Prime Nine: Top 9 MLB National League Catchers

We continue our prime nine series with the top National League catchers.

The American League list caused some controversy because of the omission of Mike Napoli. Surely, I didn't forget Napoli, but I put him in a different category because he has played a lot of first base in addition to catcher.

The National League catchers don't necessarily have the same issues, so hopefully there will be no omissions.

9. Jonathan Lucroy

AVG/OBP/SLG= .262/.305/.384

HR/Runs/RBI= 11/41/58

SEC= .165

BABIP= .317

A selection of Jonathan Lucroy would be based almost completely on speculation. In 2010, he was abysmal offensively, but season he has been passable.

Perhaps he takes the next step next year. I wouldn't bet on it personally though.

His BABIP is higher than typical for the league average and certainly higher for catchers. Then, you throw in a low secondary average and you see he is purely backup material in a full 30-team universe and a marginal starter in NL only leagues.

8. Geovany Soto

AVG/OBP/SLG= .218/.304/.392

HR/Runs/RBI= 15/43/47

SEC= .260

BABIP= .272

Maybe Geovany Soto is a Star Trek fan. If he is, then he must follow the rule that only even numbered movies must be good.

In this case, it is even numbered seasons. Soto was brilliant in 2008 and 2010. He has been awful in 2009 and 2011. Are you going to follow that logic and take him in 2012? His secondary average and BABIP actually lend some credence to it.

7. John Buck

AVG/OBP/SLG= .234/.325/.381

HR/Runs/RBI= 16/41/57

SEC= .238

BABIP= .271

John Buck has shown good power throughout his career, but his batting average has always been a concern.

The power came on late in the season and with the club moving into a new ballpark next season, we might see an increase in power numbers. "Whatever you call it" Field has been a pitcher's ballpark for years. The new stadium might be more hitter friendly.

6. Chris Iannetta

AVG/OBP/SLG= .237/.369/.411

HR/Runs/RBI= 13/49/50

SEC= .306

BABIP= .281

We might be bullish on Iannetta's future except it looks like he might be fighting for a job. His secondary average is very impressive, but if he is playing elsewhere he doesn't have nearly the same value he has in Denver.

5. Ryan Hanigan

AVG/OBP/SLG= .267/.356/.357

HR/Runs/RBI= 6/27/31

SEC= .179

BABIP= .285

Okay, maybe this is a bit high, but Hanigan has been a solid hitter the past two years in part-time duty.

Ramon Hernandez is finally a free agent and there is no reason for the Reds to keep him around. Give Hanigan 500 plate appearances and see what happens.

4. Yadier Molina

AVG/OBP/SLG= .295/.333/.453

HR/Runs/RBI= 13/49/61

SEC= .196

BABIP= .304

Yadier Molina has a reputation as a field first, second and third catcher. However, if you look at his numbers from the past four seasons he has steadily hit .280 or better.

I wouldn't want him in ML fantasy leagues, but in NL-only leagues, he will give you decent production and he won't kill your batting average.

3. Miguel Montero

AVG/OBP/SLG= .281/.352/.470

HR/Runs/RBI= 17/62/82

SEC= .260

BABIP= .315

It might be fair to expect a bit of a regression from Montero, but in reality, that would still put him pretty far ahead of fourth place.

He has quietly been one of the many reasons for the D-backs resurgence this season. His BABIP is a bit disconcerting, but his secondary average shows he relies on more than just batting average to be effective.

2. Buster Posey

AVG/OBP/SLG= .284/.368/.418

HR/Runs/RBI= 4/17/21

SEC= .218

BABIP= .326

Enjoy him at catcher because there is talk of moving him to first base permanently. There is a lot to be concerned about with him.

First, there is no telling how well he will recover from that nasty injury in 2012. Secondly, his early season results appeared to be bolstered by some luck. However, he was a monster in 2010, so we have to assume he will still be pretty good.

1. Brian McCann

AVG/OBP/SLG= .275/.354/.478

HR/Runs/RBI= 24/51/69

SEC= .282

BABIP= .286

Brian McCann missed some time this year or he may have been a candidate for the MVP award. At least he looked that way early in the season. He has faded since then, but even with the fade he is easily the best offensive catcher in the National League.