2009 Fantasy Baseball Catchers Rankings - #1-20

The catcher position in fantasy baseball is one of the toughest fantasy baseball positions to fulfill with quality players. Every year, it seems that catchers fluctuate statistically more often than others.

Here are the top 20 catchers in fantasy baseball for 2009.

1. Joe Mauer - Catcher - Minnesota Twins

The 25-year-old catcher comes into 2009 as the top overall catcher in fantasy baseball. One of the Twin's most important players, Mauer will deliver a rock solid batting average (.325) with solid home run numbers (10-15) and good run/RBI numbers. Mauer cannot steal bases, but you would do well to acquire Mauer, as he is the best overall catcher in the game.

The thing with Mauer is that premier catchers always tend to be overvalued. Remember, catchers who post good statistical lines normally are equivalent to those of middle infielders, so draft accordingly.

2. Ryan Doumit - Catcher - Pittsburgh Pirates

Doumit came out of nowhere to produce great numbers at the catcher position for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. The Pirates, desperately in need of good batters, greatly benefited from his production. Doumit can undoubtedly help your fantasy baseball team this year. He is in his prime at the age of 27, and he has several solid years in the tank.

Doumit can produce a .300 batting average and nice power numbers for you as well. Don't be surprised to see Doumit approach 25 home runs. His run and RBI numbers should be high as well.

3. Brian McCann - Catcher - Atlanta Braves

McCann is a ridiculously solid choice as your starting catcher, and is a key component in the Atlanta Braves lineup. Expect numbers similar to those of Doumit, and he could even toss in a few stolen bases for good measure. McCann is younger than Doumit, making him the smarter long term play. He is a great find in all redraft leagues and is the third best catcher in the game.

4. Victor Martinez - Catcher - Cleveland Indians

Martinez used to be the consensus top catcher in the game, and he should have a rock-solid offensive year with the Cleveland Indians. Though he suffered from injuries last season, he should be able to rebound nicely and turn in a great year. Look for a batting average close to .290 with 15-20 home runs. The Indians lineup should be good enough for him to drive in close to 90-95 RBIs.

5. Russell Martin - Catcher - Los Angeles Dodgers

Stolen bases from a catcher? Unheard of, unless you have heard of Russell Martin, the catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He won't help or hurt you in the batting average category (.275-.280). However, 10-15 home runs and stolen bases should be expected out of him. At the prime age of 26, he should be good to turn in another great season. The runs will come, but the RBIs may be limited, as the Dodgers' lineup is not exactly anything to write home about.

6. Geovany Soto - Catcher - Chicago Cubs

One of the hottest rookies in 2008, Soto burst onto the scene and produced a stellar rookie campaign. Look for much of the same, with minor batting average regression. A .280 batting average and 20-25 home runs is not too shabby, especially out of the catcher position. Soto is one of the most well-liked players in the game, and you will like the guy too if he is anchoring your catcher position.

7. Mike Napoli - Catcher - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Napoli quietly had a great season for the Angels out of Anaheim. He psoted 20 home runs and a .273 batting average. At the prime age of 27, look for Napoli to continue to build on his stellar numbers. Though the batting averages does not have an immense amount of upside, the power numbers certainly do. Don't be surprised to see Napoli post a .270 batting average with 25 home runs and 15 stolen bases. If he can post that kind of output, it would put Napoli amongst the best catchers in the game...a potential All-Star.

8. Bengie Molina - Catcher - San Francisco Giants

Bengie Molina is getting old, but his production level remains high. The question that every fantasy baseball source will be bringing up is whether this guy can continue to produce at a high level. At the age of 34, don't expect for him to produce too much longer. However, another season with a batting average around .290 and 20 home runs should be expected. Don't let his age scare you away: use it to your advantage and get a stellar value.

9. Matt Wieters - Catcher - Baltimore Orioles

The top prospect in baseball should produce immediately for the Baltimore Orioles, who traded former catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds to make room for the blue chip. Wieters should post a batting average close to .290, and though not much should be expected from the stolen bases part of his game, look for 10+ home runs. Wieters is a fantastic investment for any owners in keeper leagues, but he should produce at a top ten level for the 2009 season. Let's hope that he does not have a JR Towles-like collapse. The guy can rake...get him while you can.

10. Jorge Posada - Catcher - New York Yankees

Posada is a solid catcher, and it is easy for many to forget that, considering his down 2008 season. However, you have to like his chances to rebound and produce at a borderline top-ten level for 2009. Despite being age 37, expect Posada to bat a solid .280 with 10-15 home runs. In the Yankees' lineup, any hitting will produce massive amounts of runs and RBIs, so he could be a bit undervalued. Draft him after the top catchers have been taken.

Numbers 11-20

11. Chris Iannetta - Catcher - Colorado Rockies

12. AJ Pierzynski - Catcher - Chicago White Sox

13. Chris Snyder - Catcher - Arizona Diamondbacks

14. Ramon Hernandez - Catcher - Cincinnati Reds

15. Kurt Suzuki - Catcher - Oakland Athletics

16. Dioner Navarro - Catcher - Tampa Bay Rays

17.Gerald Laird - Catcher - Detroit Tigers

18. Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Catcher - Texas Rangers

19. Rod Barajas - Catcher - Toronto Blue Jays

20. Yadier Molina - Catcher - St. Louis Cardinals