I'm still torn on Albert Pujols vs. Miguel Cabrera now that the latter will be a third baseman.

For fantasy purposes, that's an excellent position change for Miggy. For comedic purposes -- also excellent.

We'll give The Machine a slight edge, which we feel even better about as he makes the switch to the American League, but we understand if you prefer the Hot Corner/Comedic stylings of Miggy Cabrera at No. 1.

I'm not torn on Ryan Braun being the best outfielder, even if many prefer Matt Kemp, Jose Bautista or Jacoby Ellsbury. Since the reigning National League MVP isn't facing a 50-game suspension, we believe he's the most productive, and safest, selection at his all-important position.

The three players whose value has dropped the most since our initial top 100 are Mets third baseman David Wright, Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford and Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard. All did so because of injury, and Howard is no longer part of our top 100.

Without further delay, our updated list. Good luck in your drafts, and may Jose Bautista be with you.

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. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
30. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
31. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
32. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
33. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
34. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies
35. Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins
36. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
37. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks
38. David Price, SP, Rays
39. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
40. David Wright, 3B, Mets
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. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
55. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
56. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
57. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
58. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
59. Buster Posey, C, Giants
60. James Shields, SP, Rays
61. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
62. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
63. Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves
64. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
65. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Brewers
66. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
67. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
68. Alex Avila, C, Tigers
69. Lance Berkman, 1B, Cardinals
70. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
71. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
72. Michael Bourn, OF, Braves
73. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
74. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
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. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
92. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
93. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks
94. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
95. Carlos Beltran, OF, Cardinals
96. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
97. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
98. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Royals
99. Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays
100. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants

Last five out: Howard Kendrick, 2B, Angels; J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles; Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees; Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals; Matt Cain, SP, Giants.

Top 100 by position: Outfielders 28, starting pitchers 23, third basemen 10, first basemen 9, second basemen 8, catchers 7, shortstops 6, closers 6, designated hitters 3.

UPDATED RANKINGS: Batters, Pitchers

EARLY POSITION RANKINGS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers, top 100 overall

Changes, we've made a few.

Since we began our series of fantasy baseball rankings with the catchers on Jan. 27, Ryan Braun has had his 50-game suspension overturned on a technicality, Ryan Howard and Carl Crawford have experienced setbacks in their attempts to come back from injuries, and your Cleveland Indians have signed first baseman Casey Kotchman.

OK, the last one doesn't matter. But the other are or could be significant, especially Braun, who vaults from No. 15 to No. 1 in the outfield, and is ranked third in our overall top 100.

Without further delay, our updated rankings for batters. Stats are from the 2011 season, and we have players ranked only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time this season, not all positions at which they are eligible.

CATCHERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Carlos Santana, Indians 84-27-79-5-.239
2. Brian McCann, Braves 51-24-71-3-.270
3. Mike Napoli, Rangers 72-30-75-4-.320
4. Buster Posey, Giants 17-4-21-3-.284
5. Alex Avila, Tigers 63-19-82-3-.295
6. Joe Mauer, Twins 38-3-30-0-.287
7. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks 65-18-86-1-.282
8. Matt Wieters, Orioles 72-22-68-1-.262
9. Jesus Montero, Mariners 9-4-12-0-.328
10. Yadier Molina, Cardinals 55-14-65-4-.305
11. Russell Martin, Yankees 57-18-65-8-.237
12. Wilson Ramos, Nationals 48-15-52-0-.267
13. J.P. Arencibia, Blue Jays 47-23-78-1-.219
14. Geovany Soto, Cubs 46-17-54-0-.228
15. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics 54-14-44-2-.237
16. Salvador Perez, Royals 20-3-21-0-.331
17. Chris Iannetta, Angels 51-14-55-6-.238
18. Nick Hundley, Padres 34-9-29-1-.288
19. Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers 45-12-59-2-.265
20. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 38-8-48-0-.287

FIRST BASEMEN
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. Eric Hosmer, Royals 66-19-78-11-.293
9. Adam Lind, Blue Jays 56-26-87-1-.251
10. Gaby Sanchez, Marlins 72-19-78-3-.266
11. Freddie Freeman, Braves 67-21-76-4-.282
12. Ike Davis, Mets 20-7-25-0-.302
13. Ryan Howard, Phillies 81-33-116-1-.253
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. Mat Gamel, Brewers 1-0-2-0-.115

SECOND BASEMEN
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Robinson Cano, Yankees 104-28-118-8-.302
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 102-21-91-26-.307
3. Ian Kinsler, Rangers 121-32-77-30-.255
4. Brandon Phillips, Reds 94-18-82-14-.300
5. Chase Utley, Phillies 54-11-44-14-.259
6. Ben Zobrist, Rays 99-20-91-19-.269
7. Dan Uggla, Braves 88-36-82-1-.23
8. Rickie Weeks, Brewers 77-20-49-9-.269
9. Howard Kendrick, Angels 86-18-63-14-.285
10. Dustin Ackley, Mariners 39-6-36-6-.273
11. Neil Walker, Pirates 76-12-83-9-.273
12. Danny Espinosa, Nationals 72-21-66-17-.236
13. Jemile Weeks, Athletics 50-2-36-22-.303
14. Jason Kipnis, Indians 24-7-19-5-.272
15. Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks 61-8-61-21-.246
16. Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays 75-21-58-16-.222
17. Daniel Murphy, Mets 49-6-49-5-.320
18. Brian Roberts, Orioles 18-3-19-6-.221
19. Gordon Beckham, White Sox 60-10-44-5-.230
20. Omar Infante, Marlins 55-7-49-4-.276

SHORTSTOPS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 81-30-105-9-.302
2. Jose Reyes, Marlins 101-7-44-39-.337
3. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians 87-25-92-17-.273
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies 87-16-63-30-.268
5. Starlin Castro, Cubs 91-10-66-22-.307
6. Elvis Andrus, Rangers 96-5-60-37-.279
7. J.J. Hardy, Orioles 76-30-80-0-.269
8. Derek Jeter, Yankees 84-6-61-16-.297
9. Jhonny Peralta, Tigers 68-21-86-0-.299
10. Erick Aybar, Angels 71-10-59-30-.279
11. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox 81-15-70-7-.269
12. Dee Gordon, Dodgers 34-0-11-24-.304
13. Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays 77-11-48-3-.290
14. Ian Desmond, Nationals 65-8-49-25-.253
15. Rafael Furcal, Cardinals 44-8-28-9-.231
16. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks 44-5-45-4-.252
17. Alcides Escobar, Royals 69-4-46-26-.254
18. Jed Lowrie, Astros 40-6-36-1-.252
19. Alex Gonzalez, Brewers 59-15-56-2-.241
20. Zack Cozart, Reds 6-2-3-0-.324

THIRD BASEMEN
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 111-30-105-2-.344
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 55-10-45-20-.243
3. Evan Longoria, Rays 78-31-99-3-.244
4. David Wright, Mets 60-14-61-13-.254
5. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 82-32-105-1-.296
6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 68-17-80-3-.258
7. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 67-16-62-4-.276
8. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 52-12-49-3-.289
9. Pablo Sandoval, Giants 55-23-70-2-.315
10. Aramis Ramirez, Brewers 80-26-93-1-.306
11. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays 26-9-25-7-.293
12. Ryan Roberts, Diamondbacks 86-19-65-18-.249
13. David Freese, Cardinals 41-10-55-1-.297
14. Mark Reynolds, Orioles 84-37-86-6-.221
15. Mike Moustakas, Royals 26-5-30-2-.263
16. Chipper Jones, Braves 56-18-70-2-.275
17. Chase Headley, Padres 43-4-44-13-.289
18. Pedro Alvarez, Pirates 18-4-19-1-.191
19. Danny Valencia, Twins 63-15-72-2-.246
20. Placido Polanco, Phillies 46-5-50-3-.277

DESIGNATED HITTERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Michael Young, Rangers 88-11-106-6-.338
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox 84-29-96-1-.309
3. Billy Butler, Royals 74-19-95-2-.291
4. Mark Trumbo, Angels 65-29-87-9-.254
5. Kendrys Morales, Angels DNP
6. Johnny Damon, free agent 79-16-73-19-.261
7. Travis Hafner, Indians 41-13-57-0-.280
8. Raul Ibanez, Yankees 65-20-84-2-.245
9. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays 70-17-55-8-.272
10. Adam Dunn, White Sox 36-11-42-0-.159

OUTFIELDERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Ryan Braun, Brewers 109-33-111-33-.332
2. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays 105-43-103-9-.302
3. Matt Kemp, Dodgers 115-39-126-40-.324
4. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox 119-32-105-39-.321
5. Curtis Granderson, Yankees 136-41-119-25-.262
6. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies 92-26-92-20-.295
7. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks 105-31-88-21-.289
8. Josh Hamilton, Rangers 80-25-94-8-.298
9. Matt Holliday, Cardinals 83-22-75-2-.296
10. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates 87-23-89-23-.259
11. Hunter Pence, Astros 84-22-97-8-.314
12. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins 79-34-87-5-.262
13. Shane Victorino, Phillies 95-17-61-19-.279
14. Alex Gordon, Royals 101-23-87-17-.303
15. Nelson Cruz, Rangers 64-29-87-9-.263
16. Jay Bruce, Reds 84-32-97-8-.256
17. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians 37-8-36-12-.259
18. Michael Bourn, Braves 94-2-50-61-.294
19. Desmond Jennings, Rays 44-10-25-20-.259
20. Carl Crawford, Red Sox 65-11-56-18-.255
21. Michael Morse, Nationals 73-31-95-2-.289
22. Chris Young, Diamondbacks 89-20-71-22-.236
23. Michael Cuddyer, Twins 70-20-70-11-.284
24. Jason Heyward, Braves 50-14-42-9-.227
25. Carlos Beltran, Cardinals 78-22-84-4-.300
26. Andre Ethier, Dodgers 67-11-62-0-.292
27. Adam Jones, Orioles 68-25-83-12-.280
28. Jeff Francoeur, Royals 77-20-87-22-.285
29. Jayson Werth, Nationals 69-20-58-19-.232
30. Martin Prado, Braves 66-13-57-4-.260
31. Melky Cabrera, Giants 102-18-87-20-.305
32. Nick Markakis, Orioles 72-15-73-12-.284
33. Corey Hart, Brewers 80-26-63-7-.285
34. B.J. Upton, Rays 82-23-81-36-.243
35. Nick Swisher, Yankees 81-23-85-2-.260
36. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 80-5-47-40-.272
37. Drew Stubbs, Reds 92-15-44-40-.243
38. Coco Crisp, Athletics 69-8-54-49-.264
39. Logan Morrison, Marlins 54-23-72-2-.247
40. Delmon Young, Tigers 54-12-64-1-.268
41. Brett Gardner, Yankees 87-7-36-49-.259
42. Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins 78-5-36-40-.296
43. Alex Rios, White Sox 64-13-44-11-.227
44. Matt Joyce, Rays 69-19-75-13-.277
45. Carlos Quentin, Padres 53-24-77-1-.254
46. Brennan Boesch, Tigers 75-16-54-5-.283
47. Cameron Maybin, Padres 82-9-40-40-.264
48. Angel Pagan, Giants 68-7-56-32-.262
49. Torii Hunter, Angels 80-23-82-5-.262
50. Peter Bourjos, Angels 72-12-43-22-.271
51. Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays 75-14-53-5-.225
52. Jose Tabata, Pirates 53-4-21-16-.266
53. Lucas Duda, Mets 38-10-50-1-.292
54. Jason Kubel, Diamondbacks 37-12-58-1-.273
55. Josh Willingham, Twins 69-29-98-4-.246
56. Vernon Wells, Angels 60-25-66-9-.218
57. John Mayberry, Phillies 37-15-49-8-.273
58. Austin Jackson, Tigers 90-10-45-22-.249
59. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 50-26-88-2-.244
60. Dexter Fowler, Rockies 84-5-45-12-.266

PREVIOUS RANKINGS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers, top 100 overall

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

Prior to the moves of Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez to third base, the position was one of the weakest in fantasy baseball.

Evan Longoria, who batted .244 last season, would have been No. 1. David Wright, who hit .254 and was limited to 389 at-bats by injury, would have been No. 2, and Adrian Beltre -- who has been very good the last two years but was consistently mediocre in the previous five campaigns -- would have been ranked third.

Now, the position has a pair of hammers at the top -- the player we believe is the second-best overall (Cabrera) and the player who, until last year, was a consensus top-two or top-three overall choice (Ramirez).

Let's get to our final pre-spring training rankings among the infielders ...

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. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 111-30-105-2-.344
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 55-10-45-20-.243
3. Evan Longoria, Rays 78-31-99-3-.244
4. David Wright, Mets 60-14-61-13-.254
5. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 82-32-105-1-.296
6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 68-17-80-3-.258
7. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 67-16-62-4-.276
8. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 52-12-49-3-.289
9. Pablo Sandoval, Giants 55-23-70-2-.315
10. Aramis Ramirez, Brewers 80-26-93-1-.306
11. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays 26-9-25-7-.293
12. Ryan Roberts, Diamondbacks 86-19-65-18-.249
13. David Freese, Cardinals 41-10-55-1-.297
14. Mark Reynolds, Orioles 84-37-86-6-.221
15. Mike Moustakas, Royals 26-5-30-2-.263
16. Chipper Jones, Braves 56-18-70-2-.275
17. Chase Headley, Padres 43-4-44-13-.289
18. Pedro Alvarez, Pirates 18-4-19-1-.191
19. Danny Valencia, Twins 63-15-72-2-.246
20. Placido Polanco, Phillies 46-5-50-3-.277

Last three out: Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians; Brent Morel, White Sox; Ian Stewart, Cubs.

Eligibility notes: Jose Bautista is eligible at third base, but primarily is an outfielder. ... The Rangers' Michael Young should be eligible at third base in many leagues, but he will be Texas' DH (he will top our rankings at that "position"). ... The Braves' Martin Prado is an outfielder, as is the Marlins' Emilio Bonifacio.

Key stats: You likely will have to wait a couple of weeks for Ramirez to be eligible at third, but he should be worth the temporary inconvenience. The .306 career hitter had an injury-marred 2011. Prior to last season, however, he averaged 25 home runs, 78 RBI and 39 steals from 2006 to '10.

PREVIOUS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops

NEXT: Designated hitters

If you're an Indians fan, the news of the Tigers' signing of Prince Fielder was a Travis Hafner-sized blow to your team's hopes of winning its division.

If you're a fantasy baseball owner who takes the fake game more seriously than the real one, Fielder's nine-year, $214 million comes with a bonus: Miguel Cabrera's return to third base.

Prior to the news, I had Cabrera ranked second at first base, behind Albert Pujols. I have yet to compile my overall top 100, but Cabrera was a given to crack the top five.

Now, he seems to be a lock to be No. 2 overall -- again behind Pujols.

If you draft Cabrera with the intention of playing him at third base, keep in mind you'll likely have to wait a couple of weeks until he becomes eligible at the hot corner. But it will be well worth it.

Prior to the news of Cabrera's position switch, another player changing positions -- the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez -- seemed set to be the top fantasy third baseman.

In the early rankings I have compiled, the top eight third basemen prior to Cabrera's move were Ramirez, Evan Longoria, David Wright, Adrian Beltre, Kevin Youkilis, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Zimmerman and Pablo Sandoval. None of the eight had 500 at-bats last season.

Ramirez batted .243 -- one point worse than Longoria -- in 2011. Wright hit .254, Beltre is injury-prone, Zimmerman failed to get 400 at-bats because of injury, Youkilis has had a combined 793 at-bats the last two seasons, and A-Rod finished 27 at-bats shy of 400. Sandoval had only 426 at-bats, 55 runs and 70 RBI last season.

All of which makes Cabrera a much more valuable third baseman than a first baseman. Especially when you consider that in eight full major-league seasons (discounting his 314 at-bats as a rookie with the Marlins in 2003), he has batted .320 with averages of 102 runs, 33 homers and 115 RBI.

Miggy is a career .317 hitter. His on-base percentage is .395 and his OPS is .950.

In the last three seasons, he has batted .324, .328 and .344.

In the last two years, his OPS is 1.042 and 1.034.

He's been so good he will get serious consideration at No. 1 overall.

I'd take Pujols ahead of Cabrera, though the latter's move to third makes it a much more difficult decision than we're accustomed to in the annual Albert vs. Miggy debate.

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.