Phanatic Phantasy Baseball

Today's position: C

By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine

When to draft a catcher is a tough predicament. Outside of the top 3 in the position, the rest of the players on the board offer little difference in potential numbers. One key thing to look for is catcher eligible hitters who will see time at the DH or first base spots. If Joe Mauer or Victor Martinez falls to you at the right spot, pounce. Otherwise, wait, take a shot on a player you like, and hope he doesn’t do damage to your team.

Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)

Wiley’s List

1) Joe Mauer (MIN) - Expected to again be the top hitting catcher in the majors.
2) Victor Martinez (CLE) - Some more time at first base should help his offensive numbers.
3) Brian McCann (ATL) - Young and a good hitter. Expect him to come into his own this season.
4) Mike Piazza (OAK) - A full-time DH that qualifies at catcher -- jump all over him. An everyday bat behind the plate is rare.
5) Kenji Johjima (SEA) - Second year in the league should produce even better numbers.
6) Michael Barrett (CHC) - He has the ability to be one of the top offensive catchers, especially with the Cubs where so much effort will be put into stopping all the other hitters. As long as he doesn't take another foul ball off his nards, his numbers will definitely be better than last year.
7) Ramon Hernandez (BAL) - Plays in a shoebox.
8) Jorge Posada (NYY) - Power numbers are declining, but he's still better than most.
9) Russell Martin (LAD) - Young offensive minded catcher.
10) Ivan Rodriguez (DET) - He's going to be solid once again.
11) A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) - Surprisingly more productive than you'd think.
12) Paul Lo Duca (NYM) - Will get you plenty of average, but that's about it.

The other 13-20: Jason Varitek (BOS), Johnny Estrada (MIL), Jason Kendall (OAK), David Ross (CIN), Ronny Paulino (PIT), Bengie Molina (SFG), Brian Schneider (WAS), Chris Iannetta (COL).

Rushton’s List

1) Mauer - He’s the Chase Utley of this position. By far above the rest. A plus-300 average and a good RBI total are guaranteed.
2) Martinez - Just a small step behind Mauer, but should hit more home runs.
3) McCann - Has brought stability to Atlanta’s backstop. More power in the position.
4) Barrett - Hard-nose player right in the middle of a solid lineup. Will see a lot of runners on base at the plate.
5) Johjima - Delivered last year and has that first year in the states under his belt.
6) Rodriguez - Solid every year and is another catcher doing the first base thing.
7) Martin - Has youth and energy on his side.
8) Piazza - Good for the reasons Wiley indicated, plus, a stay in Oakland worked for Frank Thomas.
9) Posada - Age isn’t on his size anymore, but is another player who should see a lot of RBI opportunities.
10) Hernandez - A decent option behind the plate.
11) Pierzynski - Just hope he leaves the WWE tactics at home.
12) Varitek - Another player who just seems to come and play every year.

The other 13-20: Estrada, Lo Duca, Josh Bard (SDP), Gerald Laird (TEX), Kendall, Paulino, Iannetta, Ross.

Phanatic Sleepers - Estrada, Paulino.

*Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.