So much for the most difficult draft-day decision.

The news this week that Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun won't be suspended -- much to Major League Baseball's chagrin, and much to the delight of the fantasy geek in many of us -- changes everything.

OK, not everything. But it does change the pecking order in the outfield and the first round of our drafts.

I was willing to commit a fourth-round pick to the reigning National League MVP when I thought he would miss the first 50 games of the season.

Now: I'd select him over Jose Bautista, Matt Kemp and the other stud outfielders, and I'd consider him ahead of Miguel Cabrera at No. 2 overall. Cabrera gets the nod for one reason: His switch to third base, which increases his value.

On to our early top 100 ...

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Angels
2. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
4. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
5. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
6. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
7. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
8. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
9. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
10. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Prince Fielder, 1B, Tigers
13. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
14. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
15. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
16. Jose Reyes, SS, Marlins
17. Hanley Ramirez, 3B, Marlins
18. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
19. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
20. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
21. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
22. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
23. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
24. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
25. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
26. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
27. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
28. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
29. David Wright, 3B, Mets
30. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
31. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
32. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
33. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
34. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
35. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies
36. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
37. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
38. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks
39. David Price, SP, Rays
40. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
41. Alex Gordon, OF, Royals
42. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
43. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
44. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
45. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
46. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
47. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
48. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
49. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
50. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
51. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
52. Brian McCann, C, Braves
53. Mike Napoli, C, Rangers
54. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
55. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
56. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
57. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
58. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
59. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
60. Buster Posey, C, Giants
61. James Shields, SP, Rays
62. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
63. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
64. Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves
65. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
66. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Brewers
67. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
68. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
69. Alex Avila, C, Tigers
70. Lance Berkman, 1B, Cardinals
71. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
72. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
73. Michael Bourn, OF, Braves
74. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
75. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Phillies
76. John Axford, RP, Brewers
77. C.J. Wilson, SP, Angels
78. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
79. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
80. Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
81. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
82. Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees
83. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
84. Michael Morse, OF, Nationals
85. Billy Butler, DH, Royals
86. Drew Storen, RP, Nationals
87. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
88. Michael Cuddyer, OF, Rockies
89. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
90. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
91. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
92. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
93. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
94. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
95. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks
96. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
97. Carlos Beltran, OF, Cardinals
98. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
99. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
100. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Royals

Last five out: Brian Wilson, RP, Giants; Howard Kendrick, 2B, Angels; Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays; J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles; Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees.

Top 100 by position: Outfielders 29, starting pitchers 23, third basemen 10, first basemen 9, second basemen 8, catchers 7, shortstops 6, closers 5, designated hitters 3.

PREVIOUS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers

The Tigers might have overpaid Prince Fielder.

They might have ruined the Tribe's AL Central hopes with the signing.

But, hey, it wasn't all bad.

Fielder's $214 million contract will result in Miguel Cabrera moving to third base, which I think vaults him to No. 2 overall heading into the season -- behind Albert Pujols. (The move should also result in plenty of comical highlights of Cabrera and shortstop Jhonny Peralta trying to get to a hard-hit ball in the hole.)

Fielder should thrive hitting cleanup in a Tigers lineup that is expected to feature Cabrera batting third, Delmon Young fifth, promising catcher Alex Avila sixth and Peralta seventh.

Cecil's son batted .299 with 38 homers and 120 RBI in Milwaukee last season. He walked one more time than he struck out (107 and 106, respectively).

We have him ranked fourth at first base and 11th overall -- an ideal late first-round pick in a 12-team league.

All of which brings us to our top fantasy baseman as we get ready for spring training.

Note: All players are ranked at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not all positions at which they are eligible. ... Stats are from 2011.

Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Albert Pujols, Angels 105-37-99-9-.299
2. Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox 108-27-117-1-.338
3. Joey Votto, Reds 101-29-103-8-.309
4. Prince Fielder, Tigers 95-38-120-1-.299
5. Mark Teixeira, Yankees 90-39-111-4-.248
6. Paul Konerko, White Sox 69-31-105-1-.300
7. Lance Berkman, Cardinals 90-31-94-2-.301
8. Ryan Howard, Phillies 81-33-116-1-.253
9. Eric Hosmer, Royals 66-19-78-11-.293
10. Adam Lind, Blue Jays 56-26-87-1-.251
11. Gaby Sanchez, Marlins 72-19-78-3-.266
12. Ike Davis, Mets 20-7-25-0-.302
13. Freddie Freeman, Braves 67-21-76-4-.282
14. Justin Morneau, Twins 19-4-30-0-.277
15. Carlos Lee, Astros 66-18-94-4-.275
16. Carlos Pena, Rays 72-28-80-2-.225
17. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks 28-8-26-4-.250
18. Mitch Moreland, Rangers 60-16-51-2-.259
19. James Loney, Dodgers 56-12-65-4-.288
20. Justin Smoak, Mariners 38-15-55-0-.234

Last three out: Todd Helton, Rockies; Yonder Alonso, Padres; Kendry Morales, Angels.

Eligibility notes: The Tribe's Carlos Santana and The Rangers' Mike Napoli are eligible at first base, but are much more valuable at catcher. They are ranked first and third there, respectively. ... Orioles strikeout machine Mark Reynolds should spend some time at first base, but is primarily a third baseman. ... The Rockies Michael Cuddyer and the Nationals' Michael Morse are listed as outfielders. ... The Ranges' Michael Young plays almost everywhere in the infield, but is our top-ranked designated hitter because that is the position at which he spends the most time.

Key stats: Last season was the first in which Albert Pujols failed to hit at least .300 with 100 RBI. He couldn't have come any closer to reaching the milestone for the 11th consecutive season. Pujols hit .299 with 99 RBI. Don't worry about such a "down" season in 2012, Pujols' first in the American League.

PREVIOUS: Catchers

NEXT: Second basemen

A few quick notes before we get to the finale of our 10-part 2011 preview:

-- We dropped Phillies second baseman Chase Utley from second at his position and No. 18 overall to No. 6 at second and No. 55 overall because of concerns over a knee injury that will force him to begin the season on the disabled list. The Phillies have been vague about a return date for Utley, all of which pushes him further down everyone's draft boards.

-- Brian Roberts' back injury doesn't seem to be as big of a concern for the Orioles as it was two weeks ago. The second baseman would be a sixth-round bargain if he produces as he did in 2009 (.283, 16 homers, 79 RBI, 110 runs and 30 stolen bases).

-- Brewers outfielder Corey Hart isn't expected to be ready for opening day because of an oblique injury. He's a risky sixth-round choice.

-- We seem to be among the few who believe Grady Sizemore can be an effective No. 3 outfielder this season. He's not the stud he was from 2006 to '08, but he could hit for power and steal enough bases to be a worthwhile starter.

-- There seem to be no signs of concern about Giants closer and YouTube sensation Brian Wilson. The eccentric reliever likely will begin the season on the disabled list because of an oblique injury, but he shouldn't be sidelined long and his numbers from the last two seasons are too good to pass up if you're looking for a closer.

-- Angels first baseman Kendry Morales will start the year on the DL because of a foot injury, which has dropped him to No. 12 in our first-base rankings and to No. 88 overall.

-- Strained obliques apparently are in this spring. The Yankees' Curtis Granderson is suffering from the ailment, which might force him to the DL, but, like Wilson, it doesn't seem to be a major concern.

-- For a column on when to draft a pitcher, along with sleepers, busts, overrated and underrated players, go to the sports section of The News-Herald's website on Friday.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
2. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
4. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
6. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
8. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
9. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
13. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
14. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
15. David Wright, 3B, Mets
16. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
17. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
18. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
19. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
20. Buster Posey, C, Giants
21. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
22. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
23. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
24. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
25. Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals
26. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
27. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
28. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
29. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
30. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
31. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
32. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
33. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
34. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
35. Victor Martinez, C, Tigers
36. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
37. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
38. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
39. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
40. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
41. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
42. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
43. Brian McCann, C, Braves
44. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
45. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies
46. David Price, SP, Rays
47. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
48. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
49. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
50. Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
51. Adam Dunn, DH, White Sox
52. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
53. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
54. Alex Rios, OF, White Sox
55. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
56. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
57. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
58. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
59. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
60. Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox
61. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
62. Roy Oswalt, SP, Phillies
63. Delmon Young, OF, Twins
64. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
65. Mat Latos, SP, Padres
66. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
67. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
68. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
69. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
70. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
71. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
72. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
73. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
74. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
75. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
76. Martin Prado, OF, Braves
77. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
78. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants
79. Heath Bell, RP, Padres
80. Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
81. Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins
82. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
83. Joakim Soria, RP, Royals
84. Casey McGehee, 3B, Brewers
85. Aubrey Huff, 1B, Giants
86. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
87. Matt Cain, SP, Giants
88. Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
89. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
90. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
91. Neftali Felix, RP, Rangers
92. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
93. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
94. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
95. Carlos Marmol, RP, Cubs
96. Vernon Wells, OF, Angels
97. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
98. Bobby Abreu, DH, Angels
99. Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays
100. Juan Pierre, OF, White Sox

POSITION PREVIEWS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, relievers

As usual, first base is loaded with fantasy prospects.

Outside of the top five, however, there are more issues than we might be accustomed to at a star-studded position.

Will Prince Fielder produce as he did in 2009?

Was 2010 the beginning of Ryan Howard’s decline?

Will Justin Morneau and Kendry Morales be healthy?

Will Matt LaPorta ever do anything?

We have questions, but none has anything to do with the top of the draft.

Albert Pujols is still the slam-dunk No. 1 overall choice — and it’s not close.

On to our second set of rankings of the season.

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Albert Pujols, StL: 115-42-118-14-.312
2. Miguel Cabrera, Det: 111-38-126-3-.328
3. Joey Votto, Cin: 106-37-113-16-.324
4. Adrian Gonzalez, Bos: 87-31-101-0-.298
5. Mark Teixeira, NYY: 113-33-108-0-.256
6. Prince Fielder, Mil: 94-32-83-1-.261
7. Ryan Howard, Phi: 87-31-108-1-.276
8. Justin Morneau, Min: 53-18-56-0-.345
9. Paul Konerko, CWS: 89-39-111-0-.312
10. Aubrey Huff, SF: 100-26-86-7-.290
11. Billy Butler, KC: 77-15-78-0-.318
12. Kendry Morales, LAA: 29-11-39-0-.290
13. Adam Lind, Tor: 57-23-72-0-.237
14. Gaby Sanchez, Fla: 72-19-85-5-.273
15. Derrek Lee, Bal: 80-19-80-1-.260
16. Carlos Pena, ChC: 64-28-84-5-.196
17. Ike Davis, NYM: 73-19-71-3-.264
18. James Loney, LAD: 67-10-88-10-.267
19. Adam LaRoche, Was: 75-25-100-0-.261
20. Mitch Moreland, Tex: 20-9-25-3-.255

Preseason top 100 players (13): Pujols (1), Cabrera (5), Votto (8), Gonzalez (18), Teixeira (29), Fielder (39), Howard (48), Morneau (49), Konerko (61), Huff (85), Butler (86), Morales (88), Lind (99).

Short hops
I wouldn’t worry about Cabrera’s on-field production, despite his recent arrest. He’s a career .313 hitter who has had at least 33 homers and 112 RBI in six of his last seven seasons. ... Teixeira batted a combined .300 in 2008 and ’09 before falling 44 points last season. ... Morneau’s numbers were from 81 games. He is expected to be ready after a concussion wiped out the second half of his 2010 campaign. ... Morales will start the season on the disabled list after he was limited to 193 at-bats by a freak leg injury in 2010. Concerns over his foot this spring dropped him a couple of spots on the above list. ... Lind makes the move to first base after a down year. The former designated hitter batted .305 with 35 homers, 114 RBI, 93 runs and a .932 OPS in 2009. ... LaRoche could provide late-round value after averaging 26 homers the last five seasons. ... Adam Dunn is ranked first at DH, where he is expected to spend most of his time after signing with the White Sox. If you can play him at first, consider him the ninth-best player on the above list, ahead of teammate Konerko.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2010 season. ... Players are listed only at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2011.

THIS WEEK: Catchers, Sunday; first baseman, today; second baseman, Wednesday.

NEXT WEEK: Shortstops, third basemen and designated hitters.