Fantasy Preview: DH/Utility

Most fantasy leagues have a spot for DHs or an extra hitter. Here's the best of the guys not listed in the other categories. Don't be afraid to double up on a position, especially in the outfield, if the right guy is there in a middle round.

Big Papi is still a huge power source, worth a high pick even though he locks up your utility slot. He's not going to hit .332 again, but if Jacoby Ellsbury turns out to be real, he might drive in 150 runs.

The barrier to Kemp putting up great fantasy stats is merely opportunity, as he could lose playing time unnecessarily to Juan Pierre. If he plays, he's a five-category stud.

Coming off the two best seasons of his career, Hunter moves west for $90 milllion over five years. He could run more under manager Mike Scioscia, although some of the value will be lost to a tougher home park.

Up in 2006, down in '07, the two years together look just like Hafner's averages in '04-05. Like Ortiz, he has only DH-eligibility, so watch your roster management if you pick him.

Bay played through a sore knee last season that affected every part of his game. His decision to forego surgery means the risk of another injury-plagued season is significant.

Leg problems have taken a toll on Vlad, although it shows up more in his defense and baserunning than his batting stats.

A surprising source of speed last season, Victorino enters '08 as the No. 2 hitter and center fielder for the Phillies, so he should score a ton of runs.

The prize prospect in the Erik Bedard trade, Jones brings speed and power to Camden Yards, and will be a top candidate for AL Rookie of the Year.

With 500 homers behind him, Thome keeps grinding out power, although he is something of a two-trick pony at this point, and like Ortiz and Hafner, just a DH.

Abreu still brings speed, and his high OBP batting in front of Alex Rodriguez makes him a terrific source of runs as well.

While Alex Gordon was disappointing, Butler came up at midseason and flashed a big-time bat. Butler is the classic low-profile-on-bad-team player who can win you a title.

He hit .300 last year for the first time since '03, yet didn't have an OBP or SLG above .400. That's the mark of a fantasy killer. Don't be there when he drops back to .280.