NL East Preview: Catchers

1 of 7

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training Photo day on February 19, 2009 at Champions Stadium at Walt Disney World of Sports in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen

Spring Training games begin in a couple of days, and that means that we are getting closer to the opening of the MLB Regular Season.

I will be breaking down the NL East race, position by position, starting with the Catchers. I will rank the five starters according to who I believe is the best in the NL East for the upcoming season.

Each Player will also have some projected stats for 2009, which have been acquired from MLB.com.

1. Brian McCann - Atlanta Braves

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the first inning of a game against the New York Mets on April 26, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Brian McCann isn't just the premier offensive catcher in the NL East, he is the premier offensive catcher in all of Major League Baseball. In 2008 he led NL East catchers in almost every statistical category, and looks to do the same in 2009.

If there is one argument against him, it is his defense, McCann needs to improve on his Caught Stealing percentage.

2008 Stats: .301/.373/.523, 23 HR, 87 RBI, 68 R, 5 SB, 98 RC in 509 AB. 22.5 CS%

2009 Projections: .307/.372/.534, 26 HR, 97 RBI, 72 R, 4 SB

Backup: David Ross

2. John Baker - Florida Marlins

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: John Baker #21 of the Florida Marlins reacts after flying out to end the fifth inning with the bases loaded against the New York Mets on September 27, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New

Baker saw only limited action in 2008, but showed the potential to be a great offensive catcher. Although some have questioned his defense, with only Mike Rabelo to beat out, Baker should see plenty of AB's and put up good numbers in 2009.

2008 Stats: .299/.392/.447, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 0 SB, 36 RC in 197 AB. 16.7 CS%

2009 Projections: .287/.360/.463, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 53 R, 1 SB

Backup: Mike Rabelo

3. Jesus Flores - Washington Nationals

CHICAGO - MAY 5: Jesus Flores #3 of the Washington Nationals swings at the pitch against the Chicago Cubs on May 5, 2007 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Nationals 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Flores produced solid numbers as a rookie in 2008. Although he was injured in September, he will likely be the opening day starter for the Washington Nationals.

He doesn't have much plate discipline, but should post numbers that are good enough to keep him the starter throughout 2009.

2008 Stats: .256/.296/.402, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 23 R, 0 SB, 35 RB in 301 AB. 26.6 CS%

2009 Projections: .243/.318/.421, 9 HR, 58 RBI, 46 R, 0 SB

Backup: Wil Nieves

4. Brian Schneider - New York Mets

MIAMI - JULY 30: Catcher Brian Schneider #23 of the New York Mets looks to tag a runner at home plate against the Florida Marlins in the third inning on July 30, 2008 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Marlins defeated the Mets 7-4. (Photo by Ma

Brian Schneider has never been a great offensive catcher, but he gets the fourth spot on the list because he had the highest Caught Stealing percentage in the NL East in 2008.

2008 Stats: .257/.339/.367, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 30 R, 0 SB, 41 RC in 335 AB. 33.3 CS%

2009 Projections: .244/.324/.355, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 29 R, 0 SB

Backup: Ramon Castro

5. Carlos Ruiz - Philadelphia Phillies

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Carlos Ruiz #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a photo during Spring Training Photo day on February 20, 2009 at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Ruiz comes in last in my catcher rankings for the NL East. After an extremely disappointing 2008 season, I don't know if he will be able to remain the starting catcher for all of 2009.

His hitting needs a lot of work, and he didn't do a great job throwing out runners either, so I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Coste or Ronny Paulino end up taking the starting job away from Ruiz.

2008 Stats: .219/.320/.300, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 47 R, 1 SB, 30 RC in 320 AB. 23.5 CS%

2009 Projections: .244/.325/.358, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 40 R, 5 SB

Backups: Chris Coste, Ronny Paulino

Begin Slideshow