[davethesportsguy]

I looked at the catchers this year in baseball, and if I told someone which to take this year, my advice would be to take Victor Martinez, a power hitting catcher of the Cleveland Indians, who I think will hit roughly 25 home runs in 2006.

Also, there is Minnesota Twins catcher, Joe Mauer. Mauer, is still young with decent power, but is a contact hitter and should hit around .300.

The other catcher I would tell baseball owners to take, is Jason Varitek of the Boston Red Sox. Varitek, is Mr. Consistent, and by that I mean he will hit his usual 20 home runs and knock in about 80.

As for the National League, I would recommend to not waste your time and draft one. so early and wait. Why? Because, I don't think any of them will put up numbers worth crowing about.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, definitely agree about Martinez. The guy's awesome. He had a .305 average last season with 20 homers and 80 RBI. He's got 100 RBI potential, as long as the guys hitting around him can get on base.

Don't sleep on Javy Lopez either. He had a bad year last year, and I should know -- he was my starting catcher going into the season. As long as he's healthy, he should be good for a .300 average, 20-25 homers and 80-90 RBI. Definitely Martinez and Mauer, then Lopez, then I think Varitek.

[EmpireWF]

After Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer and Varitek, look for: Posada, IRod, Ramon Hernandez, Piazza, Kendall, Lo Duca, Pierzynski, Javy Lopez.

Piazza's power numbers may be down in that mammoth of a park (aka Petco) but he still has some flash in his bat. Still don't know what to expect from IRod, but he's been so good in previous years (safe for last that is).

[Lefty Noob]

Jeez, not a big fan of Lopez, are we? Not that I blame you. Like I said, he was my catcher at the start of last season, but ultimately I dumped him in favor of Pierzynski and wound up much better off in the long run. For some reason, though, I see Javy having a big rebound year this year.

I'd stay far, far away from Piazza. His numbers have been on a steady decline, he's getting old and he's going to be playing in a pitcher's park this season. I like Lo Duca as a fantasy pick in that he should get a lot of pitches to hit this year in that lineup.

[GigEmAgs]

I have to agree with Empire about IRod, aka "Pudge." When he was with the Rangers, Pudge was a true dream to watch play. He was a little irregular sometimes, but he was a great hitter as well as a catcher. I'm still wishing I'd gotten tickets for the game when be batted in 9 runs in, what, 2001? But no -- I had tickets for the day before. Good game, but not a great one.

That said, he's aged since then, so he's probably a little slower -- but he did help the Marlins win the World Series once upon a time, eh?

[4bagger]

Lopez will be splitting time this season with the Orioles new catcher Ramon Hernandez (4 yr., $27.5 million contract). Hernandez hit .290 with 12 HR and 56 RBI in 365 AB for San Diego last year at very big Petco Park. He'll get most of the work behind the plate and Lopez will see a lot of time at DH. Playing at cozy Oriole Park, Hernandez could easily hit 20 HR and drive in 80 runs. If the injury-prone Lopez continues to break down as he ages, Hernandez is a lock to get some more ABs... he'll definitley get a few more courtesy of the DH rule, which he didn't have in the NL. Hernandez is an easy Top 5 fantasy catcher.

[bahoena]

. . . where most of the big names everyone's been mentioning are gone.

So what about some of the up and comers?

I have Mathis, but was thinking of targeting Y. Molina. Any thoughs?

[4bagger]

Yadier Molina could be an up and comer, but if Bengie Molina is still available go with him. He's hit no lower than .276 the last three seasons and had a career high 15 HR last season. He moves over to Toronto this year and shouldn't miss a beat.

[ThePundit]

My advice is to go for Victor Martinez early - like in the 3rd or 4th round (I'm in a 14 team league). If you don't get him, wait until the much later rounds to draft a catcher...Lopez is always hurt, I-Rod has never been the same since steroid testing...The guy I think that might have a comeback year might be Posada - I think he's on the walk year of his contract.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by davethesportsguy

As for the National League, I would recommend to not waste your time and draft one. so early and wait. Why? Because, I don't think any of them will put up numbers worth crowing about.

I second it, but I will go out on a limp and call Dioner Navarro of the Dodgers, a late, late sleeper with potential. Its a gamble, but the 22 yearold hit .273 last year...and once hit .341...doesn't have power yet, but had enough doubles in the minor leagues that you figure he will grow into being a bit more of a power hitter....but again...NL deep sleeper pick...

[voodoodoodoo]

Also look at Johimba, the new Mariners catcher who's coming over from Japan. I live in Seattle and I'm sure he'll be overpriced in my league here, I'm sure people elsewhere might not know him.

He's probably going to start hitting 2nd. He may not be that good, but will definitely get a chance to play regularly and is supposed to be excellent behind the plate.

[Lefty Noob]

Hi, voodoodoodoo, welcome to GoTeamsGo. Thanks for joining us here, and big thanks for dishing out info on the guy I wound up with at catcher this year. I have to admit I don't know a ton about this guy Johimba. What kind of numbers do you think he's capable of putting up this season?

[youppi]

Don't forget to think about a guy like Josh Willingham of the Marlins. He will qualify at C but may not wind up playing there much. He should get a lot of at-bats on what is expected to be a bad team. His power potential is high and he could be a great late-round pickup.

[Lefty Noob]

Hi, youppi, and welcome to GoTeamsGo! Thanks for joining us here on the fantasy baseball boards.

Josh Willingham, huh? Interesting pick - definitely outside the box thinking. I wonder, though, if he'd really be able to put up decent numbers in a relatively weak Marlins lineup.

[youppi]

Lefty, I understand your thought. But realize, that after the elite catchers, there is a big dropoff in talent. People will panic and overpay for Michael Barrett or Mike Matheny.

I think the weak Marlins lineup is the key to the success of a guy like Willingham. He will hit 4th or 5th behind Cabrera or Jacobs and will have some pressure-free opportunities to show he can play in the majors. I think if he's there late, you grab him. I just hope you aren't in my league...