The American League's Designated Hitters have traditionally been booming bats nearing the end of their careers or defensively deficient guys with the ability to hit. That may all be changing. Some DH's are as comfortable as an old shoe. But even old shoes are replaced.

The cost of players is escalating to the point that clubs will look for much more versatility and flexibility in players as teams compile rosters. It is becoming apparent that players showing an ability to excel at multiple positions will be given a second look and have a good chance to retain a role on the 25 man squad.

Increasingly, more and more clubs have fewer superstars and a greater number of younger and younger players. The cost benefit is too great to avoid bringing players to the major leagues sooner. The net result? Fewer older, expensive players, more younger players and a minimum number in the middle. The players can be found at the extreme ends of the salary structure, with the lower end gaining prominence.

As we learned last off season during the free agency period, the cost of veteran players has become more prohibitive in a difficult economic environment. Free agent players like Bobby Abreu, Pudge Rodriguez and Orlando Hudson waited and waited, only to sign contracts far below their initial asking price. That trend may likely continue this winter. "Name" players with good offensive, pitching or defensive reputations may find few suitors waiting for their services. We'll discuss specifics in future articles. For now, however, I want to focus on one major factor of the game that I believe will change sooner than later. I'm speaking of the American League Designated Hitter.

To this point in the American League it seemed almost certain that a player slowing down on his defensive ability might be viewed as a full-time Designated Hitter for his future. Names like Jim Thome, David Ortiz, Jason Giambi, Mike Sweeney, Andruw Jones and Pat Burrell come to mind quickly. Maglio Ordonez and Vladimir Guerrero seem to me to be full time DH's in waiting. How many of the names above will be with their clubs next year? Certainly Oritz, right? Or will he? Probably Guerrero, but that certainly isn't written in stone. His health issues have limited his ability to play right field this season. Dollars will dictate. Follow the money. Especially regarding Ordonez and Guerrero.

If a player has the capability of playing defense, why not keep that bat? Thome? Ortiz? Giambi? Sweeney? Jones? Burrell? All are challenged with the glove, at best. Many have health concerns. Ordonez? One can make the case his arm is still strong and he can take good routes in the outfield. But then that ugly word pops up. You know, money! What will be his price? Guerrero? His knees are so bad and his overall physical condition has declined to the point that he is a detriment in the outfield. He once had a cannon. Still good, not great. But of all the above, Guerrero and Ortiz can still bring some sweat to the pitcher's forehead.

The rest may be forced to take a seat in the broadcast booth. And I haven't even mentioned Jermaine Dye who is a free agent.

Thanks for sticking with me so far. Here's the point. I believe we will see the Designated Hitter role dispersed among a number of players on the 25 man roster in a mix and match manner depending upon circumstances. The role will no longer be a haven for those who really are an at-bat or two away from the Baseball Alumni Team. The Designated Hitter will be chosen day to day based upon the opponent's pitcher, the ballpark in which the game is played and the health and welfare of the club. Managers will have much more flexibility and will have 25 full-purpose players to select from on any given day. That's exactly why the Red Sox trade for Victor Martinez was so brilliant and a real game changer. It has now allowed the Red Sox to have the flexibility to rest Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek game to game. Flexibility is king. Especially in a league that plays games without the use of the Designated Hitter during the regular season.

The change I am suggesting will take place regarding the Designated Hitter will allow clubs to save money, have greater flexibility, rest players and respond to the actions of their opponents in a far greater manner than now exists.

I believe the change will begin next season when many of those named above find it difficult to retain their role or find a new gig in a new town. We saw the first shoes drop with the trading of Thome and the designation of Giambi and his subsequent landing in a National League city as a pinch hitter. Now in Colorado, Giambi is getting one at-bat a game. And only since rosters were expanded to 40. (It should not be forgotten that Giambi did time with the Rockies in the minors until roster expansion September 1st.) Next season I think it won't be one or two older shoes that drop. It'll be an entire closet full.

Old shoes usually wear well. They are comfortable and we know how they feel. But old shoes often get replaced with those that are newer, younger, and maybe even less expensive. As we clean the closets, let's not forget how much those "old shoes" have meant to us. Most have been great to watch and most have given us some very big moments. It's just another change in baseball that's on the way. Be prepared.

That's my opinion. I welcome reading what you have to say. Comment below or reach me at thebigstrawhat@aol.com