Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Catcher

The position of catcher is interesting in fantasy baseball, because many league commissioners handle this position differently.

There are league owners out there who put an overemphasis on the position, and force other general managers to draft two catchers. In most cases, having two catchers in your starting lineup is a killer for team batting average, and something Fantasy Baseball Dugout does not recommend.

Draft strategies differ based on league size, positions, and statistical categories, but even drafting two catchers is largely unnecessary.

In 2008, there are two elite catchers in fantasy baseball - Victor Martinez of the Cleveland Indians and Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers. These two had great seasons in 2007, and while expectations are high for Martin in 2008, Martinez’s 2007 season was on par with his previous three seasons.

Because of his statistical consistency, Martinez is FBD’s #1 choice over Martin for your draft in 2008. With V-Mart, you know you’re going to get a .300 average, around 160 hits, 18-20 home runs, and 80 - 100 RBIs.

Martin has an advantage over Martinez because of his ability to steal bases (he swiped 21 in 2007), and could easily be the #1 catcher of 2009 if he re-produces his 2008 campaign.

After these two, the position of catcher is largely a toss-up. A few hitters are worth considering, but outside of the top 5 catchers, most of them are the same - limited power, limited run production, and a limited return on investment. Draft and bid wisely.

Our top 30 catchers are listed below, including auction market values provided by Rotohog.com. Make your case if you think we got one wrong by contacting us.

  1. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians, $26
  2. Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers, $24.50
  3. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees, $20.50
  4. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins, $19
  5. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves, $19.50
  6. Kenji Johjima, Seattle Mariners, $10
  7. Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers, $5.5o
  8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Texas Rangers, $3
  9. Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs, $3
  10. Ramon Hernandez, Baltimore Orioles, $3
  11. Bengie Molina, San Francisco Giants, $3.50
  12. Ronnie Paulino, Pittsburgh Pirates, $3
  13. Jason Varitek, Boston Red Sox, $4.50
  14. A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox, $3
  15. Yorvit Torrealba, Colorado Rockies, $3
  16. Mike Napoli, Anaheim Angels, $3.50
  17. Johnny Estrada, Washington Nationals, $3
  18. Gregg Zaun, Toronto Blue Jays, $3
  19. Kurt Suzuki, Oakland Athletics, $3
  20. Chris Snyder, Arizona Diamondbacks, $3
  21. Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay Rays, $3
  22. John Buck, Kansas City Royals, $3
  23. Jason Kendall, Milwaukee Brewers, $3
  24. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals, $3
  25. Brian Schneider, New York Mets, $3
  26. Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies, $3
  27. J.R. Towles, Houston Astros, $3
  28. Josh Bard, San Diego Padres, $3
  29. Dave Ross, Cincinnati Reds, $3
  30. Matt Treanor, Florida Marlins, $3