Top 5 Overall Rookie Catchers - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

1. Matt Wieters (BAL)

2. Taylor Teagarden (TEX)

3. Angel Salome (MIL)

4. Carlos Santana (CLE)

5. Buster Posey (SF)

Player Projections and Details

1. Matt Wieters - C (BAL)

Matt Wieters has been compared offensively to fellow Georgia Tech alum and recent Yankees signee Mark Teixeira, and as a catcher he is solid behind the plate. Wieters is considered by many to be the top prospect in all of baseball, and he is a leading contender for the 2009 rookie of the year. He could easily end the season with a .290 batting average, 20-25 home runs, and 80 RBIs, which would likely make him a top-5 catcher for fantasy purposes. At the very least, he should be a servicable starting catcher your fantasy roster. Indeed, he is probably the only rookie catcher worthy of a starting spot in fantasy. As with any rookie, Wieters may struggle at times during the season, but you don't want to miss out on this kid's special bat.

2. Taylor Teagarden - C (TEX)

Out of the current group of young Rangers catchers, it is University of Texas alum Taylor Teagarden who features the best combination of defensive and offensive ability. While Jarrod Saltalamacchia may have a higher offensive ceiling, Teagarden's defense and game-calling expertise should garner him a bit more playing time than his counterpart. Unless Texas is serious about platooning their catchers, Saltalamacchia may end up being traded for a young pitcher, and in that scenario Teagarden's value would rise dramatically. If given the full load of a starting catcher, Teagarden could hit 20 home runs and drive in 70 runs, albeit with a batting average around .250-.260. In a platoon role, Teagarden should still contribute with some home runs, but should only be considered as a backup on your fantasy roster.

3. Angel Salome - C (MIL)

Angel Salome only had 3 at-bats with the Brewers last year, but with Jason Kendall presumably on his last legs behind the plate, Salome should take the veteran's job at some point in the summer. If he's called up by the end of May and given close to 400 at-bats, he could very well hit 10-15 home runs with 60 RBIs and a nice .280 average. Salome looks like the Brewers' catcher of the future, but with little left to prove in the minors, he will be up sooner than you think--particularly if Kendall struggles out of the gate. Don't bother drafting Angel, but keep an eye on his production once he's called up. He could be a serviceable backup on your fantasy team.

4. Carlos Santana - C/DH (CLE)

Acquired in last season's deadline deal with the Dodgers in which Cleveland gave up Casey Blake, young Carlos Santana alone may soon fill the Dodgers' management with a deep sense of regret. Santana is an offensive catcher who projects to put up similar production as Victor Martinez if everything goes right. Unlike Martinez, though, Santana has a good chance to stick behind the plate. Currently blocked in the majors by Kelly Shoppach and Martinez, that could change with just one injury or trade. In a relatively weak class of rookie catchers, Santana's offensive potential could make him an intriguing waiver wire option in the final months of the season.

5. Buster Posey - C (SF)

Last summer Florida State's Buster Posey was a favorite by many to go number one overall in the 2008 draft. While he slipped to the Giants at number five, his immense talent cannot be ignored. He is the total package at the catcher position. With excellent defense and solid offensive potential, he could soon become one of the best catchers in the majors. This year, however, he'll be looking at a long road through the minors to San Francisco. Expect him to be called up by the Giants in September at the latest, but once he's up he will likely be the starting catcher right away. Come fantasy baseball playoff time, he could be the difference between 1st and 2nd place. Then again, he could be irrelevant. Watch out for him though, because he's definitely worth thinking about.

Keep in Mind: John Jaso (TB), Bryan Anderson (STL), Max Ramirez (TEX