2010 MLB Free Agents: Jim Thome And The Designated Hitters

Jim Thome: among hitters who batted at least 300 times last season, Thome finished with the fourth-highest OPS in baseball despite playing in a pitcher-friendly park. 40 years old, Thome can't be expected to repeat, but he showed that he still has a ton of life left.

Russell Branyan: Branyan has battled back injuries that have kept him from making more money and playing more in the field, but when healthy, he still hits the ball as hard as anyone, and he's a worthwhile get.

Vladimir Guerrero: no longer the player he once was, Guerrero isn't a star anymore and saw his numbers get inflated by Texas' home ballpark, but he did slug .496, and as old as he looked in the playoffs, he's unlikely to lose everything overnight. He could still help.

Hideki Matsui: Matsui posted a somewhat unheralded .820 OPS a year ago, and while he doesn't do anything spectacularly well, he's just a good, polished, all-around hitter. He should end up with another opportunity to start and drive in 80 or 90 runs.

Manny Ramirez: even in a down year that saw him struggle with injuries, Ramirez still posted an OBP over .400, and anyone who thinks he's reached the end of the line ought to reconsider. Manny can still make a lineup better.

Worth noting: Brad Hawpe, Lance Berkman, Johnny Damon, Nick Johnson, Marcus Thames.