Today's Fantasy Rx

National League Catchers with Draft Value under $0

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.
Pos = Position qualification based on 20 appearances or max. # of games in 2003.
2003 Age = Player's Age as of October 1, 2003.
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 (The price a player earned under a 70/30 hitting/pitching split).
AV = Actual Value (The price a player earned under a 50/50 hitting/pitching split).
Rotohelp = 2003 Rotohelp Predicted Draft Value.
LABR/Tout = 2003 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

Average league worst BA, ERA, and WHIP based on data compiled from TQ Stats.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest. As the majority of fantasy leagues allow you to keep anyone traded to the other league, all players are listed in the league where they began the season.

25.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Brian Schneider		335	77	.230	9	46	0	34	C
MON Expos		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		2		3
2003 Age: 26	5x5:	0		0		2		3

While Schneider's patience continues to improve, decreases in both his contact rate and his ground-fly ratio reduce his offensive upside. He also continues to struggle against lefties, and even his .243/.305/.403 mark against right-handers isn't particularly impressive. As Schneider's stats also severely decline on the road, I see much more downside than upside to owning him. Unless you know Montreal will place him in a strict platoon, he isn't someone to target at more than two bucks.

26.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Brad Ausmus		450	103	.229	4	47	5	43	C
HOU Astros		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		3		2
2003 Age: 34	5x5:	0		1		4		5

Houston will regret giving Ausmus a back-loaded two-year deal as John Buck could be ready as soon as next summer. Considering Ausmus also turns 35 in April, even mild increases in his walk and contact rates this season seem unlikely to contribute to a noticeable improvement in his overall effectiveness. A .229/.303/.291 performance is terrible for any player at any position, not to mention someone with the advantage of playing home games at Minute Maid. Now, Ausmus certainly could post a .250+ BA and earn a few bucks next season, but his lack of upside means he won't appear on many successful teams.

27.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Keith Osik		241	60	.249	2	21	0	22	C
MIL Brewers		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-5
2003 Age: 34	5x5:	-1		0		-5

While Osik posted a respectable .13 walk rate, his limited power potential and consistently weak BA keep him from contributing both to fantasy and big league teams. He merits no more than minimal consideration in any league as more than temporary roster filler.

28.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Gregg Zaun		166	38	.229	4	21	1	15	C
HOU/COL		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		1		1
2003 Age: 32	5x5:	-1		-1		0		1

Registering a .261/.333/.478 line in 15 games with the Rockies should enable Zaun to earn serious consideration as a backup next spring. He owns good patience and a very respectable 1.14 G-F, so his skills support the potential to earn double-digit value in the right situation. Despite two straight unimpressive seasons, I see no reason not to consider him a very solid choice as a second catcher whenever he appears on a big league roster.

29.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Johnny Estrada		36	11	.306	0	2	0	2	C
ATL Braves		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-4		1
2003 Age: 27	5x5:	-2		-1		-4		1

Estrada compiled an intriguing .328/.393/.494 with 10 HR, 66 RBI, 40 R, and a 30:30 BB:K in 354 AB at AAA Richmond(IL). Coupled with his low ground-fly rate, his improvement in the minors suggests he could approach double-digit value if Atlanta gives him the starting job as expected. As he owns the skills necessary to smack a dozen homers while hitting near .300, Estrada merits serious consideration anywhere you see him available.

30.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Bobby Estalella		140	28	.200	7	21	2	17	C
COL Rockies		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		4
2003 Age: 29	5x5:	-1		-1		-1		1

With a 4.18 #P/PA and a .71 G-F, Estalella's patience and power potential should insure he remains a big league backup indefinitely. Unfortunately, he also hasn't managed a batting average over .206 in the last three years, and he hasn't registered a .235 BA since 1997. Only power-desperate teams should consider Estalella due to his extreme qualitative downside.

31.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Raul Chavez		37	10	.270	1	4	0	5	C
HOU Astros		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		-1		-4
2003 Age: 30	5x5:	-2		-1		-5

Chavez appears likely to backup Brad Ausmus in 2004 after compiling a .273/.315/.408 line in 355 at-bats in his fourth season at AAA New Orleans(PCL). Of course, his poor plate discipline and limited power potential make him nearly as useless to fantasy teams a Brad Ausmus. Don't consider him for your team as more than short-term roster filler.

32.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mandy Romero		7	3	.429	0	0	0	2	C
COL Rockies		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-1		-1
2003 Age: 35	5x5:	-2		-1

Managing decent numbers in three games doesn't increase Romero's chance of seeing the majors again in the near future. The veteran journeyman only posted a .296/.341/.396 in 250 at-bats at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL), demonstrating a relative lack of power that will interest few teams. I don't envision Romero contributing to fantasy teams.

33.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Kelly Stinnett		186	44	.237	3	19	0	14	C
CIN/PHI		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1
2003 Age: 33	5x5:	-2		-1		-2

The veteran backup posted his second straight poor season, demonstrating little plate discipline and poor power potential despite a .72 G-F. While I see some chance that Stinnett will experience a power surge as he enters his mid-30s, his consistently poor averages likely will negate any marginal quantitative upside for roto teams. Only roster him during Dollar Days if he lands in a very hitter-friendly park like Coors or the SkyDome.

34.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
J.R. House		1	1	1.000	0	0	0	0	C
PIT Pirates		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 23	5x5:	-3		-1

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: Pittsburgh for my comments on House.

35.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Todd Hundley		33	6	.182	2	11	0	2	C
LA Dodgers		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		0		1
2003 Age: 34	5x5:	-3		-1		0		1

Although swapping Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek for Hundley increased the Dodgers' 2003 payroll flexibility, receiving nothing for $6M this year negated much of that benefit. Now Hundley's career appears somewhat in jeopardy after back surgery this spring, rendering him useless to fantasy teams despite excellent patience and an impressively low ground-fly rate. While he still owns the skill set necessary to contribute in a limited role when healthy, consistently awful batting averages will keep Hundley off all roto teams.

36.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Corky Miller		30	8	.267	0	1	0	4	C
CIN Reds		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-2		1
2003 Age: 27	5x5:	-2		-1		-3		R

With the likely departure of Kelly Stinnett, Miller finally will break camp as Cincy's primary backup backstop, and he possesses the skills necessary to start once LaRue's salary grows to big for the Reds' payroll. Miller posted a .249/.326/.421 with 11 HR, 43 RBI, 49 R, and a 35:58 BB:K in 354 AB for AAA Louisville(IL) this year. Although that batting average troubles me and nothing in his skill set over the last two years suggests he'll develop into a great fantasy option, he also shouldn't hurt you for a buck or two.

37.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Alberto Castillo		15	3	.200	1	4	0	2	C
SF Giants		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 33	5x5:	-3		-1

Castillo barely seems like a viable AAA catcher right now. I don't even expect him to start at AAA Fresno next year, so he certainly doesn't belong on any fantasy team.

38.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Koyie Hill		3	1	.333	0	0	0	0	C
LA Dodgers		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 24	5x5:	-3		-2

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: Los Angeles for my comments on Hill.

39.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Humberto Cota		16	4	.250	0	1	0	1	C
PIT Pirates		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-3		R
2003 Age: 24	5x5:	-3		-2		-4		R

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: Pittsburgh for my comments on Cota.

40.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Chris Widger		102	24	.235	0	14	0	9	C
STL Cardinals		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-2
2003 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		-1		-2		2

Despite a career-best 3.87 #P/PA that indicates improving patience, Widger's terrible 1.79 G-F suggests no more than meager power potential. He hasn't homered in the majors since 2000, and I see little reason to expect an increase in either his performance or playing time. Avoid Widger unless he lands in a much friendlier hitting environment than St. Louis.

41.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Trey Lunsford		1	0	.000	0	0	0	0	C
SF Giants		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-4
2003 Age: 24	5x5:	-3		-2		-5

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: San Francisco for my comments on Lunsford.

42.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Michael Barrett		226	47	.208	10	30	0	33	C
MON Expos		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		8		7
2003 Age: 26	5x5:	-1		-1		8		8

Despite the advantages of playing in two of the NL's best hitters' parks, Barrett again posted a terrible stat line. However, he demonstrated good power and his contact rate actually improved despite the BA plummet. A hip problems and a broken finger sabotaged his second half, but in 57 at-bats he still managed a respectable .262/.323/.474 performance. I see no reason why he can't echo those numbers over a full season even if Montreal deals him to cede the full-time starting job to Brian Schneider.

43.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Joe DePastino		2	0	.000	0	0	0	0	C
NY Mets		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 30	5x5:	-3		-2

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: New York(N) for my comments on DePastino.

44.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Dane Sardinha		2	0	.000	0	0	0	0	C
CIN Reds		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 24	5x5:	-3		-2

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: Cincinnati for my comments on Sardinha.

45.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mike Redmond		125	30	.240	0	11	0	12	C
FLO Marlins		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		1
2003 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		-1		-1

While I expect a small increase in Redmond's playing time regardless of the resolution of the IRod situation since Redmond simply can't hit right-handed hitters. He should see regular at-bats against left-handers after he posted another .314/.324/.457 performance against them, but he only merits a Dollar Days bid in any draft. If Jack McKeon wanted to maximize his catching resources, he'd used Redmond as a primary pinch-hitter against lefties since Brian Banks also could catch if necessary, and as long as one of them remains in the game, the Marlins could eke out a few extra runs over the course of next season.

46.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Humberto Quintero		23	5	.217	0	2	0	1	C
SD Padres		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1
2003 Age: 24	5x5:	-3		-2

Please refer to our Post-2003 Prospect Review: San Diego for my comments on Quintero.

47.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mitch Meluskey		9	1	.111	0	2	0	1	C
HOU Astros		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1				R
2003 Age: 30	5x5:	-3		-2				R

Oakland cut him after only a couple weeks at AAA Sacramento, so while Meluskey mildly rebounded at AA Round Rock, he doesn't appear capable of contributing in the majors right now. Despite a track record of strong skills, rostering Meluskey offers little fantasy upside following multiple injuries over the last couple years.

48.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Wiki Gonzalez		65	13	.200	0	10	0	1	C
SD Padres		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		3		1
2003 Age: 29	5x5:	-4		-2		3		2

A very poor performance at the beginning of the season led to a mid-May demotion. With Miguel Ojeda now secure as the Padres' backup backstop, Gonzalez may spend most of the next couple years in the minors despite his guaranteed contract. He merits no fantasy consideration until he at least begins echoing the production he registered n 2001.

49.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Rod Barajas		220	48	.218	3	28	0	19	C
ARI Diamondbacks		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-5		1
2003 Age: 28	5x5:	-3		-2		-4		2

Barajas fell behind both Robby Hammock and Chad Moeller on Arizona's catching depth chart as a hamstring strain and wrist tendonitis both necessitated DL trips. While his excellent .52 G-F still indicates excellent power potential, contact problems cause severe qualitative questions for anyone interested in Barajas. I don't expect him to contribute to any fantasy teams next year barring very unexpected skill development.

50.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Joe Girardi		23	3	.130	0	1	0	1	C
STL Cardinals		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-4
2003 Age: 38	5x5:	-4		-2		-4

While a back injury cost Girardi nearly the entire season, his value as a defensive backup should keep him employed indefinitely. Of course, he possesses little patience and no power, so fantasy owners need to continue ignoring the veteran.

51.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Paul Bako		188	43	0.229	0	17	0	19	C
CH Cubs		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-5
2003 Age: 31	5x5:	-3		-2		-5

The Cubs appear enraptured by Bako despite no evidence he possesses any overt hitting abilities. Yet unless they reverse course and head after an expensive catcher, Bako should approach 200 at-bats for Chicago yet again, sabotaging the back end of the lineup in several dozen games. While I see some evidence of developing power and patience, he still only managed a .233/.319/.337 performance against right-handers, and despite reasonably good second-half numbers, he looks like a particularly poor gamble in any fantasy league.

52.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Mike Rivera		53	9	.170	1	2	0	2	C
SD Padres		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-4		-2		1		R
2003 Age: 27	5x5:	-4		-2		1		2

Snagged off waivers from San Diego in June, Rivera registered an excellent .310/.373/.502 in 245 at-bats for AAA Charlotte(IL). While his 16:50 BB:K concerns me, his excellent power potential merits a long look in the spring. Of course, he appears behind Miguel Olivo, Jamie Burke, and probably Sandy Alomar, so don't expect Rivera to see much big league time as long as he stays with the White Sox. However, his power upside still suggests significant upside, so monitor his progress to see if Rivera merits targeting whenever he receives a promotion to the majors.

53.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R	Pos
Henry Blanco		151	30	.199	1	13	0	11	C
ATL Braves		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-5		-3		-5
2003 Age: 32	5x5:	-5		-3		-5

Atlanta cut Blanco a month ago, casting the defensive specialist into free agency for the first time. Unfortunately, since he appears unable to produce respectable offensive numbers despite decent patience and a strong ground-fly rate, Blanco won't merit any fantasy consideration even if he lands in Colorado. Avoid him unless you want to risk a severe BA drain.

'03 Catcher Week concludes tomorrow, featuring Minor League Free Agent and AAA/AA Catchers in the National League.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Unlike recent years, I see relatively few catchers prepared to emerge as fantasy contributors from those listed above. While Johnny Estrada looks like a future star, Barrett should rebound, and Miller and Redmond appear likely to contribute in limited roles, I see little reason to target anyone else here in 2004.