Minnesota Twins 2013 Preview: Ranking AL Central first basemen

 No. 4 - Nick Swisher, Cleveland IndiansSwisher was expected to be a starting outfielder for the Indians until it signed Michael Bourn in mid-February. He is a bit undersized, but has first base experience, albeit sparingly. He is a very good hitter from both sides of the plate and gives an all-out effort all the time. His hustle can be careless at times and he will strike out too much. No. 3 - Justin Morneau, Minnesota TwinsThe Twins former MVP and Home Run Derby champion Justin Morneau in its lineup everyday, but there are doubts about his future after he struggled to return from a concussion suffered in July of 2011. He has been battling the concussion issues along with left wrist and forearm issues since. When on, he is still one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. He may not have a lot of range, but is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball. No. 2 - Paul Konerko, Chicago White SoxStability at first base has not been a problem for the White Sox. Konerko plays everyday and plays well. He consistently hits over or near .300 while producing over 20 home runs every season. The six-time All-Star struggled down the stretch last season, but still finished in the top 15 in the American League in batting average. At 37-years-old there may not be very many years left in his body.View the list »
 No. 1 - Prince Fielder, Detroit TigersThe Tigers signed Fielder last offseason to provide protection for Miguel Cabrera in the batting lineup. He may be the most dangerous left-handed power hitter in the division. He is still a liability with the glove, but he fits right in with the other bad fielding infielders for the Tigers.

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The group of starting first basemen in the American League Central Division is impressive.

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There are all-stars, future Hall of Famers and future all-stars.

The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers have future Hall of Famers in Paul Konerko and Prince Fielder, respectively.

If not for injuries, the Minnesota Twins could have a third future Hall of Famer on the list in Justin Morneau.

The Cleveland Indians have a known offensive threat in Nick Swisher, but the career outfielder has been a regular contributor as a first basemen.

The Kansas City Royals may have the first baseman with the most complete upside in Eric Hosmer.

View the list
  •  No. 1 - Prince Fielder, Detroit TigersThe Tigers signed Fielder last offseason to provide protection for Miguel Cabrera in the batting lineup. He may be the most dangerous left-handed power hitter in the division. He is still a liability with the glove, but he fits right in with the other bad fielding infielders for the Tigers.
  •  No. 2 - Paul Konerko, Chicago White SoxStability at first base has not been a problem for the White Sox. Konerko plays everyday and plays well. He consistently hits over or near .300 while producing over 20 home runs every season. The six-time All-Star struggled down the stretch last season, but still finished in the top 15 in the American League in batting average. At 37-years-old there may not be very many years left in his body.
  •  No. 3 - Justin Morneau, Minnesota TwinsThe Twins former MVP and Home Run Derby champion Justin Morneau in its lineup everyday, but there are doubts about his future after he struggled to return from a concussion suffered in July of 2011. He has been battling the concussion issues along with left wrist and forearm issues since. When on, he is still one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. He may not have a lot of range, but is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball.
  •  No. 4 - Nick Swisher, Cleveland IndiansSwisher was expected to be a starting outfielder for the Indians until it signed Michael Bourn in mid-February. He is a bit undersized, but has first base experience, albeit sparingly. He is a very good hitter from both sides of the plate and gives an all-out effort all the time. His hustle can be careless at times and he will strike out too much.
  •  No. 5 - Eric Hosmer, Kansas City RoyalsOnce Hosmer figures out major league pitching and develops consistency, the Royals do not have to worry about the middle of its batting order. He has a good approach at the plate and can hit for power and average. Defensively he is as good as they come. He saves a lot of errors and base hits. He is going to be a cornerstone run-producer for years to come.
View the list

, Minnesota Twins Examiner

Joseph has a Bachelor's of Arts in Media Production with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the...

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