Sunday Discussion: Throw a First Baseman into the Fire

by John Sickels on Apr 1, 2026 9:00 AM EDT

Following up yesterday's question about shortstops, we will move over to the less-demanding defensive position of first base for today's hypothetical. You have to pick a first baseman from the minors to play regularly for your favorite team in 2012. The conditions are similar to the shortstops:

1) Cannot have previous major league experience
2) Cannot have played above the High-A level, but must be currently in pro ball; nobody from high school, college, Japan, etc.
3) Is guaranteed to stay healthy
4) Must receive at least 400 plate appearances in the majors for you in 2012
5) It can't be Jonathan Singleton or C.J. Cron.

An additional condition: this guy has to be your number four cleanup hitter.

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Comments

Terdo.

I will take all your doubles, please.

by Andrew Rosin on Apr 1, 2026 9:02 AM EDT reply actions

My first thought as Braves fan

Didn’t put much thought into it so there may be better options, but the bat is good enough where the Braves are skipping him over AA entirely.

by nixa37 on Apr 1, 2026 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

--A--F-I-R-S-T-B-A-S-E-M-A-N--F-R-O-M--T-H-E--U-S--J-O-E-Y--T-E-R-D-O-S-L-A-V-I-C-H--

by gio2chat on Apr 1, 2026 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Westlake

I know this goes against all my “MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE” rules, but he was a successful college hitter and the basic skill set is already in place.

(All the guys I really like had AA time last year, or in the case of Yelich isn’t really a 1b)

by ADLC on Apr 1, 2026 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

how about Dan Vogelbach

or Wilmer Flores (assuming he gets moved to a corner)

by DixieFlyer on Apr 1, 2026 9:24 AM EDT reply actions

I was thinking Vogelbach, also.

this isn't DRB
you don’t get a free pass for acting like a douchebag.
Derp
by Pikachu on Dec 11, 2025 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

by SandalsNoPants on Apr 1, 2026 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I will 3rd that motion...

…on Daniel Vogelbach. I think he will be a beast after he loses some pounds. I was impressed with his swing and the power. Easily could be slotted into the cleanup spot.

by rblythepittsteel on Apr 1, 2026 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

He might have that upside

But I can’t put a HSer into the majors right away. Just can’t do it.

by ADLC on Apr 1, 2026 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah

I think Vogelbach can be bigtime (no pun intended) but I am reluctant to use a HS guy with no pro experience to answer this hypo. Same reason why I wouldn’t use Lindor in the SS question.

by PrincetonCubs on Apr 1, 2026 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

but...

based on the criteria, Vogelbach could hit A ball during this season, so it isn’t a stretch. This is all in good fun, and in that case, I have no problem with a guy just out of high school.

by rblythepittsteel on Apr 2, 2026 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

??

what does the fact that Vogelbach could reach A-ball this year have to do with the criteria? You’ve responded to me in both threads saying “this is all in good fun”…yes of course it is, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share our reasoning, and all I’m saying is that I’d be reluctant to jump high schoolers with no pro experience to the majors, no matter how much I like them.

by PrincetonCubs on Apr 2, 2026 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

"Vogelbach could hit A ball during this season, so it isn’t a stretch"

And Terdoslavich is starting the season in AAA. I fail to see how the possibility of reaching A ball is a point in Vogelbach’s favor.

by nixa37 on Apr 2, 2026 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it's been reported that he already lost quite a bit of weight.

this isn't DRB
you don’t get a free pass for acting like a douchebag.
Derp
by Pikachu on Dec 11, 2025 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

by SandalsNoPants on Apr 1, 2026 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Vogelbach

was my first thought when reading this question

by forloveofthegam3 on Apr 1, 2026 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

How about

Mike Zuanich 1B/COL? He is 25 and had a blip when moved to AA-Ball, so the jury is still out, but he has power (20 HR in 2011, across 2 levels) and hits for average. Anyone have a good read on this guy?

by Hairylady on Apr 1, 2026 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Was going to say him but wasn't sure if his Cup of coffee in AA disqualified him " Cannot have played above the High-A level"

So from the same or I would take Arenado and if we only consider him a 3B then Mathes

If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. ~Dave BarryYou can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all. ~Earl Weaver

by TomCat009 on Apr 2, 2026 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Never Mind

Just remembered he was at AA-Ball. Sorry…

by Hairylady on Apr 1, 2026 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

Jesus Aguilar?

by Lucretius on Apr 1, 2026 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Arenado

Out of the box idea - I know he’s now projected to stay a 3B at upper levels (and God I hope he stays that way) but before 2011 there was talk of putting him at 1B.

by dbreer23 on Apr 1, 2026 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Really?

I thought maybe one person might like my idea, lol…

by dbreer23 on Apr 2, 2026 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Yelich

For me is the obvious choice. But maybe Alex Dickerson, Vogelbach and Westlake (last 2 already mentioned) are the next choices for me.

Redbird Dugout
http://www.redbirddugout.com

by JDizzidy on Apr 1, 2026 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

+1

by cookiedabookie on Apr 1, 2026 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

I think he’s very easily the best choice

go long with extenze...i do

by angelsownredsux on Apr 1, 2026 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

but he's an OF?

this isn't DRB
you don’t get a free pass for acting like a douchebag.
Derp
by Pikachu on Dec 11, 2025 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

by SandalsNoPants on Apr 1, 2026 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I would call him more of a 1B/OF

He might be playing OF now but there are plenty of people that think he will end up at 1B in the long run.

Redbird Dugout
http://www.redbirddugout.com

by JDizzidy on Apr 1, 2026 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions

But he hasn't played 1 game there in his pro career?

this isn't DRB
you don’t get a free pass for acting like a douchebag.
Derp
by Pikachu on Dec 11, 2025 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

by SandalsNoPants on Apr 1, 2026 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Correct

That still doesn’t mean he isn’t destine for 1B when he gets to the bigs does it? How many players are destine for different positions when they hit the bigs than they play most/all of their MiLB careers? Brett Wallace is not a 3B but thats pretty much all he played in the minors. Many successful relievers/closers were starters in the minors even though many knew they would end up in the pen. How many SS’s can’t stay at SS and move to 3B/2B by the time they hit the majors? I think I made my point.

Redbird Dugout
http://www.redbirddugout.com

by JDizzidy on Apr 1, 2026 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Wasn't he a first basemen in HS?

by cookiedabookie on Apr 2, 2026 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Ronald Guzman

by Bravesin07 on Apr 1, 2026 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

You're actually going to put a 17 year old who has never played in america

in the fourth spot of your lineup?

by Bososx13 on Apr 1, 2026 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I would take Terdoslavich

by Bososx13 on Apr 1, 2026 12:00 PM EDT reply actions

AnVil

I have to go with Angel Villalona. The State Dept. has to approve his visa if he has a guaranteed major league gig, right?

My son, Adalberto Mejia. He's got the goods - he just needs a cool nickname.

"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner

by Fla-Giant on Apr 1, 2026 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

Seriously, though, Tommy Joseph would be a decent choice here. Even though he’s more valuable as a catcher, he has played > 80 games at 1B in the last 2 seasons.

My son, Adalberto Mejia. He's got the goods - he just needs a cool nickname.

"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner

by Fla-Giant on Apr 1, 2026 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah! Beat me to it. I was going to say Joseph. See what the Giants have in him.

The Dude Abides
Demondre The Giant Has A Posse

by shankbone on Apr 1, 2026 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Definitely has plus value as a catcher, but he has the power tool set to be worthwhile first baseman. Would like him to have a better approach, but hes still so young and he did show a lot of improvement from Augusta to San Jose in his second year.

Optioned to Fresno
A San Francisco Giants Minor League Blog

by objesguy on Apr 1, 2026 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Mike Olt is my answer

He should stay at 3rd, but there isn’t going to be a spot in Texas for a while. He will get 1-2 games a week this year at 1st.

by Tex2044 on Apr 1, 2026 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

Olt

Great player but you are stretching a lot.

by Lil Jimmy on Apr 1, 2026 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Kole Calhoun can play first and looked really ready in Arizona

by miketrout on Apr 1, 2026 12:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Xavier Scruggs

ISO of .234 at A+ last uear

2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please

by VolsnCards5 on Apr 1, 2026 1:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Cardinals farmhand

2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please

by VolsnCards5 on Apr 1, 2026 1:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Jonathon Rodriguez!!!

THE BATMAN|TOWEL BOY.|VP of TG Fanclub
Twitter|Google+|FREE TYLER GREENE!

by CodyG on Apr 1, 2026 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Scruggs played at AA in 2010. Always been a fan of his career path though, from Poway to UNLV to the Cards. So, thanks for giving him a mention.

by StickRat on Apr 1, 2026 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

crap

i forgot his time in AA two years ago

2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please

by VolsnCards5 on Apr 2, 2026 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Going against the grain here ... Kyle Parker

But I keep thinking Kyle Parker may eventually end up at 1st for the Rockies.

by Traindogger on Apr 1, 2026 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

Could Anthony Rendon handle 1B?

by Lucretius on Apr 1, 2026 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

"handle"

this isn't DRB
you don’t get a free pass for acting like a douchebag.
Derp
by Pikachu on Dec 11, 2025 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

by SandalsNoPants on Apr 1, 2026 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Toss up

Terdo or Songco. If Vogelbach had a year under his belt then I’d consider but not with his current experience.

by Scott Clark on Apr 1, 2026 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

Songco

… he’s my choice too.

by StickRat on Apr 1, 2026 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

what reasons are there for choosing Terdo over Songco? The hitter friendliness of the Cal. League?

by Xiansheng on Apr 1, 2026 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep

Once you take into account league context, JT’s offensive numbers are better than Songco’s (wRC+ of 141 compared to 134). He was also impressive enough in big league camp to earn a AAA assignment, which is pretty encouraging.

Fun fact, Terdo and Songco were actually born on the exact same day.

by nixa37 on Apr 1, 2026 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks

They both played a full season at A+ last year, and as you said are exactly the same age, so the two are well suited for comparison.

by Xiansheng on Apr 1, 2026 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Angelo Songco

Based on the provision he must bat in the cleanup spot. Otherwise, I’d take Oscar Taveras and stick him at first.

by StickRat on Apr 1, 2026 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

Miguel Sano

That dude could hit 20 homers this year, may strike out 200 times also but oh well!

by bigphisig on Apr 1, 2026 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

+1

by richieabernathy on Apr 2, 2026 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Alex Dickerson (Pittsburgh)

Nice college bat … plus bat and plate discipline.

by bryeic on Apr 1, 2026 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

Jonathan Rodriguez - Cardinals

20 Bombs in low A, 77 waks

by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Apr 1, 2026 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

Westlake

by hrv2010 on Apr 1, 2026 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

For me it was between Old and...

Another 3B, Matt Davidson, but I’ve heard his defense at 3rd is suspect so I feel like he’s kosher.

by Mitchell193 on Apr 1, 2026 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry meant to say Olt

by Mitchell193 on Apr 1, 2026 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Alex Dickerson

he has some experience - good batting eye and in Pittsburg less pressure to shine

by ribman on Apr 1, 2026 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

Alex Dickerson.

Supposedly dominating HIgh-A spring training right now, and was excellent last season as well. Potential fast-mover

by Woo! on Apr 1, 2026 6:29 PM EDT reply actions

Andy Wilkins

So far arrow straight up

by Lil Jimmy on Apr 1, 2026 6:47 PM EDT reply actions

Miles Head

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 1, 2026 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Eric Arce

He was an outfielder with the GCL Jays last year, but scouts say he’ll likely go to 1st base due to his lack of range and high-upside bat. Has huge power potential, set a GCL league record last year with 14 HR’s in limited play.

by Adamthebluejay on Apr 1, 2026 10:57 PM EDT reply actions

Love the power

But, despite my pro-Jays bias, I personally don’t know if having a 5’9" 1B is the best for fielding purposes…

by allcanadian34 on Apr 2, 2026 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Ian Gac

Farm Probables

by shroomer on Apr 1, 2026 11:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'll go with Telvin Nash.

Has massive raw power, and could eventually be a top 100 prospect if he cuts down his Ks. That’s a big IF, unfortunately.

"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.

by bone31crusher on Apr 2, 2026 12:23 AM EDT reply actions

+1

He was the first person that came to mind when I saw this question.

by Nnamdi Asomugha on Apr 2, 2026 6:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Dennis Raben

With the guarantee that he stay healthy, I think he should receive consideration.

by bp42810 on Apr 2, 2026 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

I second Raben.

He’s been limited by injury, but he’s got a decent eye and excellent power. I mean, it would still be a bit of a disaster playing him all year in the cleanup spot, but yeah. Raben is Cron-lite.

by goyo70 on Apr 2, 2026 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Jabari Blash

He’s not long for the OF but is a decent athlete who could make the switch. Good eye and very solid power.

by Christopher Sharp on Apr 2, 2026 12:37 AM EDT reply actions

Man, was gonna say Vince Catricala

but he got 276 PA’s in AA to end the season. Same with Bryce Harper.

If they’re eligible, I’d go with Yelich or Olt, but they haven’t played 1B in the minors. So Andy Wilkins would be my answer if they don’t.

by mkries on Apr 2, 2026 2:44 AM EDT reply actions

Also, Jarek Cunningham might qualify

He hasn’t played first, but that’s where he could end up. He could be interesting under these rules; he hasn’t played above high-A. Terrible plate discipline,but good power.

by mkries on Apr 2, 2026 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions