Best Young Catchers of 2007

77smbg9177 · 01-30-2007, 03:47 PM

more on the link
The Hardball Times

When I describe “excellent” potential, I simply mean that the player has a non-trivial chance of being worth 10 wins above a replacement level player at his position during multiple seasons. In other words, these are guys who could be perennial All-Stars. These players usually have all the skills to become complete hitters and at least average fielders at their position.

When I describe “good” potential, I usually am describing a player who has the skills to become an above-average player at the position. Often, these players will have at least one major limitation that probably will prevent them from becoming top-tier players. When I describe “average” upside, I usually am describing a player with more than one major concern or limitation that suggests he probably will become an average player.

Players who are “close to their prime” usually are within a year of reaching a level of performance that will be among the five best seasons of their career.

I don't have a crystal ball and rely heavily on quantitative analysis of hitting and fielding performance to group players. These are simply estimates—any one of these players could be out of baseball at age 26 and any one could become a star. Mostly, I hope this list can help you identify exciting young players who are worth watching in the near future.

Excellent potential, close to prime

Joe Mauer
23 years old | Minnesota Twins
What's left to say about Joe Mauer? He could be to catchers what Cal Ripken was to shortstops.

Brian McCann
23 years old | Atlanta Braves
After a steady rise through the minor leagues, McCann experienced as strong a rookie campaign as anyone could have hoped for. At this time last year I noted that FIPro, my projection engine, suggested McCann was "ready for a breakout year in terms of power; 20-25 home runs is within reach." He didn't disappoint. Despite a career high of 15 home runs in a season before last year, McCann launched 24 in 2006 and emerged as one of the two best young catchers in baseball.

all4phillysportsfan · 01-30-2007, 09:04 PM

McCann is gonna be a great catcher. The Braves have another catcher in their farm system that is probably expendable because of the emergence of McCann.

77smbg9177 · 01-31-2007, 04:06 PM

Also
Colorado C Chris Iannetta
Phillies C Carlos Ruiz
Arizona C Miguel Montero

are all great prospects

77smbg9177 · 01-31-2007, 04:08 PM

o and i can't believe i forgot to metion Pittsburgh C Neil Walker who missed 2 1/2 months last year with injury but when healthy he hit .271-5-38 in hte minors he also hit .290 in the AFL (arizona Fall League)

01-30-2007, 03:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
77smbg9177 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 670	Best Young Catchers of 2007 more on the link The Hardball Times When I describe “excellent” potential, I simply mean that the player has a non-trivial chance of being worth 10 wins above a replacement level player at his position during multiple seasons. In other words, these are guys who could be perennial All-Stars. These players usually have all the skills to become complete hitters and at least average fielders at their position. When I describe “good” potential, I usually am describing a player who has the skills to become an above-average player at the position. Often, these players will have at least one major limitation that probably will prevent them from becoming top-tier players. When I describe “average” upside, I usually am describing a player with more than one major concern or limitation that suggests he probably will become an average player. Players who are “close to their prime” usually are within a year of reaching a level of performance that will be among the five best seasons of their career. I don't have a crystal ball and rely heavily on quantitative analysis of hitting and fielding performance to group players. These are simply estimates—any one of these players could be out of baseball at age 26 and any one could become a star. Mostly, I hope this list can help you identify exciting young players who are worth watching in the near future. Excellent potential, close to prime Joe Mauer 23 years old \| Minnesota Twins What's left to say about Joe Mauer? He could be to catchers what Cal Ripken was to shortstops. Brian McCann 23 years old \| Atlanta Braves After a steady rise through the minor leagues, McCann experienced as strong a rookie campaign as anyone could have hoped for. At this time last year I noted that FIPro, my projection engine, suggested McCann was "ready for a breakout year in terms of power; 20-25 home runs is within reach." He didn't disappoint. Despite a career high of 15 home runs in a season before last year, McCann launched 24 in 2006 and emerged as one of the two best young catchers in baseball. __________________ METS 07 WS CHAMPS i like how that just rolls of the tongue cant wait until that comes true

01-30-2007, 09:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	McCann is gonna be a great catcher. The Braves have another catcher in their farm system that is probably expendable because of the emergence of McCann. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

01-31-2007, 04:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
77smbg9177 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 670	Also Colorado C Chris Iannetta Phillies C Carlos Ruiz Arizona C Miguel Montero are all great prospects __________________ METS 07 WS CHAMPS i like how that just rolls of the tongue cant wait until that comes true

01-31-2007, 04:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
77smbg9177 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 670	o and i can't believe i forgot to metion Pittsburgh C Neil Walker who missed 2 1/2 months last year with injury but when healthy he hit .271-5-38 in hte minors he also hit .290 in the AFL (arizona Fall League) __________________ METS 07 WS CHAMPS i like how that just rolls of the tongue cant wait until that comes true