The trend has been set. Teams have gone after the first basemen early. Hitters such as Mark Teixeira, Prince Fielder, Matt LaPorta last year and many others have set the tone of teams going for the best hitting first baseman in the first round of the draft. The First Base position has developed into one of the most important on the field. This year’s cream of the crop doesn’t disappoint with Miami’s Yonder Alonso, South Carolina’s Justin Smoak and American Heritage High School (Plantation, FL) Star Eric Hosmer all projected to go in the top 10. Arizona State’s power hitting first baseman Ike Davis is also a top notch prospect that could sneak in the top 10. Let’s take a look at the first base depth expected to go in the first round.

Justin Smoak S/L/University of South Carolina: Smoak is everything that teams look for in the new age of first basemen. He is a switch hitter with gap power from both sides, as well as gold glove caliber at first base. Smoak was drafted by the Athletics out of high school, but ultimately went to South Carolina, where he put up some very good numbers. In his freshman campaign, he put up 17 homers alongside a .303 average. As a sophomore it only got better, hitting .315 with 22 HRs. Smoak’s sample size is bigger than any first baseman in the draft and that could be why he is the most wanted at the position. Smoak could be major league ready in a year or less.

Eric Hosmer L/L American Heritage (FLA) HS: Playing for one of the best high school teams in the entire nation, scouts have fallen in love with the tall lefty. Hosmer brings a lot potential with his raw power and bat speed, but lacks a bit on the defensive front. That can always be worked on with the youngster. That is if he is willing to sign the dotted line for a respectable price. Hosmer has committed to Arizona State and is represented by Scott Boras. Someone in the top ten should still give him a chance to go pro. They might end up paying for it though

Yonder Alonso L/R/University of Miami: alongside sophomore teammate Jemile Weeks, Yonder Alonso has been a big part of the Hurricane success as of late. As a freshman he led the Hurricanes in most offensive categories, including RBIs. Miami made it to the College World Series in his freshman year and Alonso’s leadership can be a big part of that. Considered one of the most patient hitters in the draft, Alonso will be held at either first base or designated hitter because of his severe lack of speed. That doesn’t mean that he can’t pick it at the hot corner. Alonso’s bat is most comparable I believe to first basemen James Loney of the Dodgers. Alonso has hit .373 with 15 HRs and 51 RBIs so far this season. Expect him to be the second or third first baseman off the board.

Ike Davis L/L Arizona State: The one word that defines Davis is power. His smooth stroke and plus defensive ability has many teams near the end of the draft drooling over him. Davis was the closer for the Sun Devils and has shown some versatility. This could be important to some teams that might consider placing him in the outfield. One thing Davis does lack is speed. Davis hit .401 with 15 HRs this season. I believe the Mets would be a great fit for Davis with the 22^nd pick.

David Cooper L/L California: Cooper hit a Pac-10 best 19 homers for the Golden Bears this last season and has a pure stroke that has a lot of scouts talking. What separates Cooper from most of his counter parts is his hand eye coordination. This could become an issue later down the line because he will have a hard time catching up to high velocity. Cooper is a below average runner and an average if not below average fielder at first base. Oakland could take him because of his undervalued ability to hit and over hyped issue of fielding and speed. The 12^th pick though might be too high to waste on Cooper, but you never know with Billy Beane and company.

Allan Dykstra L/R Wake Forest: Like the others, Dykstra could sneak into the first or supplementary round because of his power. As a freshman, he hit 19 dingers. Another attribute that scouts love is his size. At 6’4” and 230 LBs, Dykstra can strike fear in pitchers. Dykstra, like Cooper projects to be a full time DH. Dykstra could sneak into the Supplementary round, but should fall to the Second Round.