National League First Basemen

So far this year National League first basemen far out-distance the next closest positional averages in the batting, on-base and slugging average categories. NL first sackers have hit to the tune of .283/.362/.485 while a composite of the next closest positional averages comes to .276 (2b)/.347 (lf)/.458 (lf). That's a difference of +.007/+.015/+.027.

In fact, NL first baseman lead the composite totals when all American League positions are also taken into account. In the AL the highest composite positional averages are .279 (lf)/.343 (1b)/.460 (1b). That's a difference of +.004/+.019/+.025.

A bevy of players having great seasons have bouyed first base this year for the National League. Five regulars have a +.400 OBP and +.500 SLG this season: Albert Pujols (.433/.619), Derrick Lee (.421/.666), Carlos Delgado (.400/.951), Todd Helton (.441/.524) and Lance Berkman (.414/.518).

Helton and Berkman's second half resurgences have helped fuel NL first basemen to their pre-eminent composite hitting position in 2005.