Designated hitters are not the most attractive guys to draft. You'll need a backup come Interleague play and they're often seen as aging sluggers who could break down at any time. Most people avoid drafting them, but you don't have to. Read up because UPDATE! gives you the keys to drafting the best DH's.


Boston Red Sox
Comment: You know that Big Papi will take care of you and your fantasy team all year long. He has increased his home run total every year since 2000. Topping 54 homers, his total from last season might be tough. But expect .290 average, 45 homers and 135 RBI. First-base eligible.

Cleveland Indians
Comment: It would be nice if someone could have figured out Hafner's production had he played all 162 games. OK, I’m that guy! His numbers would be .308-53-147 if not for a hand injury. Sky's the limit.

Chicago White Sox
Comment: Coming off a monster year, Thome was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year. The 36-year-old slugger dipped a bit in the second half (from 30 homers to 12; 77 RBI to 32). He's still an elite hitter.

New York Yankees
Comment: First base is crowded, so Giambi will see even fewer innings there. But who cares? He's reemerged as an elite power hitter with back-to-back 30-homer seasons. His .253 average is cause for concern, but not if he hits 37 homers with 113 RBI once again.

Toronto Blue Jays
Comment: Don't expect the 38-year-old to repeat his 39-homer, 114-RBI season. But one has to consider that he provided those double-take numbers on a poor offensive Oakland team last year. Thomas has only played three full seasons in the last six, yet the gamble on him could pay huge.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Comment: When you look at his final 2006 numbers (.216-20-59), don't blow by his name. Gomes was slowed down by a shoulder injury. Remember, the 26-year-old hit .305-11-23 last April. Be patient. The guy is a star in the making.

Kansas City Royals
Comment: Most people know what to expect from Sweeney — a .300 batting average and a 100-percent chance he will hurt his back. It's hard to gamble on him. While the DH spot is bleak, you're best bet is to get him cheap at the end of the draft. While he is slated to bat cleanup, hope for a 125 games with a .300-20-80 at best.

Toronto Blue Jays
Comment: Lind is a promising 23-year-old who won MVP honors for his 2006 Double-A campaign (.310-19-71). Toronto had no choice but to call him up late last season, when he hit .367 in 18 games. While he will start the 2007 season in Triple-A, Lind should be back in the bigs by the All-Star Break.

Texas Rangers
Comment: As much as I wanted to stay away from Sosa, his history wouldn't allow it. Manager Ron Washington has already said he hopes to have Slamming Sammy bat fifth behind Mark Teixeira, which no doubt will boost his value. Spring Training numbers say he's back. Move him up if you are a believer.

Los Angeles Angels
Comment: Signed a one-year deal and has career-year potential batting in a potent lineup. Coming off rocky season where Toronto traded him after a falling out with the organization. Combined to hit a career-best 21 homers with Toronto and San Francisco.

Kansas City Royals
Comment: Just 24-years-old, Huber had an early stint with the Royals before being sent back down. He hit .278-15-44 in 352 at bats for Triple-A Omaha last season. With Matt Stairs gone and Mike Sweeney's DL history, Huber could stick this year.

Chicago White Sox
Comment: Owens played in 12 games for the White Sox in 2006. The 26-year-old speedster stole 40 bases and scored 75 runs in 439 at bats for Triple-A Charlotte last season. He could make a push for the centerfielder job.

Minnesota Twins
Comment: Casilla appeared in nine games for the Twins last season, but didn't hang around too long. The 22-year-old stole 49 bases while only being caught 10 times between Single- and Double-A.

Minnesota Twins
Comment: Hit .286-3-7 in 49 at bats for the Twins last season. The Twins always seem to have a plethora of DH's, so draft with patience.

Oakland A's
Comment: A catcher by trade, Brown had four stints with the A's in 2006. It's a long shot for Brown to make any noise with the A's, so his bat will have to do the talking in the minors.




Toronto Blue Jays
Comment: The 39-year-old veteran will serve as Toronto's fourth outfielder and backup DH — the main reason he has some value. He has hit double digits in home runs and produced 50-plus RBI in four straight years.

Detroit Tigers
Comment: A decent bat, but his best bet would be to serve as the team's third catcher. He's not much of an option after that.

Oakland A's
Comment: Should eventually make the team as a DH or catcher, but injuries and a poor winter performance gives him a 50-50 shot at making the 2007 roster.

Texas Rangers
Comment: In 50 at bats last season, Botts homered once and knocked in just 6. That's a little disappointing considering he was called up after hitting 13 homers and driving in 39 in just 220 at bats in Triple-A. The upside is there for the 26-year-old, and move him up if Sammy Sosa breaks down.

Seattle Mariners
Comment: Moves from NL and second base to try and extend solid career. Batted .289 with just 7 homers and 47 RBI in Washington compared with a career-high .330-24-97 in 2000. Who do you think will show up?