Boston used a variety of players at the DH position in 2002. Manager Grady Little preferred to use a revolving door of players at the position as opposed to a full-time DH. Some of the players who found time at the position included Brian Daubach, Cliff Floyd, Rickey Henderson, and Manny Ramirez. During the Rule V Draft that off season the Red Sox selected a player who would become a full-time DH, and the rest is history.
1. David Ortiz: Ortiz, who will turn 35 this season, has emerged as one of the best designated hitters in baseball history. Last season he hit 32 home runs with 102 runs batted in. As he continues to age a regression is possible, if not likely, but he should still provide a big bat in the middle of the order. A natural first baseman, Ortiz has found time at that position in years past, but with 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Kevin Youkilis, and roster hopeful 1B Lars Anderson all in the mix coupled with Ortiz's diminishing skills will greatly reduce his time in the field, though he may still spell Gonzalez during Interleague Play.
The Red Sox should be a powerhouse at DH this season, even though it will mainly be a one-man show. Ortiz should provide another 30-homer, 100-RBI season even as he continues to age.
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