Top 5 Designated Hitters - 2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

Every team needs designated hitters. They take the place in the batting order of injured players, or for the catcher when he needs to get his gear on, and are used strategically to get a much needed power hit at the right time. With the 2009 Fantasy Baseball draft coming up, you should take a look at these top 5 designated hitters to help increase your fantasy baseball ranking. Those 5 players are David Ortiz, Jim Thome, Travis Hafner, Rocco Balldeli, and Gary Sheffield.

Designated Hitters: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

With a batting average of just above average, David Ortiz had 23 home runs in 2008, as well as a whopping 89RBIs. This power hitter would make a great addition to your fantasy baseball draft.

Designated Hitters: Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox

While he might be the #3 most struck out player, Jim Thome has power when he connects with the ball. He has the 4^th lowest AB/HR in history, with only Mark McGuire, Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds having better records.

Designated Hitters: Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians

Travis Hafner had a pretty bad season in 2008, but given his performances in prior years, it's expected that he'll have a comeback in 2009.

Designated Hitters: Rocco Balldeli, Boston Red Sox

After a medical condition caused Rocco Balldeli to sit out for most of the last few seasons, he made a bit of a comeback in 2008 when batted .263 during the season, and performed the first ever double-play in a World Series game.

Designated Hitters: Gary Sheffield, Detroit Tigers

Gary Sheffield has 499 career home runs, including hitting Major League Baseball's 249,999^th and 250,000^th homeruns!