2009 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: C

He is most likely fantasy's top backstop for 2009. McCann played a career-high 145 games in 2008 but the workload caught up to him as he only hit five home runs in the second half. At only 24 years old a .300/25/100 season is very attainable.

What he lacks in power, Mauer will likely be tops among catchers in average, runs and RBI's. Hitting ahead of Justin Morneau is a gold mine for fantasy production. He won his second batting title in three years and finished second in the AL in on-base percentage, walking nearly twice as often as he struck out. As he enters his prime, a case can be made that he is the #1 fantasy catcher in 2009.

He may need a reduced workload to regain top form. The steals are always a help and taking him ahead of Soto or Mauer would be OK for a balanced speed team. He could have 3B eligibility which would boost his value and I'd expect a bounce back year of .290 avg., 20 HRs, 90 RBIs and 10 steals.

Reigning NL ROY is on the verge of elite status in his sophomore season. His average will be a bit less than the Big 3 but he has the potential for 25 HRs.

The 27 year old has had a history of injuries but 2008 marked his breakout season. His career best 15 home runs and the 34 doubles in 2008 were impressive as was his .318 batting average and .858 OPS. He's still a bit of an unknown and is unproven but could be a great value on draft day.

He could be bargain coming off a disappointing 2008 but make sure you draft an adequate backup that can account for a possible power outage. I would expect him to bounce back to form as Cleveland will keep in the lineup as much as possible by giving him games at 1B. A .300/20/100 are not out of the question.

The consistent 34 yr old veteran is showing no signs of slowing down. Another .280 / 20 HR season seems likely for the Giants cleanup hitter.

A breakout season is very possible in '09. He has .300/20+ potential in Coors, but doesn't get the same RBI chances hitting in the 8-hole. The guy has rare patience for a catcher and had the 2nd best OPS (McCann #1) among catchers in 2008. With more regular at bats in 2009, the sky's the limit for the unproven 26 year old backstop.

He has 20 HR potential but the average will be weak and is an injury risk. We'll give Napoli credit for one thing: Napoli doesn't project as an everyday player because his swing has many holes. With a younger and defensively superior Jeff Mathis behind him, Napoli will be in a platoon all year which limits his fantasy appeal in '09.

Might be worth overpaying in keeper leagues. He'll be a hot name on draft day but could very well be the next great fantasy catcher. The 22-year-old Wieters is a super prospect. He posted a 1.054 OPS, a .355 batting average and an 76-to-82 strikeout-to-walk ratio in two minor-league stops in 2008. Track his progress in spring training as the Orioles only other option is ancient Gregg Zaun.

A 37 years old catcher coming off shoulder surgery = draft with caution. He's likely to only play in 100-125 games but the Yankees may get him into the lineup at 1B/DH. A return to his 2007 season form is unlikely (.338, 20HR, 90RBIs) but the Bronx Bomber lineup could make him starter worthy in 2009 if he can stay healthy.

Upside remains, but may not see regular playing time. A trade is a possibility as the Rangers are loaded in the catcher department. He is an injury risk and is questionable defensively so a position switch is also possible. Regardless, his 11 HRs in 2007 is a sign of his potential. He has the upside of a top 10 catcher if he can get regular at bats.

The first time all star in 2008 has the contact skills to remain productive in '09. At 25 yrs old, he'll be starter worthy if the power numbers improve.

AJ is a reliable source of solid mixed production at the catcher position. Pencil him in for another 15 HR season with around 60 runs and RBI's with an average that hovers around .280.

Can count on everyday job with Detroit. If he remains healthy, a .280/15/70 season could be in the cards. At age 29, Laird still has the potential to make a Fantasy impact but he does move from a great hitter's park (Texas) to a pitcher-friendly one (Detroit).

The 25 year old top Mariner talent may be primed for breakout year. He has 20 homer power but is not going to help in average (strikes out a lot). He could also get some time at DH when Johjima starts behind the plate.

This late bloomer could be this season's Ryan Doumit. Baker is a late-developing 28-year-old that posted a .299 batting average to go along with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. He could win an everyday job and will at least start against right-handed pitchers. His upside is limited but could be worth the gamble as a # 2 catcher.

Could benefit from change of scenery with the Reds (great hitter's park). He hit .272 with 11 home runs over the final four months of 2008. Could be a bargain if he can stay healthy.

Molina is the Cardinals everyday catcher as evidenced by his career highs (444 at-bats and 56 RBI) in 2008. He batted over .300 with a strikeout rate (one every 15.3 at-bats) better even than most leadoff hitters'. The power is limited but he is a very consistent option.

If he wins job, he's worth a look. Teagarden came in with a bang in 2008 by hitting six home runs in 47 at-bats. The Rangers are loaded with catchers (Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Max Ramirez) so playing time will be the biggest hurdle for his fantasy value. His power is top notch but monitor spring training as its likely that Salty will start the season as the #1 catcher.