I think it's pretty clear Albert Pujols is far and away the number one pick this year in almost any league setup that he is available for. That makes Hanley Ramirez the clear number two as well. I have had discussions if Ramirez is number one, but I think even with the position adjustment Pujols is worth much more than Ramirez.
The question today is who goes after them. Last year the question was more in the number four to five spot as Jose Reyes and Grady Sizemore were more established top of the first guys. Now that injuries have dragged them out of the first round who goes next.
Alex Rodriguez showed injury and public scrutiny couldn't slow him down, but he is aging and can he still be counted on for top of the first production. Will he struggle slightly after winning the World Series or will he be his old self.
Perhaps you want the best second baseman in chase Utley, but second base has found more talent each year and the falloff from Utley to the next group is not as big as it used to be. If it was a big drop off he could have Ramirez value, but not so much anymore as second is much better than short stop.
My last suggestion is Ryan Braun, but again position makes him a tough call this high as there are plenty of value picks in the outfield. He is the best right now, but there are more options in the outfield as well.
First round picks are about getting known and trusted commodities. These three are surely that as even Rodriguez questions shouldn't be to troublesome. If I was going third in a draft I would select Chase Utley, but that maybe some personal bias as I have targeted him every year since his first. Saying that I don't think there is a wrong answer here and expect all three will preform near projections and worth the number three pick.
