FanHouse positional rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of the Fantasy FanHouse staff. What happens when a 24-year-old hits over .300 with 23 bombs, drives home 87 and even manages to swipe five bags? Well, in fantasy baseball he becomes known as a pretty solid young player. When he plays the most shallow position in fantasy leagues, though, he becomes fantasy gold. Brian McCann was that man last year, and he sits atop FanHouse's 2009 fantasy catcher rankings as a 25-year-old.
More comments after the rankings.
1. Brian McCann, Braves
2. Russell Martin, Dodgers
3. Geovany Soto, Cubs
4. Joe Mauer, Twins
5. Victor Martinez, Indians
6. Ryan Doumit, Pirates
7. Chris Iannetta, Rockies
8. Bengie Molina, Giants
9. Mike Napoli, Angels
10. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
11. Ramon Hernandez, Reds
12. Kelly Shoppach, Indians
13. Jorge Posada, Yankees
14. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
15. Dioner Navarro, Rays
16. Yadier Molina, Cardinals
17. Kurt Suzuki, A's
18. Matt Wieters, Orioles
19. Jeff Clement, Mariners
20. Gerald Laird, Tigers
21. Jesus Flores, Nationals
22. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers
23. Miguel Olivo, Royals
24. John Baker, Marlins
25. Rod Barajas, Blue Jays
• Really, this position isn't near as shallow as it has been in recent memory, due to the emergence of several promising, young stars.
• Watch the Texas catching situation. Salty hasn't come along quite as strong by now as the Rangers hoped he would, and Taylor Teagarden -- who ended up 26th in our rankings -- is knocking on the door. Being a Ranger means a healthy lineup and ballpark in which offensive stats can be piled up.
• Iannetta had long been a favorite of fantasy ballers yearning for power from the catching position. Of course, we've seen busts before (J.D. Closser, anyone?) in Colorado, so the disappointing 2007 season scared many off Iannetta for good. Last season, Iannetta broke through with 18 homers in only 333 at-bats. He'll turn 26 this year, and he's going to continue development. You could do much worse.
• Believe it or not, Bengie Molina had 95 RBI last year. Guess what? The Giants lineup isn't worse.
• Deep, deep sleeper? Watch out for Baker in that young Marlins offense. He hit .300 last year with five home runs in just under 200 at-bats.
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