The 2011 fantasy baseball is nearly here and it is time for prospective owners to begin to prepare for their drafts.
The first position I have decided to take a look at is the catcher position because depending on where you pick, owners can find a stud that can carry their team or a dud who can regulate you to the basement of your league.
After taking a long look at their 2010 production and what to expect from them in 2011, this is the list of the top fifteen players at the catcher position.
1. Joe Mauer- MIN
There is no doubt that Mauer is the top catcher in baseball. The only question we have is where does the 27 year-old rank with the other heavy hitters of baseball.
2. Brian McCann – ATL
McCann has been one of the most durable catchers in the game for the last five years and has hit at least 20 homeruns and driven in 75 runs during the last three years.
3. Joe Buck – FLA
You know with Buck that he will swing for the fences every time and does connect enough to warrant a top five selection. Be warned his power may drop a tad down in the state of Florida.
4. Victor Martinez – DET
The Tigers have found a catcher who can actually hit the ball and drive in runs. He should provide nice production for Miguel Cabrera and will benefit with solid offensive production.
5. Mike Napoli – TEX
The one thing that is holding him back is the same thing that makes him a bonus on your roster. Napoli will remain a bench player but the Rangers will find room for him at catcher and first.
6. Buster Posey – SF
If Posey can continue producing like he did during his 2010 season, there is no reason we should not expect him to come home with another season with a .300 average and 20 plus homeruns.
7. Miguel Olivio – COL
Olivio showed some potential while in Seattle with his bat and fantasy baseball owners should get the chance to see that escalate some with his new address of Coors field.
8. Geovany Soto – CHIC
Slowly but surely, Soto is becoming a solid major league hitter. With another year under his belt, we should expect to see him turn in another successful season as the Cubs’ backstop.
9. Yadier Molina – STL
Yes, Molina did take a step back in 2010 after what seemed like him taking the next step in 2009. But if you take a closer look, you will see his second half numbers are something to write home about.
10. Carlos Ruiz – PHI
While Ruiz may not hit over .300 again this season, he should have his opportunity in a lineup that boasts some big bats ahead of him.
11. Jorge Posada – NYY
While he is nearing the end of his career, Posada has shown he can still find the timely hit and will pick up some extra time at the DH position. This rest may help his swing.
12. A.J. Pierynski – CWS
The biggest advantage to owning Pierynski is his ability to maintain a decent average while providing some pop and ability to bring in the run. He will never be a top five talent but will do enough to support your team.
13. Ramon Hernandez – CIN
Fantasy baseball owners should not expect another elevated batting average in 2010 and watch it dip back down to the .270 range with average power and decent RBI totals.
14. Kurt Suzuki – OAK
Though fantasy baseball owners saw a dip in Suzuki’s average last year, you can expect to see them bounce back in Oakland and provide a decent offensive punch for your team.
15. Matt Wieters – BAL
The high hopes some had for Wieters in 2010 were quickly dashed when he did not explode for mammoth numbers. He should be available late and could turn into a top five selection by the end of the season.
