This week we're going behind the plate as all three players are catchers. The two Major Leaguers are Miguel Montero and Alex Avila while Devin Mesoraco still toils in the minors. One thing all three have in common is the ability to contribute with the bat.
Montero had his breakout season in 2009 when he hit .294 with 16 home runs and 59 RBI in 128 games. That finally lived up to the promise he showed in 2005 in the minors when he played in the Futures game and finished the season hitting .326 with 26 home runs and 95 RBI in 115 games. I had him on my team 2008 through 2010 as the Arizona Diamondbacks struggled as a team but this season they are challenging the Giants as Montero's bat has heated up with the rest of the team. Through 71 games he has hit .273 with nine home runs and 40 RBI. Defensively he is currently in the eighth in caught stealing percentage with 27.3
In his second full season in the majors Avila is developing into one of the most productive catchers offensively while greatly improving on defense. Through 66 games with the Tigers he has hit .303 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI. I landed him in last year's draft for $1 on a whim after seeing he hit five home runs in 61 at bats as a late season call up in 2009. He sat on my farm team as he struggled through his rookie season hitting .228 with seven home runs and 31 RBI in 104 games. Avila actually had a short stint in the minors with two seasons after being drafted out of Alabama in 2008. On defense this season he is currently second in caught stealing percentage with 36.8
Mesoraco is one of the top catching prospects and will represent the Reds organization on the U.S. roster in the Futures Game July 10th. This season he is batting .315 with eight home runs and 46 RBI in 70 games. He is building off a strong 2010 when he hit .302 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 115 games. The ability to hit for average and power will make Mesoraco a prized target for many years especially if he stays at catcher.
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