5. Ramon Hernandez Baltimore Orioles
The only thing that keeps Hernandez locked out of
the top 3 in AL
catchers is the fact he's a super streaky hitter. A productive fantasy player needs to be a
little more consistent than what Hernandez has shown throughout his
career.His 501 ABs in 2006 demonstrate
how durable this guy can be, and the fact that he hits in the friendly confines
of Camden Yards makes him an attractive draft pick in 2007. A 280-20-90 kind
of year is well within reason.
Ramon Hernadez 2007 Projections
|
G
|
AB
|
Runs
|
Hits
|
2B
|
3B
|
HR
|
BB
|
RBI
|
SO
|
SB
|
CS
|
E
|
AVG
|
|
131
|
483
|
67
|
136
|
27
|
2
|
21
|
34
|
77
|
66
|
1
|
0
|
12
|
0.28
|
6. A.J. Pierzynski Chicago White Sox
Pierzynski again hit for decent power (16 homers),
and his .295 average was his highest since batting .312 in 2003. The only problem with A.J. is the fact he
hits so low in Chicago's
potent lineup, which causes him to miss out on some RBI opportunities. The thing that makes Pierzynski attractive on
draft day however, is the fact he's consistent; 3 year averages of .275 AVG, 15
HRs, 66 RBIs. You can expect more of the same in 2007.
A.J. Pierzynski 2007 Projections
|
G
|
AB
|
Runs
|
Hits
|
2B
|
3B
|
HR
|
BB
|
RBI
|
SO
|
SB
|
CS
|
E
|
AVG
|
|
140
|
530
|
65
|
143
|
24
|
0
|
19
|
26
|
70
|
76
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
0.270
|
7. Gerald Laird Texas Rangers
If you're looking for a
sleeper at catcher, then Laird's your man. The Rangers have ceded the catching
duties to Laird, who spent last season sharing the duties with Rod
Barajas.While Barajas is shopping
around for a new deal and a new home, the soon-to-be-27-year-old Laird is
finally getting his chance to show what he can do. He'll be a bit streaky, and
is weaker against lefties as opposed to righties, but there's loads of untapped
power potential in him. Also keep in mind that he hits in one of the best
hitter's parks around in Amerquest Field. Yahtzee!!
Gerald Laird 2007 Projections
|
G
|
AB
|
Runs
|
Hits
|
2B
|
3B
|
HR
|
BB
|
RBI
|
SO
|
SB
|
CS
|
E
|
AVG
|
|
128
|
444
|
64
|
121
|
25
|
4
|
17
|
28
|
62
|
102
|
7
|
2
|
12
|
0.270
|
8. Jason Kendall Oakland A's
Kendall, once
regarded as one of the better backstops in fantasy baseball has been reduced to
a single category catcher.His power
numbers (if you call them that) have diminished in the last 5 years while his
strikeouts have trended upwards. He has only hit 4 homers in his last 1,727 ABs
and has been reduced to hitting for a solid average.At best, he's nothing more than a lower
tiered type catcher in AL-only league formats and a #2 type catcher for you
mixed leaguers.
Jason Kendall 2007 Projections
|
G
|
AB
|
Runs
|
Hits
|
2B
|
3B
|
HR
|
BB
|
RBI
|
SO
|
SB
|
CS
|
E
|
AVG
|
|
140
|
535
|
69
|
149
|
24
|
0
|
0
|
49
|
46
|
44
|
8
|
3
|
6
|
0.280
|
