1 Russell Martin - LAD
Martin’s power took a dip last season. A year after he hit 19 HRs and 87 RBI, he
posted 13 HRs, 69 RBI, and a .396 SLG.
Martin’s value really comes from his speed. He’s averaged 20 SBs over the past 2 years, something quite rare for
a catcher.
2 Brian McCann - ATL
McCann
has displayed consistent power numbers over the past 3 years while maintaining
a career .297 AVE. He usually hits 4th
or 5th in the lineup, which helped him average 90 RBI a year since
2006. Depending on your team’s needs,
he can easily be the number 1 fantasy catcher selected.
3 Joe Mauer - MIN
Mauer
is recovering from kidney surgery and is apparently on track to be ready for
Opening Day. He boasts big batting
average and 80 RBI potential. Mauer
possesses mild homerun ability; so 10-12 HRs is a reasonable estimate. The kidney issue certainly causes ongoing
concern.
4 Geovany Soto - CHC
Soto
proved that his brief flash in 2007 wasn’t a fluke. He settled with a solid line, .285-23-86, and won Rookie of the
Year honors. Soto won’t sneak up on
anybody this year, and he has some work to do on the strikeout total (121 K’s
in 494 ABs).
5 Ryan Doumit - PIT
Doumit
missed a large chunk of time in 2008 with injuries, but still hit 15 HRs in 431
ABs. He’ll serve as Pittsburgh primary
backstop, but he may qualify at other positions in your league. The Pirates are certainly convinced on
Doumit, recently signing him to a 4-year contract extension.
6 Victor Martinez - CLE
Martinez
was a top fantasy catcher going into 2008, but injuries caused him to miss most
of the season. After returning, he
didn’t quite regain his power, - 2 HRs in 266 ABs. Martinez has legit competition with Kelly Stoppach for time
behind the plate, but the Indians will find a way to get his bat into the
lineup.
7 Chris Iannetta - COL
Despite
a timeshare with Yorvit Torrealba in 2008, Ianetta hit 18 HRs in 333 ABs. He hits in a hitter-friendly stadium, and is
clearly in the Rockies future plans.
Torrealba is still present but his 2008 line of .246-6-31 doesn’t
indicate much of a threat.
8 Bengie Molina - SF
As
the Giants de facto cleanup hitter, Molina receives a big boost in value. He always had 15-20 HR capability, but his
RBI total spiked up since he’s been the number 4 hitter. He’ll continue in the same role for 2009,
making him a good bet to hit the 80-90 RBI level.
9 Mike Napoli - LAA
Napoli
produced the best AB to HR ratio over any other catcher (11.35 : 1). He only played in 78 games and hit a
remarkable 20 HRs over 227 ABs. Napoli kept his average steady at .273 while
tossing in 7 SBs for a little extra value.
Owners have to keep an eye out as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
10
Jorge Posada – NYY
Posada
has been littered with various injury issues over the past few years. Even when he is healthy, the Yankees
consistently rest him. If Posada can
somehow mange 400 ABs, he can post a mediocre average and 15-20 HRs, but that’s
unlikely.
