2007 Top 10 Catcher Prospects

by Chuck Dieringer

1. Jeff Clement -- Seattle Mariners

Though not apparent in his first stint at the Triple-A level, Clements power is unquestioned. He should return to Triple-A for 2007. There is no need to rush him with Kenji Johjima at the Major League level. His defense is what has been questioned by scouts. Though he's made progress, having Johjima signed to a long term deal may make a move to first base a distinct possibility. Doing so would allow him to concentrate on progressing as a hitter, ultimately as a 30+ homer guy in the 4 or 5 spot of the Mariners lineup.

2. Jared Saltalamacchia -- Atlanta Braves

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
22	Double-A	313	.230	18	1	9	55	71	.353	.380

After making progress each season in the lower minors, Saltalamacchia's trip to Double-A proved to be more difficult. Though his average and extra-base numbers dropped, the promising sign is an improvement in his strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his 3 full seasons, his K-BB ratio dropped from 2.44 to 1.74 to 1.29. Another year in the high minors is expected for Saltalamacchia before he competes with Brad McCann for the Braves starting catcher in 2008 or moves to another position, likely left field or first base.

3. Neil Walker -- Pittsburgh Pirates

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
21	High-A	264	.284	22	1	3	19	41	.345	.409
	Double-A	31	.161	0	0	2	1	4	.188	.355

Like the two players ranked above him, Walker suffered some offensive setbacks in 2006. Walker's strength is his bat, expected to be better than both Clement and Saltalamacchia, though his power potential would rank third behind them. In a return trip to Double-A in 2007, expect his average to be back around the .300 mark and continued improvement on his K-BB ratio, which was 71-20 in his first full season at low-A in 2005.

4. Chris Iannetta -- Colorado Rockies

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Double-A	156	.321	10	2	11	24	26	.418	.622
	Triple-A	151	.351	11	2	3	24	29	.447	.510
	Majors	77	.260	4	0	2	13	17	.370	.390

Iannetta had a huge breakout season in in 2006. He did well enough in his initial stint with the Rockies that he is expected  to be their 2007 starter. He has enough power to bat as high as 6th or 7th in the order and his defense is good enough to make him a stable member of Colorado's near future.

5. Jeff Mathis -- Los Angeles Angels

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Majors	55	.145	2	0	2	7	14	.238	.291
	Triple-A	384	.289	33	3	5	26	75	.333	.430

Once a top catching prospect, usually ranking just behind Joe Mauer, Mauer has since left Mathis in his dust. Mathis is still capable of being a decent big league catcher. His 2006 was a bit of a disappointment, but his defense is very good and with enough patience and experience his bat should not be a liability.

6. George Kottaras -- Boston Red Sox

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Double-A	257	.276	19	1	8	50	68	.394	.451
	Triple-A	119	.210	10	1	2	12	30	.286	.361

Kottaras hit a bump at the end of the season following a promotion to Triple-A in the Padres system. This will mark a season of organizational change as he begins his Red Sox career as part of the David Wells deal. He has extraordinary plate selection which should help him perform better in his return to Triple-A this year. He'll probably begin the 2008 season as Jason Varitek's backup.

7.Kurt Suzuki -- Oakland Athletics

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	Double-A	376	.285	26	1	7	58	50	.392	.415

Like Kottaras, Suzuki has a great awareness of the strike zone. His leadership skills continue to be a calling card as he progresses a level per season toward the Majors. He'll be in Triple-A this season and should compete for a spot on the Oakland roster in 2008 Spring Training.

8. Hank Conger -- Los Angeles Angels

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
19	Rookie	69	.319	3	4	1	7	11	.382	.522

A first-round pick out of high school last June, Conger still has plenty of development to go. But his power potential ranks at the top along with Clement as the best at the position. The Angels will be patient with his defense as he continues to develop in the low minors. His estimated time of arrival for the Big Leagues is still 3-4 years away, but before he gets there he could rank atop this list if he stays behind the plate.

9. Miguel Montero -- Arizona Diamondbacks

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
25	Double-A	289	.270	18	0	10	39	44	.362	.436
	Triple A	134	.321	5	0	7	14	21	.396	.515
	Majors	16	.250	1	0	0	1	3	.294	.313

Montero made his Major League debut last year and could see a back and forth year this season between Triple-A and Arizona. He has good power and has had some monster minor league seasons in hitter-friendly parks & leagues. The true test will come in the next couple seasons as he gets more Major League experience.

10. Max Sapp -- Houston Astros

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
19	SS-A	166	.229	9	0	1	22	37	.317	.301

Selected only two picks ahead of Conger last June. His best tool is his bat. His thick chest and 6'2" 225 lb. frame give him good power potential also. He played at a level far advanced for his age last year and wasn't totally embarrassed. He'll likely move to first base but his bat is good enough to play there.

2007 Top Prospects by Position