1.) David Ortiz (DH/1B) Boston Red Sox

In 2007, “Big Papi” registered career highs in batting average (.332), hits (182), doubles (52), stolen bases (three), OBP (.445) and OPS (1.066). He notched his fifth consecutive campaign with 30 or more dingers and 100 or more RBIs. In addition, last season was his third consecutive year with 115 or more runs scored and an OPS above 1.000. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound slugger is dominant, and with a healthy surgically repaired right knee underneath his engine, it’s safe to expect another awe-inspiring campaign from the 32-year-old walking smile.

2.) Travis Hafner (DH/1B) Cleveland Indians

In 2007, “Pronk” hit .266 with 24 long balls, 100 RBIs, 80 runs scored and a .837 OPS in 545 at-bats. Last season was the first time since 2003 that the 6-foot-3, 240-pound masher didn’t record a .300-plus average with at least 25 dingers, 105 RBIs, 90 runs scored and a .990 OPS. However, a new season spawns new hope, so it’s safe to jump on his back again to fill your utility role. He’s going very late compared to previous years in drafts, so there’s no doubt that you can grab the human tank after you’ve packed your roster with a few elite hackers. He should be gone by the sixth-round.

3.) Gary Sheffield (DH/OF) Detroit Tigers

Age has finally caught up with the 39-year-old free-swinging maniac. His second half shoulder injury last year was glaring proof of his eventual demise. His .265 batting average was his lowest mark since the .250 he hit in 1997 with the Florida Marlins. However, Sheffield stole 22 bags last season, his most swipes since the 22 combined bases he grabbed with the Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998. Plus, his 25 bombs last year were right on pace with what he has done over his 20 years in the league. He’s a career .296 hitter with a lifetime .918 OPS. He has never struck out more than 83 times in a season and last year was his seventh campaign with 100-plus runs scored. It’s safe to expect Sheffield to start vanishing off draft boards around the ninth-round.

4.) Jim Thome (DH) Chicago White Sox

In 11 of his last 12 campaigns, Thome has been a lock for 30 or more dingers and 85 or more RBIs. In that time, he recorded 40 or more home runs six times, which included a 52-homer showing in 2002 with Cleveland. He has also registered eight seasons with 100-plus runs scored. However, the career .281 hitter has notched 134 or more strikeouts in 11 of his last 12 campaigns and is notorious for his uncanny ability to stay injured. He has only registered 500-plus at-bats five times over his 17-year career. If the 37-year-old slugger remains healthy this season, you have a late-round steal that has the potential to put you over the top.

5.) Billy Butler (DH/1B) Kansas City Royals

In 2007, the soon-to-be 22-year-old hit a sweet .292 with eight home runs, 52 RBIs, 38 runs scored and a .794 OPS in 329 inaugural at-bats. He also recorded 23 doubles and two triples while raking left-handed hurlers at a .340 clip. However, he’s inexperienced and hit only .272 against right-handed pitching in 2007. He possesses no speed and still needs to develop some patience at the plate to build on the .347 OBP he posted last season. His stock is rising as we speak, so if you have a chance to grab the 6-foot-1, 240-pound wrecking ball, do it! Did you really think you would see New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi on here?

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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