By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
1. David Ortiz – As previously mentioned, Big Papi’s value increases in Yahoo leagues, where he is also available at 1B. After the top-8, Ortiz seems like the next best choice.
2. Travis Hafner – Fluke injuries have suppressed his counting stats each of the last two seasons, but because he plays DH full-time, it’s safe to assume he’s not a huge injury risk, despite recent evidence to the contrary. He was one of baseball’s very best hitters last year, and if he falls to you in the 2nd round, consider yourself unbelievably lucky. He’s worthy of a top-12 pick; after all, his prorated stats last year look like this – .308-53-147.
3. Jim Thome – Blasting 42 long balls in just 490 at-bats, Thome showed he still has plenty of pop left in his bat last year. While injuries remain a concern, he’s in the right ballpark to make a run at a 45-50 homer season if everything breaks right.
4. Frank Thomas – Entering last year, the Big Hurt made a great buy low candidate, often getting picked in the very last rounds of drafts. This year, he figures to go much, much higher and still enters with injury risks. He’s approaching 40 and has averaged 270 at-bats over the last three seasons. Stay away.
5. Jonny Gomes – Before a shoulder injury ruined his 2006 season, Gomes finished April with a 1.185 OPS and 11 home runs. While his swing is too long to expect anything more than an average in the .250-.270 range, Gomes has the potential to reach 30 homers and 90 RBI. He entered spring training full of muscle and with a healthy shoulder, so he’s shaping up to be a fine late round target.
6. Mike Sweeney – It’s no coincidence why the names on this list play their position, because the majority cannot even stay healthy in a full-time DH role. There isn’t a player more likely to spend some time on the DL this year than Sweeney, but he’s also capable of bouncing back at the plate after struggling last year even when in the lineup. Remember, Sweeney is still just 33 years old and has a .870 career OPS. Pay for 120 games, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
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