Rotoprofessor

Fantasy owners often overlook designated hitters, especially if they do not have eligibility at another position.  Why do you want to own a player who can only clog up your utility spot?  Considering some of the names and their potential performance, it could be worth rethinking that strategy (though, that’s a story for another day).

Let’s take a look at how the DHs currently stack up:

1. Vladimir Guerrero - Texas Rangers
2. Jason Kubel - Minnesota Twins
3. David Ortiz - Boston Red Sox
4. Nick Johnson - New York Yankees
5. Hideki Matsui - Los Angeles Angels
6. Jose Guillen - Kansas City Royals
7. Luke Scott - Baltimore Orioles
8. Jack Cust - Oakland Athletics
9. Brett Wallace - Toronto Blue Jays
10. Travis Hafner - Cleveland Indians
11. Pat Burrell - Tampa Bay Rays
12. Carlos Guillen - Detroit Tigers
13. Ken Griffey Jr. - Seattle Mariners
14. Andruw Jones - Chicago White Sox

Thoughts:

• The players listed here are the ones that I’m expecting to be their team’s DH to open the 2010 season.  Obviously, a lot can change in the coming weeks.
• It’s easy to look at Vladimir Guerrero’s career line at Ranger’s Ballpark (.394, 14 HR & 33 RBI in 50 games) and expect him to post numbers like he did during his prime.  That, of course, doesn’t take into account that in those games he was facing Rangers pitching, not traditionally a source of strength.  Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him post lines similar to what he did in ‘07 (.324, 27 HR, 125 RBI) & ‘08 (.303, 27 HR, 91 RBI) if he stays healthy for the entire season.
• Yes, we all know that David Ortiz is no longer the player that he once was.  Still, his second half numbers (.258, 16 HR, 52 RBI in 248 AB) proves that he still has value.  Don’t expect the type of numbers that he once produced, but that doesn’t mean he won’t hold value.
• Jason Kubel did see some significant time in the outfield in ‘09, but if Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer all stay healthy he’ll see the majority of his time as the DH.  His biggest problem is hitting against lefties, but there’s no questioning his bat.  He’s improved in the power department since 2007, going from 13 to 20 to 28.  He’s certainly a player I wouldn’t mind owning, especially since he also holds OF eligibility.
• Can Hideki Matsui stay healthy?  How will he adjust to life away from the new Yankees Stadium?  Those are two questions looming over him and similar questions could be asked of Nick Johnson.  Can Johnson stay healthy?  Will he see a big jump in production from the new Yankees Stadium?  The two could easily be flip-flopped.
• It’s easy to get excited about Brett Wallace given the hype surrounding him, but temper those expectations.  He only hit 15 HR at Triple-A last season and should not be expected as a major source of power.
• Jack Cust could ultimately lose playing time to Jake Fox if he struggles, but I find it hard to believe that they brought him back to simply be a bench option.
• With last night’s signing of Rick Ankiel, Jose Guillen figures to assume DH duties, doesn’t he?

What are your thoughts on the rankings?  Who’s too high?  Too low?  Who was the biggest omission?

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Make sure to check out our other early rankings:

• Catchers
• First Basemen
• Second Basemen
• Third Basemen
• Shortstops
• Outfielders
• Starting Pitchers
• Closers

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