Monday, February 27, 2012

Best Player By Position Now: Catchers

New type of series of articles coming out, featuring who we think are the top four players at their respective position are, to date. The first feature is about catchers, so lets count 'em down!


4) Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks

This was a tough decision, no doubt about it. I was deciding McCann or Montero, and both had similar, above average statistics. McCann has been the better career player, but the question is who is the best player NOW, which is Montero. Montero sported a .820 OPS in 2011, .13 points shy of his career high set back in 2009. Montero did set a career high in walks and RBI last season, shattering his previous records by a serious margin. Montero is a big part of the nucleus that has been laid out in 'Zona, and he's definitely a big part of it.

3) Alex Avila, Tigers

Now means now, which means Victor Martinez is not on this list because of the torn ACL he suffered this off season. And now Avila will step into more of a spotlight, where he was shadowed last year by Martinez's brilliant performance. I'll be honest with you, I never knew Avila was alive until the Rangers played the Tigers in the ALCS. You have to give the man credit however, he was second among catchers last year with a .895 OPS, a .506 slugging percentage, and was second in walks.There's no doubt Avila will do great in the absence of V-Mart.

2) Mike Napoli, Rangers

Napoli made a name for himself in 2011, and not only benefited himself but the Rangers franchise in general. Besides Yu, Napoli has been the hottest selling jersey on the market for Rangers fans, and NAP-O-LI chants can frequently be heard at and around Rangers Ballpark. Those fans have a great reason to cheer. Napoli led all catchers with 30 homeruns in 2011, a 1.046 OPS (ridiculous), and .631 slugging percentage. That's some pretty astounding statistics, and he was also a goon behind the plate gunning down baserunners in key playoff situations and had a remarkable pitchers ERA when he was catching. Napoli deserves the long term contract he desires.

1) Joe Mauer, Twins


Even not playing for some of 2011, Mauer is still the best in the business. He has all the endorsements. He has all the awards. He has all the stats. What he needs is a supporting cast around him that will better Minnesota's playoff chances and not take a major step backwards like what they did in 2011 after being division champs in 2010. Mauer will have a rebound year in 2012, and so will the Twins if they can get their shit together.


HONORABLE MENTION: Brian McCann, Carlos Santana, Matt Wieters 

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