Fantasy Baseball Insiders

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Victor Martinez has been one of the most productive players at the catcher position over the last seven seasons. He makes good contact, doesn’t strike out much, always hits for a high average and has 20-25 HR power.

Since 2004 (his first full season), V-Mart has the most home runs among catchers (129). He also holds the second-highest batting average during that period, at an even .300 (Joe Mauer, of course, is first at .327). Martinez leads the pack in terms of RBI production, and it’s not even close. In fact, Martinez is the only catcher since 2004 to post 100 RBI in a season, and he’s done it three times!

While these accomplishments are all very impressive, two things are important to note while projecting Martinez in 2011. First, V-Mart is 32 years old, and the decline for catchers is generally very steep. Second, he’s no longer hitting in Fenway. His new home, Comerica Park slightly favored pitchers last season. His run-scoring and run-producing totals hinge on whether he’s hitting in front of or behind Miguel Cabrera.

Martinez remains in the top tier of a very thin position, but his prime years are behind him. Expect no more than 20 bombs with a .300 average in 2011.

Image courtesy of: Serena A. Thaw

Check out the Home Run Heroics Forum to discuss the hottest baseball topics, including the upcoming 2011 fantasy baseball season!

The latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• Guerrero to Baltimore: Why He’s Better Off in Camden Yards than Rangers Ballpark

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Nos. 1-10: Is Pujols Still The Top Pick?
• Nos. 11-20: Where Do Votto, A-Rod and Halladay Fit In?
• Nos. 21-30: Hernandez, Lincecum or Wainwright?
• No. 31: Joe Mauer

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact
• Adrian Beltre Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact

Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• The Sub-2.50 ERA Curse: Why Five Elite Starting Pitchers May Regress in 2011
• 2010 Batting Average on Balls in Play Leaders: What to Expect in 2011?
• 2011 Closer’s Corner: Papelbon, Cordero & Rivera Are the Only Reliable Options