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Designated hitters

Here are the third basemen in case you missed them yesterday. And now, the designated hitters. Note: I didn't include players here if I've already ranked them at other positions (Mike Piazza, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield).

David Ortiz, Red Sox -- Big Papi set a career-high with 54 homers in '06 to go along with 137 RBIs, 115 runs scored and a .287 average. Ortiz's home run total has increased in each of the past seven seasons, and he's driven in at least 137 runs in three straight.

Travis Hafner, Indians -- An absolute fantasy beast in '06, hitting .308 with 42 homers, 117 RBIs and 100 runs. By the way, he missed 33 games.

Jim Thome, White Sox -- He was the American League's Comeback Player of the Year last season, hitting 42 homers to go along with 109 RBIs. Thome's hit at least 40 bombs in five of the last six seasons. Keep in mind that he's 36-years-old.

Frank Thomas, Blue Jays -- The Big Hurt showed he can still be productive when healthy. In Oakland last season, Thomas hit 39 homers to go along with 114 RBIs. In 2004 and 2005, he played in 108 games total.

Jonny Gomes, Devil Rays -- Plagued by shoulder problems, he hit an awful .216 last season after batting .282 in 2005. Gomes has hit at least 20 homers in the past two seasons.

Shea Hillenbrand, Angels -- Has position flexibility, but I haven't included him in any of the other rankings. Hillenbrand has the potential to hit 20 homers with 80 RBIs in his new home.

Mike Sweeney, Royals -- An injury risk at this point in his career, Sweeney has played in fewer than 110 games in three of the last four seasons. He still has shown power when healthy but is a major gamble.

Jay Gibbons, Orioles -- He doesn't want to DH, but with the addition of Jay Payton and last year's emergence of Nick Markakis, it will likely be Gibbons' only option to get at-bats. He's played in fewer than 100 games in two of the last three seasons, but could be a productive fantasy option if he stays healthy and is in the lineup.

Jose Vidro, Mariners -- He's been plagued by injuries over the last three seasons and now heads to Seattle where he won't have to play the field. Vidro can still hit for a decent average but offers little else.

Jason Botts, Rangers -- He hit .309 in Triple-A last season and showed decent power, but Botts didn't do much in 20 games after being called up. He'll likely start '07 in the minors.

Comments

One problem - Jason Botts plays for the Rangers, not the Twins.

Hey Sheil,

What's up? I asked a few question last year. Also I was Sheriff Gonna Getcha in the last football fantasy seaaon. I have a hige quetion for you.

I have the first pick in my keeper league. The first round is for owners to take their franchise player, unless they don't want to. My franchise player is Miguel Tejada.

However one owner had Ryan Howard and Albet pujols last year. she can only franchise one. Should I stick with Tejada, the cream of a weak SS crop. Or should I take whichever she doesn't franchise (obviously Howard, to me).

My inclination/gut says stay with Tejada, but what do you think?

Thanks.


PS: Would love to be a part of the Charm City Champions League again. I know I lost in the semi-finals of the playoffs, but I though my team was rather competitive and put together rationally.

Also I won the football championship in the same league I won baseball. First titles in either sport. Not a bad fantasy year. (Though all five of my brackets were a bust this March).

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About this blog

Dave Golokhov
Fantasy sports are to Dave Golokhov what a lack of power is to the Orioles lineup; it is not just a hobby, it is a way of life. Dave has been a fantasy expert for Rotowire and hosts a weekly fantasy show on Saturdays at 12 p.m. EST on Hardcore Sports Radio, Channel 186 on Sirius Satellite Radio. From draft day decisions to waiver-wire watching, he'll be the fantasy version of your fantasy Dr. Phil: just ask the questions and he'll dole the advice. E-mail Dave
Dean Jones
Dean Jones Jr. is a Web producer at baltimoresun.com. Thanks to fantasy sports, he is able to make decisions that he wishes the Orioles and Ravens would make for their teams. He will be a regular contributor to the fantasy blog.
E-mail Dean
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