Written by Robert Burghardt
January 5, 2007
Source: mlb.com Hot Stove report

Arizona Diamondbacks Chris Snyder Chris Snyder heads to spring training as the starting catcher and number 8 hitter. Snyder finished strong and had a career high 13 HR's but is only holding the position until Miguel Montero takes over. Snyder is worth drafting in NL only leagues but track Montero's progress. Miguel Montero Miguel Montero heads to spring training as the backup catcher in Arizona. It is only a matter of time until Montero takes over as the starter. Montero proved to be an adequate backstop with modest power at the plate. Montero will have to earn his AB's but eventually will so keep an eye on this during spring training. Atlanta Braves Brian McCann Brian McCann heads to spring training as the Braves starting C. McCann had a very solid season behind the plate and at the plate. McCann, a lefty, will bat 5th or 6th in the lineup and should approach a line of .275/17/85...not too shabby for a catcher. Baltimore Orioles Ramon Hernandez Hernandez put up weak offensive stats in ’07, but you can attribute that to injuries. The 31-year-old catcher can probably rebound if he stays healthy. He can hit 15 home runs and drive in 60+ runs. Draft him after the top catchers have been taken. Boston Red Sox David Ross David Ross heads to spring training as the starting C and #7 hitter. Ross still offered good power but his average remained real close to the "Mendoza Line". Draft Ross if you need a C that will supply modest power otherwise, leave him alone. Chicago Cubs Geovany Soto Geovany Soto heads to spring training as the Cubs starting catcher and number 8 hitter. Soto played 16 games behind the plate at the end of the year and is the future behind the plate for the Cubs. Soto has nice power and can handle a pitching staff but will need to work on his batting average to hold onto the job. Oneri Fleita Oneri Fleita is compared to Y. Molina of the Cardinals. The Cubs have invited him to Spring Training, but will likely start the season at Double A. Welington Castillo The Cubs have invited Castillo to Spring Training, but will likely start the season at Double A. Castillo is in the Cubs Top-10 prospects for 2008. Koyie Hill Koyie Hill has been invited to the Cubs Spring Training, but will likely be starting the season at Triple-A. He could see a call up if Blanco or Soto get hurt. Chicago White Sox A.J. Pierzynski Pierzynski has produced consistently decent numbers for a catcher. Expect him to hit between 14 and 18 home runs, and to drive in 60 runs this year. He can hit anywhere from .260 to .300. The average might not approach .300 like it used to, but you could do worse. Cleveland Indians Victor Martinez Martinez finished 2007 with career highs in home runs (25), RBI (114); and he batted over .300 for the third consecutive year. The 29-year-old catcher also qualifies as a first baseman. Expect him to go as one of the first catchers at the Draft. Kelly Shoppach Shoppach backed up Victor Martinez at the catcher spot in Cleveland last year. In limited at-bats (161), he hit seven home runs and drove 30 runners home. Consider him as a reserve catcher. Colorado Rockies Yorvit Torrealba Yorvit Torrealba heads to spring training with a new 2-year contract as the starting C and number 7 hitter. Torrealba turned heads in the playoffs with a solid bat and good defense. Torrealba offers decent power numbers for a catcher and should be drafted in NL only leagues. Chris Iannetta Chris Iannetta heads to spring training looking to land the backup C job. Iannetta should be recovered from off season surgery and looks to build on his September .313 batting average. With Torrealba signed for two more years, Iannetta does not offer much value at this point. Detroit Tigers Brandon Inge Inge lost his starting job at third base with the Tigers when Miguel Cabrera came to town. The 30-year-old infielder might have to return to his former job as catcher. Inge hit only 14 home runs last year (he hit 27 in '06) to go along with a .236 average. He needs a new home. Florida Marlins Mike Rabelo Mike Rabelo heads to spring training with the Marlins hoping to land the starting C job. Rabelo was part of the big trade with Detroit and has competition from Matt Treanor. Rabelo is young but has higher upside than Treanor and should be looked at in NL only leagues. Matt Treanor Matt Treanor heads to spring training hoping to land the starting C job. Treanor will have competition from Mike Rabelo who was acquired in the trade with the Tigers. Treanor does not offer much in offensive numbers and is only worth a look in NL only leagues. Houston Astros J.R. Towles J.R. Towles is the future behind the plate for the Houston Astros. Towles had a brief "cup of coffee" with the big club at the end of the year and impressed. Towles goes to camp #2 on the depth chart but it is just a matter of time before he takes over as the starter. Kansas City Royals John Buck Buck hit like a bronco in April and May, but his numbers not only leveled off, but fell off the stats roof. His total power numbers for 2007 look good (18 HR/48 RBI), but his average bottomed out at .222. Consider drafting him for those power numbers only. Miguel Olivo Olivo produced similar solid power numbers as a catcher in both 2006 and 2007, but his average dropped 25 points to .237 in ’07. He probably will start out ’08 as the backup to John Buck in Kansas City, but the 29-year-old catcher might get 300+ at-bats and deliver. Note: he appealing a five-game suspension. Brayan Pena Brayan Pena should be the backup C for the Braves this year. Pena will get the occasional start but nothing more is expected from him. Pena may see some competition in the spring from veterans Corky Miller and ex-Brave Javy Lopez, giving it one more try. Los Angeles Angels Mike Napoli Draft Napoli as the number 1 catcher on the Angels, but he might not keep that job all year. Perennial prospect Jeff Mathis might finally make the transition to the Major Leagues and take the #1 spot. On the other hand, Napoli has proven defensive skills, and does have some pop in his bat. Jeff Mathis Mathis got 171 at-bats last year, and batted .210. The Angels still believe that he is the catcher of the future. Supposedly, catchers develop their batting prowess later in life – but fantasy owners would like to see something now – thank you! Los Angeles Dodgers Russell Martin Russell Martin heads to spring training as the Dodgers starting C and number 6 hitter. Martin, in his first full season, was one HR shy of a 20/20 season...for a catcher! Martin combines plate discipline, power and speed at a position that is very demanding. Draft Martin and enjoy the speed from a catcher for the next 3-4 years. Milwaukee Brewers Jason Kendall Jason Kendall heads to spring training as the Brewers starting C and probable #8 hitter. Kendall is on his 3rd team in less than a year but faces minimal competition for the starters job. Kendall has lost his speed that used to separate him from other catchers but still handles a pitching staff very well. Kendall should only be drafted in NL only leagues...just don't expect him to carry your team. Eric Munson Eric Munson heads to spring training as the Brewers choice for the backup C. Munson has had limited success so far in the big leagues and will face competition from Mike Rivera. Unless Munson becomes the starter, do not draft him. Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer Mauer can hit. He won the AL batting title two years ago, and hit almost .300 again last year - all this and he has yet to reach his 25th birthday. He has had his share of injuries, but you must consider him a top 3 catcher who can steal bases as well. New York Mets Ramon Castro Ramon Castro heads to spring training as the backup C but with a chance to gain more playing time. Castro had solid numbers for a backup and with more time can improve. Castro should be considered in NL only leagues for his power in limited playing time. Brian Schneider Brian Schneider heads to spring training as the starting C and #8 hitter. Schneider was acquired from the Nationals and will look to rebound from a poor '06 and '07 seasons. Schneider may even share time with Ramon Castro and is only an option in NL only leagues. New York Yankees Jorge Posada Posada hit like a stud last year, batting .338, hitting 20 home runs, and driving in 90. Can he do it again? He probably can put together similar power numbers, even at age 36, and bat close to, but not over, .300 (ever again). Ivan Rodriguez The 36-year-old consistently productive Rodriguez hit over .275 for the 14th year in a row. He will probably do it again this year for the Tigers and also have decent power numbers: 10-15 home runs and 60 RBI. None Paul Lo Duca Paul Lo Duca heads to spring training rehabbing a knee in hopes of being the opening day catcher. Lo Duca signed as a free agent in the offseason after the Mets released him and offers little in the way of offensive numbers. Lo Duca is nearing the end of his career as a starter so draft accordingly. Jason Varitek Varitek has been maintaining decent annual power stats with the Red Sox as a full-time catcher, but his batting average is declining. The 35-year old catcher can produce about 15 homers and generate 65 RBI, and maybe bat .250. Draft him after the top echelon catchers are gone. Michael Barrett Michael Barrett heads to his first full spring training with the Padres. Barrett was acquired in trade with the Cubs and will start behind the plate and bat 7th. Barrett has seen a decrease in his power numbers and moving to SD for 81 games won't help either. Barrett is maybe worth drafting in NL only leagues. Gregg Zaun Zaun provides decent stats for a No. 2 Fantasy catcher. The 36-year-old veteran hit 10 home runs with 52 RBI, while batting .242 last year. You want the average to be higher, but the power stats compensate – as long as you have someone else as your number 1 catcher. Javier Valentin Javier Valentin heads to spring training as the backup catcher for the Reds. Valentin played sparingly and was more valuable off the bench as a pinch hitter. You can do better at the C position and should leave Valentin on the waiver wire. By the way...Happy Valentin Day! Henry Blanco Henry Blanco heads to spring training as the Cubs backup catcher and tutor to young prospect Geovany Soto. Blanco is your typical veteran backup with good defense and a light bat. Do not draft Blanco unless you are in a 10 team NL Central only league that drafts 2 catchers. Gary Bennett Gary Bennett heads to spring training as the Dodgers backup C with NO shot at the starting job. Bennett will give Russell Martin the occasional day off and that is it. Do not draft Bennett unless you are in a NL only league that drafts 3 catchers. Toby Hall Hall backed up primary White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski last year, but not with distinction. The 32-year-old catcher batted a paltry .207 in 116 at-bats, mostly because he was recovering from a shoulder injury. You should expect better in '08, but draft him only after the names of all the other catchers have left the board. Josh Bard Josh Bard heads to spring training as the backup Catcher to Michael Barrett. Bard actually produced better overall power numbers and may eventually take the starting job. Bard is worth a look in NL only leagues. Brad Ausmus Brad Ausmus, brought back on a 1-year deal, will get the majority of playing time behind the plate to start. Ausmus does not have a big bat but handles the pitchers well. Ausmus is holding the position until J.R. Towles, a top prospect in the organization, is ready to take over. Oakland Athletics Kurt Suzuki Suzuki took over the primary catcher’s position in Oakland when the A’s traded Jason Kendall. He projects to hit about .250, to hit a dozen home runs, and to drive in 60 runs. He started off slowly last year. If he starts slowly again and someone else drops him, snag him from the waiver wire. Josh Donaldson Josh Donaldson is on the Cubs Top-10 prospects for 2008. He was invited to Spring Training. Philadelphia Phillies Carlos Ruiz Carlos Ruiz heads to spring training as the starting C and #8 hitter. Ruiz eventually took over fulltime duties last year and with more AB's this year, should pop 10+ HR's and swipe a few bases, which is very rare for a catcher. Ruiz is definitely worth drafting in NL only leagues. Chris Coste Chris Coste heads to spring training for the first time knowing he is the backup catcher. Until a couple years ago, Coste was considered a career minor leaguer. Coste offers a little pop and a decent batting average but should not be drafted. Pittsburgh Pirates Ronny Paulino Ronny Paulino heads to spring training as the #1 Catcher and #7 hitter for the Pirates. Paulino struggled mightly after producing in '06 so who is Ronny Paulino. The Pirates hope the power numbers improve along with the batting average. Draft Paulino in NL only leagues. Ryan Doumit Ryan Doumit heads to spring training looking for a fulltime spot. Doumit, a catcher by trade, has looked to the OF for playing time. If Doumit can find regular playing, he offers good power potential but until then, wait and pluck him off the waiver wire. San Francisco Giants Bengie Molina Bengie Molina heads to spring training as the Giants starting C and number 5 hitter. In his first season with the Giants, Molina hit a career high 81 rbi's and tied his career best with 19 HR's. Molina has solid production for a Catcher and should be owned in all leagues. Eliezer Alfonzo Eliezer Alfonzo heads to spring training as the Giants backup catcher. Alfonzo does not provide much with the bat and will only serve to give Bengie Molina the occasional day off. Seattle Mariners Kenji Johjima Johjima’s stats dropped slightly in his second year as a “rookie” in Seattle. The 31-year old catcher still hit 14 home runs and drove in 61 runs, while batting .287. Expect him to perform similarly in ’08. St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina Yadier Molina heads to spring training as the Cardinals starting C and number 6 hitter. Molina has always had the defensive skills and now his bat is starting to come around too. Look for Molina to improve on his 6 HR's, 40 RBI's and .275 average of last year. Jason LaRue Jason LaRue heads to camp as the Cardinals #2 catcher. LaRue is a solid veteran to backup Yadier Molina. LaRue experienced his better years in Cincinnati and will probably never be a starter again. Tampa Bay Rays Dioner Navarro Navarro hit nine home runs and drove in 44 for the year while batting .227 – disappointing stats. However, if you look at only the second half of the year, he hit .285 with eight home runs and 31 RBI. The 24-year-old catcher still has his prime performing years ahead of him, and you can expect him to produce even more this year. Shawn Riggans Riggans’s season with the Rays ended early after elbow surgery (not reconstructive) in July. Consider this potential thumper as a sleeper or as a reserve catcher on Draft Day. Texas Rangers Jarrod Saltalamacchia Saltalamacchia will start the season as either the Rangers' first baseman or catcher. He hit a combined .266 with the Braves and Rangers last year to go along with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 308 at-bats. Expect the power numbers to go up for the 22-year-old basher. His time has come. Gerald Laird Texas manager Ron Washington has little patience with Laird behind the plate. Now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia has entered the mix for catching time, Laird must produce or expect either a trade or bench time. Consider him as a No. 2 catcher. Washington Nationals Johnny Estrada Johnny Estrada heads to spring training with a chance to be the opening day catcher for the Nationals. Estrada was signed as insurance and a veteran presence should Paul Lo Duca not be ready to go after unexpected knee surgery. Estrada is on his 5th team since 2002 so remember that when drafting him. Robert Burghardt is the founder and president of TG Fantasy Baseball, providing free fantasy baseball player news and information since 1995. TG Fantasy Baseball has also spawned two subsidiary fantasy sports sites, the RotoUmpire, resolving fantasy league disputes since 2000 and RotoLeague, a customizable fantasy software product. For contact information, please visit http://www.thomasgeorge.com/baseball/contact.cfm

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