2009 fantasy baseball catcher rankings 1-10

January 29, 12:22 AMNY Fantasy Sports ExaminerLee Forman

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1) Russell Martin – Los Angeles Dodgers – Age: 26
2008 stats: .280 AVG, 87 R, 13 HR, 69 RBI, 18 SB
3 year average: .285 AVG, 80 R, 14 HR, 74 RBI, 16 SB
Batting behind: Juan Pierre and Andre Ethier
Protected by: James Loney and Matt Kemp
Backup: Brad Ausmus
Notes: Best all-around catcher in baseball.  Rumors of a move to 3rd base or a trade don’t seem to be happening anytime soon. 

2) Brian McCan – Atlanta Braves – Age: 25
2008 stats: .301 AVG, 68 R, 23 HR, 87 RBI, 5 SB
3 year average: .300 AVG, 60 R, 22 HR, 91 RBI, 2 SB
Batting behind: Yunel Escobar and Larry ‘Chipper’ Jones
Protected by: Jeff Francoeur and Casey Kotchman
Backup: David Ross
Notes: Steady offensive player and still young.  42 doubles last year bodes well for power numbers.  Lost a reported 20 LBS this off-season.  More steals?

3) Joe Mauer – Minnesota Twins – Age: 25
2008 stats: .328 AVG, 98 R, 9 HR, 85 RBI, 1 SB
3 year average: .325 AVG, 82 R, 9 HR, 76 RBI, 5 SB
Batting behind: Carlos Gomez and Alexi Casilla
Protected by: Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer
Backup: Mike Redmond
Notes: SB’s are down but everything else has stayed consistent.  Had off-season kidney surgery.  Should be ready for opening day.

4) Geovany Soto – Chicago Cubs – Age: 25
2008 stats: .285 AVG, 66 R, 23 HR, 86 RBI – Rookie season
Batting behind: Milton Bradley and Aramis Ramirez
Protected by: Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Fontenot
Backup: Koyie Hill
Notes: Reigning NL Rookie of the Year.  Has solid HR and RBI potential in Cubs lineup.  Be aware of ‘sophomore slump’ and lack or bats behind him.

5) Victor ‘V-Mart’ Martinez – Cleveland Indians – Age: 30
2008 stats: .278 AVG, 30 R, 2 HR, 35 RBI – in 266 AB
3 year average: .303 AVG, 63 R, 14 HR, 81 RBI
Batting behind: Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore
Protected by: Jhonny Peralta and Ben Francisco
Backup: Kelly Shoppach
Notes: Missed half 2008 with elbow and hamstring injuries.  Perennial top fantasy catcher until last season.  Will see more time at 1B.  Will catch Fausto Carmona.

6) Bengie Molina – San Francisco Giants – Age: 34
2008 stats: .292 AVG, 46 R, 16 HR, 95 RBI
3 year average: .284 AVG, 43 R, 18 HR, 78 RBI
Batting behind: Randy Winn and Edgar Renteria
Protected by: Aaron Rowand and Fred Lewis
Backup: Steve Holm
Notes: One of few catchers who bat cleanup.  Getting up there in age but still has strong bat.  Final year of contract makes him candidate for a trade at the deadline.

7) Ryan Doumit – Pittsburgh Pirates – Age: 28
2008 stats: .318 AVG, 71 R, 15 HR, 69 RBI, 2 SB
3 year average: .285 AVG, 40 R, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 1 SB
Batting behind: Freddy Sanchez and Nate McLouth
Protected by: Adam and Andy the LaRoche brothers
Backup: Robinson Diaz
Notes: 2008 was first year as starter.  Signed extension in the off-season.  Prone to injury; have backup option ready.

8) A.J. Pierzynski – Chicago White Sox – Age: 32
2008 stats: .281 AVG, 66 R, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 1 SB
3 year average: .280 AVG, 62 R, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 1 SB
Batting behind: Jerry Owens and Alexei Ramirez
Protected by: Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye
Backup: Cole Armstrong
Notes: Spot in batting order still undetermined. Could bat 2nd or 6th.  Surrounded by good offensive talent.  Very gritty and always gives 100%.

9) Pablo Sandoval – San Francisco Giants – Age: 22 (*check for catcher eligibility)
2008 stats: .345 AVG, 24 R, 3 HR, 24 RBI – 145 AB
Minor league stats: .303 AVG, 256 R, 35 HR, 273 RBI, 14 SB – 452 games
Batting behind: Randy Winn and Edgar Renteria
Protected by: Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand
Backup: Jesus Guzman
Notes: Played at catcher last season but expected to play 3B this year.  Reportedly slated to bat 3rd in the order.  If Giants land Joe Crede, Sandoval will play 1B. 

10) Chris Iannetta – Colorado Rockies – Age: 25
2008 stats: .264 AVG, 50 R, 18 HR, 65 RBI
3 year average: .249 AVG, 28 R, 8 HR, 34 RBI
Batting behind: Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe
Protected by: Ryan Spilborghs and Carlos Gonzalez
Backup: Yorvit Torrealba
Notes: Played in only 104 games last season.  Playing in the thin air of Colorado only helps.  Potential breakout this season.