Rankings Update: Catcher
After a short hiatus, here are your catcher rankings. I’m going to experiment with not including any numbers next to the players names, for various reasons. If you really feel like you need them, let me know in the comments.
The Big Three
Victor Martinez
Joe Mauer
Brian McCann
Things change, people. I never thought Mauer would show the power like he did last year, but he has fallen way back. Martinez will give you a more balanced attack, so he gets the number one spot.
Happy to Have
Jorge Posada
Geovany Soto
Kurt Suzuki
Ryan Doumit
Mike Napoli
Even though Jorge is fresh off a DL stint, I had to give him the number four slot. Kendry Morales getting hurt was a godsend for Napoli. He won’t have to play behind the plate all of the time, and his bat sticks in the lineup. The Angels may look to trade for a first baseman, but until then, Napoli has great value.
I am Jack’s Catcher
Matt Wieters
Russell Martin
Miguel Olivo
Yadier Molina
What’s up, Wieters?
Buckaroos
Carlos Ruiz
John Buck
Buster Posey
Bengie Molina
Rod Barajas
Miguel Montero
Miguel Montero should be back soon, so keep an eye on him. He was in my top-10 before he got injured, and he’s only this low because he’s not back yet and knee injuries scare me when it comes to catchers.
The Prospect
Carlos Santana
Santana should be up within the week.
The Rest of ‘Em
Ronny Paulino
Ivan Rodriguez
Chris Snyder
Chris Iannetta
A.J. Pierzynski
Jeff Clement
Nick Hundley
I still have a little hope left for Clement. Just a little. I’ve heard the name Ryan Hanigan thrown around a lot in the comments, but he just doesn’t get enough AB’s to justify a spot. Hundley gets slightly more playing time, and the two are probably interchangeable.
Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.
Buster Posey?
Updated. Felt like I was forgetting something. Slipped through the cracks since he hasn’t been playing catcher.
Santana BETTER be up soon. The idea that he’s not ready based on his lack of success throwing out baserunners is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard in my life.
Yeah, I’m curious as to where they rank respectively once Santana comes up. Seems Santana’s power would give him the edge.
So you recommend Buster over Santana (for this year, at least)?
I think it is time to add Jaso to the list.
2 things..not a believer in John Jaso? I know he wasn’t heralded but he’s been impressive so far. And how can Soto be #5? Its not 2008 and he hasn’t shown any run-producing ability. #5 should be Napoli and no one is remotely close to him right now.
Soto’s production has fallen off a cliff. Now I wonder if his one hot month was a mirage. Regrardless, I’d be a lot more “Happy To Have” any number of catchers below him on this ranking right now.
Soto definitely needs to be lower. It’s looking more like 2008 was an outlier and he is even being benched more frequently in favor of Koyie Hill.
I know he just came up, but I’m surprised Posey isn’t a little higher considering how mediocre catchers have been all around this season. I’ve been using Posey since he came up on account of Posada being on the DL. I’m continuing to use Posey while keeping Posada on the DL (which prevents me from making roster moves, but lets me hold off on having to decide which one to roll with for the balance of the season). The real question I have though, is who you think will be the superior player for the balance of the season between Posey and Santana….
Paulino is 18 for his last 51 with only 7 Ks (no walks though), 12 RBIs, 4 2B and even 6 Rs. He’s raking pretty well since Baker has been out…I hope his PT stays increased.
How is Jaso not on this list? He’s the #5 catcher in Yahoo! over the past month and #8 for the season, and he’s not even on your list? Come on. The guy hit freaking leadoff the last two days for crying out loud!
How is Napoli below Soto and Suzuki? Their numbers don’t even compare. An argument could even be made for putting him above Doumit as well, now with all the playing time opened up.
In a very deep league, I now have Jaso starting and Yadier Molina on the bench. If “catcher caught stealing %” were a fantasy category maybe I’d reverse that. But I think it’s time to put Jaso on the list.
Please look at everything that Maddon has said about Jaso, his walk rate, his spots in the lineup, and his minor league batting line. He’s a top 5 catcher in OBP leagues.
Pierzynski and Clement above him? Really?
#4 is about as low as i can see napoli going right now. he might even be #1, if you like homers. and who doesn’t like homers? whenever he gets regular playing time, he hits, and in a full season of playing time he has 35-homer power. with playing time less of an issue now, he’s pretty hard to argue against. he even runs a little! c’mon.
soto, doumit and suzuki were all dropped in my main league over the past two weeks. i didn’t claim any of them. i did pick up suzuki after he cleared to back up mauer. soto’s still a free agent. if napoli hit the wire right now i might sprain a finger claiming him. (and, did i just mention, i OWN MAUER.)
…mauer did most of his damage last year during two ridiculous months (may and august). i actually think he’ll get hot at some point and hit more homers than this. i just don’t know when.
If he figures out how to throw the ball to the pitcher, Saltalamacchia? He’s tearing the cover off the ball at triple A, gotta figure he’ll be back sooner than later.
I think Im better then most catchers, especially I’m playing 1B I hit for Avg. don’t you guys agree that I’m better then
Geovany Soto
Kurt Suzuki
Ryan Doumit
Mike Napoli
oh buster. i like you. but i think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself. the 1B thing is nice. and you’re a good hitter. that’s all true. but you’re a rookie. rookies fluctuate. and you weren’t hitting for that much home run power even in the minors.
i could see putting you in the jack’s catcher group. and i -do- like you better than soto, which doesn’t take much at this point. but napoli? he’s also getting extra time at 1B now, plus he’s hit 8 homers in the last month and it doesn’t even seem that fluky. i kind of figure you for about that many over the entire rest of the year. could be wrong.
This is why Soto owners are so down on him: Koyie Hill has started 5 of the last 11 Cub games. Lou Piniella is an idiot.
Wondering….acquired Tyler Flowers in a trade and picked up Jason Castro, JP Arecemia off waivers….rebuilding in a keeper league for the next few years. When do you think those guys will be called up and their potential on my fantasy team.
I am way too low on this list, even though I’m out-performing every catcher in the league.
Which players above you would you trade to acquire yourself? Russell Martin, maybe.
Where is my love?
I do not belong near Buster.. I’m not worthy anymore… let it beeeee!
Guys, you gotta love my batting .avg remember Im a catcher that plays everyday at 1b, wont kill you avg. Zach Sanders, what do you think?
According to Yahoo’s Closing Time, Santana will be up today! Finally!
I’ve got Santana starting and Wieters on the bench. I’m thinking of dropping Wieters and picking up Jeff Mathis. Jaso is also available. Any thoughts?
Not in keeper league. I dropped Posey