Fantasy
Baseball Player Rankings & Projections
2009 Catcher Preseason Preview
Brian McCann
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The unexpected fall of the
mighty Martinez leaves Braves Brian McCann as the #1 catcher
in fantasy baseball, though Geovany Soto might argue otherwise. |
1. Brian McCann - Braves - 2009 Preview:
He has proven himself as a legitimate fantasy All Star catcher after
rebounding from a sub par 2007 and becoming the #1 catcher of 2008.
The mysterious fall of Victor Martinez's power numbers leaves only
McCann and rookie Geovany Soto as legitimate studs at the catcher
position. His combination of average and home runs makes him strong
in any league format. Add his 42 doubles and a great 64 strikeout
to 57 walk ratio and you have a complete catcher.
2008 Statistics:
.301 - 23 HR's - 87 RBI's - 68 Runs.
2009 Projection: .305
- 20 HR's - 85 RBI's - 70 Runs.
2. Geovany Soto - Cubs - 2009 Preview:
The National League Rookie of the Year comes into his second full
season with a chance to be the #1 catcher in fantasy baseball. McCann
gets the nod because his stats were a bit better and he has a proven
record, but Soto has room to get better and if he does he could
finish at #1. He is a bit of a free swinger (121 strikeouts with
494 at bats) but his power (23 home runs, 2 triples and 35 doubles)
makes it worthwhile.
2008 Statistics:
.285 - 23 HR's - 86 RBI's - 66 Runs.
2009 Projection: .290
- 26 HR's - 88 RBI's - 68 Runs.
3. Joe Mauer - Twins - 2009 Preview:
He is the best hitting catcher in baseball, period. He is a .317
lifetime hitter, including a .347 average in 2006. He has some pop
with his 9 home runs and adds a very solid 34 doubles and 4 triples
to that. His 84 walks to 50 strikeouts shows why he is clearly the
best hitting catcher in baseball and a very good fantasy catcher
at that.
2008 Statistics:
.328 - 9 HR's - 85 RBI's - 98 Runs.
2009 Projection: .324
- 11 HR's - 83 RBI's - 92 Runs.
4. Russell Martin - Dodgers - 2009 Preview:
He has shown consistency by averaging about .285, 14 home
runs and 15 stolen bases each year. He still has some upside and
could possibly come close to a 20-20 season, but your more likely
to see something around 15-15 and that is pretty good for a catcher.
His speed usually gives him more extra base hits, but in '08 he
only had 25 doubles and 0 triples. Expect those numbers to improve.
On the other hand, he improved his walk to strikeout ratio to 90
walks to 83 strikeouts.
2008 Statistics:
.280 - 13 HR's - 69 RBI's - 87 Runs.
2009 Projection: .282
- 15 HR's - 70 RBI's - 86 Runs.
5. Ryan Doumit - Pirates - 2008 Preview:
Doubt some injury problems, Doumit fulfilled the potential he showed
in 2007 by being one of the best fantasy catchers of 2008. Doumit
has a chance to be a .300, 20 home run hitting catcher and compete
with the top four. Playing in lowly Pittsburgh doesn't help, but
Doumit is probably the best player on the team and somebody has
to produce.
2007 Statistics:
.318 - 15 HR's - 69 RBI's - 71 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.291 - 21 HR's - 77 RBI's - 70 Runs
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6. Víctor Martínez - Indians - 2009
Preview:
What in the world happened to Victor Martinez? Yes he an injury
and missed much of the season, but when he was healthy, he stunk.
The question is, was he hurt the whole time? If so, you can expect
him to return to his .300, 20 home run, 100 RBI self. If not, you
have a bust on your hand. It is more likely that he will return
to form, but his daft status will suffer greatly. Adding to the
problem is backup catcher Kelly Shoppach who hit 21 home runs with
just 352 at bats. It could be good if Martinez gets moved to first
base, but currently Ryan Garko is there and don't forget Travis
Hafner at DH. Either way, you need to see what is going on in Spring
Training before drafting Martinez too high.
2008 Statistics:
.278 - 2 HR's - 35 RBI's - 30 Runs.
2009 Projection: .294
- 18 HR's - 79 RBI's - 73 Runs.
7. Bengie Molina - Giants - 2009 Preview:
A very underrated fantasy catcher who consistently puts up numbers
just shy of an All Star fantasy catcher. In fact, he led all catchers
in 2008 with 95 RBI's. Molina has averaged about a .280 average,
17 home runs and 75 RBI's over the past four seasons. Consistent.
2008 Statistics:
.296 - 16 HR's - 95 RBI's - 46 Runs.
2009 Projection: .283
- 17 HR's - 80 RBI's - 43 Runs.
