Fantasy MLB: Top five catchers
Posted March 13, 2011 5:55 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Drafting a catcher is usually the last thing on the mind of fantasy managers because of the lack of offense that comes from the position. However, just like Mike Piazza and Ivan Rodriguez a decade ago, there are always exceptions to the rule.
This season Joe Mauer is likely to get drafted within the first three rounds of fantasy drafts, while Buster Posey is another player earning a lot of pre-fantasy draft buzz.
Here’s a look at the top five catchers in Major League Baseball:
Joe Mauer, Twins
Far and away the best catcher in the game, Joe Mauer enters the season at just 27-years-old with a .327 career average. The only concern for fantasy managers is that last season Mauer and the Twins moved into Target Field and the result was a major cut in home runs.
In fact, Mauer’s home run total was cut from a career-high 28 in 2009 to just nine home runs last season.
“While my season goal is to do whatever the team needs, I’m fairly certain that you’ll see more balls leave the yard this year,” Mauer told me in an interview days before spring training began.
That’s some encouraging words and some inside information for fantasy managers to enjoy.
Victor Martinez, Tigers
A safe bet when it comes to securing a backstop that provides power and a high average, Martinez has blasted 20 or more home runs with a .300-plus average in three of the last four seasons.
Though he leaves a favorable ballpark in Boston, Martinez should perform well in a solid Tigers lineup that includes perennial MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera.
The fact that he will be a DH a great deal this season, it should have a positive impact on his durability, which should lead to more at bats and greater production.
Brian McCann, Braves
At 27-years-old, McCann already has 112 home runs and 752 hits in his career. If he can stay healthy, which is always a challenge for catchers, McCann could post big numbers, particularly with the rise of Braves up and comers Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward.
While some fantasy managers will prefer to draft Buster Posey, McCann is the safer bet, considering he has belted 20-plus home runs in four of the last five seasons, while holding a solid career average of .289.
Buster Posey, Giants
A certain difference-maker for the Giants last season, Buster Posey earned the Rookie of the Year award with 18 home runs and a .305 average.
While those numbers are certainly impressive, it is worth noting that Posey was red-hot out of the gate last season and that his production tailed off a bit following the All-Star break.
Whether it was a result of Posey tiring down or pitchers figuring out how to pitch against him, the fact is that the former Florida State star has yet to exceed the production of Martinez or McCann in a season.
Mike Napoli, Rangers
Despite playing in a pitcher’s park, Mike Napoli made himself at home in Anaheim, pounding 20 or more home runs in each of the three seasons, including 26 dingers last season.
It was, however, a busy off-season for Napoli as he was traded twice, first to the Blue Jays and then to the Rangers. Now that he is a member of the Rangers, there is a lot to be excited about from a fantasy perspective.
Not only is the team loaded with sluggers including Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz, but the stadium is also very hitter-friendly.
In fact, Napoli owns a .292 career average and .573 slugging percentage over his career at Rangers Ballpark. Expect Napoli to lead all catchers in home runs this season.
