1. Joe Mauer, Twins
2009 stats: .365 batting average, 28 HR, 96 RBI, 1.031 OPS
Last three years average: .332 batting average, 15 HR, 80 RBI, .908 OPS
Why you should pick him: The best catcher in the game at age 26, he's the only player at this position worth a second-round pick. Power and average in 5x5 leagues.
Why you shouldn't: The only argument would be against taking him too soon in draft leagues.
2. Victor Martinez, Red Sox
2009 stats: .303 batting average, 23 HR, 108 RBI, .861 OPS
Last three years: .297 batting average, 17 HR, 86 RBI, .838 OPS
Why you should pick him: A full season in Fenway should only help his stats. He'll also likely qualify at first base if you're so inclined, and will probably get more at-bats than any catcher because of that.
Why you shouldn't: Could get hurt, as he was throughout most of 2008, but that fear could be said of anybody on this list.
3. Brian McCann, Braves
2009 stats: .281 batting average, 21 HR, 94 RBI, .835 OPS
Last three years: .284 batting average, 21 HR, 91 RBI, .835 OPS
Why you should pick him: Easily the third-best catcher - the list falls quickly after McCann, who is still just 26.
Why you shouldn't: OPS slipped a little last year from 2008 (.896).
4. Matt Wieters, Orioles
2009 stats: .288 batting average, 9 HR, 43 RBI, .752 OPS
Last three years:.288 batting average, 9 HR, 43 RBI, .752 OPS
Why you should pick him: Last year's sleeper fantasy catcher didn't come up until midseason, but showed a lot of ability once he did.
Why you shouldn't: Easy to overpay on a young player with potential. Strikes out a little too much.
5. Bengie Molina, Giants
2009 stats: .265 batting average, 20 HR, 80 RBI, .742 OPS
Last three years: .278 batting average, 17 HR, 70 RBI, .741 OPS
Why you should pick him: Steady, steady, steady. Hit a career-best in homers last year.
Why you shouldn't: He's 35.
6. Russell Martin, Dodgers
2009 stats: .250 batting average, 7 HR, 53 RBI, .681 OPS
Last three years: .275 batting average, 13 HR, 70 RBI, .770 OPS
Why you should pick him: Will play every day and has All-Star ability.
Why you shouldn't: Home run total has gone from 19 to 13 to 7. What happened? He's only 27.
7. Jorge Posada, Yankees
2009 stats: .285 batting average, 22 HR, 81 RBI, .885 OPS
Last three years: .307 batting average, 15 HR, 64 RBI, .908 OPS
Why you should pick him: Protected in the Yankees' batting order, he hits for decent power every season.
Why you shouldn't: At age 39, you're rolling the dice on his health if you pick him earlier.
8. Kurt Suzuki, A's
2009 stats: .274 batting average, 15 HR, 88 RBI, .734 OPS
Last three years: .272 batting average, 10 HR, 56 RBI, .727 OPS
Why you should pick him: Had a breakout year in power, especially in the second half. Only McCann drove in more runs.
Why you shouldn't: He plays in a pitcher's park in Oakland.
9. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks
2009 stats: .294 batting average, 16 HR, 59 RBI, .833 OPS
Last three years: .267 batting average, 10 HR, 38 RBI, .780 OPS
Why you should pick him: Responded well as he became the everyday catcher for the first time at age 27.
Why you shouldn't: One-year wonder?
10. Mike Napoli, Angels
2009 stats: .272 batting average, 20 HR, 56 RBI, .842 OPS
Last three years: .266 batting average, 17 HR, 46 RBI, .862 OPS
Why you should pick him: Consistent power source.
Why you shouldn't: Will still likely split time with Jeff Mathis (.211, 5 HR, 28 RBI), so he's more valuable in rotisserie format than a total points format.
