2009 fantasy baseball catcher rankings 11-20

January 28, 11:39 PMNY Fantasy Sports ExaminerLee Forman

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11) Mike Napoli – Los Angeles Angels – Age: 27
2008 stats: .273 AVG, 39 R, 20 HR, 49 RBI, 7 SB
3 year average: .248 AVG, 42 R, 15 HR, 42 RBI, 5 SB
Backup: Jeff Mathis
Notes: Had only 227 AB in 2008.  Hot after August return from DL (.373 AVG and 7 HR in 30 games).  Had off-season shoulder surgery but should be ready.  Him or Mathis could be traded before or during season.

12) Kelly Shoppach     Cleveland Indians – Age: 28
2008 stats: .261 AVG, 67 R, 21 HR, 55 RBI
3 year average: .258 AVG, 33 R, 10 HR, 34 RBI
Backup: Victor Martinez
Notes: Had 352 AB last season after injuries to Martinez and Hafner.  Reportedly will see most of the action behind the plate.  V-Mart will move to 1B more often than not.  Will sit when Carmona pitches.  Another candidate that could be traded.

13) Jorge Posada – New York Yankees – Age: 37
2008 stats: .268 AVG, 18 R, 3 HR, 22 RBI
3 year average: .303 AVG, 58 R, 15 HR, 68 RBI, 2 SB
Backup: Jose Molina
Notes: Missed most of season due to right shoulder surgery.  Will he be ready for opening day?  Being held out of World Baseball Classic.  Will be eased back into catching duties.  Getting old and near the bottom of potent Yanks batting order. 

14) Ramon Hernandez – Cincinnati Reds – Age: 32
2008 stats: .257 AVG, 49 R, 15 HR, 65 RBI
3 year average: .264 AVG, 52 R, 16 HR, 73 RBI
Backup: Ryan Hanigan
Notes: Should improve power numbers while hitting in Great American Ballpark.  Is in final year of contract, looking to excel for a new deal.  Great RBI potential hitting behind the likes of Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce.

15) Jeff Clement – Seattle Mariners – Age: 25
2008 stats: .227 AVG, 17 R, 5 HR, 23 RBI
2 year average: .237 AVG, 11 R, 4 HR, 13 RBI
Backup: Jamie Burke
Notes: Former 1st round pick expected to play everyday regardless of Kenji Johjima’s numbers.  Probably best suited as DH.  Can hit the long ball.  Will see some time behind the plate. 

16) Dioner Navarro – Tampa Bay Rays – Age: 25
2008 stats: .295 AVG, 43 R, 7 HR, 54 RBI
3 year average: .259 AVG, 37 R, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 2 SB
Backup: Shawn Riggans
Notes: Expected to bat low in the order this season.  Will have more RBI potential than previous years.  As long as average stays up, his numbers will be decent.  Not a sexy choice, but very sound.

17) Matt Wieters – Baltimore Orioles – Age: 22
2008 stats: Not in MLB, no major league experience
Minor league numbers: .355 AVG, 89 R, 27 HR, 91 RBI, 2 SB (130 games)
Backup: Is backup to Gregg Zaun to start the season.
Notes: One of baseball’s top prospects.  Is expected to overtake Zaun at some point during the season.  My guess is June.  Those in keeper leagues bump him up 8 spots. Has great discipline, bat speed, and power from both sides of the plate.

18) Chris Snyder – Arizona Diamondbacks – Age: 28
2008 stats: .237 AVG, 47 R, 16 HR, 64 RBI
3 year average: .251 AVG, 34 R, 12 HR, 48 RBI
Backup: Miguel Montero
Notes: Progressed offensively and defensively last season.  Just needs to get that average up a little bit.  Signed extension in the off-season.

19) Gerald Laird – Detroit Tigers – Age: 29
2008 stats: .276 AVG, 54 R, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 2 SB
3 year average: .260 AVG, 49 R, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 4 SB
Backup: Matt Treanor
Notes: Finally gets a starting gig where his AB’s won’t be limited.  Should see plenty of RBI chances batting behind Gary Sheffield and Carlos Guillen.

20) Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals – Age: 26
2008 stats: .304 AVG, 37 R, 7 HR, 56 RBI
3 year average: .265 AVG, 32 R, 6 HR, 48 RBI
Backup: Jason LaRue
Notes: Improved vastly in average department.  Will never blow you away with his power.  Made most of RBI chances last season.  Had some thigh trouble but is expected to be fully healthy this year.