Breakout Prospects: Catcher

Matt Wieters (S/R) -- Orioles -- There hasn't been a prospect this highly touted and ready for the major leagues since A-Rod in the mid '90's. There isn't a negative aspect to Wieters game. He's big, strong, a natural leader, hits for power, gets on base and is a plus defender all while playing the toughest position on the field. Make no mistake, Wieters is a game changer and is a symbol of a more promising future in Baltimore. Fantasy wise you won't find many catchers with his kind of ability especially in BA & OBP. In the coming years Wieters will be an automatic first round pick and won't last too long in your draft this year either. I suggest taking him early but be willing to keep him in reserve if he gets off to a slow start. Since he has not failed on any level he has ever played at it may take awhile for him to get adjusted to life in the big leagues. But when all is said and done, this guy will be a star.

J.R. Towles (R/R) -- Astros -- A lot of people are going to be down on Towles after he hit just .137 last season for the Astros. He remains a very solid catching prospect and without Brad Ausmus to fall back on, Houston will allow Towles to work through any future struggles that may come. Towles is a very grounded kid with strong Christian beliefs. He is a hard worker who will not let his previous struggles effect his mind the way many younger players do. His ability to get on base is rare for a catcher and we should see above average power numbers out of him hitting in a very right hand friendly ballpark in Houston. I believe '09 is a bounce back year for Towles and he begins his path on being one of the top catchers in the National League.

Kelly Shoppach (R/R) -- Indians -- Shoppach will be viewed as a backup catcher for the Indians now that Victor Martinez is back but I am here to tell you this will not be the case. After a breakout season in '08, Shoppach showed that he can handle the everyday job and provide plenty of power and drive in runs from the lower third of the order. Martinez is likely to be moved to 1B and spend plenty of time at DH as well this season. Cleveland has a top line catching prospect in Carlos Santana waiting in the minors who is ready to assume the full time gig when given the chance. For 2009, V-Mart finds a new position, Shoppach steps in as regular behind the plate and Santana spends one last season crushing minor league pitching. You will be able to get Shoppach later in most drafts and pick up quite a steal in HR's, RBI and OBP out of the catching position.

Jeff Clement (L/R) -- Mariners -- Clement is going to get his chance this year to finally show whether or not he can cut it at the major league level. As a hitter I believe that he can. He has a good eye and has added a lift in his swing which has brought much better power over the past couple of seasons. Kenji Johjima is a better defensive catcher and will see his share of time especially if Clement struggles. But, Seattle will need to get Clement's bat in the lineup regularly and his power numbers should provide for a fine #2 catcher on any strong fantasy team.

Angel Salome (R/R) -- Brewers -- This is purely a selfish pick I must confess. But a guy I want you all to keep an eye on as this season progresses. Salome is one of the most unorthodox players I have seen yet has had nothing but success since he started pro ball at the age of 18. For starters, he is small at only 5'8" and under 200 lbs. He also has a unique hitting motion the will almost remind you of a right handed Ichiro. Salome has an unreal ability to make contact and has hit for high BA at every stop on his tour including .360 in the Southern League which won him the batting title. His defense is lacking a bit and his wild approach at the plate may not fly against top level pitching. But there is something about the guy that will bring a smile to your face while watching. He got a call up late in September which means Milwaukee is just as intrigued as I am about him. Salome will get a good look this spring. If he continues slapping the ball all over and getting on base he will break camp with the big club. If you draft early, I wouldn't bother taking him but do keep an eye out for him in the free agent pool come late April or early May.

Those are a few of the guys I have on my radar heading into spring training. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Post your comment below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com