These are the players who A) Can't play anywhere else; B) Play on teams that are stacked and don't need them to play the field and/or C) You draft because of their power numbers but can't stand how their lack of a position can hamstring your lineup. In many leagues you can start players from other positions at DH, so it might make your roster more flexible to avoid players who aren't eligible in the field.
(Note: Players are listed only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not every position at which they are eligible.)
1. Michael Young, Rangers: He might be eligible at first, second and third, but his main position for the Rangers is DH. You don't need me to tell you to start Young in the infield if possible.
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox: You won't be able to play Big Papi anywhere else. Don't worry, he's worth the trouble.
3. Billy Butler, Royals: He batted .291 with 95 RBI last season.
4. Mark Trumbo, Angels: Albert Pujols' arrival, combined with Trumbo's recovery from a foot injury, have diminished his value after a 29-homer, 87-RBI rookie season.
5. Kendrys Morales, Angels: If he's healthy, he could be a mid-rounds find.
6. Johnny Damon, free agent: The 38-year-old can still help an offense (16 homers, 73 RBI and 19 steals in 2011). But don't draft him until he's found a 2012 home.
7. Travis Hafner, Indians: He has been limited to a norm of 314 at-bats the last four years.
9. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays: He hit 17 homers last season and could be eligible at first and third base.
8. Raul Ibanez, Yankees: His best days clearly are behind him, but the 39-year-old can still hit for power (20 homers and 84 RBI last season) and he should get plenty of chances to drive in runs for the Bronx Bombers.
10. Adam Dunn, White Sox: From 2004 to 2010, he had at least 38 homers and 92 RBI each year. His 2011 was one of the worst we can remember, however (.159, 177 Ks in 415 at-bats).
Eligibility notes
As we noted, Young can play almost anywhere in the infield. … Depending on your league's eligibility requirements, Butler might be able to play first (11 games in 2011). … Trumbo can play first, and Damon might be eligible in the outfield (16 games in 2011).
More 2012 fantasy rankings:
Top 20 catchers: In a weak and banged-up crop of catchers, Indians youngster Carlos Santana could be poised for a breakout third season.
Top 20 first basemen: Albert Pujols should find American League pitching to his liking.
Top 20 second basemen: Robinson Cano is the top choice at a surprisingly deep position.
Top 20 shortstops: It's Troy Tulowitzki's time to be the top shortstop, assuming you can shrug off the injury risks.
Top 20 third basemen: The top two choices -- Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez -- didn't even play that position last season.
Top 60 outfielders: With Ryan Braun's suspension avoided, he's the best on the board, just over Jose Bautista.
Top 80 starting pitchers: Where do big-potential starters such as Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish fit in?
Top 20 closers: Don't jump on a closer too early in a draft; there are many decent options.
Top 100 overall: Plus links to other draft tips.
