The Hook

 

 

1. Joe Mauer – The former top overall pick busted out in a big way last season. In just his third season, Mauer batted .347 as he became the first AL Catcher ever to win a batting title. Though he hit just 13 homers, his 36 doubles hinted that he should develop a little more power in the near future.

 

FIC Spin: He’s already atop the rankings, but his star is still rising. Expect his power to come along a bit more this season, though it’s unlikely we’ll see Mauer hitting .347 again. He’ll occupy the third spot in the order for the Twins, and should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
136	523	0.314	172	34	17	84	84	10	0.412	0.503	0.915

 

2. Brian McCann – While Mauer overshadowed him on the whole, McCann was significantly better in several areas. Though he missed three weeks with an ankle injury, McCann mashed 24 homers and added 34 doubles in just his first full season. He’s far and away the top NL Catcher, and seems to be the only guy capable of pushing Mauer for the top spot.

 

FIC Spin: By the way, McCann will turn just 23 in Spring Training himself. The power’s for real, as is the ability to hit for average. With better health, he should easily challenge the 30 homer mark, while the Jones boys should give him plenty of guys to drive in ahead of him.

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
129	474	0.307	146	38	32	66	88	2	0.377	0.588	0.966

 

3. Victor Martinez – Though his home run total dropped off for the second consecutive season, Martinez rebounded from a disappointing 2005 campaign by establishing a career high in batting average (.316) and runs scored (82) while amping up his RBI total from 80 to 93.

 

FIC Spin: While his all-around offensive production doesn’t figure to be quite in the range of the two young stars ahead of him, Martinez will have the advantage of playing nearly every day. Martinez saw action at first base in 22 games last season, and the Tribe is committed to getting his bat in the lineup somehow on a daily basis. He’s a virtual lock to hit about .300 with 20 homers and 90 RBI, and the dropoff from the number three spot at the position is devastating.

 

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
149	540	0.295	159	34	19	80	92	0	0.370	0.461	0.831

 

4. Jorge Posada – Rumors of Posada’s demise were greatly exaggerated. After a horrific 2005 saw him finish with his lowest home run and RBI totals since 1999, Posada rebounded nicely with 23 dingers and 93 RBI to finish with his best numbers since 2003. Just don’t expect him to help carry your batting average like any of the top three will.

 

FIC Spin: At 35, you have to think that a permanent dropoff will occur in the next year or two for Posada. On the plus side, he does bat in the best lineup that money can buy in New York. He’s hit 20 homers in six of the past seven seasons, and should challenge the mark again.

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
139	468	0.269	126	26	21	66	85	2	0.357	0.468	0.825

 

5. Kenji Johjima – Johjima had a terrific first season in North America, hitting well for both average and power despite facing stronger competition. While he wasn’t the dominant power force he was in Japan (144 homers from 2001-05), he certainly showed he belonged by batting .291 with 18 homers.

 

FIC Spin: The future looks bright as he was particularly devastating with the bat in September, when he hit five of his eighteen dingers and drove in eighteen runs. However, he wasn’t your ordinary rookie, as he’ll turn 31 midway through the 2007 campaign. Expect his numbers to come down just a touch in his second season, though he should enjoy a nice five or six year run as a quality mixed league starter.

 

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
130	478	0.283	135	23	19	61	75	3	0.313	0.453	0.765

 

6. Russell Martin – Though he didn’t start the year with the Dodgers, Martin received the call in early May and never looked back. He hit over .300 in June and July as he established himself as the clear number one in Los Angeles and even forced Dioner Navarro out of town.

 

FIC Spin: He’s proven he can hit for average and shown developing power in the minors. The biggest bonus that Martin brings along, however, is his skill on the basepaths. Martin finished second among catchers with 10 stolen bases last season. Expect continued improvement across the board.

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
123	434	0.285	124	27	13	69	71	6	0.355	0.447	0.802

 

6. Ramon Hernandez – Hernandez’ return to the American League (and escape from Petco Park!) led to a career year across the board. His 23 homers tied for second best among catchers, while his 91 RBI ranked fourth at the position.

 

FIC Spin: Don’t expect him to hit much better than the .275 he did last season, but expect the power numbers to stabilize as well. His two old home parks (Petco and McAfee Coliseum) both tend to be death on power hitters, while Camden Yards plays perfectly neutral. Toss in that he’s smack in the middle of his prime, and you should expect numbers pretty similar to his 2006 campaign.

 

2007 Projection:

G	AB	Avg.	H	2B	HR	R	RBI	SB	OBP	Slg.	OPS
134	472	0.272	128	27	20	62	80	2	0.320	0.459	0.779

 

8. Paul Lo Duca – 2006 was a typical season for Lo Duca, as he hit consistently well for average and almost always put the ball in play (24 BB and 38 K in 512 AB). Only two things stood out for him last season: His 39 doubles and 80 runs were career bests. One was a product of terrific lineup support, however.

 

FIC Spin: Though he’s never had much pop, he’s a wizard at putting the ball in play, which should continue to suit him in a powerful Mets’ lineup. He’ll continue to bat between Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, which should give him ample opportunity to score and drive in plenty of runs. Just don’t expect much more than a handful of homers and you’ll be happy.

 

2007 Projection:

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