Updated Top 20 Fantasy Catchers for 2009

An injury to Joe Mauer has the potential to significantly influence the top part of the catcher rankings.  Let’s take a look at how things currently shake out (to view the original rankings, click here):

1. Brian McCann - Atlanta Braves
2. Geovanny Soto - Chicago Cubs
3. Russell Martin - Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Joe Mauer - Minnesota Twins
5. Ryan Doumit - Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Victor Martinez - Cleveland Indians
7. Benjie Molina - San Francisco Giants
8. Chris Iannetta - Colorado Rockies
9. Jorge Posada - New York Yankees
10. Kelly Shoppach - Cleveland Indians
11. Ramon Hernandez - Cincinnati Reds
12. Mike Napoli - Los Angeles Angels
13. A.J. Pierzynski - Chicago White Sox
14. Matt Wieters - Baltimore Orioles
15. Dioner Navarro - Tampa Bay Rays
16. Kenji Johjima - Seattle Mariners
17. Yadier Molina - St. Louis Cardinals
18. Chris Snyder - Arizona Diamondbacks
19. Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Texas Rangers
20. Jesus Flores - Washington Nationals

Notes:

• The biggest change is Joe Mauer, who is suffering from a back injury, something that could become crippling to a catchers value. It is unknown how long he’s going to miss, so for now I’ve only dropped him down one spot. That certainly could quickly change.
• Wieters has had a solid spring (.343, 1 HR, 5 RBI through Tuesday), though the most impressive number has been his three Ks in 35 ABs. I don’t focus much on spring numbers, so take them with a grain of salt. Still, with the word going around that it may be June before we see him, I’ve bumped him down a notch here.
• Napoli was the benefactor of Wieters’ drop, now becoming the last catcher I’d recommend drafting in one-catcher formats. I know I’m not as high on him as others, but he certainly has the potential to perform among the top seven or eight at his position. That certainly makes him worth it.
• I’m very high on Jesus Flores, but with him having just 6 spring AB at this point, you have to wonder if he will be ready for Opening Day. That drops him down to the bottom of the list, barely hanging on.
• Kenji Johjima got a boost, thanks to a strong showing in the WBC as well as word that he is going to get the majority of the playing time over Jeff Clement. Obviously, that could change, but for now I would take the gamble on him (a proven player who struggled last season) over some of the other bottom tier options.

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