Catchers
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March 12, 2008 · Print This Article
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
It’s always tough to draft a catcher. Traditionally, if you don’t land the position’s one or two elite options you’ll have to settle for second-rate production from your fantasy catcher. While a great disparity still exists between the cream of the backstop crop and the second-tier of fantasy catchers, 2008 presents a unique situation in which many young and talented catchers appear poised for breakouts seasons. It should be an interesting year for the position. Update! presents the top twenty catchers:
1. RUSSELL MARTIN
Los Angeles Dodgers
2007: .293 AVG, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 87 R, 21 SB
Comment: Martin enjoyed a remarkable breakout 2007. You aren’t going to find another backstop in baseball that can swipe bags like rate Martin. But stolen bases aside, the development of younger players like James Loney and Matt Kemp, coupled with the addition of Andruw Jones’ bat, translates into a better lineup that should allow Martin to pump up his stats across the board in 2008.
2007: .293 AVG, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 87 R, 21 SB
Comment: Martin enjoyed a remarkable breakout 2007. You aren’t going to find another backstop in baseball that can swipe bags like rate Martin. But stolen bases aside, the development of younger players like James Loney and Matt Kemp, coupled with the addition of Andruw Jones’ bat, translates into a better lineup that should allow Martin to pump up his stats across the board in 2008.
2. VICTOR MARTINEZ
Cleveland Indians
2007: .301 AVG, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 78 R, 0 SB
Comment: Martinez scored his best offensive season in 2007. If Travis Hafner bounces back this year, Martinez could clear 120 RBI. But keep an eye on his playing time; he played just 26 games as a catcher last season and if he were to play behind the plate less this year, he won’t have to deal with the normal wear-and-tear playing a full season as the starting catcher entails.
2007: .301 AVG, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 78 R, 0 SB
Comment: Martinez scored his best offensive season in 2007. If Travis Hafner bounces back this year, Martinez could clear 120 RBI. But keep an eye on his playing time; he played just 26 games as a catcher last season and if he were to play behind the plate less this year, he won’t have to deal with the normal wear-and-tear playing a full season as the starting catcher entails.
3. JORGE POSADA
New York Yankees
2007: .338 AVG, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 91 R, 2 SB
Comment: In each of the last two seasons, Posada has topped 20 HR and 90 RBI. He probably won’t match last season’s stout batting average, but Posada is a player you can count on to play over 140 games year-to-year. 2007 showed us that he’s still a big part of New York’s offense, and we all know how well the Yankees can score runs.
2007: .338 AVG, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 91 R, 2 SB
Comment: In each of the last two seasons, Posada has topped 20 HR and 90 RBI. He probably won’t match last season’s stout batting average, but Posada is a player you can count on to play over 140 games year-to-year. 2007 showed us that he’s still a big part of New York’s offense, and we all know how well the Yankees can score runs.
4. BRIAN MCCANN
Atlanta Braves
2007: .270 AVG, 18 HR, 92 RBI, 51 R, 0 SB
Comment: McCann’s batting average dropped 63 points from 2006 to 2007, but he topped 90 RBI for the second straight season. McCann is capable of swatting 20-25 HR and plating 95-105 runners in 2008. His ankle should be fine heading into this season, so a fully healthy McCann should be a productive fantasy option.
2007: .270 AVG, 18 HR, 92 RBI, 51 R, 0 SB
Comment: McCann’s batting average dropped 63 points from 2006 to 2007, but he topped 90 RBI for the second straight season. McCann is capable of swatting 20-25 HR and plating 95-105 runners in 2008. His ankle should be fine heading into this season, so a fully healthy McCann should be a productive fantasy option.
5. JOE MAUER
Minnesota Twins
2007:.293 AVG, 7 HR, 60 RBI, 62 R, 7 SB
Comment: Mauer didn’t have an awful 2007, just one that didn’t rank among the elite catchers. Owners looking for an excuse could say Mauer battled leg injuries all season, but he’s really only had one great season. Fantasy owners shouldn’t assume that he’s guaranteed to have a better 2008. Mauer’s still a talented hitter, yet outside of the batting average department, it is tough to rely on him providing top stats across the board.
2007:.293 AVG, 7 HR, 60 RBI, 62 R, 7 SB
Comment: Mauer didn’t have an awful 2007, just one that didn’t rank among the elite catchers. Owners looking for an excuse could say Mauer battled leg injuries all season, but he’s really only had one great season. Fantasy owners shouldn’t assume that he’s guaranteed to have a better 2008. Mauer’s still a talented hitter, yet outside of the batting average department, it is tough to rely on him providing top stats across the board.
6. GERALD LAIRD
Texas Rangers
2007: .224 AVG, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 48 R, 6 SB
Comment: Laird didn’t have the breakout many were hoping for last season. But he’s going to be the Rangers starting catcher — unless he’s traded before the season starts. Laird still has the potential to be a fantasy star, so he should not be ignored on draft day just because of a letdown 2007. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be waiting in the wings as his back up, but Laird has some leash, so one has to hope that the added pressure of possibly losing playing time will push him to perform his best.
2007: .224 AVG, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 48 R, 6 SB
Comment: Laird didn’t have the breakout many were hoping for last season. But he’s going to be the Rangers starting catcher — unless he’s traded before the season starts. Laird still has the potential to be a fantasy star, so he should not be ignored on draft day just because of a letdown 2007. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be waiting in the wings as his back up, but Laird has some leash, so one has to hope that the added pressure of possibly losing playing time will push him to perform his best.
7. IVAN RODRIGUEZ
Detroit Tigers
2007: .281 AVG, 11 HR, 63 RBI, 50 R, 2 SB
Comment: Pudge has had double-digit HR totals every season since 1993 and is a career-.303 hitter. He’s also 36-years-old, and when you reach that age as a catcher the wheels can fall off at anytime. Don’t expect that to happen this year though. Rodriguez is in a walk-year and will have to prove to the market that he is still capable of being a productive everyday player. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s batting in the most high-powered offense in baseball.
2007: .281 AVG, 11 HR, 63 RBI, 50 R, 2 SB
Comment: Pudge has had double-digit HR totals every season since 1993 and is a career-.303 hitter. He’s also 36-years-old, and when you reach that age as a catcher the wheels can fall off at anytime. Don’t expect that to happen this year though. Rodriguez is in a walk-year and will have to prove to the market that he is still capable of being a productive everyday player. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s batting in the most high-powered offense in baseball.
8. BENGIE MOLINA
San Francisco Giants
2007: .276 AVG, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 38 R, 0 SB
Comment: Molina scored a scant 38 runs last season, but he was solid in the HR and RBI categories. Simply put, due to the Giants anemic offense, he is relied upon to provide pop. Molina is turning 34 in July, but in a thin catcher pool with only so many useful fantasy options, he’s still one of the better players to own. With Aaron Rowand now on board, it will hopefully produce more RBI opportunities.
2007: .276 AVG, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 38 R, 0 SB
Comment: Molina scored a scant 38 runs last season, but he was solid in the HR and RBI categories. Simply put, due to the Giants anemic offense, he is relied upon to provide pop. Molina is turning 34 in July, but in a thin catcher pool with only so many useful fantasy options, he’s still one of the better players to own. With Aaron Rowand now on board, it will hopefully produce more RBI opportunities.
9. KENJI JOHJIMA
Seattle Mariners
2007: .287 AVG, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 52 R, 0 SB
Comment: Johjima played nicked-up almost all year but still finished with a pretty productive campaign. He’s been a solid enough fantasy catcher since his first MLB season in 2006, but he could have his best year yet in 2008. The Mariners have been improving the past two seasons, becoming the seventh highest run scoring team in the American League in 2007. Johjima is also in a walk-year and will want to put up some great numbers to ensure a nice payday in the off-season.
2007: .287 AVG, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 52 R, 0 SB
Comment: Johjima played nicked-up almost all year but still finished with a pretty productive campaign. He’s been a solid enough fantasy catcher since his first MLB season in 2006, but he could have his best year yet in 2008. The Mariners have been improving the past two seasons, becoming the seventh highest run scoring team in the American League in 2007. Johjima is also in a walk-year and will want to put up some great numbers to ensure a nice payday in the off-season.
10. GEOVANY SOTO
Chicago Cubs
2007: .389 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB
Comment: Soto is a lock to be the team’s starting catcher and the 2007 Pacific Coast League MVP could hit the ground running. He played in just 18 games for the Cubs last season, but still looked pretty good. He’s going to be part of a good lineup and manager Lou Piniella likes the soon to be 25-year-old a lot, meaning Soto should have a good run at the everyday job even if he struggles early.
2007: .389 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB
Comment: Soto is a lock to be the team’s starting catcher and the 2007 Pacific Coast League MVP could hit the ground running. He played in just 18 games for the Cubs last season, but still looked pretty good. He’s going to be part of a good lineup and manager Lou Piniella likes the soon to be 25-year-old a lot, meaning Soto should have a good run at the everyday job even if he struggles early.
11. JASON VARITEK
Boston Red Sox
2007: .255 AVG, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 57 R, 1 SB
Comment: He’s not as good as he once was for fantasy purposes, but Jason Varitek still has value. Sure the 2007 batting average could be better, but he’s going to drive in at least 65 runs simply because the people batting ahead of him are great at getting on base. The Red Sox are trying to sign him to a contract extension past 2008 before the season starts, but if they can’t, Varitek will be in a walk-year.
2007: .255 AVG, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 57 R, 1 SB
Comment: He’s not as good as he once was for fantasy purposes, but Jason Varitek still has value. Sure the 2007 batting average could be better, but he’s going to drive in at least 65 runs simply because the people batting ahead of him are great at getting on base. The Red Sox are trying to sign him to a contract extension past 2008 before the season starts, but if they can’t, Varitek will be in a walk-year.
12. RAMON HERNANDEZ
Baltimore Orioles
2007: .258 AVG, 9 HR, 62 RBI, 40 R, 1 SB
Comment: Injuries forced Hernandez to miss 56 games last year, but he wasn’t exactly killing the ball when he was healthy. While his overall season numbers were pretty weak, he had a superb Sept., hitting .324 with three HR, 14 RBI and 10 runs. Hernandez’s name has been brought up in trade rumors and a move to a team with a better lineup will have a positive effect on his numbers. Just keep in mind that while he can help you out in the HR and RBI categories, he’ll be 32 in May and may be on a decline.
2007: .258 AVG, 9 HR, 62 RBI, 40 R, 1 SB
Comment: Injuries forced Hernandez to miss 56 games last year, but he wasn’t exactly killing the ball when he was healthy. While his overall season numbers were pretty weak, he had a superb Sept., hitting .324 with three HR, 14 RBI and 10 runs. Hernandez’s name has been brought up in trade rumors and a move to a team with a better lineup will have a positive effect on his numbers. Just keep in mind that while he can help you out in the HR and RBI categories, he’ll be 32 in May and may be on a decline.
13. KURT SUZUKI
Oakland Athletics
2007: .249 AVG, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 27 R, 0 SB
Comment: Suzuki’s locked up the starting job in Oakland and the 24-year old could make a big splash on fantasy rosters as well this season. In 213 at-bats in 2007, Suzuki did pretty well, and while he did sport a lame .249 AVG, 13 of his 53 hits were for doubles; some of his struggles at the plate can be attributed to his major-league inexperience, so with a year under his belt Suzuki could be a nice player in 2008.
2007: .249 AVG, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 27 R, 0 SB
Comment: Suzuki’s locked up the starting job in Oakland and the 24-year old could make a big splash on fantasy rosters as well this season. In 213 at-bats in 2007, Suzuki did pretty well, and while he did sport a lame .249 AVG, 13 of his 53 hits were for doubles; some of his struggles at the plate can be attributed to his major-league inexperience, so with a year under his belt Suzuki could be a nice player in 2008.
14. A.J. PIERZYNSKI
Chicago White Sox
2007: .263 AVG, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 54 R, 1 SB
Comment: He made it five straight seasons with double-digit home runs in 2007, but his RBI, runs and batting average were all down from 2006. Part of that is due to the inefficient White Sox offense, but it is also possible that Pierzynski may be getting much worse. He could come back strong in 2008, but he might continue to decline.
2007: .263 AVG, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 54 R, 1 SB
Comment: He made it five straight seasons with double-digit home runs in 2007, but his RBI, runs and batting average were all down from 2006. Part of that is due to the inefficient White Sox offense, but it is also possible that Pierzynski may be getting much worse. He could come back strong in 2008, but he might continue to decline.
15. RONNY PAULINO
Pittsburgh Pirates
2007: .263 AVG, 11 HR, 55 RBI, 56 R, 2 SB
Comment: Paulino was incredible during Spring Training of 2007. So much so that he became a popular sleeper pick among catchers entering last season. But after hitting just .216 in April and .234 in the first-half of the year, folks began to wonder if his pre-season performance was just a tease. Paulino, however, started heating up after the All-Star break, hitting .296 with six HR, 31 RBI, 31 R and one SB. He’s turning 27 in April and could turn in a great season if he stays consistent.
2007: .263 AVG, 11 HR, 55 RBI, 56 R, 2 SB
Comment: Paulino was incredible during Spring Training of 2007. So much so that he became a popular sleeper pick among catchers entering last season. But after hitting just .216 in April and .234 in the first-half of the year, folks began to wonder if his pre-season performance was just a tease. Paulino, however, started heating up after the All-Star break, hitting .296 with six HR, 31 RBI, 31 R and one SB. He’s turning 27 in April and could turn in a great season if he stays consistent.
16. J.R. TOWLES
Houston Astros
2007: .375 AVG, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB
Comment: The talented prospect will at least share time with Brad Ausmus behind the plate. He’s got the skills to make a big impact in his first full-season in the majors and if he earns the everyday gig out of Spring Training, watch out for the soon-to-be 24-year-old.
2007: .375 AVG, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB
Comment: The talented prospect will at least share time with Brad Ausmus behind the plate. He’s got the skills to make a big impact in his first full-season in the majors and if he earns the everyday gig out of Spring Training, watch out for the soon-to-be 24-year-old.
17. JOHN BUCK
Kansas City Royals
2007: .222 AVG, 18 HR, 48 RBI, 41 R, 0 SB
Comment: No one’s sure why ex-manager Buddy Bell gave back-up Jason LaRue so much playing time last year when it was pretty clear that the Royals could’ve used Buck’s bat. The team also had Buck hitting late in the lineup, resulting in fewer RBI opportunities. It’s not going to help matters that the team now has Miguel Olivo backing him up, which could mean even fewer at-bats in 2008. Buck is going to be 28 in July. If he receives the majority of the at-bats and raises his batting average, he could be a great fantasy catcher. Because of his situation, however, he might not even sniff 350 at-bats.
2007: .222 AVG, 18 HR, 48 RBI, 41 R, 0 SB
Comment: No one’s sure why ex-manager Buddy Bell gave back-up Jason LaRue so much playing time last year when it was pretty clear that the Royals could’ve used Buck’s bat. The team also had Buck hitting late in the lineup, resulting in fewer RBI opportunities. It’s not going to help matters that the team now has Miguel Olivo backing him up, which could mean even fewer at-bats in 2008. Buck is going to be 28 in July. If he receives the majority of the at-bats and raises his batting average, he could be a great fantasy catcher. Because of his situation, however, he might not even sniff 350 at-bats.
18. DIONER NAVARRO
Tampa Bay Rays
2007: .227 AVG, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 46 R, 3 SB
Comment: Endured an ugly first-half in 2007 (.177, one HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, one SB) but after the All-Star break, Navarro improved his batting average month-to-month until he finished with a .306 average in Sept. Remember, he’s still young (turns 24 in February), so he still has potential.
2007: .227 AVG, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 46 R, 3 SB
Comment: Endured an ugly first-half in 2007 (.177, one HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, one SB) but after the All-Star break, Navarro improved his batting average month-to-month until he finished with a .306 average in Sept. Remember, he’s still young (turns 24 in February), so he still has potential.
19. YADIER MOLINA
St. Louis Cardinals
2007: .275 AVG, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 30 R, 1 SB
Comment: Molina was noticeably better in the second-half (.281 AVG, five HR, 25 RBI), but that doesn’t excuse his weak 2007. He still has yet to reach double-digit HR totals in his four years of big league experience, but at age 25, Molina still has the ability to be a good fantasy option.
2007: .275 AVG, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 30 R, 1 SB
Comment: Molina was noticeably better in the second-half (.281 AVG, five HR, 25 RBI), but that doesn’t excuse his weak 2007. He still has yet to reach double-digit HR totals in his four years of big league experience, but at age 25, Molina still has the ability to be a good fantasy option.
20. PAUL LO DUCA
Washington Nationals
2007: .272 AVG, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 46 R, 2 SB
Comment: Even though he declined a bit in 2007, he’s still capable of being a steady producer at the catcher position. He comes to a Nationals team that was horrible on the offensive end last season, but should be better in 2008 with the acquisitions of Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. Lo Duca probably won’t touch 10 HR, but an improvement in the batting average department is to be expected for the career-.288 hitter.
PROSPECT WATCH
JEFF CLEMENT
Seattle Mariners
Comment: Clement isn’t your typical back-up catcher (as evident by his two HR in 16 major league at-bats last season). Of course, he’ll need Johjima to endure an injury or get traded.
Seattle Mariners
Comment: Clement isn’t your typical back-up catcher (as evident by his two HR in 16 major league at-bats last season). Of course, he’ll need Johjima to endure an injury or get traded.
END OF THE ROAD
PAUL LO DUCA
Washington Nationals
Comment: Is being counted on to groom Jesus Flores in 2008, but after this season, he’ll be 36 in April and it’s hard to see another team commit to Lo Duca in 2009 beyond a back-up capacity.
Washington Nationals
Comment: Is being counted on to groom Jesus Flores in 2008, but after this season, he’ll be 36 in April and it’s hard to see another team commit to Lo Duca in 2009 beyond a back-up capacity.
WALK-YEAR
KENJI JOHJIMA
Seattle Mariners
Comment: How do you say, “big pay day” in Japanese? Johjima has been a solid offensive catcher in his two years with the Mariners, but he could really bring it this season.
Seattle Mariners
Comment: How do you say, “big pay day” in Japanese? Johjima has been a solid offensive catcher in his two years with the Mariners, but he could really bring it this season.
FAT CONTRACT
JORGE POSADA
New York Yankees
Comment: Signed a four-year, $52.4 million contract to stay with the Yankees. Posada will be 40 when the deal expires.
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