2011: Catchers

A catcher calls the game for the pitcher, makes huge plays at the plate, and this year, the position hasn't really had a lot of moves. Pitchers look to catchers for support, someone who can walk out to the mound to figure something out, or their most reliable player. Catchers' knees take a major toll, squatting for hours at a time. They are always there to run out into foul territory, rush to get the bunt, and cover so many positions while doing a routine play. This year the change ups in the catching position were: Mike Napoli was first traded to the Blue Jays and then to the Rangers, and Russell Martin to the Yankees (and those who follow baseball John Buck to the Marlins). But really, look to the catching position to produce similar offense and defense from the 2010 season. Buster Posey, current National League Rookie of the Year, made an impressive stretch with the Giants to help them enter the post-season and then win the World Series. In other news, there isn't much to discuss with the catching position, other than the fact that Joe Mauer has been chose to be on MLB's the Show 2011 cover, even though he was on the 2010 cover. Good luck to all catchers in the 2011 season, and good luck with a healthy and successful year.

Fantasy Outlook: Good catchers are good to have in fantasy baseball. There are star catchers who produce "first baseman" like numbers like Joe Mauer, Victor Martinez, Brian McCann, and Mike Napoli. But there are solid catchers to have who anyone would settle for like: Matt Wieters, Kurt Suzuki, Miguel Montero, and Miguel Olivo. I would be hesitant to pick up Jorge Posada, Russell Martin, or Jesus Montero, because all of them will be sharing time at the catching position with the Yankees, but it does look like Posada will be the Yankees DH. But, he is old, I'm just saying. Any of the Molina brothers would be a good option, and we cannot forget Chooch. Try and get Chooch. And be sure to pick up Buster Posey, especially before Karen does. ;)