Catchers: ADP Rankings
The catcher position is going through a youth movement as youngsters like Buster Posey and Carlos Santana will probably end up as top five producers at this position in 2011. While those two catchers are possible elite talents for years to come, we have other young catchers who are worth taking note of later in our rankings.
Matt Wieters, J.P. Arencibia and even Jesus Montero all deserve some attention from fantasy owners, and all these catchers could end up starting on fantasy rosters this season. Take a look at the top ADP rankings for catchers as listed by Mock Draft Central. As of this article, we are now at March 16th, and most fantasy baseball owners have yet to draft their teams.
While those youngsters are worth paying attention to, we can’t forget about valuable veterans like Miguel Montero, Mike Napoli, Kurt Suzuki, Geovany Soto and old man Jorge Posada. These guys may not be studs, but they will make an impact on fantasy squads this season.
As for ADP catcher rankings, they aren’t an exact science as to how your draft will fall into place, but they can give you a selection range before you head into your draft.
Catcher ADP Rankings
1. Joe Mauer -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 20.29 | 15 | 30 | 2nd Round |
When Joe Mauer isn’t busy playing video games, he’s getting ready for another season behind the dish for the Twins. Unfortunately, this offseason hasn’t been business as usual as Mauer seems to be having issues with another knee problem. Mauer will probably get added rest from playing in the field, but thankfully he’s in the American League, so he can DH and still hit.
Mauer is worth having some concern about, but if you’re a big Mauer fan then I can understand you sticking with your guy.
2. Brian McCann -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 29.33 | 26 | 51 | 3rd Round |
I was a little surprised to see Brian McCann over Victor Martinez as the second overall selection at catcher in Mock Draft Central’s ADP rankings. McCann is no joke and will have another strong season. As I’ve been saying all offseason, I suggest you go with McCann as the top National League catcher because we need to see Buster Posey have a solid sophomore season.
3. Victor Martinez -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 29.66 | 25 | 43 | 3rd Round |
Victor Martinez is only .33 behind McCann in his ADP ranking but I would take the Tigers’ slugger first. Now that Martinez is a full time designated hitter (will backup Alex Avila at catcher) he can stay healthy and focus on his hitting. If Mauer doesn’t show signs of bouncing back from his knee surgery, you should drop down to the third round and look for Martinez as the true top fantasy catcher for 2011.
4. Buster Posey -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 46.48 | 24 | 62 | 4th Round |
If Buster Posey’s spring training numbers are any indication of how he will play this season, this kid is going to be a stud. Posey will hit in the middle of the Giants order, and his natural power stroke suggests he could hit for around 25 home runs this season.
Posey’s only had one good season but then again, this is only his second season in the majors. Bet on Posey having another strong fantasy season in his sophomore season.
5. Geovany Soto -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 99.07 | 73 | 127 | 9th Round |
After a strong rookie season Geovany Soto struggled in his second year but bounce back with a respectable season in 2010. Soto isn’t the as good as the top four on this list and his ADP rankings is an indication of that.
Soto is going in 9th round or lower in most fantasy drafts and to be honest there are still some good catchers after this point. If you’re not solid on taking a catcher high, you can find some nice production in the middle rounds of your draft.
6. Mike Napoli -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 118.53 | 93 | 145 | 10th Round |
I figured Mike Napoli’s ADP would move up from our February rankings but in all actuality, he’s stayed the same, since that time. Napoli is in a perfect situation as the Rangers’ catcher slash designated hitter. The Rangers are committed to getting him in the lineup on a daily basis, and he’s playing in a hitters’ park.
As a tenth round selection in twelve team leagues, Napoli is a great value catcher for your squad in 2011.
7. Miguel Montero -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 123.00 | 102 | 166 | 11th Round |
Manager Kirk Gibson did a good job of bringing in a solid veteran coaching staff to the Diamondbacks and I like the vibe coming from this team. No, Arizona won’t be contending for the Western Title, but they will play better this season, and Miguel Montero should have a good year.
8. Matt Wieters -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 133.24 | 102 | 160 | 12th Round |
The Orioles are going to have a strong offensive team in 2011, and Matt Wieters should bounce back from his down season. Unfortunately, Wieters is projected to hit 8th in the order, but at least he’s got a strong group ahead of him.
Look for Wieters to flash more power and drive in a decent amount of runs. His runs scored will suffer, down in the order, but at this point in your draft, he’s worth a selection.
9. Carlos Santana -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 133.24 | 71 | 180 | 12th Round |
Pay attention to where Carlos Santana’s earliest selection is above as compared to the four catchers in front of him. Santana could go much higher than his ADP indicates if the right fantasy owner in your league believes he’s fully recovered from his knee injury.
Santana looks strong in spring and is hitting with authority. That is a great sign that his knee is doing well, and if you get Santana lower than the 9th round, he’s a steal. Santana will be one of the top five fantasy catchers drafted, by 2012 if his knee holds up in 2011. That should happen, so look for Santana as a better value pick over options like Matt Wieters and Miguel Montero.
10. Jorge Posada -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 153.61 | 107 | 230 | 13th Round |
Jorge Posada is in the twilight of his career but as a full time designated hitter, his ADP ranking is low. Sure, you will have to hedge against his health but the Yankees aren’t planning on using Posada behind the dish and that means he will probably out produce a few catchers listed above him.
11. Kurt Suzuki -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 179.39 | 136 | ND | 15th Round |
The upside is all but gone for Kurt Suzuki, but he’s proven to be a reliable option in the later round for mixed leagues and AL only play. The A’s should be a better team this season and Suzuki will continue to be a productive option. While I like youngsters like J.P. Arencibia, it’s probably a good idea to start our with an option like Suzuki to start the season.
12.Yadier Molina -
| ADP | Earliest | Latest | Projected Round (12 TM) |
| 208.45 | 152 | ND | 18th Round |
Much like Suzuki, Yadier Molina is a decent option to start your season, but you want to keep an eye on young prospects with upside. Molina will hit for a steady average but won’t give you strong numbers in other categories. Depending on where your team needs some help, Molina may be a decent fit, or you may need to find other options, later in the season.
Best ADP’s Rankings Of The Rest
13. Carlos Ruiz – 222.95
14. John Buck – 236.50
15. Miguel Olivo – 240.83
16. Ryan Doumit – 270.29
17. A.J. Pierzynski – 285.62
18. Jesus Montero – 292.60
19. Russell Martin – 305.52
20. Jonathan Lucroy – 314.96
21. Chris Iannetta – 321.11
22. Rod Barajas – 339.72
23. Ivan Rodriguez – 344.65
24. J.P. Arencibia – 358.14
25. John Jaso – 362.74
More 2011 MLB Fantasy Baseball Help
Mock Drafts | Cheat Sheets | ADP | Projected Stats | Player Rankings
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