Fantalytics - Volume 2

Pablo Sandoval vs. Matt Wieters

When discussing top-catching prospects, there are more intangibles than any other position due to the added pressure of controlling the tempo of the game, and the mental aspect attached with being a leader on the field. So today, Fantalytics has decided to break down a comparison of two of the most talked about options at catcher in fantasy baseball! Can rookie signal caller Matt Wieters succeed on a sub-par Baltimore Orioles team with limited protection in the line-up? Was the impressive display that Pablo Sandoval put on in the final quarter of last season, a sneak peek into a rising fantasy star? Well that’s exactly what Fantalytics is all about folks, so let’s get down to business.

The Case for Matt Wieters

The Baltimore Orioles are showing a lot of faith in their 2007 first round pick (5th overall). They spent the off-season opening up the opportunity by first dealing the serviceable, but oft-injured, Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds, and followed that up with signing a veteran like Greg Zaun to guide the youngster, in hopes of making the transition to the pros as smooth as possible.

The big 6 foot 5 inch athletic wonder kid has mashed at every level that he has played, including an impressive line in his first year of pro-ball in 2008, of .355-27-91, to go along with a .454 OBP and .600 SLG%. It’s those eye-popping stats that earned him the honor of Minor League Player of the Year from Baseball America. Wieters defense isn’t a liability either, as many have drawn parallels with him to Jason Varitek. Being a natural switch-hitter, he has shown tremendous discipline on both sides of the plate, so much that many are already etching his name in Cooperstown! However, the move to the major leagues isn’t always simple, and working through the grind of a 162 game schedule is a hefty task.

With the Orioles being in a very tough and pitcher heavy AL East Division, he will be facing the rotations of the free spending Yankees and Red Sox a lot, which may contribute to limited stats. Expect great things from this kid, but realistically, it may take a few years for him to reach his true value. Power numbers will rise as the experience builds up, but expect 2009 to be a solid year that gets fantasy owners chomping at the bit to have him on their roster.

The Case for Pablo Sandoval

Sandoval made some noise, providing a case for himself in the final quarter of last season by knocking the ball all over the yard at a .345 clip in 145 AB’s. While Sandoval didn’t expose a huge source of power in his time with the big club (only 3 HR’s, 24 RBI’s) he has shown that he has shown some pop in previous seasons in the minors. He doesn’t walk or strikeout at an alarming pace, and is considered more of a contact hitter, maintaining a plus .300 BA (.303) in five minor league seasons.

Matt Wieters Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

With Bengie Molina returning to San Francisco, it appears that Sandoval will be the Giants everyday first baseman; however, with more than 10 appearances behind the plate in 2008, he should have catcher eligibility for most fantasy leagues. The multi-talented Venezuelan also appeared in 12 games at third base giving him a third qualified position. With that being the case, one can’t ignore the significant boost in value that he gets, at least in the 2009 season. Anticipate a bit of a drop in the batting average, as he wasn’t exposed to streaks and slumps in the short time frame.

Have no fear though, Pablo Sandoval is the real deal.

FANTALYTICS FINAL CALL

Can we be so blessed as to continue adding more and more options for the catching position, after years of having limited options when discussing fantasy catchers? Fortunately, the recent additions of fantasy studs like Russell Martin, Joe Mauer and last years’ NL R.O.Y. Geovany Soto, have rejuvenated the category back to respectability.

WaiverSharks.com is hoping that we can add these two names to the mix when discussing the top-tier crouchers. With both of these youngsters being on teams that are more than likely set to struggle through a painful 2009 season, the protection that both will get from the order will be somewhat limited.

I expect Wieters to be the starting catcher come opening day as his maturity and confidence has no reason not to put him in that situation. However, with that being said, should Wieters put in a magical performance, I still feel that the value of Sandoval and his multi-position capabilities weighs the match-up in his favor.

Expect decent numbers from Wieters and a future where the sky is the limit, but for 2009 poolies that need to make a tough call, FANTALYTICS feels that the smarter option will be to wait a tad longer in your draft and snatch Sandoval.

With the hype machine in full effect, someone will draft Wieters early, leaving Sandoval available probably a round or two after, which is a great situation, considering that the payback will be greater and give you more flexibility in managing your roster.

Expect the Giants stud to produce a more down to earth line of .290-23-81-2, and be happy you were patient.