tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Catchers

Today I'm going to give you my rankings for catchers in a mixed league format.  You will see that they are ranked by a number and a star (3*, 4*, etc.).

CATCHERS

3* Mauer - Minn

3* V. Martinez - Det (1b elig)

3*McCann - Atl

3* Posey - SF (1b elig)

2* Santana - Cleve

2* Weiters - Balt

1* Montero - Ariz

1* Posada - NYY

1* Soto - Cubs

1* Suzuki - Oak

Keep an eye on: Napoli - Texas, Pierzynski - CWS, Martin - NYY, Jaso - TB and Ianetta - Colo

I usually do not draft a catcher very early in the draft and quite frankly I think each of the top 4 have issues.  Don't fall into the trap of having to take one because Joe Mauer has been picked and the catcher run will start.  I think Santana will probably be a popular pick and Wieters will probably fall because of all the hype around him last year but I think he will be of good value this year.

I really like the 1*'s.  I really like Miguel Montero.  Before he got hurt last year he was swinging a hot bat.  When he came back from injury he struggled but picked it up in the last month.  I truly believe that being the DH for the Yankees is going to make Jorge Posada a better hitter being that he won't be so banged up.  Looking for a bounce back season for Geovany Soto and he could be picked mid to late rounds as is the case with Suzuki from Oakland who is a very consistent hitter.

Guys to look at if you get shut out of any of the above are listed.  They all will be starters and Martin could truly be a find if he stays healthy.  This guy was a two-time All-Star in the National League.

Rookie possibilities: Jesus Montero -NYY (crowded field but could make the big club) and Josh Thole - NYM.

BLACK BALLED - NONE  No one here to be on this dreaded list mainly because I really don't like having to rely on this position for anything but playing everyday 260-280 batting average and 15-20 homers would be nice.