2009 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers: Catchers

1. Chris Iannetta, COL
In only 104 games, the 25 year old blasted 18 HRs to go along with 65 RBIs in 2008. He's been announced as the starter and could easily post top 5 catching numbers in 2009. With a consistent lineup spot, I would expect his overall offensive numbers to improve this season and he could post a batting average close to .280. Playing half his games in Coors Field boosts his value but he showed his offensive prowess by posting a .897 OPS on the road in 2008. It's widely assumed that there is a big value dropoff after the big 5 (Mauer, McCann, Soto, Martin and possibly Martinez) are off the board but the position is much deeper with promising youngsters like Iannetta behind the plate.

2. Mike Napoli, ANA
He's the magical age of 27 and provides a great amount of power, but injury concerns could cause him to slip on draft day. He did have off-season shoulder surgery and is unsure to be available on opening day so monitor his progress as the season approaches. In only 78 games in 2008, Napoli hammered 20 long balls and totaled 49 RBIs to go along with an impressive .586 SLG %. He should see a significant increase in playing time in 2009 as the Angels may use the slugger at designated hitter in games when Jeff Mathis is the catcher.

3. Bengie Molina, SF
The 34 year old Molina is the Giants' No. 1 catcher and most likely their cleanup hitter this season. There are some negatives to be aware of as he's surrounded by one of the weaker lineups in the league and plays half his home games at pitcher friendly AT & T Park. Molina is also coming off a career year where he posted personal bests in doubles (33) and RBIs (95). Don't be afraid to draft him if he slips based on his age but also be aware that Pablo Sandoval may steal some playing time in 2009 when he's not playing 3b.

4. Ramon Hernandez, CIN
The move to hitter friendly Great American Ball Park could be just the jolt that the 32 year old back stage needs to re-enter the top 10 fantasy Catchers in 2009. Hernandez figures to hit in the 8-hole for a young but very explosive Reds lineup and he could see his numbers approach his career year in 2006 (23 HRs and 91 RBIs) if he can stay healthy. He dealt with a wrist injury last season and has seen his average decline in each of the past four seasons (hit .257 in 2008) so a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered.

5. Kut Suzuki, OAK
Suzuki is penciled into the leadoff hole for a much improved A's lineup with the off-season additions of Matt Holiday and Jason Giambi. His limited power potential (only hit seven HRs each of the past two seasons) limit him to more of a # 2 fantasy catcher but he does possess above average speed and the plate discipline to hit in the .285-.290 range in 2009. The 25 year old should post solid fantasy numbers across the board and his HR and RBI numbers could see a boost now that he has a full season under his belt. He led the AL in innings caught in 2008 and should see the bulk of the playing time again in 2009.