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Catchers at a glance
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Only a week and a half until pitchers and catchers report for the start of Spring Training. With the start of the Baseball season on the horizon, now is a perfect time to preview the upcoming fantasy baseball season. I'll be taking in-depth look at each position, beginning with catcher.
Best Available – Russell Martin
There were two keys to Martin's breakout 2007 season – (.357 vs. lefties and .329 on the road). Last season teams were able to use scouting reports to pitch him more effectively. He finished with great numbers (.280, 87 runs, and 18 SB), even though he had a rough second half (.260 AVG and only 3 HR). The players around him are developing nicely and he's still only 26. Martin is the only legitimate 5-tool catcher.
Honorable mention: Brian McCan
Best Value – Joe Mauer
Mauer has the ability to produce more runs than any other catcher in the game. His spot in the batting order gives him the capability to both drive in runs and score them. He hits for an incredible average (career .317) and has been known to steal a base or two (30 career). Considering he's the 4th catcher taken in most mock drafts his value is second-to-none at the position.
Honorable mention: A.J. Pierzynski
Overvalued – Geovany Soto
Don't get me wrong, the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year had a great season and will continue to be a strong player for years to come. The problem is people have been picking him a little too high. He does possess big RBI potential but he won't score near as many runs as the other topflight catchers. Plus, I'm always a little scared of the potential for a 'sophomore slump'.
Honorable mention: Victor Martinez
Overlooked – Mike Napoli
Napoli never had more than 268 AB's in a season but made the most of them. Last season he managed 20 HR in only 227 AB. He split time last year with Jeff Mathis but supplanted him on the depth chart. He is only 27 years-old and entering his offensive prime. If he gets 350-400 AB's, watch out.
Honorable mention: Bengie Molina
Bust Potential – Ryan Doumit
I hope I'm wrong because I really like his potential as a fantasy catcher. He put up great offensive numbers in his first year as a starter and will be 28 when the season begins. The problem with him has always been the injuries. Even last year he missed time with a thumb injury and a concussion. Make sure you get a good backup if you draft him.
Honorable mention: Jorge Posada
Sleeper – Pablo Sandoval
The rookie might not have catcher eligibility in your league so be sure to check that before your draft. If he does, his value increases exponentially. He was impressive as a call-up last season (.345, 24 runs, 3 HR, 24 RBI in 145 AB). He's only 22 and is slated to bat 3rd in the lineup. He figures to play 3B this season so this could be the only year he is eligible to play catcher, be sure to take advantage.
Honorable mention: Matt Wieters
Fading – Jason Varitek and Ivan Rodriguez
Varitek put his pride aside and signed with the Red Sox, but his .238 AVG the last 3 years isn't going to cut it. I-Rod is having a tough time finding a spot on a major league roster which makes it difficult to find him on a fantasy one. I-Rod to the Marlins seems dead, and no other teams have recently been linked to him in discussions.
Honorable mention: Kenji Johjima
Rising – Chris Iannetta
He started the season as the backup for Yorvit Torrealba and finished the year with 18 HR in only 104 games. He plays in Colorado which won't hurt his number and figures to play closer to 125 games this season. He is 25 and just entering the prime years.
Honorable mention: Jeff Clement
*Look for my articles on Second Base this week.
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