2009 Catcher Rankings

Catcher is one of those positions that you wish you could skip, but you have to fill 1 or 2 spots and need to get the best you can. This year I would say the top 11 can be plus at catcher and the rest will supply average at best. There are a few prospects who could be great value this year though.


2009 Catcher Rankings in 5x5 leagues

1. Brian McCann - Was a 4 category beast in 2008 and according to most projections he should match or beat his stats next year.

2. Joe Mauer - Mauer doesn't seem to have the power many had hoped for, but no other catcher will give you an average, runs and RBI's that would be good for any position player.

3. Geovany Soto - He is similar to McCann in counting stats, but with a bit less contact rate so his average will be a bit less, but still a top 3 catcher.

4. Russell Martin - You could argue Martin in the top three as well, but again the average would limit him a bit compared to Martin and Mauer. The steals are always a help and taking him ahead of Soto or Mauer would be OK for a balanced speed team.

5. Ryan Doumit - Doumit could sneak his way into the upper group this year as he is just outside in the counting stats. He could go 80/20/80/3/.300 and be top 3 in 2010.

6. Victor Martinez - What to do with V-Mart is the big question. I expect the power will be back and he could be a huge steal as he slips this year, but make sure your second catcher can account for a possible power outage.

7. Bengie Molina - Power and RBI's are Bengie's game. His average was a nice surprise in 2008, but expect that to regress a bit and be around .270.

8. Chris Ianetta - Ianetta is more well rounded than Molina, but doesn't get the same RBI chances. He is similar to a Soto with a bit more risk.

9. A.J. Pierzynski - He is as consistent as they come, so don't expect him to change. You can expect homers in the low teens with around 60 runs and RBI's. The average will be around .280.

10. Kelly Shoppach - Power is his game and the Indians need to get him into the lineup. He would hit 30 in a full season, but in splitting time with V-Mart you can expect around 20 homers.

11. Mike Napoli - This could be a huge year for Napoli and he has gotten love from Bill James with a prediction for 80/30/80/11/.252.

12. Matt Wieters - Sure he's never even played above AA, but he is a sure fire talent and he plays catcher. They have Zaun to help acclimate him, but he will get enough at bats to be your catcher.

13. Jorge Posada - Will he be the same after surgery and at 37 years old? Don't pick him before these better choices and don't expect him to reach his 2007 numbers.

14. Kenji Johjima - I truly believe some injury was bothering Kenji in 2008 to limit his power. Playing time is now a question, but AVG should return.

15. Chris Snyder - Has a power stroke developing, but the average keeps his value in the middle catchers.

16. Dioner Navarro - He is less power and more help in average. Kind of a poor man's Joe Mauer to help in average, but he is average in runs and RBI's.

17. Ramon Hernandez - He was at least healthy in 2008 and had an average season, but I wouldn't worry about the average. He had a horrible BABIP and never got enough A's to return to the mean.

18. Ivan Rodriguez - This is another catcher who will never be the same and I wouldn't bank my team on him, but a backup or second catcher would be fine.

19. Kurt Suzuki - This will only be his second full season and I think we can expect the BB% to improve which will help score runs. He won't be better than 60/10/60/2/.280 though.

20. Miguel Olivo - The poor average and poor lineup are holding Olivo back as he could be much better with a few teammates to hit in or drive him in.

21. Yadier Molina - He won't hit .300 again without a lot of luck. His other stats won't help you much.

22. Jeff Clement - There is some risk in playing time, but he has 20 homer power as a catcher. He is not going to help in average, but should help in all counting stats with AB's.

23. Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Can he stay at catcher, can he show the hitting skills, will he be traded. Too many questions right now, but will still be a big target in 2009.

24. Brandon Inge - It hurts to play him since his average can destroy your team, but he does have some power and can supply some numbers.

25. Jason Varitek - Where is he going to play and how many games each week? The decline looks steep, but he's no worse than the other veterans ranked around here.

Don't Forget
Pablo Sandoval
Taylor Teagarden

2009 Catcher Rankings
2009 First Base Rankings
2009 Second Base Rankings
2009 Shortstop Rankings
2009 Third Base Rankings
2009 Outfielder Rankings
2009 DH Rankings
2009 Starting Pitcher Rankings
2009 Closer Rankings
2009 Draft Cheat Sheet 1-100
2009 Draft Sleepers
2009 Draft Busts