Fantasy 40/40: 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 30 Catchers
Here are my top 30 catchers for fantasy baseball 2011. I’d like to repeat my catcher strategy when it comes to drafting. I usually pass. I’ve never used a pick before round 15 in snake drafts or $5 in auctions. Catchers are pretty much interchangeable after the elites, so if you miss out on McCann or Martinez, just wait. Someone of value will be sitting there in the 24th round, especially in mixed leagues that use only one catcher.
On the other hand, drafting an elite catcher can give you a significant advantage over other owners in the league. However, you may have some other weaknesses or areas of need – especially if you use an early pick on a catcher AND an elite pitcher in the first 5 rounds.
Like any of my rankings come draft day, I use a tier system where I group similar players and skills together, regardless of name. For instance, say that I lose out on Geovany Soto. I can relax knowing that I have Mike Napoli, Matt Weiters, Carlos Santana or Miguel Montero all in the same tier and all still available. Don’t get caught up on one name or the “but he’s my favorite player” tunnel vision. Instead, gauge skill and value – preferably later in the draft.
TOP 30 Catchers
- Joe Mauer MIN – 2011 Projections: .330-13-88-90-2. The top ranked catcher holds this spot for another season. While I don’t expect a repeat of his MVP season, his numbers in 2011 should be better than 2010. Might not reach 20 HR again though in spacious Target Field.
- Victor Matinez DET – .300-20-90-80-0. VMART found a new home this winter, taking his talents to DTown. The switch-hitting Martinez will finally give Miguel Cabrera the drinking partner… I mean the lineup protection he needed.
- Brian McCann ATL - .280-23-87-75-5. He’s got Uggla and Heyward batting around him and he’s going to hit 20 HR.
- Buster Posey SF – .295-20-80-80-3. He might have had the perfect rookie season in 2010. Solid numbers, Rookie of the Year and a World Series ring. But buyer’s beware, he’s the sexy pick this year and might cost you.
- Mike Napoli TEX - .255-25-70-65-4. Finally out of the dog house in Anaheim, Napoli was moved twice this 0ff-season. He’s automatic for 20 HR – with upside of 30 if everything goes right – playing in Arlington.
- Matt Weiters BAL – .280-16-70-65-1. The Buster Posey a couple years ago, I think Weiters finally puts it together playing for Buck.
- Carlos Santana CLE – .275-17-70-65-3. You all know how I feel about this young fellow.
- Geovany Soto CH - .275-19-75-65-0. Had 17 HR in in only 322 ABs last season. He’s about a .270-.280 hitter and is a solid mixed league option capable of hitting 20 to 25.
- Miguel Montero ARI - .275-18-70-60-0. Had a down year after his 2009 campaign. Has the potential to be a 20 HR and 70 RBI guy.
- Kurt Suzuki OAK – .270-14-70-65-5. You don’t hear much about this Oakland catcher but Suzuki put up 15 HR and 71 RBI in 2010.
- Jorge Posada NYY – .260-17-70-65-0. George has been given DH duties with the acquisition of Russell Martin. Jorge can still swing it and might benefit from the decreased time behind the plate.
- J.P. Arencibia TOR – .240-18-60-50-1. With Buck’s departure, it should open up playing time for this rookie. Baseball America has him ranked as Toronto’s #8 prospect in 2011 coming off a year where he hit 32 HR in AAA-Vegas.
- Carlos Ruiz PHI - .280-10-55-55-1. A quiet performer, Ruiz hits in a solid ballpark in a solid lineup.
- Yadier Molina STL - .285-6-60-40-5. Stole 8 bases but saw a 30 point dip in batting average. Hopefully, expect a bounce back to the .290 range.
- Chris Iannetta COL – .240-18-65-50-1. A fantasy bust last season, Iannetta looks to prove haters wrong in 2011. He’s finally the starter and will look to finally match all the hype. I could see 20 HR. I could also see a .200 BA and a demotion in June.
- John Buck FLA – .250-16-55-50-0. Had a career year in a contract year. What a move. Took his cold ass from Toronto to Miami. Buck was the number five ranked catcher in 2010 because of his 20 HR. Not sure he gets there again.
- A.J. Pierzynski CHW – .275-10-55-50-2. A little older, Pierzynski will provide you with enough offense in mixed leagues to use if needed.
- John Jaso TB – .265-7-55-65-3. He’ll share catching duties with Kelly Shoppach considering his poor BA against lefties, but a .372 OBP and the ability to score runs will help him in 2011.
- Nick Hundley SD - .260-14-55-45-1. Todd Hundley was one of my favorite players growing up as a kid. I used to catch and wore #9, too. He came into the bar when I was working once about seven years ago. Got to buy him a shot or three, we talked some Mets, he couldn’t have been cooler. Asked him about Piazza – he was classy about it, respectful and talked highly of him. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget… In other news, Nick Hundley is finally the starter in San Diego.
- Russell Martin NYY - .245-8-40-50-8. A change of scenery, Martin goes from one coast to the other. Maybe the change will do him some good, hitting in that lineup in that stadium. But like I said last year, Martin isn’t nearly as good as you think. His fantasy prime is behind him but may have slight upside in the Bronx.
- Miguel Olivo SEA - .245-14-50-45-5. Had a great season in the thin air of the Colorado, he takes his services to the Pacific Northwest. He’s starting and might surprise in 2011.
- Rod Barajas LAD – .240-16-55-40-0. A batting average liability, Barajas has the potential to hit 20 HR – 15 might be more of a baseline.
- Ryan Doumit PIT – .265-12-40-40-2. He has some competition with Chris Snyder so he’ll likely see some time at 1B and RF as well. Overbay was signed and they have Garret Jones, but Doumit has some power potential and new manager Clint Hurdle may juggle his guys around. Plus, I don’t know if Chris Snyder is the answer either.
- Alex Avila DET - .260-10-45-45-2. Detroit’s young catcher will see plenty of time with fellow teammate Victor Martinez at DH. Avila has upside potential and can be used in two catcher leagues.
- Josh Thole NYM - .280-6-45-45-3. The light hitting lefty is a contact guy and could be serviceable in NL only leagues if the rest of the fragile Mets can stay healthy – David Wright excluded.
- Jarod Saltalamacchia BOS – .250-12-45-50-0. He looks to take over for the Captain, Jason Variek and departed Victor Martinez. Salty will have plenty of protection around him – he just might run into 55 to 60 RBI by accident.
- Ryan Hanigan CIN – .280-5-45-45-0. A lot of sites have Ramon Hernandez ranked ahead of Hanigan. While I see the that Hernandez is going to start, I just think Hanigan starts to play some more. He’s got a nice BA for a catcher and is also a lot younger than Hernandez. While both will probably be on the waiver wire to start the season, keep an eye on Hanigan in NL only leagues. That is of course, until Devin Mesoraco gets called up.
- Jesus Montero NYY – .270-10-40-35-0. Montero is slated to start in the minors, but he’s the system’s number one ranked prospect and has a bat that is ready for the next fifteen years. If he wins the starting gig out of Spring Training or sees time due to injury, Montero’s ranking will see a significant spike in value.
- Yorvit Torrealba TEX - .270-8-40-35-3. Not that much to look at, use him in two-catcher leagues if needed since his BA hovers in the .270-.280 range.
- Jonathan LuCroy MIL – .260-9-35-30-3. Has a pretty good lineup in Milwaukee and should be ready by Opening Day.
