The Top 10 Fantasy DH of 2009

Visits: 0

These weekly posts of mine have been based on a rotisserie format using a traditional 5×5 scoring system to keep things simple.

Personally I prefer more statistics in my leagues (which is why I was the commissioner in one of my leagues), but in order to reach the most readers we will just stick with the basic. But, feel free to either e-mail me or leave a comment in this post if you have specific questions. If I don’t reply to the comment, then ping me in an e-mail, too!

We will go around the horn in this series after skipping the pitcher’s position.

And remember, just because a player had a good fantasy season in 2009, it doesn’t mean he will have another one in 2010 and beyond. Sometimes you need to look into the player’s past and see if he is showing signs of decline over a few years.

Please Note: The 5×5 stats listed below are as follows in this order Runs/HR/RBI/SB/Ave and the number in parenthesis is the player’s age

10 — Travis Hafner (32) Indians

46/16/49/0/.272

Pronks had another disappointing season after returning this past year from injuries the year before, but because this is an AL only list he still makes it. The only silver lining on this line is his batting average. If he can regain his power stroke he may hold some value in 2010.

9 — Julio Borbon (23) Rangers: Rookie

30/4/20/19/.312

I’m surprised Borbon had enough playing time to make this list, but then again, DH is a weak position and 2009 was weaker than most seasons in the AL.

8 — Jim Thome (38) White Sox/Dodgers

55/23/77/0/.242

His power numbers are diminishing, but that could be in part due to his late season trade to LA where he became a pinch hitter and a playoff weapon. He’s also the oldest player on this list!

7 — Luke Scott (31) Orioles; also qualifies in LF

61/25/77/0/.258

On a better team his numbers would be better and his versatility was useful, I would think, in head to head leagues. The emergence of the youth movement hampered his playing time due to the off season signing of Ty Wigington before the 2009 season. He should have better numbers in 2010 now that Huff is no longer with the club. Scott may also be moved to 1B, but that’s just my guess.

6 — Vladimir Guerrero (34) Angels

59/15/50/2/.295

Vlad is an old 34 as his numbers and time on the DL in recent years reflect. Moving to the hitter friendly confines in Texas might help if he can stay healthy in 2010.

5 — Jack Cust (30) A’s; also qualifies in RF

88/25/70/4/.240

Young reliable is a good description of A’s RF/DH Jack Cust who has recently joined the “A Glove of Their Own” movement (follow link for more details). If you can withstand his low average, he’s a guarantee 25+ HRs, but in the A’s lineup don’t expect many people to be on base during those long balls. Although, they might be lloking a bit better going into the 2010 season and he may reach 80 RBIs.

4 — David Ortiz (33) Red Sox

77/28/99/0/.238

After a horrible first two months of the season, Big Papi went on a tear that saw him, once again, as one of the best run producers from July on. I expect him to start hitting sooner in 2010, but still not right out of the gate…he almost never does that even in his best years. His line is decent, but not worthy of his 4^th place finish if it were not for the off year at DH in 2009. He should hit 30 HR and 100 RBI in 2010 with an average above .250.

3 — Hideki Matsui (35) Yankees

62/28/90/0/.274

His average puts him above Ortiz, but the World Series MVP saw his last game as a Yankee in that series. He also is a man of consistency that is an old 35 that may no longer be able to play in the OF, yet still had the ability to hit 28 bombs, knocking in 90 runs in fewer games due to injuries. If healthy, he may hit 30 HR and 100 RBI for the Angels in 2010.

2 — Jason Kubel (27) Twins; also qualifies in LF/RF

73/28/103/1/.300

Jason Kubel is the first player on this list to drive in over 100 RBI and he did so while hitting .300 with 28 bombs. Hence his positioning at the number 2 slot on this list. As an added bonus, he also qualifies at both Left and Right Field, but if your league setting only have OF’s without breaking it down by OF position, then that’s less of a factor heading into 2010.

1 — Adam Lind (25) Blue Jays; also qualifies in LF

93/35/114/1/.305

As the only man on this list with over 30 bombs and over 100 RBI who just so happens to hit over .300 and score over 90 times he just blows away the competition at DH for most any year at this position. AND, he’s only 25!

Honorable Mentions:

Randy Ruiz (31) Blue Jays: Rookie

25/10/17/1/.313

Mike Jacobs (28) Royals

46/19/61/0/.228