It's that time again. Opening day is around the corner and fantasy drafts are imminent. Here are my fantasy catcher rankings for 2009.
1. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves: While not quite as sexy a fantasy player as Soto or Martin, McCann earns the top spot on this list because of his consistency.
McCann will remain in the heart of the Braves lineup and will be asked to be a major run producer for them in 2009.
Picking McCann includes very little risk, as he is a virtual lock to go .300/25/100 next season. Look for him to lead a Braves offense that looks poor on paper into national relevance.
2. Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs: Soto exploded onto the scene in 2008 with 23 homers in less than 500 at-bats in his rookie campaign.
Fears of a sophomore slump are justified, but his potential is worth taking him this high.
Soto has huge raw power and should lead all catchers in home runs. He will be a major thumper in a powerful Cubs lineup, and should approach 30 home runs.
3. Ryan Doumit, Pittsburgh Pirates: In 2008, Doumit proved that he can produce at an elite level. However he was unable to answer questions about his durability.
When on the field, Doumit excelled, but he missed significant chunks of time due to nagging injuries.
With 15 home runs in only 431 at-bats, Doumit’s power should continue to improve. While not quite as safe as Martin and Mauer, his upside warrants his spot on this list.
Take him early and reap the benefits.
4. Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers: Martin is an interesting player as he provides some serious speed at the catcher position.
Martin has proven that he can contribute in every category, however he fails to excel in any.
Unfortunately, Martin is stuck in a weak, currently Manny-less Dodgers lineup.
While his RBIs and runs should be unimpressive, look for him to hit 20 home runs and swipe 20 bases.
5. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians: Anyone who drafted Martinez last year has probably sworn never to draft him again.
Don’t buy into this, Martinez is healthy and driven entering 2009. Despite a disastrous 2008 campaign, Martinez will still remain a focal point in a potent Indians lineup.
Look for the power that he displayed in 2006 and 2007 to return in 2009.
6. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins: Behind McCann, Mauer is the safest player on this list. However, his upside is minimal.
Mauer will hit for average and score runs in a strong Twins lineup, but he lacks any semblance of power or speed.
The nine home runs and solitary stolen base that Mauer had last season is par for the course with him.
Mauer is an important player on this list as he represents the last elite fantasy catcher. Don’t be stuck without one of these top six guys.
7. Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies: Iannetta is the best in the second-tier of fantasy catchers on this list.
Coors is still very conducive to huge offensive numbers, and Iannetta should fit well in a Rockies offense that, despite losing Matt Holliday, is still very strong.
Iannetta posted 18 home runs last season in only 333 at bats. Look for both numbers to drastically increase as he holds down the catching job for an entire season in 2009.
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