Fantasy Baseball Projections: Catchers

Catchers are one of the most overlooked positions in fantasy baseball today. You can really fill the stat sheet with a healthy catcher playing on your team. There are 5 tiers of catchers this year -all with sleeper picks, so be cautious not to stretch in your draft. The three M’s will go quick (Mauer, Martinez, McCann) after that you can find catchers mid-later picks of your draft.

Tier 1

Joe Mauer - 7

The reigning MVP should be better than ever this year. After missing the first part of the season he still managed to put of goddy numbers. With a full (healthy) season, sky’s the limit for Mauer- he will stuff the stat sheet in all the important categories. The only draw- back is if Justin Morneau isn’t healthy managers might decide to walk Mauer and let someone else beat them (Kubel,Cuddyer).

Victor Martinez – 41

After being traded to Boston, this switch hitting catcher found himself batting forth in a very productive Redsox lineup. Victor Martinez can really take advantage of Jacoby and Pedroia setting the table all season, while he has the luxury of having protection all over the lineup. This is a very dangerous fantasy player.

Brian McCann – 16

Brian McCann after having some eye trouble in ’09 still put up one of his best season to due date. With a solid Braves lineup, this clean-up hitter with a healthy season can easily put up 25+ 100+ without a sweat.

Tier 2

Jorge Posada – 30 (Proceed with Caution)

Jorge Posada is in arguably the best lineup in baseball, and can do some HEAVY damage. He will have all the protection in the world and will have plenty of RBI chances. Not to mention New York’s short porch doesn’t hurt either. He is going on this 14^th year and will get plenty of rest this season, so have another option ready when Posada is on the pine.

Kurt Susuki – 8 (Upside)

Susuki was a nice surprise for fantasy owners who had him last year. At 26 years old, Susuki is one of the only bright spots in Oakland’s lineup this year and will be batting 3^rd or 4^th for the Athletics. He showed some speed towards the end of the season and may be a sleeper for you for the SB category.

Matt Wieters- 32(HUGE UPSIDE)

This Triple-A legend had a shaky rookie season. Now that the rook got his feet wet, he can settle in to an Orioles lineup that has some big bats around him. This can be a steal of a pick.

Tier 3

Montero has some potential to be dangerous. With Upton and Reynolds emerging into starts, Montero will see pitches. Diamondback players tend to go on long hot and cold streaks.

John Baker– 21

Batting in a healthy lineup, Baker should have plenty of chances to stuff the RBI category this year. The more ABs Baker gets the better the upside.

Ryan Doumit – 41 (HUGE RISK HUGE REWARD)

If Ryan Doumit can somehow get 450+ AB in a season he is definitely worth a mid to late draft pick. Lot of upside, but can’t seem to stay in the lineup.

Tier 4

Mike Napoli – 44

Yadier Molina- 4

Tier 5

Russel Martin-55

Bengie Molina-1

A.J Pierzynski-12