Top 5 Overall Designated Hitters - 2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

The designated hitter can play a big role in fantasy baseball. The very best can put up huge numbers, but there are far fewer options out there because only the American League uses the DH. It can be critical to get a quality DH, because if you miss out on the best, it can be tough to find a suitable replacement. Here is a look at the top five designated hitters for fantasy baseball this year.

1. David Ortiz

2. Jim Thome

3. Hideki Matsui

4. Travis Hafner

5. Jason Kubel

#1 Overall Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

The role of DH was created for someone like Big Papi. He likely wouldn't be able to do anything in the field, but he is still one of the most feared hitters in the league. His 2008 season wasn't nearly as good as his 2007 season, and he may be past his peak, but he can still hit the ball pretty well, and should provide decent numbers. Unfortunately, because of his hype and because he plays for the Red Sox, someone will probably take him way too early in your fantasy draft when there are better options on the board.

#2 Overall Designated Hitter: Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox

Thome is another player that is well past his prime, but can still hit the ball. Thome is now 14th all-time in home runs. His average isn't very good, but he does walk a lot, and hits with impressive power. Thome still has the ability to hit 30 home runs, especially with the free-swinging White Sox.

#3 Overall Designated Hitter: Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees

Matsui's power numbers dropped severly last season, as he was hampered by injuries. He's getting older so a repeat of his 2007 25 HR 103 RBI performance isn't likely, but if he stays healthy, Matsui should hit for a nice average and drive in quite a few runs on the powerful Yankees.

#4 Overall Designated Hitter: Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians

2008 was a nightmare for the Cleveland Indians and a career worst season by Hafner was part of the problem. He played in just 57 games and had a batting average below .200. It's looking like his 2006 season with 42 HRs, 117 RBIs and a .308 average was an aberration, but Hafner also isn't as bad as he was last year. The Indians should rebound from their horrible performance last year, and Hafner should rebound as well. Look for him to have an average in the .260 to .270 range, but hit close to 30 HRs and drive in a lot of runs.

#5 Overall Designated Hitter: Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins

With the Twins outfield finally healthy, Kubel can now focus on what he does best, which is hit the ball. He quietly hit 22 HRs and 78 RBIs last season and forced manager Ron Gardenhire to move him up to 5th in the batting order behind Joe Mauer and Justin Mourneau because of the way he produced. With the ability to focus on just his hitting this year, Kubel could up his home run numbers on the smallball hitting Twins to 25+ home runs, and if he can stay in the 5th spot in the order the whole year, should drive in more runs as well.