Fantasy Baseball: Positional Rankings - Catchers

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
In case you didn't notice, Thursday marked the first day catchers and pitchers reported to Spring Training. With that being said, it's time for FFS to start their 2010 Fantasy Baseball Positional Rankings. We will begin the rankings today with the position of catcher.
Top 20:
1. Joe Mauer - Twins
2. Victor Martinez - Red Sox
3. Brian McCann - Braves
4. Matt Wieters - Orioles
5. Miguel Montero - Diamondbacks
6. Jorge Posada - Yankees
7. Geovany Soto - Cubs
8. Russel Martin - Dodgers
9. Benji Molina - Giants
10. Mike Napoli - Angels
11. Kurt Suzuki - A's
12. AJ Pierzynksi - White Sox
13. Ryan Doumit - Pirates
14. Chris Iannetta - Rockies
15. Yadier Molina - Cardinals
16. John Baker - Marlins
17. Ramon Hernandez - Reds
18. Kelly Shoppach - Devil Rays
19. Ivan Rodriguez - Nationals
20. Rod Barajas - Free Agent
The Elite:
Clearly, Joe Mauer is the elite of the elite at the catching position. He is a two time AL batting champ that finally added power (28 home runs last season) to his arsenal. He's hitting in a better all around lineup this year, and is entering his contract season, so look for much of the same. Personally, I see the Twins resigning him during the season. After Mauer, there is a drop off to Victor Martinez, but he's still a great option at backstop. Despite the fact that I think the Red Sox will struggle to score runs this season, Martinez is still in a better lineup than the Indians, and should be helped out by hitting in front of Kevin Youkilis as he hit .336 after arriving in Boston last season. Brian McCann rounds out the 3 truly elite fantasy catchers. He's a very consistent fantasy producer over the past few years, and is about the same value as Martinez. I put McCann at the 3rd slot due to Martinez being eligible at first base as well.
The 2nd Tier:
I would be shocked if Matt Wieters is not considered an elite fantasy catcher by next season. He struggled a bit when he was first called up, but ended the season hitting .288, 9 HR, 43 RBI in 354 at bats. That rates as pretty damn good for your first taste of the big leagues. Miguel Montero looked like he finally put it together in the 2nd half of last season. Normally, I'd be pretty cautious, but I think it's just the start of things. Jorge Posada may be getting up there in age, but he can still produce at the plate. Don't be surprised to see him get more and more time at DH, but who really cares as long as he keeps his eligibility at catcher. Geovanny Soto had a pretty awful sophomore season. I doubt he'll be a huge bargain, but you may be able to get him on the cheap a little bit. Look for a good, rebound season.
On the Rise:
Matt Weiters - Please read above
Miguel Montero - Please read above
Buster Posey - The best hitting catching prospect in baseball. Most likely a September call up unless Molina really tanks it or gets hurt.
John Baker - In 571 career at bats he has a .281 average, 14 HR & 82 RBI. He may not be young, but he can produce and is a good, late round pick.
On the Slide:
Benji Molina - Molina is certainly getting up there and had a 27 point drop in his average last season. Like I already said, keep your eye on Buster Posey
Jorge Posada - Don't get me wrong, I still like Posada, but know he's now on the down slide. He's still a border line top 5 (#6 on my ranking) fantasy catcher, just don't take him too early.
Russell Martin - As a die hard Dodgers fan, I am so disappointed in Martin. He's taken huge steps back the past two seasons. Personally, I think he's just not that good.
Dioner Navarro - With Kelly Shoppach on the team, his playing time will drastically decrease after a bad 2009 season.
Ivan Rodriguez - Pudge is old as mud, and he just isn't that good with the bat anymore.
Make sure to check in this weekend for the First Base rankings!