2012 Catcher Keeper Rankings — Honorable Mentions

As I said in yesterday’s Tier 4, I have to draw the line somewhere as to which players are worthy of keeping and which ones should be thrown back into the pool.  That line has now been drawn.  However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few names of some young up and comers that I think will blossom into potential keepers and, if you believe in them enough now, could warrant consideration for 2012 depending on how much they are going to cost you.  Again, relative value is up to you, but here are a few guys worth mentioning.

Jesus Montero, NYY — The question of his catcher eligibility is still an issue and, for the most part, he will probably begin the season in most leagues as a DH.  But I am willing to bet the farm on the fact that he will attain catcher eligibility in those leagues fairly quickly into the 2012 season.  His cup of coffee here in 2011 is obviously too small a sample size upon which to put too much weight, but given the minor league history, the power is definitely for real and he has the potential of becoming a spectacular hitter in the majors.  Personally, I would keep him and just wait for the eligibility, but maybe that’s just me.

Devin Mesoraco, CIN —  As I said in previous post comments, I am a big fan of Mesoraco and feel that the Reds should give him every opportunity to succeed next season.  Unfortunately, that’s not my call to make and I have a hard time pinning my fantasy hopes on the whims of Dusty Baker.  The Reds will likely say goodbye to Ramon Hernandez and use the pairing of Mesoraco and Ryan Hanigan.  I think Hanigan does a great job as the complementary catcher, but could see Baker turning to his veteran if the 23 year old Mesoraco stumbles out of the gate.  Inexperience and youth on a Dusty-led team, those are my sticking points.  That being said, I’m still in his corner.  He ripped through A+ and AA-ball in 2010 and while he struggled a bit with his initial promotion to AAA, he looked fantastic at that level in 2011.  Great power potential with an ISO that should hover in the .180 range, solid BB% potential, and if he can keep the strikeouts to a minimum, he’ll give you a solid BA as well.  I think he does enough to stay the primary next year and along with my new BFF, d_i, could see him easily starting 115+ games.

Wilin Rosario, COL — In all likelihood, Rosario will begin next year in Triple-A given the fact that the Rockies still have Chris Iannetta under contract (signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013).  But that doesn’t mean we won’t see him at some point.  There always seems to be a certain amount of displeasure with Iannetta as his managers always seem to keep him in the 8-hole despite his uncanny ability to draw a walk.  Rosario should benefit from the Triple-A experience though.  His power shown in Double-A was outstanding, but if you’re hitting .249 at that level, you need some work.  There’s always a chance that a strong spring keeps him up and potentially makes Iannetta expendable trade bait, but it’s more likely that he proves his worth in the minors for another half season before getting the call.  Be patient, he’ll just turn 23 in late February so there’s plenty more to come.

Hank Conger, LAA — He’s got very little to prove at the minor league level, if anything at all.  The only obstacle standing in his way is Mike Scioscia who lives for the defensive -minded, yet offensively challenged backstops and unless Conger improves his work behind the plate, we could be in for another season of Jeff Mathis.  Conger needs to also adapt his skills at the plate for the major league level, most notably his walk and strikeout rates.  If he can bring those numbers up to the bigs and can prove his defensive worth, then he should be a solid fantasy option with mid-level power at the position.

Salvador Perez, KC — The power is nothing great and he can’t draw a walk to save his life, but he makes solid contact, doesn’t strike out and the Royals seem committed to him.  He could turn into one of those Yadier Molina type catchers with a decent average and minimal power, but we’ll need more than just 158 plate appearances at the major league level to make that determination.  But if you’re short on keepers and have him for a buck, then why wouldn’t you take a shot?