My Current Top 10 MiLB Catcher Rankings
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 21, 2010 1:49 PM EDT
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PrintJust a DISCLAIMER before I start: I did not include any recent draftees, current prospects in the majors, or anyone younger than 19 (Sorry Gary Sanchez! Just wanted a larger sample size).
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There's been a lot of debate over how the current crop of minor league catchers rank, so I figured I'd give a stab at it, along with showing their current numbers. Obviously, not all of these guys will stick at catcher (Most notably, my top 2 ranked guys).
1.) Jesus Montero (20) - AAA - 10 HR, .271 BA, 36/57 BB/K
There's not much I need to say here, except yes, he more than likely will not be a catcher. But as of this moment, he still plays catcher, so I decided to leave him on the list. Still only 20, he has begun to break out of his early season slump to up his batting average over the .270 mark. Not bad for a 20 year old in AAA.
2.) Wil Myers (19) - LoA/HiA - 10 HR, .305 BA, 58/66 BB/K
The 2nd guy who's bat is so good with so/so defense, which may cause him to move from behind the plate. But his bat is just so good. Really impressive numbers, and gotta love the BB/K ratio. With all of the talent on the infield currently in the Royals system, I figure they'll give him every chance to stay behind the plate, but could see him easily moving to the OF as well.
3.) Derek Norris (21) - HiA - 5 HR, .231 BA, 48/47 BB/K
One of my favorite guys, has had a power outage, mostly due to injury. The batting average is pretty low, especially since he's already 21 in HiA. But you gotta love the BB/K ratio. I can see him finishing the season strong then having a huge bounce back year in AA next year. I have to mention he is also a candidate to move from behind the plate, but I think the Nats have faith in him, which is another (but obviously not the only) reason for moving Harper to the OF.
4.) Hank Conger (22) - AAA - 5 HR, .265 BA, 40/42 BB/K
I feel that this guy gets under rated a lot. Has the skills to atleast be a league average defender, but is holding his own with the bat with a great eye (40/42 BB/K). I think as his power develops, he will turn more heads.
5.) Tony Sanchez (22) - HiA - 4 HR, .314 BA, 28/41 BB/K
One of the better defenders, I can see Sanchez moving fast through the Pirates system. While his batting average has been excellent, I see him more as a defense first catcher, although he will still put up respectable numbers otherwise.
6.) Austin Romine (22) - AA - 6 HR, .275 BA, 33/66 BB/K
The better defensive minor league Yankees catcher, but certainly not the better hitter. If he continues to improve, he could be the one to replace Posada. The question is, will he ever hit enough up to the Yankee standard, or will he also be used as trade bait...
7.) Wilson Ramos (22, almost 23) - AAA - 4 HR, .224 BA, 12/48 BB/K
A good prospect in his own right, but I think he tends to get a little over rated, especially after all of the Cliff Lee talk. Is good behind the plate and is going to hit for good average for a catcher, but I don't see too much power for him. Is struggling a little at AAA, so needs more time there.
8.) Travis D'Arnaud (21) - HiA - 6 HR, .273 BA, 18/46 BB/K
I think he's the better long term solution behind the plate than Arencibia. Is putting up a pretty respectable season behind the plate. Could easily see D'Arnaud and Arencibia as a future platoon until D'Arnaud truly breaks out to take over a full time role.
9.) JP Arencibia (24) - AAA - 28 HR, .321 BA, 28/68 BB/K
Arencibia is definitely a love/hate candidate for most. He's already 24 and while his power is off the charts, I can see him getting eaten up by big league pitchers. His plate discipline has not been bad this year, but his track record is not very good. Vegas isn't exactly a pitchers park either, so I'm sure some of that power won't translate. I'm sure some won't agree with me.
10.) Devin Mesoraco (22) - HiA/AA - 20 HR, .316 BA, 30/56 BB/K
This guy definitely goes under the radar. He has great hands behind the plate, and has finally had a true breakout season. Could easily move up the list.
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Feel free to leave comments, thoughts, and expert opinions.
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Mesoraco
I would absolutely take him without thinking twice over Ramos, D’Arnaud and Arencibia. I don’t have an issue with taking Romine ahead of Mesoraco, though I feel I could make an argument to take Mesoraco before Romine.
I agree
I could have put him much higher. I admit, he’s the guy I know the least about, but he can easily climb the list ahead of the guys you mentioned.
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 21, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
He's the biggest breakout
so it’s tough to suddenly put him at the top of lists, but Doug’s right, Mes belongs in the conversation with best hitting prospects at the position. Doug deserves full credit for sticking by him the last two years when everyone else wrote him off.
by blackoutyears on Jul 22, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but it's starting to become a pretty significant period of time
He killed the ball in Advanced Single-A, and more importantly, he maintained his stunning performance after the big jump to Double-A. And that’s after seeing his BABIP drop from .361 in A+ to just .299 in AA.
I’m really big on Mesoraco right now. The guy’s batting .316/.386/.624 between the two levels with 19 doubles, 4 triples, 20 homers, 30 walks and 56 strikeouts in 322 PA.
The Reds could have quite the situation on their hands with Mesoraco and Yasmani Grandal.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Believe me
no one’s bigger than Mesoraco than me. I do understand why others are tentative though. If you’re trying to convince me that he looks legit then you’re preaching to the choir.
by blackoutyears on Jul 23, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Mesoraco/Grandal
For me, it seems it isn’t much of a situation. Grandal’s scouting reports suggest that one day he may be what Mesoraco is showing right now, but with less power and doing it as a switch hitter rather than a strictly RHH. Not too sure I see it being much of an issue unless Mesoraco falls off big time moving forward, which I don’t see considering the only real improvement he has made is the power improvement which is in part to leaving the FSL, being healthy and of course, getting older.
Yeah, but it looks like the Reds will have two everyday-quality catchers on hand pretty soon
I didn’t mean to imply that Grandal would usurp Mesoraco, I prefer Mesoraco to Grandal, too. But Grandal doesn’t really project to have one of those bats that’s so good that it’ll play anywhere, so presumably his value will be maximized as a catcher.
I’m merely speculating that if both guys emerge as quality regular catchers, and that’s a big if as we’ve seen with Texas’ big trio of Salty/Teagarden/Ramirez, it seems likely that the Reds would be best off trading one of those two to fill a bigger hole.
Obviously that situation is a way’s away though.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Conger
Conger, a first-round pick from Huntington Beach in 2005, injured his throwing arm on a swing and was placed on the disabled list Tuesday because of a right rotator-cuff strain.
It was not known Tuesday how serious the strain is or whether it might require surgery, but the injury has to be a concern to the Angels because Conger was relegated to designated hitter because of shoulder problems for much of his first four minor league seasons.
His arm is still messed up and his blocking and receiving aren’t great. Hank Conger the 1B does absolutely nothing for me. At that point he’s like… Ryan Shealy?
Also, Tyler Flowers is still terrible as well. (I’m aware you didn’t mention him)
Bullpen Banter
www.bullpenbanter.com
twitter: @alskor
Oof
I was not aware of that injury. I agree, taking him out from behind the plate and putting him at 1B wouldn’t do anything for me either.
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 21, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
See, I disagree here
I think if Conger was put at 1B or DH full time his bat could really breakout. He’s still plenty young and has shown a strong grasp of the strikezone the last two years against advanced pitching.
http://bullpenbanter.com
Yeah.. Conger is too high
My top five would probably be Montero, Myers, Norris, Mesoraco and Romine/Sanchez
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 21, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Is there any information that his blocking and receiving aren't great?
I’ve heard he is average behind the plate. I also think that the expectation that he is going to get moved off catcher (which has so far failed to materialize) has a lot of people sleeping on him.
Considering he has shown up relatively well so far as a 22 year old in AAA (and being a highly rated prospect out of high school), it is interesting how often he gets overlooked in the pecking order by same age catchers hitting in High A and the like (for example, the top 10 posted below, without Conger in it).
by TheQuestforMerlin on Jul 21, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
DiGiovanna's blog isn't particulary accurate
Glossing over the fact that Conger was drafted in 2006 (not 2005), he has not been “relegated to designated hitter because of shoulder problems for much of his first four minor league seasons.”
In 2008, Conger rehabed a shoulder injury that did not require surgery, and he essentially did not catch that year. In 2009 and 2010, his playing time has mostly been as a catcher, and the limited games he played as DH were not due to any shoulder issues. Unless someone has more information than what has been reported publicly about the present injury, it is far too soon to make any judgments about its severity.
Too bad Tony will miss the rest of the year after taking a pitch to the face
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A lot of people agree with you
This tear he is on is one of the best I’ve seen in years. I just don’t think it will translate the same way to the big leagues, especially with his probability of swinging and missing.
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 21, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Comp to Mike Napoli
Can someone give me a strong case for what in his mechanics and approach makes you think he’s significantly better than Mike Napoli at the big league level?
by realitypolice on Jul 22, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Mike Napoli
Is easily one of the Top 5 hitting catchers in MLB.
Fat man is no more,
Bursting on through Heaven's Door
Come on in, says Bill
33/424 = 7.7%
Your math is terrible.
And he’d have even more games at catcher if it weren’t for Scioscia’s idiocy.
Probably just talking about this year.
Isn’t he the 1B replacement for Morales on the Angels?
On a desperate search for Sunshine at Nats Park.
The nice thing about stuff like this is that it's really easy to look up
This season, Napoli’s gotten into 87 games. 51 games at catcher, 33 games at first base, 1 game at designated hitter, and 2 games as a pinch-hitter.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm big on Carlos Perez
If the bat comes along, he’s an elite catching prospect.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
my top 10
1. Jesus Montero
2. Wil Myers
3. Wilin Rosario
4. JP Arencibia
5. Devin Mesoraco
6. Austin Romine
7. Gary Sanchez
8. Travis D’Arnaud
9. Tony Sanchez
10. Derek Norris
1/3 defense; 1/3 power and line drive drought; 1/3 woman's intuition
by gogotabata on Jul 21, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
made me laugh
and then nod my head in agreement.
A few caveats
- I’ll agree on his defense; I’m somewhat concerned that his future is as a 1B/DH
- It’s premature to be too concerned about his power. Norris had surgery on his hamate bone last fall, and it’s an injury that’s notorious for sapping power long-term. If he’s still not hitting for power next season, then it’s time to be seriously concerned.
- As for the line drive rate, you really should have a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to minor league batted ball data. From my knowledge, the different stringers in each ballpark often score fliners differently, so the line drive/fly ball data isn’t particularly accurate. The GB data is generally accurate, and the FB/LD data combined is accurate. But individually, LD and FB rates from the minor leagues are iffy at best.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
he's a good test case
I don’t disagree w/ anything you state, but I still stand behind my lower ranking; I don’t think it’s ridiculous to rank him anywhere from say #3 to #12 on a catchers list. If he were still raking (that is, if he didn’t have the hamate injury and corresponding slippage), I’d grudgingly have him up higher, but it’s how these questions coalesce: because I’m not sure he stays behind the plate, I weigh his offensive performance and health, etc., much higher than I would otherwise.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him bounce back, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him turn into Chris Marrero or something either . . .
I don't know... with that .412 OBP there's still a lot to like
Once you factor in BABIP and his hamate bone injury, his numbers really aren’t down much this year.
I think people are overreacting about his batting average and slugging percentage far too much right now.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
HBP
Everyone also forgets that he got hit in the head with a pitch this year that gave him a concussion. We saw how D. Wright was when he came back from getting Hit in the head w/ a pitch. All things considered him still having a .412 OBP is great. He’s still atleast a top 5 catcher in the minors.
Very good list
But, you need to move Norris up to at least 5-6, probably 4. I like seeing Sanchez getting some love!
I don't know the other guys that well...
…but I did see Norris in person during Zimmermann’s most recent rehab start (before today). Didn’t get to see too much of his receiving because Zimmermann hit the glove pretty well and they weren’t stealing off of him. At the plate, the hamate bone stuff may be slowing his bat speed. Typical Norris, I believe in that I think he worked a walk, a deep count, and was hit by a pitch to take some steam out of the opposition. I remain slightly concerned about injury issues because I think that’s two or three times this year he’s gotten stung for crowding the plate. He was beaned earlier this year and the HBP he took in the game I saw stung his nonthrowing hand pretty good even though he remained in the game.
On a desperate search for Sunshine at Nats Park.
Good list but if you’re going to include Gary Sanchez, you have to include Carlos Perez. Perez is much more likely to stick at catcher and is putting on a hitting clinic at a level higher than Sanchez.
he's also 2 years older than Sanchez
Though at the short-season level, stats matter much less than scouting. It’s hard to make judgments about Sanchez’s defense at this point because he’s only 17 (though the stats don’t look pretty now).
http://www.theyankeeu.com
Perez’s scouting report is through the roof. Outstanding eye, above-average athleticism, strong hitter, good defender, outstanding make-up.
I was simply not well informed on Perez
Color me impressed; he’d definitely be scratching at my top 10.
That's a good stab
Rosario was notably missing from the original list for me.
by blackoutyears on Jul 22, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Wilin Rosario is definitely one of the top-10 catchers in the minors right now. I’d definitely take him over Ramos, at least.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not ready to dump Ramos
I think he’s coming around and getting back to good contact. I’d contend that he and Rosario actually seem very similar. Rosario just about doubled his home run total in the last three weeks. That’s awesome, but he did look somewhat more pedestrian through the end of June. And it’s not like he walks a lot either. I like him, but he actually looks a lot like Ramos: good power, low walks, good defender.
by blackoutyears on Jul 23, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that Rosario has more upside than Ramos though
The low walk totals are similar, but Rosario has more power potential, and I don’t think that Ramos can match Rosario’s absolute rocket of an arm.
They’re close, but I’d take Rosario.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
If "he more than likely will not be a catcher"
then why make him the #1 catching prospect. I like the post, but come on.
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
Craig Kimbrel is my #5 Brave's starting pitching prospect
but all signs are that he will likely work out of the pen
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
by fourfingerwoo on Jul 21, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
lol Understood
The fact that both Montero and Myers are both catchers now, even if they are more than likely to move in the future, made me list them. This is a list of ‘current’ catchers, and they do fit that bill. They are both the consensus #1 & 2’s at the position and are clearly in Tier 1. So I also considered making a Top 10 Tier 2 prospects.
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 21, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
If he left Montero off of the list, it would generate a lot more controversy.
by Kenneth Arthur on Jul 21, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Why?
Does anyone actually believe that Jesus Montero is going to stay at catcher?
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Christian Betancourt ATL
Might be jumping the gun here…but reports have him playing excellent defense along with some promise to his bat. Maybe next year he makes a jump.
I was just about to ask what he's done this year and how his development is progressing...
I wanted to know how he compared to Gary Sanchez as a young catcher and whether or not he warranted discussion about the catcher’s list…
"When Justin Upton faces Lincecum, I think Christ might appear in the heavens, and the world will end." -JakeFree
Ok..
He’s 18 now, and turns 19 in September. He’s playing in the Sally league in Rome…while not overly impressive numbers, there have been good reviews on his defense. Little power but I think he develops some more..
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=542194
by smscardinals1 on Jul 21, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Bethancourt
He’s progressing with the bat but this kid’s arm is like non-other for an 18 y.o. kid! If he doesn’t work out as a C the Braves will certainly move him to the mound dude has a true 80 arm. would probably hit upper 90s to low 100s on the mound that’s just how hard this kid throws but he’s still having trouble blocking the plate, way too many passed balls.
Holy crap Batman
I like this list a lot, probably the best catcher list I’ve ever seen
especially if Willin Rosario, and maybe either Sanchez, Betancourt or Flowers is H.M.
*LuCroy graduated i do believe to the Brewers otherwise he’s probably deserving of the #10 spot honestly…
ohh and Josh Tholeeeeeeee stinks, that is all (the Mets aren’t even playing him regularly is defense MUST be lousy)
all in all great job
Wow Blackburn makes nearly identical money as Baker does now....
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jul 21, 2010 5:32 PM EDT reply actions
Josh Donaldson
Not having a great year but holding his own. Power is there(15Hrs), on base skills are there(10% walk rate). Just needs to hit a bit more average. Now sure how he is behind that plate tho.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
I like him too
Not sure if he’s a Top 10 guy, maybe more HM, but power, discipline, strong arm, and quick release- not much not to like IMO. I think he gets overlooked a lot.
Yeah I dont know if hes a top 10 guy or not.
But hes in the discussion for 8-12 range I think.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
Yeah me too.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
Agreed.
If Stassi improves his contact ability, he’s going to be really, really good.
Although I don’t like to see that Stassi isn’t really making adjustments (9-for-40 with 20 strikeouts in July).
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I’m really not sure what to make of the bat right now, but at least he’s getting praised for his defense. His bat has been the opposite of what I expected. The reports coming out of HS were that he had a good contact ability and line drive stroke, but was lacking in current power.
Yeah. He cane up for a few games.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
Donaldson is #8 on my list
below average behind the plate, he has played other positions before. I think he even has played a bit of 3B.
by Navi's_Navy on Jul 21, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
this is true
he’s played a few games at 3b since the Cubs traded him to the A’s, not too many, like 20 or so
by PrincetonCubs on Jul 21, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
big boost if he has to move off catcher and can play a passable 3rd base.
Not sure how feasible that is, but with Kurt Suzuki they might decide to get him playing time somewhere else. As a catcher, his bat plays really really well, and if he weren’t in an organization with a table young catcher at the major league level I’d feel more confident with him.
Still a top 100 guy for me. Decent potential across the board with the bat, and his defense shouldn’t be atrocious if he has made it this far while still playing catcher.
Definatley good players at the catching position right now in the minors. My top 10
1) Montero
2) Myers
3) Conger
4) Arencibia
5) T. Sanchez
6) Norris
7) Romine
8) Donaldson
9) Mesoraco
10) G. Sanchez
11) D’Arnaud
12) Ramos
Top 10 might all be top 100 guys for me, would still have to hear stuff on G. Sanchez.
I like d'Arnaud more than Donaldson, and Conger is too high for me.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 22, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with...
Montero and Myers being 1-2 and I think that everyone agrees that Conger is much too high especially after his injury. The thing I don’t get is Norris over Sanchez. Why? What is Norris doing that makes him better than Sanchez? His numbers and defense are both well behind what Sanchez has shown.
ETHAN MARTIN!!!!
I'll give you better defense
Sanchez is better behind the plate, there’s no question. I just think Norris has more power potential and love his ability to get on base. His power will come around once he’s further away from his injury. And I ranked Norris 3rd and Sanchez 5th, so its not like it’s a HUGE gap between them. Especially since looking back I’d move Conger down.
by OraNge DusTT on Jul 22, 2010 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we need to go over why Norris' 2010 numbers aren't that bad again
- His power is down, but he’s coming off hamate bone surgery. Hamate bone injuries are notorious in baseball for sapping power long-term.
- His .292 BABIP is far below the Carolina League’s average BABIP of .341
- Norris’ line drive rate can’t totally explain that low BABIP, because minor league line drive/fly ball numbers aren’t particularly accurate. Different stringers in different parks will label fliners differently, so in some ball parks they’re considered line drives and in others they’re considered fly balls.
- His OBP is still awesome at .412
- He’s got more walks than strikeouts, and his 19.6% K rate is somewhat high but tolerable given his walk rates
If Norris is still struggling in this manner come next season, color me worried. But right now I still consider Norris one of the best catching prospects in the game until swayed in another direction.
I like baseball.
I write for Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times Fantasy
by Satchel Price on Jul 23, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
defense is also an issue
people are worried he might be forced to move to 1B, which would deplete nearly all of his value
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