Projection Instinct: 2010 Fantasy Catchers (C)

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1 Joe Mauer – Mauer is the elite of catchers. In 2009 he finally found the power in his premium bat. He’ll hit for average among the league leaders and now has the power to make him the undisputed top tier at his position.

2 Victor Martinez – Martinez found himself in a premium lineup with a trade to Boston. He’ll be a full time catcher in 2010 which could be a red flag. He has a premium bat if his body can hold up the entire season. 1B/DH to C hitting splits say that he might regress some with the full time catchers gig.

3 Brian McCann – McCann doesn’t have the upside bat of a V-Mart but we know he hits when he’s a full time catcher. With the vision problems in the past a rebound season to 25 HR levels is likely.

4 Kurt Suzuki – Showed power in 2009 at the cost of some batting average. He’s no longer a one dimensional hitter. The top option outside of the elite. If you miss out on the top 3 you can probably still steal Suzuki at a discount.

5 Russell Martin – It all fell apart for the All Star catcher in 2009. Power took a nose dive and he pushed for production which caused his batting average to dip. Now 2010 is starting off with an injury. He’s 27 this year and this should be a peak season for him. But can he stay healthy? If he can you have a double digit HR/SB threat at catcher.

6 Yadier Molina – Best defensive catcher in the game. But that doesn’t win you anything in Fantasy Baseball. The good news is that Molina is in a peak year season and he’s gotten better with the bat every year. You know what you’re going to get with the youngest Molina and he might just surprise you and give you 10 HRs and 10 SBs.

7 Bengie Molina – The older Molina is back in San Fran for another season and will be the mentor to Buster Posey. He’ll provide power and probably approach 20 HRs while splitting time between C and 1B with Posey.

8 Miguel Montero – Montero could be entering a breakout season. Growth across the board in 2009 points to a possible 20+ HR season if the Dbacks allow him to be their full time catcher. But for some reason it looks like he might be splitting time. So temper expectations based on playing time and hope you get the whole package for a discount.

9 Geovany Soto – Chalk 2009 up as a lost season. He was hurt almost the entire season and took it to heart this offseason. He’s in top shape in 2010 having lost 30 lbs in the offseason. It should’t affect his power and if healthy a bounceback season to 20+ HRs is near certain. Soto is someone you can get at a discount.

10 Matt Wieters – So Wieters didn’t live up to unrealistic expectations set by the media and fans in 2009. That gives you the chance to scoop him up at a discount. He’s still young and still growing as a hitter and field general but his skills are for real and he could easily hit 20 HRs and approach .300 in 2010. If you’re in a keeper league he’s someone to target this year because it’ll be your last chance.

11 Jorge Posada – Posada has been the Yankees catcher since he played with Babe Ruth and he isn’t ready to hand off the job in 2010 either. He’s no longer a top tier option but the lineup he’s in prime for production. So 15+ HRs and 80 RBIs are a good bet, but he is one the tail end of his career and injuries are starting to happen.

12 A.J. Pierzynski – A.J. is the end game catcher in 12 team leagues and you know what you’re going to get with him. He’s going to give a little pop and be consistent even if unspectacular. Will he hit .300 again? We doubt it. So don’t pay for it.

13 Ryan Doumit – Injuries and inconsistency. Doumit fractured his wrist early in 2009 and just never got back on track. He has the tools to be a 2nd tier catcher and power should return in 2010 with the wrist fully healed. So you might get a good deal in Doumit. But don’t over pay for what might be.

14 Mike Napoli – Napoli will provide enough power punch to be worthy of a roster spot and might just be borderline on elite power. But the facts are that he can not hit righties and because of that he’ll always be a platoon player.

15 Chris Iannetta – 2009 should have been a breakout season for Iannetta whose skill set was trending up heading into the season. We think that 2009 was a product of bad luck and pressing the issue with Iannetta, so this is a player to find value in. If he can snag the full time job he has a chance at that breakout that never happened in 2009. Upside: 30+ HRs.

16 Carlos Ruiz – An overlooked catcher who could be on the verge of making a jump in the rankings. Ruiz is another catcher who could provide excellent end game value. Second half power surge seems to be supported by skill set. So if he can hold the jump 15-20 HRs is not out of the question.

17 John Baker – Baker is not someone to make your starting catcher in fantasy baseball. He’ll provide some power but not much else.

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