Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder cashed in to the tune of a combined $454 million in the offseason.
Miguel Cabrera is moving to third base.
Ryan Howard is recovering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon, Mark Teixeira is attempting to come back from a .248 season and Lance Berkman is shifting from the outfield to Pujols' former home at first base in St. Louis.
You want story lines? We have story lines.
We also have a lot of power, players who are eligible here but better elsewhere (Cabrera, Michael Young, Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli and others)and, last but not least, Freddie Freeman. Great name, very good potential.
Let's get to the rankings.
(Note: Players are listed only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not every position at which they are eligible. That's why Cabrera is ranked first at third base and not listed here.)
1. Albert Pujols, Angels: For the first time, mostly because of injury, he failed to bat .300 and drive in 100 runs. His "down" 2011: a .299 average, 37 homers, 99 RBI, 105 runs and nine steals.
2. Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: He reached career highs in runs (108) and average (.338), and piled up 27 homers and 117 RBI in his first season in Boston.
3. Joey Votto, Reds: His norms the last two seasons: 104 runs, 33 homers, 108 RBI and 12 steals, with averages of .324 and .309.
4. Prince Fielder, Tigers: Cecil's son will also play in Detroit, and he will do so following a year in which he batted .299 with 38 homers and 120 RBI.
5. Mark Teixeira, Yankees: You know he'll hit for power, but you can't afford him to hit .248 again. In his previous three years, Teixeira batted .306, .308 and .292.
6. Paul Konerko, White Sox: The ageless one has hit .312 and .300 with norms of 35 homers and 108 RBI the last two seasons.
7. Lance Berkman, Cardinals: His first season in St. Louis (.301, 31 homers, 94 RBI) was his best campaign since 2008.
8. Eric Hosmer, Royals: He hit .293 with 19 homers as a rookie, and he was a .312 batter in the minors.
9. Adam Lind, Blue Jays: He has followed a huge 2009 by batting .237 and .251 with averages of 25 homers and 80 RBI the last two years.
10. Gaby Sanchez, Marlins: His last two seasons have been so similar we know what we should expect - a mediocre average, about 19 homers and 80 RBI.
11. Freddie Freeman, Braves: Freeman was a .301 hitter in the minors, and he batted .282 with 21 homers and 76 RBI in his first full big-league season.
12. Ike Davis, Mets: He was batting .302 with good power before an ankle injury ruined his 2011.
13. Ryan Howard, Phillies: His start to the season will be delayed because of surgery in October, followed by a recent infection, but he’s a safe bet to produce in the power departments for much of the year.
14. Justin Morneau, Twins: Concussion issues have resulted in Morneau being no better than a fantasy backup.
15. Carlos Lee, Astros: He will turn 36 on June 20, but you can count on him to hit about 20 homers with 90 RBI.
16. Carlos Pena, Rays: He'll threaten to hit 30 homers. He'll also hit for a terrible average and strike out every three or four at-bats.
17. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks: Another all-or-nothing option. Goldschmidt had eight homers, 26 RBI and 53 Ks in 156 at-bats as a rookie.
18. Mitch Moreland, Rangers: He's recovering from wrist surgery, and he won't hit much better than .260 even if healthy.
19. James Loney, Dodgers: He's a career .288 hitter who can only be counted on for about 12 homers and 70 RBI.
20. Mat Gamel, Brewers: Fielder’s replacement has had only 194 at-bats in the big leagues, but the 26-year-old has been very productive in the minor leagues.
Eligibility notes
As previously noted, Cabrera is No. 1 at third base. … The Rangers' Michael Young primarily will be a DH (where he's No. 1 in our rankings), but likely will be eligible at first in many leagues. … The Orioles' Mark Reynolds could play a lot at first this season. … The Nationals' Michael Morse is ranked in the outfield, but he will play here, too. The same goes for the Rockies' Michael Cuddyer. … With Pujols in L.A., we have Mark Trumbo ranked fourth at DH.
Others to watch
Yonder Alonso, Padres: He batted .330 in 88 at-bats as a rookie with the Reds, who traded him to San Diego in a deal involving pitcher Mat Latos.
Todd Helton, Rockies: A back injury in September brought a halt to a surprisingly good 2011 (.302, 14 homers and 69 RBI in 421 at-bats).
Kendrys Morales, Angels: Is he healthy? If so, where will he play (we have him ranked fifth at designated hitter)? Will he get traded? We need answers.
More 2012 fantasy rankings:
Top 20 catchers: In a weak and banged-up crop of catchers, Indians youngster Carlos Santana could be poised for a breakout third season.
Top 20 second basemen: Robinson Cano is the top choice at a surprisingly deep position.
Top 20 shortstops: It's Troy Tulowitzki's time to be the top shortstop, assuming you can shrug off the injury risks.
Top 20 third basemen: The top two choices -- Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez -- didn't even play that position last season.
Top 10 designated hitters: Michael Young might be able to help your team at several positions, but he's a default DH.
Top 60 outfielders: With Ryan Braun's suspension avoided, he's the best on the board, just over Jose Bautista.
Top 80 starting pitchers: Where do big-potential starters such as Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish fit in?
Top 20 closers: Don't jump on a closer too early in a draft; there are many decent options.
Top 100 overall: Plus links to other draft tips.
