Fantasy Baseball: Top Catching Prospects For 2011

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 26, 2025 11:35 PM EST in Events

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Here is an early look at the top catching prospects for 2011-for fantasy purposes. This list may differ from lists that John or other prospect experts provide as this list gives you an idea as to which catchers may get some playing time in 2011.

Sure, there are catching prospects, like Gary Sanchez, who will be highly ranked by the experts, but for fantasy purposes, he has little value for 2011. You can draft a catcher like Sanchez as long as you are in a keeper/dynasty league, or where you have other pieces to package him to upgrade your roster for 2011.

So, onto the Top catching prospects for 2011:

1. Jesus Montero, NYY-I slotted Montero at #1 as he has the best bat amongst catching prospects in baseball. He had a slow start to the 2010 season in AAA, but had a strong finish. He hit .289-.353-.517 with 21 HRs and 75 RBIs as a 20 year old in AAA. He may not stay at catcher, but as of now, he is slotted to get plenty of at bats there in 2011.

2. J.P. Arencibia, TOR-Arencibia will be the Blue Jays starting catcher in 2011, after John Buck left for free agency this offseason. Arencibia hit .301-.356-.626 with 32 HRs and 85 RBIs in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League in 2010. He should provide nice power numbers, but could strikeout a bit too much.

3. Hank Conger, LAA-Conger could be the Angels catcher in 2011. He hit .300-.385-. 463 with 11 HRs, 49 RBIs and an excellent 58-55 K/BB ratio. Actually, Conger showed solid plate discipline in AA in 2009 as well, with an excellent 68-55 K/BB ratio. Conger should provide a good BA with a little bit of pop in 2011.

4. Wilson Ramos, WAS-Ramos is slated to be the starting catcher in Washington in 2011, and should hold the spot warm for catching prospect Derek Norris who could be ready by mid-2012.

5. Tyler Flowers, CHW-Flowers should be the White Sox starting catcher in 2011, but there is some question if he can hit at the major league level after hitting just .220-.334-.434 with 16 HRs and 53 RBIs in AAA in 2010. He struck out 121 times in his 346 at bats last year, to go with his 55 walks, so he will have to cut down on the strikeouts to keep the job in 2011. Some of his troubles are attributed to him altering his swing during the season.

6. Devin Mesoraco, CIN-Mesoraco finally had his breakout season in 2010, which saw him hit .302-.377-.587 with 26 HRs and 75 RBIs at three levels. He will have to work on his defense behind the plate after having 10 passed balls and 4 errors in 18 games in the AFL, but apparently the Reds front office love his leadership skills. He could see some time in Cincinnati in 2011 if he can show 2010 was not a fluke.

7. Wilin Rosario, COL-the Rockies traded starting catcher Miguel Olivo a few weeks ago, and appear to be slowly giving up on catcher Chris Iannetta, so I think Rosario could be the Rockies starting catcher at some point in 2011, should he prove he is healthy after mid-seaso knee surgery. In 270 AA at bats, Rosario hit .285-.342-.552 with 19 HRs and 52 RBIs. Guys at Baseball America say he could hit 20-30 HRs in the big leagues. Wow.

8. Tony Sanchez, PIT-with the way the Pirates are turning over their roster the last few years, I can see Sanchez being the starting catcher in Pittsburgh in June 2011. Sanchez hit .314-.416-.454 with 4 HRs, 35 RBIs and a solid 41-28 K/BB rate in High A in 2010. Some believe he can be an above average catcher, both at the plate and behind the plate.

Others: Wellington Castillo-CHC, Michael McKenry-COL, Lucas May-KC

Keeper Leagues

Keeper league owners should have a different strategy with regard to prospects, as the top catching prospects will have some value should the owner decide to take on a rebuilding strategy. A rebuilding strategy involves drafting and trading for the top major league ready prospects, along with dealing for cheaper salaried keepers. I employed this strategy in one of my NL-only keeper leagues in 2010. Here are some catching prospects with the most keeper league value for 2011, not mentioned in the list above:

1. Wil Myers, KC

2. Derek Norris, WAS

3. Gary Sanchez, NYY

4. Yasmani Grandal, CIN

5. Austin Romine, NYY

6. Travis d'Arnaud, TOR

7. Sebastian Valle, PHI

8. Christian Bethancourt, ATL

9. Carlos Perez, TOR

10. Max Stassi, OAK

Poll

Which catcher has a bigger fantasy impact in 2011?

Montero

483 votes

Arencibia

363 votes

Ramos

75 votes

Conger

95 votes

Flowers

41 votes

1057 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 78 comments | 0 recs |

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Read More: John Buck (C - FLA), Miguel Olivo (C - SEA), Chris Iannetta (C - COL), Josh Donaldson (C - OAK), Jesus Montero (C - NYY), Austin Romine (C - NYY), J.P. Arencibia (C - TOR), Hank Conger (C - ANA), Tyler Flowers (C - CWS), Wilson Ramos (C - WAS), Devin Mesoraco (C - CIN), Wilin Rosario (C - COL), Tony Sanchez (C - PIT), Carlos Perez (C - CHC), Max Stassi (C - OAK), Derek Norris (C - WAS), Yasmani Grandal (C - CIN), Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Florida Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates

Comments

Mesoraco v. Grandal

Ray, out of curiosity, who do rate more highly between the two for the long run?

by Lark11 on Nov 27, 2025 12:02 AM EST reply actions

excellent question

I go back and forth on this question and am leaning toward Mesoraco for the sole reason that he has more experience in the minors. If he is available in my NL only league 2 round minor league draft, I will draft him with one of my 2nd round picks. I discount the 10 passed balls in the AFL and attribute it to him being tired. But some experts think Mesoraco is a real mess behind the plate.
Even stil, he can hit, and that’s what counts in fantasy, although good defense will get a catcher more PT.
I asked Doug Gray about Mesoraco in a PP chat, and he is high on him as well, fwiw.

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 27, 2025 12:09 AM EST up reply actions

Of course he is...

Doug’s not exactly what I’d call “reliable” when dealing with Reds prospects, unless you’re prepared to mentally make major bias adjustments for whatever he says.

That said, I agree that it’s Mesoraco. Grandal still has some question marks, and has virtually no real professional experience. Mesoraco meanwhile has shown the capability to hit at the highest levels of the minors, and his AFL sample probably isn’t a great judge of his defensive abilities given the fatigue issues likely at play.

Now writing for BaseballInstinct.com

by Franchise887 on Nov 27, 2025 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

In Chicago I'm hearing a lot of talk about how the White Sox don't think Flowers can catch at all in the majors

I’d be shocked if he’s their guy in 2011. I think they re-sign AJ or bring in Olivo.

www.zekeishungry.com

by thejd44 on Nov 27, 2025 12:26 AM EST reply actions

Very Well Done

Nice first list. I like the way you took two approaches for both 2011 and long-term. Of course I don’t agree with everything but its an opinion and I respect it. Thanks and keep up the good work.

by forloveofthegam3 on Nov 27, 2025 12:54 AM EST reply actions

Oh one small suggestion

I suggest adding a page break so it doesn’t take up the entire page of the minorleagueball home page.

by forloveofthegam3 on Nov 27, 2025 2:31 AM EST up reply actions

+1

*Pete Rose is my BFF

by Blacksox2010 on Nov 27, 2025 8:20 AM EST up reply actions

will do

my bad. Let me see if I can make that change now

Ray Guilfoyle
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www.minorleagueball.com

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 27, 2025 9:02 AM EST up reply actions

small correction John

Montero was 20 this season. He turns 21 tomorrow.

by Travis G on Nov 27, 2025 2:19 AM EST reply actions

*Ray

by Travis G on Nov 27, 2025 2:20 AM EST up reply actions

good catch

will change article

thanks

Ray Guilfoyle
www.faketeams.com
www.sbnation.com
www.minorleagueball.com

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 27, 2025 9:03 AM EST up reply actions

Nitpick

I think Robinson Chirinos has a better chance of making a fantasy impact as a catcher with the Cubs than Welington Castillo does. Chirinos has better defense and is more likely to stick in the majors than Castillo, imo. I also think he has a higher offensive ceiling than Castillo…although his likelihood of reaching that ceiling is pretty unclear.

by Outshined_One on Nov 27, 2025 2:28 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know about that, though both are interesting sleepers. Those in ZiPS-based DMB leagues might want to snag Castillo if he’s still on the waiver wire since his MLEs are fairly excellent.

by limozeen on Nov 27, 2025 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

Is the absence of Montero from the keeper list based on the assumption he'll move off the position?

by nivarsity on Nov 27, 2025 2:35 AM EST reply actions

The keeper list in amongst all non-mentioned prospects

On the 2011 list.

by QuinnTheEzkamo on Nov 27, 2025 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, my bad.

by nivarsity on Nov 27, 2025 2:52 AM EST up reply actions

what is the current thinking on

Josh Donaldson?

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 27, 2025 10:17 AM EST reply actions

Underrated

by killa on Nov 28, 2025 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

Mesoraco

I wouldn’t trade him for any of 2-5 ..

I heard Tim Lincecum will win 1 Cy Young & 11 Tim Lincecums. Question is, how many Cole Hamels will he win?

by the pinstripes on Nov 27, 2025 10:59 AM EST reply actions

I don't have a lot of faith in this wave

Montero: The bat is absolutely legitimate, but catching seems very unlikely

Arencibia: Well, he has power, but will he provide anything else? I worry that the K’s will really kill him in the majors, but he is a decent fantasy option if he holds onto the job (since defense doesn’t matter)

Conger: I don’t think there’s any chance Sciosca plays him behind the plate, and at first base, I’m not a believer in that bat.

Ramos: He will be a good defender, but I really dislike the bat.

Flowers: Way overhyped last year. The defense is awful and the bat has plenty of questions.

Mesoraco: Big fan of him, especially if he can refine his defense next year. I’m not sure he’ll get much MLB time in 2011 though.

Sanchez: He should be a decent fantasy option in the Yadier Molina mold, but will be significantly more valuable in real life.

http://bullpenbanter.com/

by Jeff Reese on Nov 27, 2025 11:03 AM EST reply actions

amusingly,

the word on flowers is that his defense is quite acceptable now. if he’d only quit striking out so damn much, his offense might be.

by larry on Nov 27, 2025 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Arencibia

I’m not overly concerned about his K rates. He’s been 18-24% through the minors and should settle in that range as a pro after a year or two. I think by his third year his K:BB should be safely under 3 and the other true outcome should be prevalent enough to compensate.

I’d be more interested to see if he’ll end up being a .280 BABIP guy or a .320 BABIP guy. That and his defence will end up determining what he’ll be as a pro.

by ayjackson on Nov 27, 2025 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed on Mesoraco

Long term he looks very promising but I don’t expect him up before the end of the year with Hernandez re-signed and Hanigan still here to share time. Both of those guys did suffer some injuries this year despite only playing about half the time, so there may be some opportunities. Even then, Rick Sweet, the Louisville manager, said that he thought Mes had room for significant improvement behind the plate, so unless Mes makes rapid strides I’d expect Corky Miller to get the call as usual. The Reds have absolutely no need to rush Mesoraco, and a full year in Triple-A still gets him to the bigs as 23-year-old.

by blackoutyears on Nov 29, 2025 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Montero's Fantasy Value

Assuming BA and their scouts are right and he won’t be an average catcher, wouldn’t he get the min # of innings at catcher to make him a stud back there?

by JMonteroFanatico on Nov 27, 2025 11:23 AM EST reply actions

my bad, Montero, JP and Ramos, et al. are all off the board in keepers

by JMonteroFanatico on Nov 27, 2025 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

Unless your league using fielding percentage or something.

I don’t know how how Jesus’ bad defense affects his fantsy outlook for 2011.

by Lolmoarpl0x on Nov 27, 2025 1:02 PM EST reply actions

if he can't handle the position, he's going to have trouble finding plate appearances.

i understand most fantasy leagues use counting statistics or something.

by larry on Nov 27, 2025 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

questions about Montero's status as a catcher for fantasy are way overblown.

I think it’s a slam-dunk he’ll get enough time behind the plate each year to qualify at catcher in fantasy leagues. The Yankees have said they’re committed to giving him every chance there. He doesn’t have to catch 140 games for you to play him there in your league.

by PissedMick on Nov 27, 2025 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

this post was about 2011.

by larry on Nov 27, 2025 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, my comment definitely applied to the broader question of Montero as a fantasy catcher...

but he should enter most fantasy leagues catcher-eligible in 2011, and should get enough ABs overall to top a weak class of rookie catchers. By the time the end of the season rolls around, he should have plenty of games behind the plate to qualify in 2012 as well.

by PissedMick on Nov 27, 2025 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not sure I believe them

It’s one thing to play Posada there, but Montero is as athletic as he’s ever going to be. He’s already a poor catcher, why jerk him around when you can just install him at DH or trade him to a team needing a first baseman? It makes sense to continue with the catching rhetoric; I’m just not sure it’s actually going to happen.

http://bullpenbanter.com/

by Jeff Reese on Nov 27, 2025 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

Why jerk him around when you can just install him at DH?

Because athleticism isn’t as important a factor in catcher defense as you think. Peak athleticism is what, early 20s? Most catchers don’t establish themselves until 25 or so. If the Yankees think Montero’s got the tools needed to be serviceable at catcher, it would be immensely stupid for them to negate any defensive value he might have.

by PissedMick on Nov 29, 2025 12:06 AM EST up reply actions

Does anyone think he has the tools to play catcher?

My main point is that he’s already considered a well below average catcher. What is he going to look like when he gets a bit older and less mobile? It seems like it would be more detrimental to keep him back there, at least to me.

http://bullpenbanter.com/

by Jeff Reese on Nov 29, 2025 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

He has plenty of tools to play catcher.

The arm is certainly not a problem. He’s not a guy you’d call athletic, but he certainly is more athletic than many catchers. The problem is that he’s a 20-year-old catcher in the high minors, and he’s not good at it yet. The problem is skills, not tools.

Have you seen Gerald Laird and Yadier Molina? You don’t have to be Mike Trout to be acceptable behind the plate.

by PissedMick on Nov 29, 2025 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

No, the problem is tools as well.

He’s big and slow. His reactions aren’t great and while his raw arm strength isn’t bad, his footwork and throwing mechanics are pretty close to atrocious.

When we talk “athleticism” in catchers we’re talking about blocking pitches, moving behind the plate, etc… Montero is big and slow and not good at these things now. jar75’s point is what pretty much everyone is concerned about. He’s not going to get any more mobile and his reactions aren’t going to get any quicker. I’ve brought this up before, but he’s been described as “sluggish” by more than one person. I haven’t the faintest idea where people started talking up his athleticism. He is NOT more athletic than most catcher by any stretch. He’s fairly athletic for a guy that size - which is to say, not very athletic at all. This discussion has occurred more than once here and I’ve posted a bunch of quotes showing how he’s not considered athletic from Callis, et al.

Here’s a post I made when someone else made this claim:

Find me a reputable source calling him a good athlete.

His big, thick build doesn’t provide much agility defensively, and he’s only expected to get bigger, which will almost assuredly mean a move to first base.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9872
Already huge at just 17, he’s expected to get bigger, and already lacks agility behind the plate.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6957
He’s big and sluggish, has problems blocking the ball, his arm is below average, and he has little carry on his throws.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8536

Montero is somewhat stiff and lacks agility behind the plate
His modest athleticism and below-average speed probably preclude a move to the outfield or third base, a position he played prior to signing.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2009/267149.html

It’s really, really, really hard to find a scout who thinks Montero will stay behind the plate. He has a decent arm but tools even play down a tick because of his lack of athleticism and quickness

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat//id/28584/mlb-with-ben-badler
We don’t know if Montero can play left field, but that’s the only other possible opening and he’s no lock to be able to handle that.
/id/29549/mlb-with-jim-callis" target="_blank">http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/29549/mlb-with-jim-callis

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/12/31/1228281/new-york-yankees-top-20-prospects#28028196

Someone added this more recent quote by John Manuel to that:

I would add that you should never say never, so I would disagree that there’s 100% certainty of him not catching. But if he catches everyday, even for a year or two, that would be a big surprise. Have you seen this guy? People used to write or talk about Joe Mauer being too big to catch, which was ignorant because of Mauer’s athleticism. But Montero is bigger than Mauer; almost as tall, much bigger, stockier, and much less athletic. So he’s not going to be an MLB everyday catcher.

Bullpen Banter
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twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Nov 29, 2025 10:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

nobody knows anything about

Donaldson? or no one cares… which is it?

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 27, 2025 6:14 PM EST reply actions

He's unlikely to be even remotely significant

at least in 2010

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

www.domingobeisbol.com/Domingo/Home.html

by hero66 on Nov 28, 2025 1:25 AM EST up reply actions

2010?

that was a lot of help.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

Suzuki

I don’t think Donaldson sees much time with Suzuki getting most of the playing time.

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

isn't that something we kind of already know?

was kind of looking for a projection of donaldson as a player… maybe that means in order to reach his potential he’ll need to move to another organization.

Thnx.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

He's likely to have more real-life value than fantasy value I think

More of a doubles than HR guy, more of an OBP guy than an AVG guy.

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

www.domingobeisbol.com/Domingo/Home.html

by hero66 on Nov 28, 2025 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

supposed to have very good catching skills?

y or n? had high CS rate in 2010.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Strong arm, has receiving trouble from what I understand

Played a lot of 3rd and 1st as well. He’s not Romine back there, but he’s not D’Arnaud either.

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

www.domingobeisbol.com/Domingo/Home.html

by hero66 on Nov 28, 2025 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

Or you could have politely said you were wondering about his future past 2010

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

www.domingobeisbol.com/Domingo/Home.html

by hero66 on Nov 28, 2025 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

2010 has already past

if you didn’t already know.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

nothing like attacking someone for making a typo.

by larry on Nov 28, 2025 12:01 PM EST up reply actions

Not really a typo

Just not thinking straight. I’m sure he knew what I meant, however.

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

www.domingobeisbol.com/Domingo/Home.html

by hero66 on Nov 28, 2025 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

I don't need anyone to tell me that he's blocked by

Suzuki. That wasn’t the purpose of coming here to look for insight into Donaldson as a player.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

considering this is a post about fantasy impact in 2011

your comment wasn’t exactly clear on what you were looking for.

by larry on Nov 28, 2025 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

maybe.

a lot of Q & A have been about long term player impact.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 28, 2025 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

+1 to Larry's comment

I wasn’t clear as to what he was asking either

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

cool that.

I thought the Qs were more reality than fantasy based. no problem. If you have anything more to add on donaldson, go right ahead.

Thnx.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 29, 2025 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

Id be pretty surprised if he ever spent much time (if any) as a MLB starter.

Bullpen Banter
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twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Nov 28, 2025 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

why?

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Nov 29, 2025 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think he's a catcher defensively, at least a starting catcher.

Some have raised the possibility of him playing at 3B… I don’t envision him as any kind of great defender over there and I think that bat plays a hell of a lot less there. He’s kind of a tweener.

Bullpen Banter
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twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Nov 29, 2025 10:28 PM EST up reply actions

Is Conger likely the starting C for LAA?

To Infinity. And BEYOND!!!

by YunelTheLazyLatino on Nov 27, 2025 7:44 PM EST reply actions

No

http://bullpenbanter.com/

by Jeff Reese on Nov 27, 2025 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

Possibly

The off-season needs to play out for the Angels. If he does become it, don’t project more than 300 - 400 AB’s however.

Napoli could get traded, there have been rumours. Mathis basically lost his starting job by the end of last season as well, with Conger actually picking up a few Sep starts a s starting C. Despite what many boo boys like to say about him getting moved off C (a situation which hasn’t happened yet, and shows no signs, currently, of happening - not to 1B anyway).

But there really isn’t a depth chart to stop him, if he hits well in spring training, and Scoiscia has been making the right noises over him.

by TheQuestforMerlin on Nov 28, 2025 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

I have read - several times -

that Romine has a short coming - he can’t actually catch the ball - I believe KLaw discussed it in one of his ESPN Q & A’s recently.

And while I’m a great fan of catchers that can hit - I really do think they should be able to catch to some degree - n’est pas?

by Mylegacy on Nov 28, 2025 2:30 AM EST reply actions

Can Romine even actually hit?

.268/.324/.402 this year.

I find the guy pretty underwhelming. Still floored BA had him as a midseason top 50.

Bullpen Banter
www.bullpenbanter.com
twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Nov 28, 2025 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

Ramos vs. Norris for Washington

Why is Ramos holding the spot warm for Norris? What if Ramos proves he is worthy of being the guy? How do they compare?

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Nov 28, 2025 4:36 AM EST reply actions

Ramos

I think Norris has a better bat than Ramos and Norris appears to have regained his power stroke after the hammate injury in 2009. He has a great eye at the plate and more power than Ramos. I guess it is possible Ramos keeps the job into 2012, but after that, I think Norris gets most of the playing time.
Injuries change everything though.

Ray Guilfoyle
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www.minorleagueball.com

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

A healthy Flores...

might have something to say about that in 2011.

by Havok1517 on Nov 29, 2025 5:22 AM EST up reply actions

How many of these guys move from C?

Montero? Conger?

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Nov 28, 2025 4:37 AM EST reply actions

Montero

I believe he will move off of catcher….not so sure about Conger.

It appears Myers will move as well.

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

What I can say for Conger

Is that it has yet to happen, the Angels have been reluctant to do it, and Conger has played at every level now (including the Majors) at C. If he gets moved off it will be to spend some time at DH. He most likely wont see time at 1B, with Morales and Trumbo around and with little to no experience himself.

There seems to be congruence however, that Montero will move off C, as his defense has been rated that poor. But for fantasy purposes, Ray is right, that shouldn’t be a concern for 2011 where he could provide some nice value (as long as he doesn’t get over-rated and over-drafted by Yankee fans.)

by TheQuestforMerlin on Nov 28, 2025 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

Wilin Rosario

Any thoughts & comments on him? Seems to me as the last 2 or 3 catching prospects coming out of Colorado have been hyped only to eventually dump all over themselves—may have been Torrealba & Iannetta, but I don’t recall.

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Nov 28, 2025 9:50 AM EST reply actions

I saw him catch one game last year in Springfield

And he was GOOOOD. I thought his defense was MLB ready at that point. Of course he went and tore his ACL a few weeks later.

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Nov 28, 2025 9:06 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, that ACL tear was a killer

With the way he was heating up before he went down, I could have seen him cracking the top 20.

http://bullpenbanter.com/

by Jeff Reese on Nov 29, 2025 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

if he hadn't injured his knee

I think he would be ranked higher in my rankings…..the Red Sox have had interest in Iannetta for quite awhile….Rosario could make that happen if he is healthy and hitting well by mid-season

Ray Guilfoyle
www.faketeams.com
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www.minorleagueball.com

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

Dynasty League

In my dynasty, Ray, I own Carlos Santana, McCann, Norris…..I think the answer’s likely obvious, but is there any chance Norris could actually surpass my other 2 catchers in the next couple of years, or is he more trade bait? I start 1 C, carry 2 (H2H).

PS: I can’t be the only person wondering what the merged list above would look like for keeper leagues, right? :)

by Johnny Tuttle on Nov 28, 2025 8:09 PM EST reply actions

interesting

I am not ready to say Norris can be the next McCann or Santana. i think 2011 in AA will tell us alot about what type of hitter he will be. If the power is truly back, and he stays injury-free…..he could approach McCann…..but, I think Santana will be better in the long run….its early though

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 28, 2025 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you

Thanks

by Johnny Tuttle on Nov 29, 2025 5:00 AM EST up reply actions

Myers should end up in the OF

This season. For good.

Scouting the Royals
Royals Prospects

by 306008 on Nov 28, 2025 9:07 PM EST reply actions

On Sanchez:

Heavily doubt that he starts at catcher for Pittsburgh at any point this year. He missed most of this season with injuries, and he’ll therefore probably start this season at AA. I could envision him making it to AAA in June/July with a September callup, becoming the starter at some point in 2012. But they’re not going to rush him to the big leagues for the lost season that 2011 already is.

Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89

Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.

Hey, if you’re gonna call us birds you might as well call us chickens. -Leafer87

by wg1of5 on Nov 29, 2025 3:58 PM EST reply actions