger*]

Casey McGehee moves to 1st base in Milwaukee and could put up All Star numbers. Guy can hit.

LOL

[_Sir_Charles_]

Casey McGehee moves to 1st base in Milwaukee and could put up All Star numbers. Guy can hit.

Really? He looked pretty dismal last year. And the 2 before weren't all-star caliber.

[Homer Bailey]

Casey McGehee moves to 1st base in Milwaukee and could put up All Star numbers. Guy can hit.

Oh yeah, that guy that put up a .626 OPS last year. How did we forget that guy?

[nate]

McGehee was traded to the Pirates.

[TRF]

One could make the argument that Morse had nearly as good offensive numbers as Votto last year, while splitting time at 1B and the OF. I have him at #2 in the NL for 2012.