2010 Top 20 Fantasy Baseball Catchers
by Raymond Ayala

1. Joe Mauer (MIN) – If he is not listed as your top catcher, then you shouldn’t be playing fantasy baseball. Mauer has a better lineup around him this year, and is entering a new hitter friendly ballpark. He will break the 30 Homerun mark this year.

2. Brian McCann (ATL) – I think this could be the year McCann breaks the 100 RBI mark for the first time. I like the Braves as a sleeper team, and I think McCann carries them this season.

3. Matt Wieters (BAL) – His slow start, was due to typical growing pains rookie catchers have, now you can steal him in your fantasy league. In his second season Wieters is going to show the league why he was so highly touted in the minors. I think 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s are too be expected.

4. Victor Martinez (BOS) – Homerun numbers dropped, but is still the 2nd best catcher in fantasy. Let’s not forget what a contract-year does for a player. Another season like last, and Martinez is staring at 15-million a year at least.

5. Jorge Posada (NYY) – Ballpark definitely has given Posada’s career a much-needed recharge. Pretty easy to drive in all those RBI’s when you play for a team with an offense that is stacked from top to bottom.

6. Kurt Suzuki (OAK) – This may be a bit of reach, especially in the ballpark, but Suzuki showed a lot of promise last season. Suzuki is a dark horse candidate to go 20-20 this season, which would make him the only catcher to do so since Ivan Rodriguez (WAS).

7. Russell Martin (LAD) – Martin slumped last year, but he is still young and will bounce back this season. The Dodgers are not much weaker on offense, and they will need to put up runs if their pitching staff remains what it is.

8. Benjie Molina (SFG) – He wasn’t expected to return to San Francisco, but has and has to be considered one of the most consistent fantasy catchers out there. He has three straight seasons of at least 15 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s.

9. Miguel Olivio (COL) – Yah he will be battling with Ianetta, but if he can hit 23 Homeruns in Kansas City, he could easily hit 25 Homeruns at Coors Field. I would be shocked if Olivio isn’t able to pry the starting catcher job from Chris Ianetta (COL).

10. Miguel Montero (ARZ) – Montero broke out last season and showed an unexpected jump in power. Mark me down as one person that believes he can reach the 20 Homerun plateau this season.

11. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (TEX) – There are fourteen letters in his last name, and I expect him to hit a homerun for every letter in his last name this season. In that ballpark he may even hit 2 for every letter. Pretty much has a chance to be the best catcher in baseball not named Mauer.

12. Geovany Soto (CHC) – Completely fell off the map this year, and could lose the job this season if his struggles continue. I look for Soto to revert back to the All-Star Soto we saw during his rookie season.

13. A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) – Call him old reliable. All 5 years with the White Sox, A.J. has been good for at least 50 runs, 10 Homeruns, and 50 RBI each season. If you’re looking for a catcher with upside though, he’s not your guy.

14. Yadier Molina (STL) – Power seems like it will never come, but he is the 2nd fastest catcher behind Kurt Suzuki. Could see him nabbing 10-15 SB’s, as well as hitting for a .300 average. Would be a good choice in the later rounds.

15. Dioner Navarro (TB) – Navarro has a top prospect when he was with the Yankees, before he was traded to the Devil Rays. I expect better power numbers from him this season. At least double the 8 Homerun output he had last season.

16. Mike Napoli (ANA) – Showed potential power early last year, but then completely fell off. If Napoli isn’t careful, Angels top prospect Hank Conger is nearly ready to go after an amazing season in the minor leagues.

17. Chris Ianetta (COL) – Look I really like Olivio, even though the Rockies are going into Spring Training with Ianetta as a starter. If there is a tandem of catchers to have on your team, it is Ianetta and Olivio. One of them will prosper in that ballpark guaranteed!

18. Ryan Doumit (PIT) – Could increase value if the Pirates trade him to a contender at the deadline. As crazy as this sounds, a contender with a need for a catcher might give up a lot for him at the deadline. Doumit can flat out hit, period.

19. Carlos Santana (CLE) – Might not start the season with the big club, but he is going to get the call up very soon this year and when he does, your going to wish you had him. Why? Because this kid has a lot of raw power. He is Victor Martinez Version 2.0.

20. John Baker (FLA) – Will have higher power numbers with increased at bats. Baker has some upside.

Future Five to Watch:

1. Buster Posey (SFG)
2. Jesus Montero (NYY)
3. Hank Conger (ANA)
4. Derek Norris (WAS)
5. Jason Castro (HOU)