Tuesday's Catcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's catcher value rankings for Tuesday, April 5 (note: makeup games between HOU at NYY and BOS at CLE are not included):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Derek Norris (SD) | vs. LAD | 9 |
| Yadier Molina (STL) | at PIT | 8 |
| Buster Posey (SF) | at MIL | 8 |
| Geovany Soto (LAA) | vs. CHC | 8 |
Norris has had success against Dodgers starter Scott Kazmir, and has destroyed lefties in his career, posting a .293/.368/.479 slash line against southpaws. Kazmir struggled in spring training and has reportedly lost a bit of zip on his fastball. Norris' second slot in the batting order guarantees him at least four place appearances -- which can't be said for all catchers.
Soto's OPS is over .100 points higher against lefties than it is against righties. He could hit in an RBI spot in a thin Angels lineup.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrod Saltalamacchia (DET) | at MIA | 7 |
| Nick Hundley (COL) | at ARI | 7 |
| Welington Castillo (ARI) | vs. COL | 6 |
| Francisco Cervelli (PIT) | vs. STL | 6 |
| J.T. Realmuto (MIA) | vs. DET | 5 |
Though it's a small sample size, Saltalamacchia is 2-for-5 off of Wei-Yin Chen in his career and is worthy of a tournament flier.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Martin (TOR) | at TB | 4 |
| Dioner Navarro (CWS) | at OAK | 3 |
| Jonathan Lucroy (MIL) | vs. SF | 3 |
| A.J. Ellis (LAD) | at SD | 3 |
| Miguel Montero (CHC) | at LAA | 3 |
| Stephen Vogt (OAK) | vs. CWS | 3 |
| Curt Casali (TB) | vs. TOR | 2 |
| Robinson Chirinos (TEX) | vs. SEA | 2 |
| Kyle Schwarber (CHC) | at LAA | 2 |
| Chris Iannetta (LAA) | vs. CHC | 2 |
Martin was just 1-for-8 against Jake Odorizzi last season. He can still score plenty of runs and sees several plate appearances despite hitting eighth in Toronto's lineup, but he's better left unowned in this contest.
Schwarber struggled mightily against left-handed pitching last season, hitting just .143/.213/.268 against southpaws. It's not a safe investment drafting him against lefty Andrew Heaney in a pitcher-friendly stadium.
Like Schwarber, Montero and Vogt struggle against left-handers and should be faded.
HEADLINES
- The Stanley Cup Final couldn't be more unpredictable or awesome
- Carlisle: Pacers became too stagnant in Game 4 loss to Thunder
- Giants, Dodgers tied for AL West lead after Schmitt's 1st career grand slam
- Altuve: Peña an All-Star, will be in MVP conversation
- Twins' Lewis strains left hamstring for 2nd time this season