Designated Hitters
March 20, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
Designated hitters are usually unattractive fantasy options. Since most fantasy leagues have just one or two utility slots, players with a DH tag leave little roster flexibility. But in the past couple of seasons, some big bats have gone from playing everyday positions in the field to full-time designated hitter roles. There are some strong bats in the DH pool, and Update! went ahead and ranked the top ten designated hitters heading into the 2008 season:
1. DAVID ORTIZ
Boston Red Sox
2007 Stats: .332 AVG, 35 HR, 117 RBI, 116 R, 3 SB
Comment: Ortiz finally looked like he was slowing down heading into the All Star break, having belted just six HR total in May and June. Sox officials then revealed that he was playing on a bum knee that would require surgery; fantasy owners figured he would taper off as the season wore on. That was not the case. Big Papi finished with career-highs in batting average and even stolen bases! All right, so three swiped bags isn’t much, but the fact that he turned in a terrific fantasy season despite playing hurt is great news for owners heading into 2008. Ortiz had off-season surgery to repair the knee and is expected to be at full health for the start of the season.
2007 Stats: .332 AVG, 35 HR, 117 RBI, 116 R, 3 SB
Comment: Ortiz finally looked like he was slowing down heading into the All Star break, having belted just six HR total in May and June. Sox officials then revealed that he was playing on a bum knee that would require surgery; fantasy owners figured he would taper off as the season wore on. That was not the case. Big Papi finished with career-highs in batting average and even stolen bases! All right, so three swiped bags isn’t much, but the fact that he turned in a terrific fantasy season despite playing hurt is great news for owners heading into 2008. Ortiz had off-season surgery to repair the knee and is expected to be at full health for the start of the season.
2. TRAVIS HAFNER
Cleveland Indians
2007 Stats: .266 AVG, 24 HR, 100 RBI, 80 R, 1 SB
Comment: While Hafner did manage to drive in over 100 runs for the fourth consecutive season, he also hit below .300 and scored under 90 runs for the first time during that span. He took off in September (.316, five HR, 23 RBI) but that was before he really stumbled in the post-season, ending with a meager .186 AVG in the playoffs. Hafner shouldn’t be ignored or anything in 2008 drafts, but after a season like last year, maybe he truly peaked in 2006.
2007 Stats: .266 AVG, 24 HR, 100 RBI, 80 R, 1 SB
Comment: While Hafner did manage to drive in over 100 runs for the fourth consecutive season, he also hit below .300 and scored under 90 runs for the first time during that span. He took off in September (.316, five HR, 23 RBI) but that was before he really stumbled in the post-season, ending with a meager .186 AVG in the playoffs. Hafner shouldn’t be ignored or anything in 2008 drafts, but after a season like last year, maybe he truly peaked in 2006.
3. GARY SHEFFIELD
Detroit Tigers
2007 Stats: .265 AVG, 25 HR, 75 RBI, 107 R, 22 SB
Comment: When Sheffield was healthy, he was a dangerous bat in the Tigers lineup. He started off the season terribly, batting .200 in April before becoming one of the best contributors in fantasy baseball between May and July. Shoulder woes took a toll on him late in the season and Sheffield had off-season surgery to try to patch it up. He’s been dealing with shoulder injuries for what has felt like forever, so he definitely is an injury-risk for 2008. But in Detroit’s potent offense, Sheffield could put up beastly numbers this season.
2007 Stats: .265 AVG, 25 HR, 75 RBI, 107 R, 22 SB
Comment: When Sheffield was healthy, he was a dangerous bat in the Tigers lineup. He started off the season terribly, batting .200 in April before becoming one of the best contributors in fantasy baseball between May and July. Shoulder woes took a toll on him late in the season and Sheffield had off-season surgery to try to patch it up. He’s been dealing with shoulder injuries for what has felt like forever, so he definitely is an injury-risk for 2008. But in Detroit’s potent offense, Sheffield could put up beastly numbers this season.
4. JIM THOME
Chicago White Sox
2007 Stats: .275 AVG, 35 HR, 96 RBI, 79 R, 0 SB
Comment: Thome enjoyed another productive season with the Chicago White Sox in 2007 and that was with a lineup that had a hard time mustering runs for most of the year. Chicago should be better heading into 2008, so Thome could improve on last season’s numbers. He did miss 32 games in 2007 and is turning 38 in Aug., but Thome should still be a nice fantasy option at the DH spot.
2007 Stats: .275 AVG, 35 HR, 96 RBI, 79 R, 0 SB
Comment: Thome enjoyed another productive season with the Chicago White Sox in 2007 and that was with a lineup that had a hard time mustering runs for most of the year. Chicago should be better heading into 2008, so Thome could improve on last season’s numbers. He did miss 32 games in 2007 and is turning 38 in Aug., but Thome should still be a nice fantasy option at the DH spot.
5. FRANK THOMAS
Toronto Blue Jays
2007 Stats:.277 AVG, 26 HR, 95 RBI, 63 R, 0 SB
Comment: The Big Hurt played in 155 games last season, the most since 2000 when he played in 159 games with the Chicago White Sox. He closed the 2007 campaign out especially strong, hitting .325 with 10 HR and 41 RBI in the final two months of the season. Thomas is turning 40 in May, but needs 469 plate appearances this year in order for his 2009 option to kick in. If he’s healthy, he should swat about 30 HR in 2008.
2007 Stats:.277 AVG, 26 HR, 95 RBI, 63 R, 0 SB
Comment: The Big Hurt played in 155 games last season, the most since 2000 when he played in 159 games with the Chicago White Sox. He closed the 2007 campaign out especially strong, hitting .325 with 10 HR and 41 RBI in the final two months of the season. Thomas is turning 40 in May, but needs 469 plate appearances this year in order for his 2009 option to kick in. If he’s healthy, he should swat about 30 HR in 2008.
6. JASON GIAMBI
New York Yankees
2007 Stats: .236 AVG, 14 HR, 39 RBI, 31 R, 1 SB
Comment: Giambi was limited to just 83 games in 2007, as injuries again affected his game. He’s entering a walk-year in 2008, but his playing time is in jeopardy. He’s going to have to share time at DH with Hideki Matsui, and the Yankees have Shelly Duncan and Wilson Betemit to use at first base. Giambi’s playing time is likely going to be predicated on how he performs. If he swings a hot stick, the Yankees are going to find a way to get him at-bats. If he struggles, however, things will be much cloudier.
2007 Stats: .236 AVG, 14 HR, 39 RBI, 31 R, 1 SB
Comment: Giambi was limited to just 83 games in 2007, as injuries again affected his game. He’s entering a walk-year in 2008, but his playing time is in jeopardy. He’s going to have to share time at DH with Hideki Matsui, and the Yankees have Shelly Duncan and Wilson Betemit to use at first base. Giambi’s playing time is likely going to be predicated on how he performs. If he swings a hot stick, the Yankees are going to find a way to get him at-bats. If he struggles, however, things will be much cloudier.
7. JASON BOTTS
Texas Rangers
2007 Stats: .240 AVG, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 1 SB
Comment: Botts played well during Winter League play and is hoping to land a starting gig with Texas for the start of the 2008 season. He has tremendous power potential and could fill in the DH role, vacated by Sammy Sosa, nicely. He can play the outfield as well, but because the Rangers acquired Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradely, there probably isn’t enough room for him out there. If Botts wins an everyday job out of Spring Training, he could be an excellent source of HR and RBI in 2008.
2007 Stats: .240 AVG, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 1 SB
Comment: Botts played well during Winter League play and is hoping to land a starting gig with Texas for the start of the 2008 season. He has tremendous power potential and could fill in the DH role, vacated by Sammy Sosa, nicely. He can play the outfield as well, but because the Rangers acquired Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradely, there probably isn’t enough room for him out there. If Botts wins an everyday job out of Spring Training, he could be an excellent source of HR and RBI in 2008.
8. JONNY GOMES
Tampa Bay Rays
2007 Stats: .244 AVG, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 48 R, 12 SB
Comment: It was a bit disappointing that the Rays signed veteran Cliff Floyd to a one-year deal. It looked like Gomes was sure to get more playing time after Tampa Bay sent Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes packing. Don’t worry too much though. Because Rocco Baldelli and Floyd are injury-prone, Gomes figures to at least match his 348 at-bats from last season. He’s shown nice power in the past and a 25 HR season wouldn’t be surprising.
2007 Stats: .244 AVG, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 48 R, 12 SB
Comment: It was a bit disappointing that the Rays signed veteran Cliff Floyd to a one-year deal. It looked like Gomes was sure to get more playing time after Tampa Bay sent Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes packing. Don’t worry too much though. Because Rocco Baldelli and Floyd are injury-prone, Gomes figures to at least match his 348 at-bats from last season. He’s shown nice power in the past and a 25 HR season wouldn’t be surprising.
9. AUBREY HUFF
Baltimore Orioles
2007 Stats: .280 AVG, 15 HR, 72 RBI, 68 R, 1 SB
Comment: Outside of an outstanding August (.363 AVG, 8 HR, 19 RBI and 19 R), Huff was merely okay during the 2007 season. Huff is 31-years old and underwent off-season sports hernia surgery in mid-January. The Orioles aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts heading into 2008, so don’t expect a return to his 30 HR / 100 RBI days of 2003 and 2004.
2007 Stats: .280 AVG, 15 HR, 72 RBI, 68 R, 1 SB
Comment: Outside of an outstanding August (.363 AVG, 8 HR, 19 RBI and 19 R), Huff was merely okay during the 2007 season. Huff is 31-years old and underwent off-season sports hernia surgery in mid-January. The Orioles aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts heading into 2008, so don’t expect a return to his 30 HR / 100 RBI days of 2003 and 2004.
10. JOSE VIDRO
Seattle Mariners
2007 Stats: .314 AVG, 6 HR, 59 RBI, 78 R, 0 SB
Comment: Serving as a full-time DH for the first time in his career, Vidro benefited greatly. He managed to play in 147 games in 2007 - the most since 2002. And while the HR and RBI numbers were not typical DH figures, he still helped the team out a lot. His .314 batting average last season was his best mark in five years and he should provide similar stats in 2008. age 26.
PROSPECT WATCH
JASON BOTTS
Texas Rangers
Comment: A little too old to be a true prospect (28 in July), but Botts should get a real crack at playing consistently in 2008.
Texas Rangers
Comment: A little too old to be a true prospect (28 in July), but Botts should get a real crack at playing consistently in 2008.
END OF THE ROAD
SAMMY SOSA
Free Agent
Comment: Sosa’s status for 2008 is up in the air, as no teams seems willing to sign him. He may be forced to retire if interest in him remains ice-cold.
Free Agent
Comment: Sosa’s status for 2008 is up in the air, as no teams seems willing to sign him. He may be forced to retire if interest in him remains ice-cold.
WALK-YEAR
JASON GIAMBI
New York Yankees
Comment: Yankees’ fans will be popping champagne at the end of the 2008 season to celebrate the end of Giambi’s $120 million contract.
New York Yankees
Comment: Yankees’ fans will be popping champagne at the end of the 2008 season to celebrate the end of Giambi’s $120 million contract.
FAT CONTRACT
TRAVIS HAFNER
Cleveland Indians
Comment: In July of 2007, Hafner signed a four-year, $52 million extension that has him locked up with Cleveland until at least 2012.
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