Fantasy Rankings: Catchers

1. Russell Martin, Dodgers
2. Geovany Soto, Cubs
3. Brian McCann, Braves
4. Joe Mauer, Twins
5. Jorge Posada, Yankees
6. Jeff Clement, Mariners
7. Chris Iannetta, Rockies
8. Victor Martinez, Indians
9. Mike Napoli, Angels
10. Ryan Doumit, Pirates
11. Jeff Baker, Marlins
12. Ramon Hernandez, Reds
13. Dioner Navarro, Rays
14. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics
15. Bengie Molina, Giants
16. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
17. Yadier Molina, Cardinals
    
18. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
19. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers
20. Gerald Laird, Tigers
21. Miguel Olivo, Royals
22. Nick Hundley, Padres
23. Jason Kendall, Brewers
24. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
25. Brian Schneider, Mets
26. Jesus Flores, Nationals
27. Gregg Zaun, Orioles
28. Josh Bard, Red Sox
29. Humberto Quintero, Astros
30. Rod Barajas, Blue Jays
    

Ausmus to the Dodgers

Brad Ausmus, long time major league catcher, has been signed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers to back up Russell Martin. He is a solid veteran presence behind the plate, which will be good for young pitchers like Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. Ausmus will probably spell Martin's duties behind the plate on average of once a week.

There is a large drop off in production from Martin to Ausmus, not to mention that Ausmus is 14 years older than Martin. However, Ausmus will not be a complete disaster while batting. There are very few teams with large offensive production from the catcher's spot in the lineup. I would expect the Dodgers' catching tandem to hit around .275 with 15 HR and 80 RBI, which is solid production from a catcher. But as mentioned before, and not to be forgotten, a veteran catcher such as Ausmus will be an excellent tool to help with the young pitchers, who have such high ceilings, pitch in the majors.