Miguel Cabrera

2013

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2012

The 2011 campaign was more of the same for Cabrera, as he once again compiled MVP-caliber numbers. The big (6-foot-4, 240) slugger took home his first batting title, hitting .344 with 30 home runs and 105 RBI. While his power numbers were down slightly from 2010, Cabrera still managed to post the second-highest slugging percentage (.568) of his career. He also vastly improved his eye, posting a 108:89 BB:K ratio, easily a personal best. Another plus with Cabrera is his durability - he has appeared in 150 or more games in each of his eight full seasons in the majors. The only cause of concern that comes with Cabrera is a lingering trial date for a DUI arrest in 2010, but he isn't expected to miss any regular season action if convicted. The 29-year-old first baseman has been one of the best bets in fantasy for a while now and should be for years to come. Don't hesitate to build your squad around him.

2011

Cabrera put together another banner campaign in 2010. He compiled Triple Crown caliber numbers, leading the American League in RBI (126) while finishing second in batting average (.328) and third in homers (38). The Tigers slugger has been the model of consistency throughout his career, compiling seven consecutive seasons of 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI. At 28, he's just now in the prime of his career, so it's entirely possible we haven't even seen the best from him yet. Outside of Albert Pujols there might not be a better or safer fantasy first baseman.

2010

Cabrera put it all together in his second year with the Tigers, finishing in the top 10 of the American League in batting average (.324), home runs (34), RBI (103), on-base percentage (.396) and slugging percentage (.547). He even managed to show improved skills with his glove at first base, quieting many doubters that have him fast-tracked to the DH spot. He battled some off-field issues during the stretch run, but that incident appears to behind him and the Tigers. Turning 27 just a couple of weeks after Opening Day, it's reasonable to believe Cabrera hasn't even reached his prime yet. With his current standing as one of the best hitters in the game and the possibility he could get better, Cabrera should continue to be drafted with the utmost confidence.

2009

Cabrera got off to a slow start last year leaving some to question if the Tigers made a mistake signing him to a long-term deal. Those early season struggles can probably be attributed to learning the new pitchers in the AL because by the time mid-season came around Cabrera was back to mashing. He launched 26 of his home runs after the month of June and finished the season with career highs in home runs and RBI. If he can continue that production to start this season he'll be on pace to easily exceed the 37 home runs he hit last year. The move to first base should also help to keep Cabrera healthy. There’s even more to like about Cabrera when you realize he is only 26 and is just entering the prime years of his career. Draft him with confidence.

2008

Cabrera set new career highs (barely) in home runs and RBI in 2007, while hitting .320 or better with a .560 or better SLG for the third straight season, but that still wasn't enough for the Marlins to break with tradition and actually retain one of their young stars through his arbitration years. Cabrera's new home in Comerica Park isn't particularly hitter-friendly but it's still an improvement over Dolphin Stadium, and it will be much harder for AL hurlers to pitch around Cabrera with the likes of Gary Sheffield and Magglio Ordonez lurking behind him in the order. The 25-year-old was also reported to be taking his offseason training more seriously this winter, which could make his weight 'problems' a thing of the past. Despite his Hall of Fame-caliber numbers to date, the best is still yet to come for Cabrera.

2007

On the surface, Cabrera's year might be considered a bit of a disappointment. After consecutive 33 home run seasons, he managed only 26 long balls in 2006. His other numbers, however, showed continued skill growth. The Marlins superstar set career highs in batting average, OBP, SLG, walks and doubles, and he posted his lowest strikeout total since A-ball. He'll still only be 24 at the beginning of 2007, and there's still time for him to add 40+ HR power to his fantasy arsenal and truly challenge Albert Pujols for NL roto supremacy.

2006

Cabrera continued to blossom in 2005, posting nearly identical counting stats to the year before while adding a dozen doubles and 30 points of batting average. He'll move back to the infield this season, where he's more comfortable, and scary as it is to contemplate (if you're an NL East pitcher, anyway) at 23 he probably hasn't hit his ceiling yet.

2005

At the ripe old age of 21, Cabrera is already an All-Star caliber bat and the heart of the Marlins offense. The only possible downside here is if Florida keeps switching positions on him (a move to first has been rumored) and messes with his head. Otherwise, he should keep opposing pitchers terrified for years to come.

2004

Cabrera, the Marlins' best prospect entering 2003, came up from Double-A to save their season after Mike Lowell broke his thumb. Over 40% of his hits in the majors went for extra bases (a number comparable to Albert Pujols' rookie year) -- while his plate discipline needs work, his bat is absolutely electric, and he should be a perennial All-Star contender by 2006 at the latest.

2003

Cabrera was the youngest position player in the High-A Florida State League, a situation Cabrera is used to as he was the youngest player in the Midwest League the year before. He's also a monster Double-A season waiting to happen in 2003, as he led the FSL (a pitcher's league) with 43 doubles. A future All-Star third baseman who should start making Mike Lowell nervous in 2004.