Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome highlight the remaining free agent designated hitters. Throw in first basemen Russell Branyan Jorge Cantu, Troy Glaus and Nick Johnson and the list of DH candidates continues to grow. The number of opportunities, however, continues to shrink. Here's a look at the American League teams with possible DH openings:
- Rays – The Rays seem likely to add a DH. They've been linked to Damon, Andruw Jones, Guerrero and others.
- Blue Jays – The Blue Jays signed Edwin Encarnacion to be a first baseman/DH, but they could shuffle the lineup to accomodate a big bat if they find one at a price they like.
- Orioles – The O's have been linked to Vladimir Guerrero, though adding a DH would create congestion with Luke Scott and the team's collection of outfielders.
- Twins – The Twins have expressed interest in bringing Thome back, but could add someone else if he signs elsewhere.
- Rangers – The Rangers are pursuing Thome and have discussed potential deals with Guerrero.
- Yankees – Jorge Posada will be the team's full-time DH, so the Yankees would need any newcomer to be able to handle the outfield. Damon and Jones are among the team's targets.
- Angels – Like the Yankees, the Angels have DH candidates in-house. Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera figure to pick up at bats at DH, so any addition would probably have to be able to handle the outfield or third base. That makes a reunion with Vlad seem unlikely.
The players above aren't limited to American League clubs, of course. Giambi took on a pinch hitting role with the Rockies last year, Damon has been linked to the Dodgers and Cantu and Glaus both played in the NL last year and have been linked to the Padres. But it's safe to say that AL teams in search of DHs have lots of selection.
