AMERICAN GANGSTER: Big Pimpin’ In Minneapolis: 2010 FANTASY BASEBALL RANKINGS: Catcher (C)
Some will argue that the catcher is the most important player on the baseball diamond. Some will argue the backstop of any good team is almost like their “quarterback” or “point guard” on the field. I tend to agree with them in most aspects. Catchers are involved in every pitch of every inning of every game. They call different games, for their different pitchers, used against different teams, lineups and scouting reports each week. They make in-game adjustments to hitters like Braun or Teixiera and are the ones to direct defenses and call which bases to throw after a double off the wall…That is reality…This is fantasy.
Now, I am not saying that catchers are the “kickers” of fantasy baseball. But many owners have historically been known to pass on catchers until their final pick of snake drafts or $1 auction bids in the end game. This has been done due to: 1) Usually, small amount of elite talents available 2) All other C put up similar numbers 3) Most leagues do not start 2C so there is no rush to take one early.
However, having an elite C can have its advantages and benefits over your competition.
Real life or fantasy, Joe Mauer is the cream of the crop. If you own Mauer, McCann or Martinez, you own a huge advantage at the catching position in any league, especially in H2H leagues.
This year, the C position consists of 1. Joe Mauer (MIN) and then its 2. Brian McCann (ATL) and Victor Martinez (BOS) followed by 3. Everyone Else.
Doing a little research, many early mock drafts have Mauer being drafted in the latter portion of the first round. This means he is being drafted as high as 3 or 4 to as low as 15 or 16. He had career numbers just about across the board in 2009 and should come back down to Earth this year a bit. A little bit. The Twinkies also move outside this year to Target Field which will affect the team in April, possibly May and guaranteed in September. How about a 94 mph tailing fastball on the hands when its 11 outside? No thank you. Mauer is a monster and deserves all the attention, but I have always been hesitant to use a 1st RD or even a 2nd RD pick on a C, even when Piazza was around. Injury, health concerns and playing time questions always surround C’s and with your 1st pick, you don’t need question marks. You need security; 155 GP and 600 AB. But, it’s hard to argue not taking him if he is available at say 8 or 9. Then grabbing a Wright, Crawford or Kinsler for a little speed on the way back. Mauer will carry your BA category for your team, but offers no SB help. Make sure to grab some speed with your picks later in the draft. His numbers were MVP, but don’t expect a repeat or an increase, just hope for one.
In regards to McCann and Martinez, it’s pretty much a toss up. McCann is the younger of the two (26/31). Martinez offers 1B eligibility. Both are healthy. Martinez has the better lineup and ballpark. He might score a couple more runs and have a little higher average. McCann should grab you about 4 or 5 SB. He might have a couple more HR. McCann’s power trends have always been there and now has the eyes and correct glasses to with it. Regarding these two, pick your preference.
1. Joe Mauer MIN – The All-American Gangster. The Ferrari of Catchers. This All-Star Stud will introduce many kids in Minny to outdoor baseball and will chase another MVP in 2010. They are doing everything they can up there to ensure he signs an extension before next summer. When he does, he’s going to make a lot of Minnesotans very happy. .350-20-90-90-5 would make a lot of fantasy owners very happy.
2. Brian McCann ATL - This 26 yr. old thoroughbred should put up 25-95-60 in Hotlanta while rocking his new Rec Specs for Bobby Cox’s Retirement Party. 30-100-70 could be potential year after settling Lasik questions.
2a. Victor Martinez BOS (1B) – Has dual position eligibility that adds to a fantasy teams’ depth and versatility. That being said, he is suppose to catch full time. We’ll see if playing time last year at DH and 1B are that much of a difference maker in VMART productivity. .295-25-100-100 are all possible.
4. Matt Wieters BAL – This Future All-Star and franchise player will look to complete his first full major league season. With a little experience under his belt, look for this smooth swinging Oriole to bust out and begin his highly-hyped career with a 20-70-70 type year. Might eventually be overrated at some point because of hype and ADP (Avg. Draft Position) continuing to rise – possibly due to keeper and dynasty leagues.
5. Russell Martin LAD – All the wear and tear might be finally catching up to Martin. His AVG, R, RBI, HR, SB, SLG and OPS are all on a downward trend over the last 3 years. That being said, Martin is still a reliable backstop, will swipe you 10 bases and is still only 27 on a good, young squad.
6. Geovany Soto CHC – After two solid seasons, Soto regressed a bit last year. I see him bouncing back with at least 18-60-60 in Cubbieville.
7. Miguel Montero ARI – Started the year behind Chris Snyder last year and emerged the starter. His power is legit and considering he is that ripe old age of 27, expect another solid year from the young Dback. Soto type numbers can be reached.
8. Kurt Suzuki OAK – In his 3rd year in the Bigs, Suzuki put up .274-15-88-74-8. Good enough for TOP 5 last year among catchers. Not too bad for someone who could be found on the waiver wire in most leagues (IN AUGUST). Another 27 yr. old who should have close to similar numbers, possibly another breakout year for this Cal-State Fullerton alum. Could be a real nice value pick late.
9. Mike Napoli ANA - Showed his power once again in his limited ABs. Split time at C, DH with ANA and will do so again this year. HR will be there, AB might not. Scioscia likes to play his players so Napoli should see 350 to 400 AB and 20 HR.
10. Bengie Molina SF – Veteran gamer decided to re-up with SF after flirting with the Mets at the high school dance. Molina returns to a lineup starved of power and will eventually lose some ABs to superstud Buster Posey, their catcher of the future. Look or .265-16-72-58.
11. Chris Iannetta COL – This youngster now takes his turn as COL starter. Yorvit Torrealba’s time is over and Iannetta has to beat out newcomer Miguel Olivo. Iannetta has the power and could possibly reach the 20 HR benchmark with room to grow.
12. Ryan Doumit PIT – Doumit is now healthy and ready to go in 2010. This Buc will also see time at 1B and could be a 15-60-60 guy while batting .270.
13. Jorge Posada NYY – He had 22 HR and 81 last year. No, it wasn’t 1999, it was 2009. Posada is now 39 and took advantage of the New Yankee Stadium. Don’t expect a repeat performance in RBI totals, but HR total could come close again if he can stay on the field.
14. Yadier Molina STL – The other Molina isn’t as powerful as his older brother Bengie, but will bat close to .300. You can hope for .291-7-60-50 from this cannon-armed receiver.
15. Carlos Ruiz PHI – Re-signed with PHI this off-season. Plays in a small ballpark with an American League lineup. 18-70-60 could be highs. 10-50-40 could be lows. Predict accordingly.
16. AJ Pierzynski CHW – This eccentric personality is still productive for his eccentric manager. Another serviceable year should be expected. 270.-12-55-60.
17. Kelly Shoppach TB – This new Ray should start, but also seeing split time with Dioner Navarro. Shoppach has shown power skills throughout his career and highs of 21 HR and 57 RBI aren’t out of reach, but so is .240.
18. John Baker FLA – Not really a starter, Baker is more of a backup or NL-Only option. Not a bad one though. Could see 10-55-50 for this Fish.
19. Ramon Hernandez CIN – His transition to the NL last year was cut short due to knee surgery. Plays at the Great American Launching Pad so his power numbers could come back if healthy.
20. Rod Barajas FA – Toronto cut him loose and he has yet to find a home. If he sees time as a starter after the Spring, expect Barajas to be a AVG. liability with HR potential.
21. Buster Posey SF 22. Miguel Olivo COL 23. John Buck TOR 24. Jesus Flores WAS 25. Ivan Rodriguez WAS 26. Jarrod Saltalamcchia TEX 27. Dioner Navarro TB 28. Taylor Teagarden TEX 29. Ronnie Paulino FLA 30. Carlos Santana CLE
21-30 C will not be useful in 10 or 12 Team Mixed Leagues. Guys like Posey and Santana will be good keepers for long-term keeper leagues, possibly seeing playing time later in the season. The others might be better left alone for AL/NL only leagues.
