Saturday's Catcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's catcher value rankings for Saturday, July 23 (all stats exclude Friday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Hundley (COL) | vs. ATL | 9 |
| Sandy Leon (BOS) | vs. MIN | 9 |
| Salvador Perez (KC) | vs. TEX | 8 |
Hundley's price tag is very fair considering he is playing at Coors Field and facing the struggling young right-hander Matt Wisler. He is hitting .297 in his last 10 games and has oddly preferred facing righties throughout his career.
Leon's salary continues to remain low despite his torrid pace. He is hitting .435 on the season and has four multi-hit games in his last seven outings. Opposing right-hander Ricky Nolasco might be the worst starting pitcher in the American League.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Thole (TOR) | vs. SEA | 7 |
| Yasmani Grandal (LAD) | at STL | 7 |
| Willson Contreras (CHC) | at MIL | 6 |
Thole only plays once every five days to catch R.A. Dickey. In his last two starts he is a combined 4-for-6 with a walk, a double, a run and four RBIs. Considering his price is essentially the minimum, he's worth taking a shot on against RHP Hisashi Iwakuma.
Grandal has an OPS of 1.214 over his last 14 games, collecting 14 hits - seven of which left the yard - and 10 walks. The switch-hitter has hit 12 of his 13 home runs as a left-handed hitter this year, and will face righty Mike Leake.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Ramos (WAS) | vs. SD | 4 |
| Stephen Vogt (OAK) | vs. TB | 3 |
| Robinson Chirinos (TEX) | at KC | 2 |
Vogt has been white-hot lately, but he will have a tough time returning value relative to his rising salary against LHP Drew Smyly. The left-handed hitter's batting average drops from .295 against righties to .225 against lefties and he has yet to go deep against a southpaw.