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Before we take our 2009 fantasy baseball rankings to the arms, we look at the top 5 designated hitters for 2009 fantasy baseball.  These players are only eligible at Utility.  Frankly, I don’t think you should draft any of these hitters.  They don’t allow enough flexibility.  For example, what if you had David Ortiz clogging up your Utility spot last year and you really wanted to pick up Jayson Werth but had 5 outfielders already?  You would’ve been S to the Crewed.  If you want some perspective on where these 5 designated hitters fall in the big picture, look at our 2009 Fantasy Baseball Player Rater.  As always, this top 5 for 2009 will be broken up into tiers, and their 2009 projections will be included.  Anyway, here’s the top 5 designated hitters for 2009 fantasy baseball:

1. David Ortiz – This is the first tier. This tier goes from here to Thome.  I call this tier, “David Ortiz and Jim Thome.”  Ortiz just turned a Latin 33 and is easily coming off his worst season in six years.  Was it the knee?  Was it the wrist?  Was it the real birth certificate that says he’s actually 47 years old?  I can’t say for sure, but I’m not counting on much of a rebound season.  Though some ‘perts are.  At Utility, it’s not worth the risk.  2009 Projections:  85/27/110/.285

2. Jim Thome – As Adam Dunn should say, “Thome is the Founding Father of Country Strong.”  2009 Projections:  85/30/100/.250

3. Travis Hafner – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here to the end of the list.  I like to call this tier, “For sadomasochists only.” As some of you might remember, I had faith in Hafner going into last year.  Then some time in May, Hafner let me see behind the curtain and he looked like Zelda Rubinstein.  2009 Projections:  60/22/85/.275

4. Gary Sheffield – With three years since his last thirty home run season, I think it’s safe to say he’s not going to suddenly explode back on the scene.  Could the Yanks have parted ways with an aging vet at the right time?  Appears so.  2009 Projections:  50/15/60/.255/7

5. Rocco Baldelli – Take that, mitochondria!  2009 Projections:  50/12/50/.280/3