Panzram
03-15-2006, 10:36 PM
Catcher
Brian McCann, Braves
McCann began 2005 in high Single-A ball and was starting behind the dish for the Braves by season's end. While displaying a keen eye at the plate, a .278 average, and five homers in 180 at-bats, McCann made it clear he's ready for the show. Accordingly, the Braves shipped erstwhile starter Johnny Estrada out during the offseason and installed McCann at catcher full-time. It may take some time to develop the double-digit home run power Brian exhibited in the minors, but he's a very solid end-gamer in NL-only formats.
Michael Barrett, Cubs
Barrett's been a solid fantasy catcher for a few years now, but has he reached his peak yet? Over the last four years, he's slowly brought his strikeouts down, while at the same time walking more frequently and driving the ball with authority. While most fantasy owners will grab him relatively early based on the 16 homers and 60-65 RBI he's registered each of the last two seasons with the Cubbies, Barrett is on track for a breakout season at age 29 and could be more valuable than you think. Keep in mind that catchers, who focus more on defense early in their careers, tend to blossom at the plate later in their careers than do other position players. It won't take much to nudge Barrett up to the .300 level, which would make him extremely valuable if his power numbers also continue to trend upwards.
Yorvit Torrealba C Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have been searching for a defensive minded cather to be the primary back stop and may have found their guy in Torrealba. The 27-year-old has been a weak hitting catcher through out his brief career, but he could have double digit HR production in 2006 as the Rockies' primary catcher and playing home games in Coors Field
Jeff Mathis C Los Angeles Angels
Mathis has the inside track on the #1 catching duties in Anaheim with the departure of Bengie Molina. The 22-year-old isn't a top hitting prospect but has been a solid all around catching prospect for a few years now. Mathis hit .276 with 21 HR and 73 RBI in 427 AAA at bats this past season. He could provide some HR production in 2006, with the caveat of a low batting average.
Joe Mauer C Minnesota Twins
Mauer already has decent value but he could exceed his current level as he has a very high ceiling offensively. The question is health and whether or not his knee that slowed him in 2005 will be a problem again in 2006. Mauer may be worth the risk, as he's just 22, a career .297 hitter the past 2 years and has the potential to significantly improve on his 2005 numbers of 9 HR and 55 RBI.
Brian McCann, Braves
McCann began 2005 in high Single-A ball and was starting behind the dish for the Braves by season's end. While displaying a keen eye at the plate, a .278 average, and five homers in 180 at-bats, McCann made it clear he's ready for the show. Accordingly, the Braves shipped erstwhile starter Johnny Estrada out during the offseason and installed McCann at catcher full-time. It may take some time to develop the double-digit home run power Brian exhibited in the minors, but he's a very solid end-gamer in NL-only formats.
Michael Barrett, Cubs
Barrett's been a solid fantasy catcher for a few years now, but has he reached his peak yet? Over the last four years, he's slowly brought his strikeouts down, while at the same time walking more frequently and driving the ball with authority. While most fantasy owners will grab him relatively early based on the 16 homers and 60-65 RBI he's registered each of the last two seasons with the Cubbies, Barrett is on track for a breakout season at age 29 and could be more valuable than you think. Keep in mind that catchers, who focus more on defense early in their careers, tend to blossom at the plate later in their careers than do other position players. It won't take much to nudge Barrett up to the .300 level, which would make him extremely valuable if his power numbers also continue to trend upwards.
Yorvit Torrealba C Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have been searching for a defensive minded cather to be the primary back stop and may have found their guy in Torrealba. The 27-year-old has been a weak hitting catcher through out his brief career, but he could have double digit HR production in 2006 as the Rockies' primary catcher and playing home games in Coors Field
Jeff Mathis C Los Angeles Angels
Mathis has the inside track on the #1 catching duties in Anaheim with the departure of Bengie Molina. The 22-year-old isn't a top hitting prospect but has been a solid all around catching prospect for a few years now. Mathis hit .276 with 21 HR and 73 RBI in 427 AAA at bats this past season. He could provide some HR production in 2006, with the caveat of a low batting average.
Joe Mauer C Minnesota Twins
Mauer already has decent value but he could exceed his current level as he has a very high ceiling offensively. The question is health and whether or not his knee that slowed him in 2005 will be a problem again in 2006. Mauer may be worth the risk, as he's just 22, a career .297 hitter the past 2 years and has the potential to significantly improve on his 2005 numbers of 9 HR and 55 RBI.