Finally, as promised, here are the remaining National League catchers.

National League Catchers without Positive Draft Value
(excluding the ones that I've already reviewed)

Quick Key to the tables:
AB = At-bats.  H = Hits.  BA = Batting Average.  HR= Home Runs.
RBI = Runs Batted In.  SB = Stolen Bases.  R = Runs.  B = Bats.  T = Throws.
Position(s) = Positions listed with 20 or more 2001 appearances.
4x4 = BA, HR, RBI, and SB in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
5x5 = BA, HR, RBI, SB, and R in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
DV = Draft Value.  DTCD = Draft Total Category Dollars.
AV = Actual Value.  ATCD = Actual Total Category Dollars.
LABR/Tout = 2001 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

A brief review of what our dollar values mean:
Draft Value is how much a player should have gone for on draft day.
DTCD is the highest acceptable draft day price without a value loss.
Actual Value is how much a player earned this year.
ATCD is the highest price at which you could have owned a player without a value loss in leagues with an in-season salary cap.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest.

25.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Kevin L. Brown		43	9	.209	4	12	0	7	C-16
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-1		1		-1		0

Considering how far his stock has dropped over the last couple years, he might as well just be KLBR on the NASDAQ. Texas dealt him to Toronto for Crabtree, and after they also determined that Brown doesn't the know the difference between balls and strikes, they cut their losses to the Brewers for minor league OF Alvin Morrow, a guy who has less skills than Brown. You were lucky if you owned Brown for his first two games of the season and then his last one, since in these three games he went 5-12, with 3 HR, 9 RBI, and 4 R. He doesn't have the power for another fluke like that, so stay the L away from this Kevin Brown.

26.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Steve Torrealba		37	10	.270	2	4	0	8	C-2
ATL Braves		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

The Braves jumped him from a decent season at AA to the majors when Javy Lopez injured himself near the end of the regular season. Torrealba doubled in his only Division Series' at-bat. He appeared to learn to hit while repeating A+ Myrtle Beach in 2000, and then improved almost across-the-board at AA Greensville in less at-bats. If Steve can maintain this improvement for a full AAA season, he could be a decent starter for the Braves in two years. Atlanta could even keep him as backup if they keep Paul Bako starting, but that doesn't make much sense when Torrealba needs reps to fine-tune his gradually increasing skills.

27.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Eddie Perez		10	3	.300	0	0	0	0	C-5
ATL Braves		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

After fifteen years in the Braves' organization, Eddie finally hits free agency. I almost expect him to re-sign and back up Paul Bako out of habit. Eddie has been the perfect organization player, spending a year in rookie ball, a year at A-ball, three years at A+, two years at AA, two years at AAA, and when he was out of options and ready to move on, Mr. Maddux took a liking to him. When healthy, Eddie's been Maddux's primary caddy for the past six seasons. He has little power, less plate discipline, and has barely played the last two years because of injuries. Over 1,000 games of catching may have taken their toll, and its probably time to avoid Eddie's half-dozen dingers and 20-30 ribbies unless he signs with Colorado.

28.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Brian Johnson		4	1	.250	0	1	0	0	C-2
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Johnson had a nice run in the mid-90's with San Diego and San Francisco where he earned a couple dollar profit on your buck. He hasn't had good plate discipline since his peak year at AAA Las Vegas in 1993, and a return to trip to the desert didn't help him much this year. Brian still has a little power, but doesn't control the strike zone and likely won't receive much more major league time. Even if he's back in the majors, you can find a better return on your dollar.

29.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Ken Huckaby		1	0	.000	0	0	0	0	C-1
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Huckaby batted once as part of Arizona's Parade of Backup Catchers. He has some doubles' power but doesn't have nearly enough plate discipline. While he might get another at-bat or two at some point, this year might have been Ken's cup-of-coffee. I'm quite impressed by someone who managed to earn a World Series' ring off of one at-bat. Congratulations to Ken on winning the Minor League Free Agent Lottery.

30.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Sandy Martinez		1	0	.000	0	0	0	0	C-1
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

I accidentally covered Sandy with the National League minor league free agents. Here's what I wrote in case you missed it:
Known to the rest of us as Sandy, Angel tore his right elbow's MCL on opening day. While he doesn't really have the skills to help your team, I expect Martinez to be back in the majors next season as someone's third catcher. He showed a little power at AAA Calgary last season, but even Bob Buhl would show good power in Calgary's park.

31.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Humberto Cota		9	2	.222	0	1	0	0	C-3
PIT Pirates		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 22	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Cota appears better positioned as the Bucs' catcher of the future instead of the somewhat over-hyped J.R House. Like every other Pirates prospect, Humberto has no plate discipline, but he could always learn that at the major league level like the other Pirates. More importantly, he slugged .477 with an acceptable .351 OBP at AAA Nashville this year, significantly improving both numbers from his 2000 AA Altoona season. Cota's power appears to be real, and while he might present BA difficulties, he's certainly a $1 catcher to grab if he can beat out Keith Osik as Kendall's caddy. I'd trade House to whatever team lands near DC and let Kendall, Cota, and Wilson platoon between catcher, 1B, and LF for a few years.

32.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Jesse Levis		33	8	.242	0	3	0	6	C-11
MIL Brewers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

I appear to have been half-asleep when determining who to include in yesterday's comments. Mr. Levis, while a minor league free agent, appeared in the majors this year and should have been included here. Therefore, here is another of Saturday's reviews:
Astounding plate discipline, he's never struck out more than he's walked in any season. Levis was Milwaukee's backup in 1996 and '97, and could easily return to that role with most teams in baseball. If he could drive the ball, he'd definitely be starting in the majors, but managers don't often value catchers with passable defense and good walk rates. If he makes a team, he definitely won't hurt you, but I'd be surprised if he receives more than another 200 career at-bats or so in the majors.

33.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Edwards Guzman		115	28	.243	3	7	0	8	C-26
SF Giants		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Edwards quietly emerged as Benito Santiago's backup after the Giants dumped Estalella. He's played everywhere except for SS, so he has significant potential in leagues with 1-game position eligibility. Guzman has doubles' power but lacks strike zone judgement, so while he might be able to earn his buck, I'd probably look elsewhere for more upside.

34.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Rick Wilkins		22	4	.182	1	8	0	3	C-7
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Houston once traded Scott Servais and Luis Gonzalez to acquire him. Wilkins hasn't displayed solid power or plate discipline since a 30-homer season almost a decade ago, and he's probably not going to start hitting again now. Find an alternate fourth-string catcher, and hope your major league team does, too.

35.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Keith McDonald		2	0	.000	0	0	0	4	C-2
STL Cardinals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

McDonald hit 3 HR in his first 6 AB in the majors last year. Along with some impressive and improving minor league numbers, that performance has kept him on the 40-man roster (although he may be off now that they have three major catchers again with DeFelice). Keith is peaking right now, and could probably be a decent backup with a little pop for several teams around the league. I doubt he'll get the chance as his OPS remains relatively low and his defense is only reportedly average. He shouldn't get enough at-bats to be worth your time.

36.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Ramon Castro		11	2	.182	0	1	0	0	C-3
FLO Marlins		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0		1

Castro would have started this season if the Marlins' hadn't picked up Charles Johnson. He returned to AAA Calgary and improved his batting average by one point, all the way to .336. His slugging remained .628 and he added 12 points of OBP to .393. Ramon will start next season for the Marlins if Johnson leaves, or they'll try to trade him to one of the other 29 teams that could use a catcher who can provide an .800 OPS while providing excellent defense. Grab him cheap now since he appears post-hype, and own a $1 catcher with double-digit roto value for the next few seasons.

37.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Gary Bennett		131	32	.244	2	10	0	15	C-43
NYM / PHI / COL		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Bennett possesses some power and plate discipline, but was unable to find his swing while traveling across the country for four teams in three organizations. If he remains Colorado's backup, he should definitely earn $2 or more, but if his role remains uncertain on draft day, let someone else take the chance.

38.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Jason Phillips		7	1	.143	0	0	0	2	C-5
NY Mets		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	-1		0		-2		0

While Vance Wilson can caddy for Piazza, Phillips has enough talent to replace him immediately if the Mets can convince Mike to play first base. Jason doesn't walk quite enough but strikes out even less, and has enough power to contribute in the weak Mets' offense. He could probably out hit Todd Zeile this year if given the opportunity. If Phillips makes the team, bid $1 for a decent 200 at-bats or so, and probably more when Piazza injures himself again.

39.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Corky Miller		49	9	.184	3	7	1	5	C-17
CIN Reds		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		-1		-1		0
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-2				-1

We saw Miller in Arizona and he alternated great throws in practice with horrible ones when people tried to steal on him. He certainly has the ability to catch in the majors, and likely will next year since Bob Boone really likes him. Corky posted over a .900 OPS in his third trip to AA Chattanooga this season, but then followed it up with an even higher number at AAA Louisville, leading to a September promotion. He has both the power and plate discipline to succeed at the major league levels, and is probably a better buy than Jason LaRue since he has more upside. If Miller breaks camp with the team either as a starter or backup, he might help for a couple bucks, and if not, try to sneak him through in the reserve rounds for some mid-season catching help.

40.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Chad Moeller		56	13	.232	1	2	0	8	C-25
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		0
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Moeller has little power or plate discipline, and the Snakes' decision to trade Hanley Frias for a mostly useless backup catcher like Moeller is merely one the many dumb moves that they were lucky enough to overcome this season. A smart team would have dumped Moeller the second that Castro or Angel Pena was available, but Arizona hung on to Moeller. They even burned 40-man roster slots on both Moeller and Huckaby for some inexplicable reason. On the bright side, he also received a lot of press before spring training when he made the All-Chad team as backup catcher in post-election Florida. Can you believe the election was only a little over a year ago? Neither can Chad.

41.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Randy Knorr		91	20	.220	3	10	0	13	C-27
MON Expos		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

He replaced Sandy Martinez as Barrett's veteran caddy on the second day of the season after Martinez's torn MCL. Knorr contributed a season perfectly in line with his career numbers, hitting occasionally for a little power and without much command of the strike zone. His defense must be great, since there's no reason for teams to employ his bat.

43.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Angel Pena		54	11	.204	1	2	0	3	C-15
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1		1
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

Pena's the third and last player that I appear to have mistakenly covered yesterday. No wonder that column took so long to write. Here are my comments on him:
Angel is probably the star of this year's minor league catcher free agents. He slugged .616 with a .370 OBP, good numbers even in AAA Las Vegas. Managers don't like him because he's 5'10" with a listed weight of 228. Despite this potential handicap, Pena has crushed the ball at the upper levels of the minors, and Paul LoDuca's year puts the Dodger job out of his reach for good. Whoever signs Pena will have a solid backup and possibly a solid starter. Cross your fingers that your team will look past his drawbacks, if they can see past Pena himself.

44.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Bobby Estalella		93	19	.204	3	10	0	11	C-28
SF Giants		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-1		8
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1		6

Bobby isn't as good as Angel Pena, but yet owns a spot on the Yankee 40-man roster. Brian Sabean disappointed a lot of roto owners when he cut bait on Estalella, but most managers just can't accept Bobby's strikeouts. His power could help almost any team off the bench although he should probably shorten up his swing until he can establish himself in the majors.

45.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Robert Machado		135	30	.222	2	13	0	13	C-47
CH Cubs		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-1
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

On behalf of Todd Hundley owners everywhere, "Thanks for nothing, Mr. Baylor." The Cubs need to completely revamp their scouting operations if they really believed that Machado was the best minor league free agent available last winter. His defense appeared no more than acceptable this season, and his bat helped kill several rallies after Gutierrez or Tucker had gotten on base. Any power that he contributes to your team will be at the severe expense of your batting average as Machado doesn't walk much, so hope as we do that the Cubs will deal him for anything to a team slightly dumber than them.

46.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Johnny Estrada		298	68	.228	8	37	0	26	C-89
PHI Phillies		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-1
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-2		0		-1		0

Estrada established himself as the Phillies' top catching prospect after last season with decent power at AA Reading but still didn't show any command of the strike zone, swinging at almost everything. He really needed at least a full year at AAA this season, but they pressed him into service when Lieberthal was injured. Maybe the new Phillies' hitting coach will teach him how to take an occasional pitch. Until that distant day occurs, only draft Estrada cheaply and when you can absorb the BA hit. He could be decent in a couple years, but desperately needs more development time.

47.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Adam Melhuse		71	13	.183	1	8	1	5	C-23
COL Rockies		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-1
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

We spent several bucks of FAAB on the various COL backup catchers after Mayne's trade last year, and none of them helped our teams. Melhuse has hit for great averages with solid power in the past, along with fantastic plate discipline (108:76 BB:K at AA Knoxville in 1999), but he hasn't received enough playing time to get going in the majors. He'd be a great 25th man since he can also play 1B and OF, but hold off from drafting him unless he's won a backup job outright; otherwise your BA could take a hit.

48.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Keith Osik		120	25	.208	2	13	1	9	C-39
PIR Pirates		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-1
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1

I don't care if Osik is great friends with Jason Kendall. No power and at best average plate discipline means that Keith has no place on your team or the Pirates 40-man roster. They have four catchers better than him right now in Kendall, Wilson, Cota, and even House. He just might earn your buck to spite me, but don't be surprised if finishes with another value that's several dollars in the red.

50.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike DiFelice		21	1	.048	0	1	0	1	C-12
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-2
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-4		-2		-3		-1

A real world codicil to my previous comments on DiFelice that dealt mainly with roto issues.

In case you missed this, DiFelice was arrested in August. He had a few too many drinks at a Pittsburgh nightclub and punched a valet. Oh, and before he punched the valet, he'd punched a woman inside the club and put a lighter to another woman's butt.

A pox on your house if you draft him this year. Enjoy the bad karma.

52.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Chad Kreuter		191	41	.215	6	17	0	21	C-70
LA Dodgers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-4		-2		-2		-2
2001 Age: 36	5x5:	-3		-1		-2		-1		1

I don't want Chad Kreuter's cap. Chad Kreuter is a relatively anonymous player who had some decent seasons in a long career as a backup catcher, and one great year in 1993 with Detroit. I like him because he repeatedly performed well for me in computer games in the mid-'90's. He still has solid plate discipline although he doesn't seem to get around on fastballs as much any more, leading to a plummeting BA. Kreuter's probably not draft-worthy next season, especially with LoDuca in front of him. Anyway, so last season some dumbass tried to steal Kreuter's cap in the middle of a Cubs' game, precipitating a brawl where a half dozen Dodgers went into the stands after the guy. I wouldn't mind owning that particular cap since it's a piece of baseball history, albeit not a proud moment in baseball history, but that would be the only cap that I would want from Chad Kreuter. Moral of the story: don't draft Kreuter, and don't try to steal his cap in the middle of the game.

Kreuter's also the starting catcher on the all-Chad team.

53.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Rod Barajas		106	17	.160	3	9	0	9	C-50
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-5		-4		-4		-3
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-5		-3		-4		-2

Barajas is another Arizona backup catcher who probably doesn't belong on the 40-man roster. He does have fairly good power and is younger than Huckaby and Moeller, but his plate discipline isn't good, meaning any power that you luck into will come at the expense of your BA, as the $-5 value above indicates. There's no reason to draft him now, but wait and see if he develops strike zone judgement in the next few years, and then maybe target him for 2004.

55.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Todd Pratt		96	20	.208	1	11	0	9	C-34
NYM / PHI		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-6		-5		-4		-4		2
2001 Age: 34/td>	5x5:	-6		-3		-4		-2		3

After four years as the most dependable backup catcher in the game, consistently earning a buck or two above his $1 price, Todd Pratt augered in from this "lofty" status. He doesn't possess either the power or plate discipline to rebound solidly, so be very wary of him now that his playing time is seriously in question as a free agent.

Catcher Week included somewhat detailed reviews on over two hundred catchers. Our fantasy conclusions remain relatively simple: don't spend significant money on catchers at the draft because expensive catchers are unlikely to earn their salaries. Cheap catchers with a chance to gain playing time offer the best opportunity for a positive return on your roto dollars.

Since nobody wrote us regarding any specific teams, I'll just offer an early preview of potentially under-priced players for next spring.

Early 2002 Draft Targets

Open Your Wallet for: Paul LoDuca.

Spend Several Dollars on: Toby Hall, Ramon Hernandez.

Spend a Few Dollars on: Padres' starter (Ben Davis or Wiki Gonzalez), Eli Marrero, Reds' starter (Jason LaRue or Corky Miller), Ramon Castro, Shawn Wooten, Ben Molina.

Spend a Buck if They Break Camp: Humberto Cota, Angel Pena, Javier Valentin, Tom Wilson, Jesse Levis, Yorvit Torrealba, Steve Torrealba.

Hope the Rest of Your League Forgets About: Mike Lieberthal, Todd Hundley, Greg Zaun.

Shortstop Week begins tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed our extended backstop review.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Every sportswriter thinks he's a music critic, and I'm going to waste little time in joining that very non-exclusive club. The best Christmas CD's on the market have been released by a group called Mannheim Steamroller. Many of you have likely heard of them, but please go buy one of their four holiday discs if you haven't. I recommend A Fresh Aire Christmas for starters, although I expect you'll want all their albums like we did. Finally, please watch the Bears' triumphant return to national TV tonight on ESPN as we beat down the Vikings in the Metrodome; take care to notice how the positive noise helps the home team, showing it to be a viable stadium for an interested fan base.