2009 Fantasy Baseball Big Game Catcher Rankings
-Michael Lins 2.18.09

1.  Brian McCann – Leading the pack will be Brian McCann, who provides the best HR power of all the catchers.   Hitting in the middle of the line-up will help the peripherals for McCann’s owners.  The Braves don’t have the best line up, but they do have hitters at the top of the line up Escobar (.373) and Johnson (.356) lifetime OBP to get on base to set the table for the #3 and #4 hitters, which will more than likely be Chipper and McCann.  This should lead to McCann approaching 100 RBI’s.  Batting in front of Kotchman and Francouer, McCann’s run total will not overwhelm anyone, but will still be more than serviceable for a catcher.305/65/24/90/6)

2.  Russell Martin – In addition to the SB’s that Martin brings, he is one of three catchers projected to top 75 in both runs and RBIs.  The concern for Martin will be where does he hit in the line up?  I think he is best suited to hit behind Furcal and in front of Ethier, but Torre seems to still be searching for the line up that works best for the team.  If he doesn’t hit 2^nd, look for him to bat 6^th, which could affect his runs scored total.  (.284/80/15/75/15)

3.  Victor Martinez – Obviously by ranking him ahead of Mauer, I am expecting a full bounce back from last year.  Martinez was injured and I’m willing to write it off to just that – injuries.  Look for him to be back in one of the power spots in Cleveland’s line up.  In addition to the power potential, Martinez can still hit for average.  (.304/77/16/91/0)

4.  Joe Mauer – Mauer brings the ability to lead the league in hitting – no other catcher has the opportunity/skill to do that each year.  I do think it’s time for owners to stop waiting for the power to develop – anything more than a dozen should be considered a bonus.  Hitting 3^rd will keep his runs and RBI totals high for – especially for a catcher.  (.321/88/12/82/3)  

5.  Ryan Doumit – Many of you will look at Doumit in the top 5 and ask if I am a Pirates fan.  I am actually a Dodgers fan.  I have Doumit ranked slightly ahead of Soto, this is just based on expected avg.  Like Soto, Doumit could take a step back in 2009, but I look for him to improve on last year’s numbers.  (.285/77/16/68/2)

6.  Geovany Soto – The rookie of the year, who has lots of protection in the line up.  Some questioned his power potential and while I think there may be a slight drop off, I look for another nice year from the Cubs catcher.  The Cubs can afford to keep Soto in the 6 hole with their powerful line up.  They can also move him up, if they would like.  Where he ends up will determine a lot of his value.  With Lee and Ramirez assuming the 3^rd and 4^th spots,  and Bradley hitting 5^th, Soto will more than likely hit 6^th in a line up that will approach 900 runs this season.    (.273/70/19/81/0)

7.  Chris Iannetta – Playing in Colorado doesn’t carry the emphasis it used to before the humidifier; however, Iannetta gives them something they have been seeking for a long time – a catcher.  Of all the catchers in the top 10, I think Iannetta has the best chance to break out and outperform his projections.  If he gets more playing time, look for even better numbers.  While unlikely, 30 HR’s is not out of the realm of possibility.  (.268/62/20/73/0)

8.  Jorge Posada – Injuries derailed a lot of his 2008 season.  At age 37 (turning 38 in August) the drop off could be anytime.  The Yankees have a powerful line up, if Posada can stay healthy, he will have one more above average season for a catcher.  Look for the DH role to help keep him rested.  (.270/60/16/65/1)

9.  Ramon Hernandez – Most owners will probably look past Hernandez, but consider this, he is “only 33” in 2009, hit 15 HR last year and is moving to the Great American launching pad, where he will approach 20HRs.  The Reds have a younger line up, as hitters like Votto, Bruce and Dickerson will lead the team.  Hernandez should feel secure in the 7^th spot, where there will be no pressure.  (.261/47/19/71/0)

10. (tie)  Chris Snyder – Rounding out the top 10, we have a tie.  Snyder is another younger catcher who will take another step forward in 2009.  Snyder has nice power potential for a catcher.   If only he could improve his avg.  (.255/52/17/67/0)

10. (tie) Bengie Molina – Someone has to hit clean up for the Giants – with Manny being a long shot, look for Molina to open the season there.  He won’t necessarily finish there, as younger player, such as Pablo Sandoval have a good chance of taking over the role as the season moves on.  Also, with Renteria in the fold, he may hit 2^nd, adding a little depth to last year's line up.  Winn could hit 3^rd and Rowand 5^th.  (.277/41/14/77/0)