Top 5 Sleeper Catchers

by Eric Schneider, Updated Tuesday, February 12, 2008

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I've never been the type of fantasy player to jump on one of the top catchers. I always felt it was better to get a player who could offer better overall stats at another position, than selecting a certain player just because of position scarcity. Because of this, I inevitably ended up with players such as Jason Kendall or A.J Pierzynski as my starting catcher. While they did offer me decent stats on the season and I'm sure are both very nice people in general, I knew exactly what I was getting; nothing better than previous seasons and hopefully nothing worse. A few years ago I reached an epiphany. Since I knew what the ceilings were of the catchers I was selecting, why not be bold and choose an up and coming prospect with ability and a starting job that might hit it big. If his season was less auspicious than I had anticipated, there most likely would be a catcher on the wire I could snatch up that would give me decent stats. Turning this new strategy into a reality, two years ago I waited until the last round of the draft and chose a young catcher with potential that had ended the previous season on a mini hot streak. His name was Brian McCann. Needless to say I was very happy with his breakout season. Continuing this strategy last season, I waited until the 16th round and chose another young catcher by the name of Russell Martin. Moral of the story, when you miss out on Victor Martinez, or my boys Brian McCann and Russell Martin, take a flier on my following favorites, but don't gloat too much come midseason.

Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia

Last season, Carlos Ruiz caught the eye of the Phillies and stole the starting role from veteran Rod Barajas early in the season. Ruiz hit 6 home runs, with 54 RBI, a .259 average, and added 6 stolen bases; any steals from a catcher are huge, just ask last season's Russell Martin owners. Well, Barajas has fled north of the border and the job is solely Ruiz's. Ruiz put up very nice minor league numbers, hitting 17 homers in 2004 and 16 in 2006, showing he does have power; it's just developing. He also was a career .278 hitter in the minors, with the last few seasons seeing him hit .300 or better. Ruiz has the ability, he just needs to learn the strike zone and develop patience at the plate, which he will. When the top catchers are off the board, Ruiz can make a nice backstop with an extremely nice upside. Double digit homers, 70 RBI and a .275 average should be just the worse case scenario, especially in that potent lineup. Ruiz is just entering the prime of his career, has loads of potential, and can offer another source of steals which can make the difference in a winning fantasy squad.

J.R. Towles, Houston

Already having produced uber youngster Hunter Pence, the Astros might have found their catcher for the next 10-15 years. Sure it was only 14 games at the end of the season, but a .375 batting average, 15 hits and 12 RBI is enough to warrant J.R. Towles sleeper status in my book. At age 23, and already in the majors, Towles has the ability and potential to be the best of this bunch. Adding to the tale that is J.R. Towles are his minor league numbers which suggest greatness may be on the way. Just three seasons in the minors saw Towles hit .301 for his career, hit a high of .346 in 2005, slug double digit homers and swipe double digit steals in two of the seasons, stop at all three minor league levels in his final season, and bake some cookies for his mama along the way. Brad Ausmus might be the only thing standing in his way of stardom, as he signed a one year deal to stay in Houston. The Astros swear he is not a threat and only there to mentor Towles, which can be a good thing considering Ausmus's favorable track record with pitchers. If I seem giddy over Towles...I am. Let the other owners snatch up aging backstops and reap the rewards of J.R. Towles.

Kurt Suzuki, Oakland

What do Johnny Bench and Kurt Suzuki have in common? Well, both are catchers and Bench presented Suzuki with the Johnny Bench award for the nation's top collegiate catcher in 2004. Hoping to continue the good fortune, Suzuki will build on his solid rookie season which saw him finish with 53 hits, 7 home runs, and 39 RBI, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Pessimists will point to his paltry .249 average and .327 OBP, but don't follow their lead. Suzuki's best attribute is his plate discipline, which is evident from his strong walk to strikeout ratios from the minors, and rarely seen in players this young. Another nice trait is his defensive prowess which will allow the A's to be patient with him even if he may struggle early on. Oakland is a young team and will give him every opportunity to prove himself. A .270 average, 15 home run, 70 RBI season is definitely attainable, and you may be pleasantly surprised. I'm picking Suzuki with full confidence and praying every night he has a career like Johnny Bench.

Chris Iannetta, Colorado

A popular sleeper choice before last season, Chris Iannetta struggled to find his niche and bounced between the majors and minors. Iannetta put up strong minor league numbers, ending with a career .303 batting average, 33 home runs, and 141 RBI in four seasons. His solid play has believers salivating over his offensive potential and comparing him to a young Mike Piazza. Another thing, showing the stars are aligned for Iannetta is the fact that half his games will be played in Coors Field, and I think we all know how that can help a player's offensive numbers, just ask any member of the "Blake Street Bombers." Hopefully manager Clint Hurdle won't give in to the offensive mirage known as Yorvit Torrealba that surfaced during the Rockies improbable post season run and give Iannetta his time behind the plate. The Rockies are a young explosive offense and hitting can often become contagious. My guess is Iannetta wins the starting job within the first few months, if not spring training, and proves his potential. Keep his name in your back pocket on draft day, and I expect a thank you card in midseason.

Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay

At one point a big time Yankee minor league prospect, Dioner Navarro has bounced around his first four seasons in the majors despite showing promise. Last season was Navarro's first in which he was entrusted with a fulltime role and the best way to describe it was a tale of two halves. Overall, Navarro's numbers left much to be desired. He finished the season with a .227 average, 9 homer runs, 44 RBI, and an anemic .286 OBP. A closer look at his numbers reveals the real answer. Pre all-star break Navarro hit .177 with 1 home run and 13 RBI, pretty pedestrian. However, post all star break, Navarro raised his average to .285, while knocking 8 dingers, and driving in 31 RBI, showing the ability that earned him the reputation of being a top minor league prospect four years ago. The Rays are a young team and are committed to seeing their Navarro project through. Also rumored is that the oft portly Navarro is in the best shape of his career this offseason and understands this is his chance to excel. Navarro is only 24, still has plenty of time to round out and show his true ability, and will make for a nice sleeper this 2008 season.