Are you as stoked for this year’s 1st base draft in the American League as I am? Wow, is this going to be good. It’s like you can’t go wrong.  New players, proven stars, and a promising rookie or two…this draft has it all.

First, there are two HUGE additions to the American League. Need I say more than simply mentioning their names – Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. I mean what more do you want? Rank them #1 and #2 and move on. The prospect of being able to have either of those guys on your team is exciting. And if you miss out on one you’d just as soon have the other anyway. And these two guys come on the heels of two other studs that came over in 2010 and 2011 –  Mark Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez. Jeepers, now we have four that could be ranked in any order.

And what about Detroit’s other stud – Miguel Cabrera? You know he’s still going to play some 1st base even if the majority of his time is spent at 3rd and DH. He has to be in your top group simply because Fielder will be hitting next to him in the order.

And let’s not forget Paul Konerko, Justin Morneau, and last year’s Kansas City rookie – Eric Hosmer. Konerko’s old and Morneau may still be hurt but good grief…that makes eight sure things. Heck, you could pretty much rank anybody we’ve mentioned so far anyway you wanted and not make a mistake.

Are we finished? Nope. Let’s add a rookie to the mix. Russ Canzler from Tampa Bay hit .314 last year at Durham with a .930 OPS. He may only DH which moves him down on my list, but he could also end up playing some 3rd base and the outfield which bumps him back up. I love that kind of flexibility on my fantasy roster.

Had it not been for Pujols we’d also be salivating over LA’s duo of Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo. One of those guys probably gets moved to DH and who knows about the other.

One bit of caution is what to do about Justin Morneau. Are his past concussion problems over? That’s a tough call and makes him a bit of a gamble…plus that new stadium in Minnesota just isn’t as hitter friendly as the old one. Hard to believe, but Morneau may not even crack my top eight list.

Almost lost in this land of stardom is Billy Butler from Kansas City and Justin Smoak of Seattle. Butler is expected to DH but you know he is really only an injury (or trade) away from claiming a 1st base starting gig all to himself. Mr. Smoak is a tougher call. I can’t see ranking him higher than 9th but I won’t be sad if he ends up on my team.

Yes, this is going to be one fun position come draft day. We’re all going to have bragging rights.