Celtics Loss Lowers Expectations

Curt Schilling’s Video Game Company 38 Studios Lays Off All Employees

Sox Rebound in Rubber Match after 4-1 Loss to O’s

Philly Writer Calls Boston Sports Fans “Bigoted” and “Racist”

TGIF: 2009 Catcher Rankings

We have less than one week left until pitchers and catchers report to camp. It’s amazing how time just passes you by these days. The catcher position is arguably the hardest position to fill in this game. With such a shallow pool of elite catchers to choose from, it is hard to gauge whether or not it is worth it to reach for one early or just wait on one for later. In your standard league, you have 12 teams drafting. If you want a top-tier catcher, you find yourself reaching for it come draft day.

Without further delay, your 2009 catchers…

1. Brian McCann-Atlanta Braves
2. Joe Mauer-Minnesota Twins
3. Geovany Soto-Chicago Cubs
4. Russell Martin-L.A. Dodgers
5. Ryan Doumit-Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Victor Martinez-Cleveland Indians
7. Chris Iannetta-Colorado Rockies
8. Mike Napoli-L.A. Angels
9. Bengie Molina-San Francisco Giants
10. Dioner Navarro-Tampa Bay Rays
11. John Baker-Florida Marlins
12. A.J. Pierzynski-Chicago White Sox
13. Jorge Posada-New York Yankees
14. Kurt Suzuki-Oakland A’s
15. Jeff Clement-Seattle Mariners
16. Chris Snyder-Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Ramon Hernandez-Cincinnati Reds
18. Yadier Molina-St. Louis Cardinals
19. Kenji Johjima-Seattle Mariners
20. Kelly Shoppach-Cleveland Indians

Hey, don’t forget…

Matt Wieters-Baltimore Orioles

It is no secret that I love my rookies. I reached very early in all three of my leagues last season for Cubs’ catcher Geovany Soto and it turned out incredibly well. If I was going to repeat the same feat in ’09, Weiters would be my man. The super prospect has been absolutely murdering the ball in the minors with a .345 avg and 15 HR for Single-A and a .365 avg and 12 HR for the AA Bowie Baysox. He won’t be there opening day, but after a brief time in the minors to start 2009, Wieters will look to join the Orioles and make a huge impact.

Pablo Sandoval-San Francisco Giants

At the end of last season, the Giants knew they were going nowhere and decided to call up numerous young players from their minor league system. Sandoval benefited from his bref stint (41 games) with a .345 avg, 3 HR, and 24 RBI in 145 AB. He played mostly at first base in his time, but he also played enough at catcher to reach eligibility. He’s another low-risk guy you can steal at the end of drafts.

Taylor Teagarden-Texas Rangers

Even though he only played 16 games last season, he produced some decent numbers for owners who were making hot pickups during league championships. During his September stint, T.T. produced a line of .341, 5 HR, and 16 RBI. He has a good chance of winning the starting job out of Spring Training. Even if he doesn’t, can Jarrod Saltalamacchia really hold on to it? Teagarden had more HR than Saltalamacchia last season and he did it in 45 less games.

Next Week: Closers

Tags: Brian McCann, Fantasy, Geovany Soto, Joe Mauer, Russell Martin, Ryan Doumit, TGIF