As we move on from the early rankings, we’ll expand the lists and keep up with offseason moves.
1. Russell Martin - Though his numbers were down from last season, he still has room to grow and his stolen bases are what separate him from the rest.
2. Joe Mauer - I had high hopes for Mauer coming into 2008. While he hit for his usual high average, his power and SB numbers were down. I expect to see him hit for a bit more power in 2009, but we may not see 10-15 SB from Mauer again.
3. Brian McCann - He is the polished veteran version of Geovani Soto. McCann raised his AVG to over .300 while hitting for power and stealing 5 bases in 2009. The AVG might come down to the .290 range, but everything about McCann is for real.
4. Geovany Soto - A great fantasy value in 2008 is sure to skyrocket up draft boards in 2009. He’s just a small step down from McCann with room to grow.
5. Victor Martinez - The injury still has to be a concern after it cost Martinez much of 2008 and much of his power. While it is unknown if his 25 HR power will return, he is still a .300 hitter.
6. Chris Iannetta - Iannetta didn’t start his full time gig until about mid season yet still managed 18 HR and 65 RBI. While his AVG may be in the .275-.285 range, with 500+ AB’s he could top 25 HR’s in 2009.
7. Ryan Doumit - We saw signs of Doumit coming in 2007 and in 2008 he ended as the 4th ranked catcher. I think he should sustain this type of output in 2009.
8. Matt Wieters - The top rated prospect in the Orioles organization and one of the top prospects in all of baseball will have a great chance to come into 2009 as the Orioles starting catcher. Coming out of Georgia Tech, Wieters was phenomenal in his first full season in the minors.
9. Mike Napoli - Quietly Napoli finished 2008 on a tear and raised is AVG from .215 at the beginning of September to .273 by the end. Not only that, but Napoli hit 20 HR in only 227 AB’s. Though he still may share some time with Jeff Mathis in 2009, he has the potential to hit 25+ HR and if he hits, he will play.
10. Pablo Sandoval - Sandoval had a tremendous 2008 and is set to be the starting 3B for the Giants in 2009. He should hit .300+ with some power (23 combined HR’s high A and AA). As long as he’s C eligable in your league (11 games at C) he’s one to target after the big 5 are gone.
11. Jorge Posada - With this ranking I am going to assume that Posada does not catch full time in 2009. Instead I am assuming that he splits time at C,1B and DH. This would allow his shoulder some rest and hopefully allow him to play a full season. There is no question he can still hit.
12. Bengie Molina - Molina is not getting any younger, but he has been a consistent hitter for a long time. His numbers should decline a little, but .275-.285 with 15 or so HR’s will provide value.
13. Kelly Shoppach - This was a breakout season for the Victor Martinez backup as Shoppach crushed 21 HR in just 352 AB. While Shoppach may have one of the best power potentials of the 09 catching group, his strikeout rate is something to keep in mind (133 in 352 AB’s). Plus we don’t know how a full season (if he indeed plays everyday) will treat his AVG which was already in the low .260’s.
14. Dioner Navarro – Navaro should once again contribute in AVG and hit 6-10 HR’s.
15. A.J. Pierzynski – Nothing special, but Pierzynski has been consistant with 10+ HR’s and 50+ RBI since 2003. Hits AVG is sort of hit or miss, but he’s a reliable veteran who will hold his own.
16. Jeff Clement – Clement has a lot to prove at the big league level, but has potential to hit 20+ HR’s
17. Yadier Molina – Look for .280-.290 with 4-6 HR’s
18. Jarrod Saltalamacchia – He’s got upside, but he’s still learning to hit at the big league level.
19. Taylor Teagarden – Teagarden made a nice splash late in 2008. He’s got the power potential to hit 20+ HR’s.
20. Kurt Suzuki – Less upside than Salty or Teagarden, but could hit .275-.285 with a few HR’s.
Filed under: Rankings: C | Tagged: A.J. Pierzynski, Bengie Molina, Brian McCann, C Rankings, Chris Iannetta, Dioner Navarro, Fantasy Baseball, Geovani Soto, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jeff Clement, Joe Mauer, Jorge Posada, Kelly Shoppach, Kurt Suzuki, Matt Wieters, Mike Napoli, Pablo Sandoval, Russell Martin, Ryan Doumit, Taylor Teagarden, Victor Martinez, Yadier Molina
Was wondering why Chris Snyder didn’t make your list, while 4 players without much major league experience did make the list – Sandoval, Teagarden, Clement, and Saltalamacchia.
At the time of these rankings it was still up in the air as to whether or not the D-Backs were going to trade Snyder. The final set of rankings will come out by the end of the month and there are sure to be some adjustments including Snyder who now is signed through 2011.