We will be posting one of these articles everyday of the week until Opening Day…
1. Joe Mauer – Had such a good 2009 season he got $184 million this off-season, the largest contract ever for a catcher. Mauer might be the best pure hitter in the game. The reigning AL MVP will probably hit over .333 once again and will get consistent RBI opportunities in the Twins decent lineup. The rise of home runs was unexpected and new Target Field will have a huge impact on Mauer’s power numbers. Mauer is without question the best catcher in baseball and worthy of a first round pick.
2. Victor Martinez – Martinez rebounded from injury to have another great year for the Indians and Red Sox. A consistent .300 hitter who plays both catcher and first base, Martinez should hit around 25 home runs in the middle of Boston’s lineup and knock in 110 RBIs. In a position with few consistent hitters, Martinez should be taken in the second round.
3. Brian McCann – The National league’s only all-star catcher, McCann is very similar to Victor Martinez in average and power numbers. He doesn’t play first base yet but is consistent and can knock in 100 RBIs. The Braves lineup is decent with the potential to be great if Jason Heyward meets expectation and Chipper Jones rebounds. McCann should be taken in the late second round or third round.
4. Matt Wieters – He doesn’t have a full season behind him but his second half last season proved he belongs in the majors and the potential to be an all-star. Wieters is a bit of a gamble but since there are only three perennial all-star catchers he is worth the risk. Wieters could hit .300, 15 home runs and knock in 80 RBIs in an average Baltimore lineup.
5. Mike Napoli – A slugging catcher who has hit 20 home runs two years in a row with limited at-bats. Napoli will hit around .275, belt another 20 home runs and knock in 60 RBIs with the playing time he was given last season. If Napoli is given more at-bats he could 30 home runs and knock in 80 RBIs. A middle round pick, Napoli shouldn’t be drafted high since he’ll still be available after the top catchers are taken.
