While it is stating the obvious by saying that the players brought into MLS this season to occupy designated player slots (read: high-priced talent not counting against the salary cap) are top-notch talent, it wasn't necessarily a given that they would be able to perform up to snuff in the American league or, better yet, be worthy of being deemed fantasy studs.

At this point, New York's Juan Pablo Angel is the front-runner for league MVP. In 16 matches for the Red Bulls this season, Angel has produced 13 goals (2nd in MLS) and four assists. Also, in doing so, Angel has transformed a perenial disappointment into a legitimate MLS Cup contender.

Another designated player star has been Chicago's Cuauhtemoc Blanco. While some thought that the 34-year-old Mexican legend was past his prime and just trying to earn one last hefty paycheck before retiring, Blanco has burst on the scene for the Fire, generating two goals and four assists in five games.

While L.A.'s David Beckham has not lit up the scoreboard (and, even worse, helped the Galaxy produce much-needed victories), one can say that it will only be a matter of time before his teammates learn how to get on the end of those exquisite crosses and delivering goals for L.A.

Claudio Reyna, New York's holding midfielder, has not exactly proven to be worth his price tag on the field, nobody should have expected him to produce points for his or her fantasy lineup. That's just not the role of a holding midfielder.

And now comes FC Dallas and former Brazilian World Cup winner Denilson. The Hoops introduced their designated player on Monday. Based on the 29-year-old's track record and his abilities as an attacking midfielder, it's a good bet that he's going to be able to produce immediately on the pitch and for your fantasy roster.

Now while designated players carry a generally high fantasy price tag, in the end I'd say it's worth it if you can afford it. Sell a mid- or high-priced player(s) in order to snag a DP like Denilson. You can always re-work your roster with some lower priced, but yet reasonably productive defensive talent. The trade off in production you'll receive from an Angel, Blanco or Beckham should prove to be worth it.