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 When compiling a catalog of the greatest first basemen of the past 15 years, few names are universally engrained on said list.
Albert Pujols is a lock. Jim Thome's longevity certainly correlates to a nomination. Jeff Bagwell's barrage of bombs serves notice. Frank Thomas would undoubtedly come into conversation despite manning the DH role for most of his career. In only seven years in the Show, Ryan Howard has thrown his hat into the ring. Depending on your steroid stance, Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi could be included. Yet one of baseball's best hitters from this era goes unnoticed during this discussion. After posting a .315 average with 25 home runs and 97 RBI during his rookie campaign in 1998, Todd Helton submitted one of the best six-year stretches in the modern period, averaging 37 homers, 121 RBI, a .340 average and a .441 OBP from 1999 to 2004. The regularity of the long ball has faded, but Helton has remained a formidable foe at the plate, hitting over .300 in five of the seven seasons since 2005. Nonetheless, Helton is far from a household name outside of the Rocky Mountains range. Helton's lack of appreciation stems from several factors. Thanks to playing in the NL West, the former Tennessee QB does his damage at the plate when most of America is in bed. Another detriment to Helton is the belief that hitter-friendly Coors Field has given the Rockies first baseman a home-field advantage, a sentiment that his splits don't necessarily dispute. In Denver, Helton has a .355 batting average, .452 OBP and .625 SLG; on the road, those percentages fall to .292/.392/.481. Furthermore, Helton's home run total pales in comparison to the likes of Thome, Thomas and Bagwell (although 339 career jacks is nothing to scoff at). As Helton is often overlooked in the historical sense, this predicament applies to the present as well. After he finished 2010 with a career-low .256 average and just eight long balls, many expected Helton to hang 'em up. But the perennial All-Star vowed to return with vengeance, and through the first two months of the season has made good on his word. In 153 at-bats in 2011, Helton is batting .307 with a respectable .374 OBP, silencing critics that called for his retirement. More impressive is Helton's consistency, hitting .300 in April followed by .313 in May, with three homers in each month. And stunningly, Helton is performing better with the bat on the road (.339 away) rather than at home (.299). While owners wish for more power out of the position, one would be hard-pressed to find a more attractive free-agent option than Helton, who is currently owned in just 40 percent of leagues. Before exploring an acquisition via the trade route for average assistance or a replacement at first, give Helton a look, especially in deep or NL-only leagues. Helton might not be the sexy pick. But under-appreciated assets rarely are. Start 'Em
C: Miguel Olivo, Mariners Those scrambling to supplant Buster Posey may find their man in Olivo. After a tough start in April (.217 average, .256 OBP) Olivo has bounced back with a respectable May, driving in 11 with a .353 OBP. He won't be a fantasy force; still, Olivo is owned in just 11 percent of leagues despite ranking in the top half at his position. For more Start 'Em vs Sit 'Em advice, check out Whatifsports.com
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