2009 MLB Fantasy Rankings: This week= Catchers


It really helps to grab two good Catchers when playing Fantasy Baseball. The average Catcher plays about 110 games with the other 52 going to back-ups. Injuries are always a concern at this position and you should draft for depth.


3-Year Avg. Leaders: (2006-08)


Games Played: Russell Martin (142)


Batting Average: Joe Mauer (.325)


Home Runs: Brian McCann (22)


Doubles: Brian McCann (38)


RBI: Brian McCann (91)


Triples: Joe Mauer (4)


Stolen Bases: Russell Martin (16)


Walks: Joe Mauer (73)


Runs: Joe Mauer (82)



Cream of the Crop: #1 Joe Mauer (MIN) #2 Russell Martin (LAD) #3 Brian McCann (ATL) #4 Victor Martinez (CLEV) #5 Geovany Soto (CUBS)


The Next Best: #6 A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) #7 Bengie Molina (SFG) #8 Ivan Rodriguez (FLA) #9 Jason Kendall (MILW) #10 Brandon Inge (DET) #11 Ramon Hernandez (CINN) #12 Jorge Posada (NYY) #13 Kenji Johjima (SEA) #14 Mike Napoli (LAA) #15 Ryan Doumit (PIT)


You could do worse: #16 Jason Varitek (Bos) #17 Dioner Navarro (Rays) #16 Yadier Molina (Stl) #19 Kurt Suzuki (Oak) #20 Chris Iannetta (Col) #21 Brian Schneider (NYM) #22 Jarrod Saltalamaccia (Tex) #23 Paul LoDuca (Fla) #24 Chris Synder (Arz) #25 David Ross (Cin) #26 Michael Barrett (Tor)


Hope and Prey: #27 John Buck (KC) #28 Gerald Laird (Det) #29 Greg Zaun (Balt) #30 Carlos Ruiz (Phil) #31 Yorvit Torrealba (Col) #32 Kelly Shoppach (Clev) #33 Nick Hundley (SD) #34 Rod Barajas (Tor) #35 Jesus Flores (Wash) #36 Jeff Mathis (LAA) #37 Josh Bard (Bos) #38 Matt Wieters (Balt) #39 Max Ramirez (Tex) #40 John Baker (Fla) #41 Miguel Montero (Arz) #42 Brad Ausmus (LAD)


Career Year: Geavony Soto (Cubs) What a year it was for this rising star! He became the first National League rookie Catcher to start the all-star game, caught Carlos Zambrano's no-hitter, and he won NL rookie of the year honors. I don't see a sophomore slump from a guy who spent 6 seasons in the Minors and who plays in a very hitter friendly park. Be patient because the weather is cold at Wrigley in April and sometimes May. But when Summer comes around Wrigley Field turns into a launching pad, especially when the Winds are blowing Out. He went for .285, 23 HRs, and 83 ribbies in 2008. I think he takes another step forward and puts up .300, 30, 99 in 2009. I would like to see him cut down on his strikeout total of 121 in 141 games. Kinda on the high side.


Sleeper: Ryan Doumit (PIT) He played in only 116 games and batted .318 with 15 HRs, and 69 RBI. Pirates agreed to terms with catcher Ryan Doumit on a three-year, $11.5 million contract with a club option for 2012 and '13. He is going to play a lot. Not a bad option in the middle to late rounds.


Bust: Dioner Navarro (TB) I say him because I doubt he puts up the same batting average as last year. Don't get me wrong. He is still a very capable hitter but will take a step down. Dioner came up through the Dodgers' system and they have a long history of producing great catchers. He batted .292, 7 HRs, and 54 RBI in 120 games played. I see his average dropping by at least 30 points, but will hit a few more HRs than last season.


Good Luck in your draft! Jeff H/JHSL