Catcher Tiers

The initial rankings, with write-ups and 2008 stats are available here.

Catchers are pretty tough to split up because you either get one of the top dogs, or you don’t. Obviously Weiters, Martinez, and Doumit have a realistic shot of putting up top-tier numbers

1	Joe Mauer – MIN	Injury concerns are the only issue.
2	Russell Martin – LAD	Expect a decline in stolen bases, but a possible increase across the board
3	Brian McCann – ATL	Could easily be number one on this list
4	Geovany Soto – CHC	Barely slips into the top tier – must show improvement
5	Ryan Doumit – PIT	Full time gig means 25 HR Power should be put to use
6	Chris Iannetta – COL	Almost .900 OPS, and should be spread over more than 333 AB in ’09
7	Mike Napoli – LAA	A Powder Keg
8	Victor Martinez – CLE	Bounce back year, or injury plagued year? where’s everyone playing?
9	Bengie Molina – SF	Where’s he batting in the dull, boring, SF line-up
10	Kelly Shoppach – CLE	.27 BB/K but Shoppach can mash
11	Chris Snyder – ARI	Nice potential, unfortunately Montero will snag AB
12	Jorge Posada – NYY	400 AB would be nice
13	Matt Wieters – BAL	How long until he’s up with the big-club?
14	Jeff Clement – SEA	Break-out year. Looks like he’ll finally get a shot to prove he’s not a 4A Player
15	Ramon Hernandez – CIN	Looks to have the starting gig in a very friendly ballpark
16	A.J. Pierzynski – CHW	Consistant, very consistant – expect a slight decline
17	Jarrod Saltalamacchia – TEX	As long as he can fight off Teagarden, he can hit – Last shot for Salty
18	Dioner Navarro – TAM	Decent line-up, and solid potential.
19	Miguel Olivo – KC	Royals resigned Buck, but Olivo’s got the talent
20	J.R. Towles – HOU	Last years favourite sleeper, should have a solid year.
21	John Baker – FLA	Great numbers last year — .840 OPS, 32 RBI, 32 R in 200 AB
22	Brandon Inge – DET	Will play all around the diamond, who knows when he starts though
23	Gerald Laird – DET	Nice pick-up, has solid power potential.
24	Kurt Suzuki – OAK	Boring, but consistant. Wont hurt you.
25	Jesus Flores – WAS	Nationals line-up is getting better day by day, Flores could be a sleeper
26	Jason Varitek – BOS	Sentimental?
27	Jason Kendall – MIL	Iffy.
28	Rod Barajas – TOR	Solid fill in when he gets hot.
29	Jeff Mathis – LAA	There’s the potential to blossom in a great LAA line-up.
30	Taylor Teagarden – TEX	If he can snag the job from Saltalamacchia he’ll be dangerous
31	Nick Hundley	Number 1 on the depth chart but that’s the only thing he’s got going for him

This will be edited and upgraded as often as possible.