Fantasy Baseball 2012: Positional Draft Tiers—Catchers

Here's a look at the four tiers of catching prospects in 12-team mixed roto leagues. For those who truly covet Buster Posey, Matt Wieters or Joe Mauer at the perfect slot, target Posey around the 73rd pick, Wieters at 84 and Mauer at 101. That's the general structure of approximately 34 mock drafts in the last 18 days.

Tier 1

• Carlos Santana, Indians (my gold standard of an exclusive top tier)
• Buster Posey, Giants
• Mike Napoli, Rangers
• Brian McCann, Braves
• Joe Mauer, Twins (mark him down for 12 HRs, 75 RBIs, .314 batting)
• Matt Wieters, Orioles

Tier 2

• Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks (the Tier II golden boy)
• Alex Avila, Tigers
• Jesus Montero, Mariners (one of the biggest wild cards in fantasyland)
• Wilson Ramos, Nationals
• Yadier Molina, Cardinals
• Geovany Soto, Cubs (this could be the year of 18 HRs and 50 runs or 60 RBIs)

Tier 3

• Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers
• J.P Arencibia, Blue Jays (has Tier II upside, a hot April could prompt rise)
• Nick Hundley, Padres
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox
• Russell Martin, Yankees
• Ryan Doumit, Twins
• Kurt Suzuki, Athletics

Tier 4

• Salvador Perez, Royals (knee injury forced the tier drop)
• Devin Mesoraco, Reds
• Yasmani Grandal, Padres
• Miguel Olivo, Mariners
• Ramon Hernandez, Rockies
• Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
• A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
• John Buck, Marlins
• Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers
• Ryan Hanigan, Reds
• John Jaso, Mariners
• Humberto Quintero, Royals
• Rod Barajas, Pirates
• Taylor Teagarden, Orioles
• Travis d'Arnaud, Blue Jays (perhaps the next great catcher...a possible stash for September call-up)

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.