2009 Fantasy MLB Draft Kit: Top 25 Catchers
Submitted by Imaginary Diamond Blog
Catchers are typically the lowest impact players on a fantasy roster, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t remain that way in 2009. The weaknesses of the position - little athleticism, inability to play every day, physical rigors, heightened focus on defense - are fundamental road blocks to offensive production.
But, with lowered expectations, difference makers can still be found behind the dish. Let’s take a look at who they are and what separates them from the pack.
Premium contributions
There are few impact catchers who could be plugged into another position and carry his weight in a fantasy lineup. By our calculations, two such players exist: Atlanta’s Brian McCann and Chicago’s Geovany Soto. They were the only two backstops to finish with 20-plus home runs and 80-plus RBIs, and both figure to be in that elite company for years to come. McCann will be 25 years old, and Soto will be 26 on Opening Day ‘09.
Multi-position eligibility
Players who catch on a part-time basis and play mostly at other positions are gold mines in fantasy. One of the biggest shortcomings of a fantasy catcher is his inability to log significant at-bats, so a player who stays fresh by playing first base, designated hitter or the outfield can play more regularly. Victor Martinez, atrocious 2008 season aside, and Jorge Posada are such prime benefactors. Russell Martin could join that group in ‘09 if he makes a permanent switch to third base, where he played in 11 games last season.
Making up ground elsewhere
Because so few catchers do it all offensively, there are numerous opportunities to use the position as a means to make up ground in statistical categories. One of our personal favorites is stolen bases, where Russell Martin is far and away the best running catcher in fantasy. Runs scored is another opportunity because most catchers are heavy-footed, unathletic, and unable to make their way around the bases. Only two backstops - Joe Mauer (98 runs) and Martin (87) - scored as many as 80 runs last season.
Youth and athleticism
Heading into ‘09, young catchers will further establish themselves as elite fantasy options. Veteran stalwarts Ivan Rodriguez and Jorge Posada have fully given way to Brian McCann, Geovany Soto, Russell Martin, Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit, Chris Iannetta, Mike Napoli, Kurt Suzuki and Dioner Navarro. Orioles phenom Matt Weiters will be joining that group as early as this summer, and he could quickly establish himself as the best offensive catcher in fantasy baseball.
Finding the best compromise
There’s always a compromise to make when it comes to selecting a cornerstone catcher. Joe Mauer has little to no power, but is an excellent run producer who hits for a high average. Russell Martin’s power faded in ‘08, but he has great speed and is the closest thing to a five-category catcher. Brian McCann and Geovany Soto are primetime producers, but will always be liabilities in the runs category.
Pick your poison and aim for the best fit for your fantasy team. Maybe that means jumping on board with an elite catcher in the early rounds, or maybe that means waiting for potential gems like Jeff Clement or Kurt Suzuki in the late rounds. Our advice is to enter a draft with no preconceptions about where to take a catcher, but with a constant eye on the player pool. Have a contingency plan in place, but wait until the price is right for the catcher(s) of your choosing.
Here are our top 25 catchers for 2009 …
1. Brian McCann, ATL
2. Russell Martin, LAD
3. Joe Mauer, MIN
4. Geovany Soto, CHC
5. Victor Martinez, CLE
6. Matt Wieters, BAL
7. Ryan Doumit, PIT
8. Chris Iannetta, COL
9. Bengie Molina, SF
10. Mike Napoli, LAA
11. Jorge Posada, NYY
12. Jeff Clement, SEA
13. Ramon Hernandez, CIN
14. A.J. Pierzynski, CHW
15. Dioner Navarro, TB
16. Kurt Suzuki, OAK
17. Kelly Shoppach, CLE
18. Gerald Laird, DET
19. Kenji Johjima, SEA
20. Brandon Inge, DET
21. Chris Snyder, ARI
22. Taylor Teagarden, TEX
23. Yadier Molina, STL
24. John Baker, FLA
25. Jason Varitek, BOS
