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2013 Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Closer Rankings

21 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Closer Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.
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1. Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Nathan returned to form with 37 saves, 78 strikeouts, a 2.80 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Other than his 2011 hiccup, he’s been one of the steadiest closers over the past decade.
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2. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Mo is a risk coming off a knee injury, but he should be able to bounce back. His cutter will still be troublesome for opposing batters. This could be his final season and I expect Mo to go out in style.
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3. Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Johnson actually had more saves (51) than strikeouts (41) last year. His peripherals (2.49 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) were good so he should remain a top ten closer.
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4. Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays
Rodney saved 48 games last year with 76 strikeouts. His 0.78 ERA and 0.60 WHIP were ridiculous, but his career marks are 3.75 and 1.36 respectively. His peripherals will go up, but he should be in line for a bunch of saves.
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5. Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Perez has 75 saves over the past two seasons. After averaging a 5.9 K/9 ratio in 2011 he bounced back with a 9.2 K/9 mark. His career ERA is 3.23 with a 1.18 WHIP.
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6. Tom Wilhelmsen, Seattle Mariners
Wilhelmsen is an under-the-radar option. He saved 29 games last year while posting a 2.50 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and 87 strikeouts in 79-1/3 innings (9.9 K/9).
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7. Joel Hanrahan, Boston Red Sox
Hanrahan has 76 saves over the past two seasons, and one would think that the move from the Pittsburgh Pirates to Boston will increase his save opportunities. That said, he will be facing more potent lineups.
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8. Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals
Holland converted 16 or his 18 save opportunities and posted a 1.98 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP when he took over the closer gig. The Royals have an improved rotation, which should provide more leads to protect.
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9. Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
Balfour nailed down 24 saves last year, but posted a rock solid ERA (2.53) and WHIP (0.92). He records approximately a strikeout per inning and he’s nearly untouchable at home (1.06 ERA, 0.69 WHIP).
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10. Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Reed’s positives were his 29 saves and averaging nearly a strikeout per inning. His negatives where his ERA (4.75) and WHIP (1.36). He is only 24 and has good stuff. He should make strides in his second season at closer.
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2013 Fantasy Baseball NL-Only Starting Pitcher Rankings

20 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Starting Pitcher Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.
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1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw was 14-9 with a 2.53 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 229 strikeouts. He’s one of the most dominating pitchers in all of baseball.
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2. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals
Strasburg was forced to shut down last year, but he still managed to go 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 197 strikeouts. The sky is the limit.
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3. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
The lefty turned in another strong performance going 17-6 with a 3.05 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts. His ERA has been below 3.40 in five of the past six seasons.
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4. Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies
Lee was a hard luck case last year, winning just six games despite a 3.16 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and 207 strikeouts. Luck should be more on his side.
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5. Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants
Speaking of hard luck, Cain was the poster boy prior to last year. Cain has a 3.27 lifetime ERA, but reached 15 wins for the first time. Cain went 16-5 with a 2.79 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 193 strikeouts.
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6. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
Wainwright was a solid 7-5 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in the second half last year. He recorded 184 strikeouts on the year. He’s two year removed from his Tommy John surgery. It should be all systems go.
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7. Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
Halladay was off his game (11-8, 4.49 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and will turn 36 this year. He’s a slight risk given those factors, but his ERA was south of 2.80 in his previous four years.
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8. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
Bumgarner was 16-11 with a 3.37 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and 191 strikeouts. His season basically mirrored his 2011 campaign. Look for another step forward for the youngster.
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9. Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers
Greinke went 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 200 strikeouts. Dodger Stadium should serve him well.
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10. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
Cueto was 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 170 strikeouts. He’s been great the past couple of years. He just doesn’t deliver the strikeouts to be a top tier guy.
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11. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals
Gonzalez was an impressive 21-8 with a 2.89 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 207 strikeouts last year. He has a cloud of PED suspicion, which makes me a little nervous. Still he should remain at least a number one NL-Only fantasy starter.
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12. Kris Medlen, Atlanta Braves
Medlen was nearly untouchable last year going 10-1 with a 1.50 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 138 innings.
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13. Mat Latos, Cincinnati Reds
Latos went 14-4 with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and 185 strikeouts. He was 7-2 with a 2.84 ERA after the All-Star Break.
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14. Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers
His WHIP (1.29 lifetime) keeps him out of the elite company, but he’s near the top of the next tier. Gallardo went 16-9 with a 3.66 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP and 204 strikeouts. It was his fourth straight year with 200 strikeouts. Plus, his ERA has always been below 3.90.
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15. Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals
Zimmerman went 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 153 strikeouts. He’s a second NL-Only fantasy starter.
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16. Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks
Kennedy took a major step back last year, but still posted a solid 15-12 record with 187 strikeouts, a 4.02 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.
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17. Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves
Minor figured things out and posted a 2.16 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP after the All-Star Break.
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18. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
The wheels fell off for Lincecum, who went 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He got his form back during the postseason, posting a 2.55 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 17-2/3 innings. He’s a slight risk, but there is a strong chance that last year was a fluke.
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19. Daren Haren, Washington Nationals
Haren struggled last year going 12-13 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He’s much better than that and should bounce back in Washington
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20. Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs
He’ll likely miss the first month of the season, but could be a nice boost when he returns. Garza should give you a solid amount of strikeouts to go with a decent ERA and WHIP. His win total will struggle being on the Cubs, but if he’s traded things could improve.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB | Tagged: 2013 SP rankings, 2013 starting pitcher rankings, fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB, SP rankings, Starting Pitcher rankings |

2013 Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Starting Pitcher Rankings

19 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Starting Pitcher Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.
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1. Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Verlander wasn’t quite as dominant as he was in 2011, but it’s hard to be upset about a 17-8, 2.64 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 239 strikeout season.
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2. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
Price went 20-5 with a 2.56 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and 205 strikeouts.
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3. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
King Felix got paid, but I don’t expect him to rest on his laurels. He had a 3.06 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 223 strikeouts. He’s been brilliant over the past three seasons, but only has 40 wins to show for it.
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4. Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels
Weaver was 20-5 with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. He only recorded 142 strikeouts, but had averaged 215.5 the previous two seasons.
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5. R.A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays
Dickey was amazing last year for the Mets going 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and 230 strikeouts. I’m a little afraid of what the move to Toronto will do to his numbers.
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6. Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers
Darvish went 16-9 and recorded 221 strikeouts, but his 3.90 ERA and 1.28 WHIP weren’t elite. He started and ended the season on fire. In his second season in the Majors, Darvish should have more consistency.
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7. Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
Sale was 17-8 with a 3.05 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 192 strikeouts. He had a 2.30 ERA at home last year. I’m afraid he’ll regress there, but he should still be a quality number two fantasy starter.
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8. C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees
The Yankees don’t appear to be quite the powerhouse that they’ve been in the past as age seems to be catching up with them. Sabathia is trying to come back from an elbow injury, but he’s a workhorse.
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9. Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers
Scherzer went 16-7 with a 3.74 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and 231 strikeouts. He could easily finish among the top 15-20 fantasy pitchers.
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10.Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
Moore took a little time to adjust to big league bats, but judging by his second half, which saw him post a 3.01 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, he should be in good shape in his second year.
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11. James Shields, Kansas City Royals
Shields went 15-10 with a 3.52 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 223 strikeouts. Moving to Kansas City could hinder his win total, but he should continue to produce in the other categories.
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12. Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have been in a bad place the past two years, and Lester has struggled with it. Particularly last year, when he went 9-14 with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He should return to form.
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13. Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays
Morrow sported a 2.96 ERA and 1.11 WHIP last year, but was only able to throw 124-2/3 innings thanks to a oblique injury. He is an injury risk, but is a quality option when healthy.
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14. Josh Johnson, Toronto Blue Jays
Johnson has the ability, but he is oft-injured. Plus his move to Toronto isn’t good for his value. He’s a high risk option that doesn’t quite have the reward we’re used to.
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15. Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox
Peavy went 11-12 last year, but managed a 3.37 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and 194 strikeouts. He has been able to stay healthy for over a year, but that risk is always there.
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16. C.J. Wilson, Los Angeles Angels
Wilson was a solid 13-10 last year with a 3.83 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP and 173 strikeouts. A rough August featuring a 7.99 ERA threw his numbers out of whack. He should be better in 2013.
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17. Doug Fister, Detroit Tigers
Fister was 10-10, but managed a solid 3.45 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. He’s not going to rack up the strikeouts, but he’s solid in the other three starting pitcher 5×5 categories.
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18. Hiroki Kuroda, New York Yankees
Kuroda went 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 167 strikeouts. He’s been extremely consistent throughout his big-league career. The only knock is his age (38), but he hasn’t shown signs of a decline.
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19. Jarrod Parker, Oakland A’s
Parker went 13-8 with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He was 6-5 at home with a 2.61 ERA.
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20. Brett Anderson, Oakland A’s
Anderson has the goods, 2.57 ERA and 1.03 in six starts last year, but his health is always an issue. The reward potential is there if you can stomach the risk.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB | Tagged: 2013 SP rankings, 2013 starting pitcher rankings, fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB, SP rankings, Starting Pitcher rankings |

2013 Fantasy Baseball NL-Only Outfielder Rankings

18 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Outfielder Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.
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1. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kemp was limited to 106 games, but still managed to produce a .303-74-23-69-9 line. At 28 he’s in the midst of his prime and could easily be the top outfielder.
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2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Braun didn’t let the PED rumors affect him with his .319-108-41-112-30 line. He has the goods to be a five-category stud again.
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3. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
McCutchen took the next step by adding power to his arsenal. His .327-107-31-96-20. He’s truly a five-category stud now.
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4. Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
CarGo also produces in all five categories. Last year he posted a .303-89-22-85-20 line in 135 games. He has never played more than 145 games though, which keeps him out of my top four spots.
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5. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
Stanton has power for days too. He’s only 23 and he’s averaged 31 home runs in his three seasons. He should move into 40-HR territory this year. Fifty bombs isn’t out of the question.
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6. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals
Holliday did not suffer from Albert Pujols’ departure. All he did was post a .295-95-27-102-4 line. He puts up a similar line every year.
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7. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
Harper was a little overlooked because of the season than Mike Trout had, but his .270-98-22-59-18 season was a good starting point. Harper was just 19 last year.
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8. Justin Upton, Atlanta Braves
Upton has a new home. He’s a five-category performer and while he doesn’t dominate in any category, he’s solid across the board.
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9. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
Bruce has averaged a .254-87-33-98-9 line over the past two seasons. He’ll turn 26 in April. He could also reach the 40-HR club.
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10. Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves
Heyward bounced back from a soft 2011 season with a .269-93-27-82-21 line. At 23 there is plenty of room for growth.
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11. Shin-Soo Choo, Cincinnati Reds
Choo is a solid contributor in all five 5×5 categories. His move to Cincinnati should be beneficial.
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12. B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves
You’ll have to live with Upton’s .255 lifetime average, but he’s a solid producer in runs, home runs and RBI. Where he really leaves his mark is in the stolen base category. He’s averaged 39 over the past five seasons.
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13. Norichika Aoki, Milwaukee Brewers
Aoki posted a solid .288-79-10-50-30 line last year. His main contribution comes in stolen bases, but he should hit for average and score a healthy amount of runs.
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14. Hunter Pence, San Francisco Giants
Pence has combined for 13 stolen bases the past two seasons after swiping double-digit bags in his first four seasons. That hurts his value. He his hit 20 or more home runs the past four seasons, but could struggle to reach that mark this year. His OPS was .671 after coming over from the Philadelphia Phillies.
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15. Carlos Beltran, St. Louis Cardinals
Beltran played over his head posting a .269-83-32-97-13 line. His OPS was .924 before the All-Star Break and .742 after. He’s still a solid third outfielder, but don’t expect a repeat of the power numbers.
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16. Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ethier bounced back with a .284-79-20-89-2 line after hitting just 11 home runs in 2011. He won’t return to his 2009 numbers, but he should match last year’s production.
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17. Michael Cuddyer, Colorado Rockies
Cuddy was limited to 101 games, but still managed to score 53 runs, hit 16 home runs, drive in 58 runs and steal eight bases. Assuming he can stay healthy, he should put up much better numbers this year.
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18. Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals
Werth is coming off a broken wrist, which makes him a risk. His power was already on the decline. I would target somebody else unless he slides in your draft.
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19. Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals
Craig posted a solid .307-76-22-92-2 line last year. He has injury history, but he’s valuable because he also has first base eligibility.
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20. Martin Prado, Arizona Diamondbacks
Prado can be used at either third base or in the outfield slot. He tends to provide a quality average along with decent run and RBI totals.
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21. Carl Crawford, Los Angeles Dodgers
He’s an injury risk and won’t be ready to start the season. If he can stay healthy, he has big time potential.
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22. Angel Pagan, San Francisco Giants
Pagan is a three category (batting average, runs, stolen bases) contributor. He’s a solid number two NL-Only outfielder.
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23. Cameron Maybin, San Diego Padres
If Maybin could improve his lifetime .314 on-base percentage, he’d improve his counting numbers. He remains a quality stolen base contributor.
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24. Jason Kubel, Arizona Diamondbacks
Kubel offers help in your home run and RBI categories. He has averaged 22.2 home runs and 84.2 RBI over the past five years.
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25. Ben Revere, Philadelphia Phillies
Revere swiped 40 bases last year and 34 in 2011. He doesn’t offer much elsewhere.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB | Tagged: 2013 fantasy baseball rankings, 2013 OF rankings, 2013 outfield rankings, 2013 outfielder rankings, fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB, OF rankings, outfield rankings, Outfielder rankings |

2013 Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Outfielder Rankings

17 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Outfielder Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.
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1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Trout was the MVP in a lot of people’s eyes even during Miguel Cabrera’s Triple Crown. His .326-129-30-83-49 season was historic, especially when you consider he wasn’t called up until the end of April. The sky is the limit for Trout.
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2. Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles Angels
Hamilton has a new home, but his offense should be just as potent. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a four-category stud.
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3. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
Bautista was limited to 92 games last year, but he still managed 27 home runs. He brings big-time power to the table.
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4. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
Ellsbury was limited to 74 games last year and his numbers really suffered. He’s a bit of a risk, but in 2011 his numbers resembled Trout’s last year.
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5. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
Jones took another step forward in the power department, smacking 32 round-trippers. He finished with a .287-103-32-82-16 line.
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6. Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s
Cespedes was able to handle the transition to MLB pitching with a .292-70-23-82-16 line in 129 games. He should be even better in his second year in America.
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7. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays
I love Zobrist for his versatility. I’d likely use him at second base or shortstop before plugging him into my outfield. That said, he has averaged 88.8 runs, 19.3 HRs, 82.8 RBI and 18.5 stolen bases over the past four years.
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8. Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays
Jennings came into 2012 with a lot of hype, but other than runs (85) and stolen bases (31), he was pretty nondescript. He has the tools to add to both power and speed categories.
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9. Alex Rios , Chicago White Sox
Rios bounced back from a hideous 2011 campaign with a .304-93-25-91-23 line. He seems to fluctuate more than other high-end outfielders so he’s a bit of a risk, but when he’s on, he’s a five-category contributor.
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10. Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers
Jackson bounced back with a .300 average after hitting .249 in 2011. He has scored at least 90 runs in his three seasons, twice reaching 103 runs. His home run total has increased every year and he’s better than the 12 stolen bases last year indicate. He has a decent shot of producing a 20-20 season. He could easily be a top 15 outfielder.
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11. Michael Bourn, Cleveland Indians
Bourn is a guy to target if you’re going after the stolen base category. He’s a career .272 hitter so he’s not an asset (or liability) in that category. He should be a solid runs contributor, but don’t expect help in the power categories.
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12. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
Gordon took a step back last year, but there was still plenty to be pleased with his .294-93-14-72-10 line. He’s a solid contributor in all five 5×5 categories.
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13. Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels
Trumbo has 61 home runs over the past two seasons. He doesn’t score many runs or hit for average, but he should provide plenty of power, especially in that offense.
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14. Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees
Granderson’s broken arm drops him out of the top 10, but he’s still a solid second outfielder. He has 84 home runs over the past two seasons, and while he wont’ reach the 40-HR mark a third straight season, he should flirt with 30.
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15. Melky Cabrera, Toronto Blue Jays
Cabrera is a bit of a wildcard coming off his suspension, but he landed in a good place.
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16. Shane Victorino, Boston Red Sox
Victorino’s move to Boston should be a good one. He figures to score a lot of runs and steal a bunch of bases. He should be decent in the home run and batting average categories.
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17. Josh Willingham, Minnesota Twins
Willingham has plenty of power. He smacked 35 home runs with 110 RBI last year. While I don’t expect him to repeat that production, he should hit close to 30 bombs with 100 RBI.
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18. Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
Cruz was finally able to stay healthy, but his numbers declined as he posted a .260-86-24-90-8 line. He should bounce back, but he’s an injury risk.
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19. Ichiro Suzuki, New York Yankees
Ichiro got a jolt from being shipped to the Yankees. He should continue to provide a solid batting average, run total and stolen base total.
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20. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles
Markakis has not reached 80 runs, 16 home runs, or 75 RBI since 2009. He hits for average (.295 career hitter), but does not stand out anywhere else.
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21. Michael Morse, Seattle Mariners
Morse’s return to Seattle doesn’t bode well for his fantasy numbers, despite the improved dimensions of Safeco Field. He has power potential, but he has only reach 500 at bats one time in his career.
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22. Colby Rasmus, Toronto Blue Jays
Rasmus has power, but he is a batting average liability, which minimizes his run and RBI appeal.
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23. Alejandro De Aza, Chicago White Sox
De Aza’s main contribution will come in the stolen bases category. He should provide a decent batting average and run total as well.
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24. Nick Swisher, Cleveland Indians
Swisher has quietly averaged 25.9 home runs over the past eight seasons.
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25. Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers
Hunter is a solid contributor in all five categories.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB | Tagged: 2013 fantasy baseball rankings, 2013 OF rankings, 2013 outfield rankings, 2013 outfielder rankings, fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB, OF rankings, outfield rankings, Outfielder rankings |

2013 Fantasy Baseball NL-Only Catcher Rankings

16 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Catcher Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.
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1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Posey led the Majors with a .336 batting average. He led all catchers with 103 RBI. I’m not sure there is much he can’t do. Last year he finished with a .336-78-24-103-1 line.
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2. Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks
Montero has back-to-back years hitting better than .280 with at least 15 home runs and 86 RBI. He’s been better in the second half the past two years so you’ll have to be a little patient.
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3. Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies
Rosario led all catchers last year with 28 home runs. His .270-67-28-71-4 line was impressive. His home and away splits (.957 OPS vs. .721) are a small cause for concern.
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4. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Molina has been a model of consistency, but blew up last year with a .315-65-22-76-12 line. Even if regression is likely, he should remain one of the league’s top catchers.
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5. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
McCann hit at least 20 home runs for the fifth straight season, but struggled mightily with a .230 batting average. He’s a lifetime .279 hitter so I expect him to bounce back. He’ll miss the start of the year as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but he should be a pretty nice value.
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6. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers
Lucroy was limited to 96 games last year thanks to a broken hand, but he hit .320 with 46 runs, 16 home runs, 58 RBI and four stolen bases. His OPS, which was .881 last year, has improved each year.
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7. Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies
Ruiz put on a display last year turning in a .325-56-16-68-4 line. Unfortunately he got popped for taking performance-enhancing drugs so he’ll miss the first 25 games of the year. He’s a solid option once he returns, but you’ll have to make alternative plans early.
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8. Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets
He wont’ make an impact early, but d’Arnaud could finish the season as solid fantasy catcher option, particularly in NL-Only leagues. Last year he turned in a .333-45-16-52-1 line in 279 at-bats for Triple-A Las Vegas.
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9. Russell Martin, Pittsburgh Pirates
Martin struggles with his batting average, but he is a decent source of home runs and stolen bases.
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10. A.J. Ellis, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ellis had a modest .270-44-13-52-0 line last year. He’s not going to carry you by any means, but at least his average isn’t a hindrance.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB | Tagged: 2013 C rankings, 2013 Catcher rankings, 2013 fantasy baseball rankings, C rankings, Catcher rankings, fantasy baseball, fantasy baseball rankings, MLB |

2013 Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Catcher Rankings

15 March 2013

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Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Catcher Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.
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1. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Mauer doesn’t provide power. Deal with it. He hit .319 with 81 runs, which was the most among catchers. He only hit 10 home runs, but had 85 RBI and eight stolen bases. Four out of five categories isn’t bad.
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2. Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles
Wieters smacked 20-plus home runs for the second season in a row. He really took a leap forward with a career high 83 RBI.
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3. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
Santana had a dip in his power, but still managed a very productive .252-72-18-76-3 line. He’s a solid bet to contribute in runs, home runs and RBI.
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4. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
Perez had an impressive .301-38-11-39-0 line despite being limited to 76 games. He has a bright future if he can stay healthy.
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5. Mike Napoli, Boston Red Sox
Napoli clubbed 20 home runs for the fifth straight year. His 2011 batting average was a fluke, but the power should be there in Boston. Napoli has a 1.107 lifetime OPS in Fenway Park.
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6. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers
Martinez won’t catch this year, but you can take advantage of his eligibility. He’s 34 and coming off an injury, but he brings a big bat to the table. Not to mention, he’s playing in a pretty potent offense with Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder.
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7. Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners
Montero posted a decent .260-46-15-62-0 line. The numbers didn’t quite live up to the hype, but he’s just 23 and the Mariners shortened the outfield dimensions. Look for a jump in power.
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8. A.J. Pierzynski, Texas Rangers
A.J. had never reached the 20-HR plateau until he smacked 27 last year. That number is bound to go down, but he should still put up solid numbers for the Rangers.
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9. Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Twins
Doumit will play a fair share of catcher, but should see plenty of at bats as the primary designated hitter as well. He posted a solid .275-56-18-75-0 line. Staying healthy will be the key, and all of those at bats at DH should help his cause
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10. Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
Avila had a huge drop from his 2011 season when he slugged 19 home runs and drove in 82 runs. He won’t return to that level, but he should top last year’s .243-42-9-48-2 line.
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