Buyer's guide: first base
Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols lead extremely top-heavy crop
Keith Law has already ranked his top 50 free agents, but now he takes you on a more detailed, position-by-position look through the available players. Today, it's first base.
Players in demand
1. Prince Fielder: He will play 2012 at age 28, so the team that signs him gets his peak years plus some early decline years instead of all decline. Fielder hits, hits for power, gets on base (even outside of the intentional walks) and has shown signs of improvement against left-handed pitchers. There are red flags, including his weight and below-average defense, but the potential for several years of high OBPs and 35-plus home runs make him top dog in this market.
For Keith's full breakdown, plus a list of some intriguing trade targets, become an ESPN Insider.
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Offseason Buyer's Guide

Rankings
Nov. 3: Law: Top 50 free agents | TrackerNov. 4: Bowden: Projected value rankings
Reaction
Jan. 25: Bowden: How Detroit landed PrinceJan. 24: Law: Fielder helps now, not later
Jan. 14: Bowden: Grading Yankees-M's deal
Jan. 13: Law: Pineda-Montero deal a win-win
Jan. 11: Law: Madson a steal for Reds
Jan. 6: Law: Cubs win Cashner-Rizzo deal
Dec. 31: Law: Quentin a mediocre fit in S.D
Buyer's Guide
Nov. 12: Buyers Guide: CatchersNov. 11: Buyers Guide: Relief Pitchers
Nov. 10: Buyers Guide: Starting Pitchers
Nov. 9: Buyers Guide: Third basemen
Nov. 8: Buyers Guide: Outfielders
Nov. 7: Buyers Guide: Middle infielders
Nov. 4: Buyers Guide: First basemen/DH
Features
Feb. 9: Perry: A case for the NatsFeb. 7: Szymborski: Ellsbury to fall off
Feb. 6: Cameron: The cost of moving to third
Feb. 3: Meyers: Poor drafts doom Cubs, Mets
Feb. 2: Bowden: How to rebuild the Orioles
Feb. 1: Goldstein: How good is Cespedes?
Jan. 30: Szymborski: Projecting Angels, Tigers
History
• Law: 2010 top 50 rankings• Law: 2009 top 50 rankings
• Law: 2008 top 50 rankings
• Law: 2007 top 50 rankings
• Law: 2006 top 40 rankings
- MLB Draft: NL Central targets
- Olney: Scanning the bullpen market
- Szymborski: Best in-house upgrades
- Cameron: Lackey's first-pitch success
- Law: Diagnosing Hosmer, Moustakas' woes


