Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2011: Catchers

The catcher position is really unappreciated when people speak about baseball. In lots of ways they're the point guard for the defense, calling the pitches, calming their hurler when he's off his game and when required, creating vital plays such as throwing out possible base-stealers and blocking pitches which go awry. Every single time a pitcher throws a complete game-shut out, their catcher deserves an help.

That's actual baseball. This however, is an write-up about fantasy baseball, and in fantasy baseball catchers are largely a liability. Due to the physically-taxing nature of sitting inside a crouched position for three hours a game, they typically lack a high batting common and home run upside and don't get nearly the at-bats of other positions due to the want for days off, significantly reducing their value in our numbers racket.

Some young backstops are helping revive the position a little this season, but for all those of you within your first years of fantasy baseball, the general rule is of thumb is wait ahead of filling your catcher spot. Right here's the very first installment of my 2011 fantasy baseball rankings. Viewpoint are encouraged. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins The practically unanimous amount one-ranked catcher, Mauer didn't live up to the expectations of his ungodly 2009 season by which he hit 28 house runs and batted .365 but wasn't precisely a bust either, unless you call a .327 batting regular bust-worthy. Expecting a return to the 20-plus bombs range would be a lot, but 15 together with 80/80 as well as a .320+ common is lots reasonable.

Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers Martinez gets the nod at quantity two more than Buster Posey for one reason and a single reason only: he won't really be playing catcher this season. The Detroit Tigers get him to lined up to be their major designated hitter, playing a few days a week at catcher and filling out sporadically at initial base. This enables him to play daily, thus giving him far more odds to create for your squad. Thinking about he's hit 20-plus home runs and batted .300 in all but a single season because 2004 (minus his injury-shortened 2008), which will operate out nicely for his owners.

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants The hottest new kid on the block, Posey erupted onto the scene in June, raping and pillaged his method to a jaw-dropping 18 property runs, a .305 batting average and an eventual World Series ring. It's unrealistic to anticipate that rate of production to continue and it will be interesting to determine how he handles a complete season of catcher duties, but 18-20 dingers and a .300 regular is a lot attainable.

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians The other wunderkind to hit the scene last season, Santana is managing a bit far more underneath the radar as a result of his season being cut short with a brutal LCL injury sustained in early August. He has the skills to be a monster at this weak position and the minor-league pedigree to back it up. Although a .210 batting regular slump in July is a tad concerning, Bill James (83/22/91/7/.280 projection) clearly believes in the young rock star's expertise. If he comes anyplace near to these projections he'll be a lot worth his latest 7th round ADP in ESPN leagues.

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves Formerly the pace-setter at the catcher position, McCann has fallen on draft boards as of late on account of 3 years of declining batting averages along with a rising strikeout rate, ironically coinciding with persistent eye-problems. While these are worrisome statistics, it is possible to' argue with his home run swing, having hit 18 or more bombs in all five of his skilled seasons. He surely has his warning signs, but if you'd like established, consistent power there's no greater choice.