The catcher position is one of the intangibles of a fantasy baseball team. When you choose a catcher you want someone that will help, not hurt. Here is analysis on the catcher position so far in the season and why I think these are the top ten.
Brian McCann, Braves
- .326 Batting Average
- 9 Homeruns
- 32 RBI's
- 27 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
McCann made his name known in 2006 when he had a .333 batting average and 26 home runs in only 130 games. His numbers are high this year, but this is where they should be expected to stay for some time. He has shown good plate discipline so far this year drawing 20 walks and only striking out 21 times in 50 games. Look for him to be a consistent helper on your fantasy team.
Geovany Soto, Cubs
- .296 Batting Average
- 9 Homeruns
- 37 RBI's
- 21 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Soto seems to be the real deal and he should be scary good once he fully develops. His numbers show that he could possibly be the next Mike Piazza of the position and if the Cubs could ever get past their constant injury problem that would mean more RBI's for Soto. Take him for his power and the fact that he hasn't began to peak yet.
Russell Martin, Dodgers
- .326 Batting Average
- 4 Homeruns
- 23 RBI's
- 27 Runs
- 4 Steals
The Skinny
Martin brings an extra dimension to his game; speed. In his last three seasons he has either had as many steals as home runs or had more. He is young and hits consistently for a high average. Like Soto, he is also young and still has room to grow. Plus he is virtually an everyday catcher which is rare these days in baseball. Take him or trade for him because he will produce.
Joe Mauer, Twins
- .318 Batting Average
- 0 Homeruns
- 21 RBI's
- 33 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Mauer will never be a power hitter but you can't look past his hitting consistency. In 2006 he batted a whopping .347 and this year he is again well over 300. He could be valuable just off of his average alone but the fact that he is in front of Justin Morneau means that he will score plenty of runs. And he is still young.
Bengie Molina, Giants
- .324 Batting Average
- 6 Homeruns
- 36 RBI's
- 20 Runs
- 0 Stolen Bases
The Skinny
Molina has always been an above average catcher at the plate but his numbers are outstanding this year. The fact that he has 36 RBI's with only 6 homeruns means that he is hitting well with men in scoring position. I wouldn't necessarily expect him to keep up this pace but I do think that he is in for a career year and maybe the sleeper of the year at this position. However, he is turning 34 this summer and a catchers knees at thirty four are something to worry about.
Dioner Navarro, Rays
- .361 Batting Average
- 1 Homerun
- 18 RBI's
- 13 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Navarro is finally beginning to show his development this year. After two months in the season, he is batting .367 and is now the everyday catcher for the Rays. His power numbers are down but as he continues to hit consistently, he will likely get a better spot in the batting order. He is one of this year's surprises and I'd be willing to bet that he is sitting pretty by the end of the year.
Victor Martinez, Indians
- .294 Batting Average
- 0 Homeruns
- 18 RBI's
- 11 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Martinez for some reason hasn't hit for power yet this year and for a fantasy owner that is disappointing. However, 3 out of the last 4 years Martinez has hit over 20 homeruns. Since Martinez is hitting the ball consistently right now I would be willing to bet that he will come out of his dry spell soon. If someone has always hit the long ball, they usually never completely stop. In a month his power numbers should be improving drastically.
Ryan Doumit, Pirates
- .350 Batting Average
- 5 Homeruns
- 15 RBI's
- 21 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Doumit hasn't played a game since May 12th and his numbers look this good. Good news also; he is coming off of the DL this week and should be back to starting very shortly. Although he hasn't proved to be a strong hitter in the past, Doumit hit the ball extremely well earlier this year and should be back to knocking them around for the rest of the summer. However, I wouldn't count on his average staying very high.
Jorge Posada, Yankees
- .302 Batting Average
- 1 Homerun
- 11 RBI's
- 8 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
By July Posada will be in the top five on this list. He should be back in the lineup full time by mid June and we know that the guy can hit. The problem is can he stay healthy. Look for him to be a big contributor for the rest of the summer and if you can pick him up now, do it.
Yadier Molina, Cardinals
- .291 Batting Average
- 2 Homeruns
- 20 RBI's
- 10 Runs
- 0 Steals
The Skinny
Molina may not be putting up the greatest numbers but since he is batting later in the lineup he should help contribute with RBI's. St. Louis likes him and he is their everyday catcher, plus he is consistent and not streaky.
