Joe Mauer.

By ROBERT SHAW

sportsnet.ca

While there may be only one superstar at the catcher spot, there is plenty of depth as almost 15 catchers are capable of 15-plus home runs this season. Of course, fantasy managers often look for specific categories from their backstops after the top stars have already been drafted.

If you’re looking for consistency including run production and a high average, Bengie Molina, A.J. Pierzynski, and Kurt Suzuki are your best bets.

If you’re swinging for the fences check out Matt Napoli, Chris Iannetta, Miguel Olivo, and Rod Barajas.

Here’s a look at your top 20 catchers based on fantasy value.

1) Joe Mauer, C, Twins

Not since Mike Piazza was in his prime has a catcher so dominated his position. The recent addition of power to Mauer’s arsenal takes his game to the next level.

2) Victor Martinez, C, Red Sox

He’s got a great lineup, a solid ballpark, and he should also get plenty of at bats as a designated hitter, which should all translate into improved production for Martinez.

3) Brian McCann, C, Braves

He may not have the power of Piazza or the average of a young Pudge, but this Braves all-star is remarkably consistent and should once again offer solid run production and a high average this season.

4) Matt Wieters, C, Orioles

He may have been overhyped last season, but Matt Wieters still has franchise potential. I’m thinking 25 homeruns and a .280 average this season.

5) Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks

This 26-year old masked marvel came out of nowhere to blast 16 homeruns with a .294 average last season. This season Montero should get additional at bats making 20 bombs a realistic target.

6) Kurt Suzuki, C, A’s

The young A’s backstop offers a little bit of everything. In addition to muscling 15 homeruns with 88 RBI, Suzuki stole eight bases and scored 74 runs. As long as the A’s keep him at decent spot in the lineup, Suzuki will deliver.

7) Jorge Posada, C, Yankees

Even though injuries have slowed him down in recent years, this Yankees legend continues to produce. The 38-year old veteran blasted 22 homeruns with 81 RBI last season and with Hideki Matsui now in Anaheim, Posada will get more at bats at designated hitter.

8) Mike Napoli, C, Angels

The Angels power source boasts back-to-back seasons with 20 homeruns. Napoli also improved his average and offers the occasional steal.

9) Geovany Soto, C, Cubs

Soto followed up a remarkable rookie campaign with a disastrous sophomore season. Regardless, the Cubs will offer the 27-year old every opportunity to bounce back.

10) Bengie Molina, C, Giants

Fresh off his first 20-homer campaign, I expect Bengie Molina to regress this season. The 35-year old veteran currently stands in the way of Giants phenom Buster Posey, who should earn some regular action this season.

11) Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals

While Yadier earns his money with the glove, he has evolved into a decent hitter and plays almost every day. Last season Molina rewarded fantasy managers with a .293 average and a career-high nine steals.

12) Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies

Iannetta disappointed me last season as he lost his starting gig because of a .228 average. Of course, he did offer some glimpses of brilliance such as his 16 homeruns in just 289 at bats.

13) A.J. Pierzynski, C, White Sox

The controversial backstop is similar to Bengie Molina in his consistency with the bat. Pierzynski boasts seven straight years of double-digit homeruns and a career .286 average.

14) Ryan Doumit, C, Pirates

Injuries marred Doumit’s 2009 season, but he remains a potential 20-homer talent for the Pirates.

15) Russell Martin, C, Dodgers

After a hot start to his career, this Canadian has regressed in recent seasons. An injury will force a slow start this season and there is no guarantee that he will regain his fantasy relevance.

16) John Baker, C, Marlins

You’re not going to get anything outstanding here, just a catcher who can hit 10 homeruns with a .275 season average.

17) Ramon Hernandez, C, Reds

Injuries destroyed his ’09 season, which is a shame because Hernandez can do some damage in that hitter’s park in Cincinnati. If he can stay healthy for 450 at bats, 20 homeruns are within reach.

18) Carlos Ruiz, C, Phillies

Ruiz benefits from a great ballpark and a stellar lineup, but he is nothing better than an average fantasy option.

19) Rod Barajas, C, Mets

The former Blue Jays backstop has a power stroke. The question is whether the Mets will accept his horrific average and struggles to reach base.

20) Miguel Olivo, C, Rockies

Fresh off a banner season with 23 homeruns and 65 RBI, Miguel Olivo now moves to the hitter’s haven Coors Field. The only concern is his quantity of playing time since he’ll be splitting the catching duties with the younger talent Chris Iannetta.