I know you're probably expecting a Thanksgiving article, but I doubt many people actually want to read one. Thanks for this, thanks for that; I wrote enough of those back in grade school and see no reason to write 1000 words of filler. All I have for you today is another spate of catcher analysis. Today's covers the rest of the catchers who appeared in the American League this year.

Now I certainly don't mind if you wait until later this weekend to read this as I suspect most readers only will be looking for specific players in these ratings. However, if you're full of food and goodwill towards everyone that isn't facing your hometown team, a little fantasy baseball will take your mind off the possibility of your chair falling over thanks to that last extra piece of turkey.

American League Catchers without Positive Draft Value

Quick Key to the tables:
AB = At-bats.  H = Hits.  BA = Batting Average.  HR= Home Runs.
RBI = Runs Batted In.  SB = Stolen Bases.  R = Runs.  B = Bats.  T = Throws.
Position(s) = Positions listed with 20 or more 2001 appearances.
4x4 = BA, HR, RBI, and SB in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
5x5 = BA, HR, RBI, SB, and R in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
DV = Draft Value.  DTCD = Draft Total Category Dollars.
AV = Actual Value.  ATCD = Actual Total Category Dollars.
LABR/Tout = 2001 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

A brief review of what our dollar values mean:
Draft Value is how much a player should have gone for on draft day.
DTCD is the highest acceptable draft day price without a value loss.
Actual Value is how much a player earned this year.
ATCD is the highest price at which you could have owned a player without a value loss in leagues with an in-season salary cap.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest.

18.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Doug Mirabelli		190	43	.226	11	29	0	20	C-75
TEX / BOS		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	1		2		1		1

Another borderline major leaguer acquired for a decent prospect by the Duke of Boston. Mirabelli's power can certainly help out some teams even though he strikes out in up to a third of his at-bats. Maybe worth your buck if you can take the BA hit.

19.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Jose Molina		37	10	.270	2	4	0	8	C-15
ANA Angels		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	0		1		0		1

Jose doesn't make as much contact as his older brother Ben, but he had an .839 OPS in limited time in the majors this year. Why does Jorge Fabregas get a new contract before Jose? Bill Stoneman must have been thinking "Don't forget the Fabregasoftener."

20.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Sandy Alomar, Jr.		220	54	.245	4	21	1	17	C-69
CH White Sox		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1		6
2001 Age: 35	5x5:	1		1		1		1		7

Future Medicare spokesman Sandy simply can't stay healthy. He's really only worth drafting in leagues where you can easily replace him when his next injury occurs. The talent is still there, but his body no longer appears willing.

21.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Javier Cardona		96	25	.260	1	10	0	10	C-44
DET Tigers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	0		1		1		1

Cardona has no power, bad plate discipline, and yet he's still much more valuable than Brandon Inge. He won't hurt you as long as he doesn't get many at-bats.

22.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Eddie Taubensee		116	29	.250	3	11	0	16	C-38
CLE Indians		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1		9
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	1		1		1		1		6

Eddie's still young enough to keep this up for a few years. Taubensee should see 200 or more at-bats somewhere, but he won't unseat Diaz from starting in Cleveland. Don't say $3 unless you know where he'll find those AB.

23.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Pat Borders		6	3	.500	0	0	0	1	C-5
SEA Mariners		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		1		0		1
2001 Age: 38	5x5:	0		1		0		0

Pat Gillick brought back 1992 World Series MVP Borders to squat behind home plate for a couple games when the Mariners ran out of catchers. Borders had some decent seasons in the early 90's but hasn't been worth owning for a couple years. Barnes & Noble has better discounts.

24.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike Rivera		12	4	.333	0	1	0	2	C-4
DET Tigers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		0		0		0
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	0		0		0		0

Crushed AA pitching in a tough hitter's park, so there obviously must be something wrong with him. The Tigers reportedly don't like his defense much, and his command of the strike zone leaves a lot to be desired. He could be a nice addition to the major league squad immediately in a platoon with Fick. Unfortunately, his best long-term bet might be in an offense/defense platoon with Inge. Rivera and Josh Phelps are competing to see who can make the majors for good first, so pick Mike up for your minor league system.

25.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike Hubbard		11	3	.273	1	1	0	0	C-5
TEX Rangers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	0		0		0		0
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	0		0		0		0

Mike is a AAAA catcher not worth owning. You'll see him in box scores for the next five or more years, but don't be tempted: Hubbard doesn't appear to have the talent to help you.

26.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Brent Mayne		166	40	.241	2	20	1	13	C-49
KC Royals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	0		0		0		0
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	0		1		0		1

So the Royals sour on Fasano and deal for Mayne, signing Brent to a long-term deal instead of Zaun. Is it any wonder that Rob Neyer just can't bring himself to write about his franchise any more?

27.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Scott Hatteberg		278	68	.245	3	25	1	34	C-72
BOS Red Sox		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	0		0		0		0		4
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	1		2		1		1		6

Went for unreasonably high bids in our drafts since Boston announced he was the starting DH on the morning of our first AL auction. He displayed extremely good plate discipline this year and should find 400 AB somewhere, especially if Varitek's injury flares up again.

28.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Joe Oliver		48	12	.250	1	3	0	4	C-17
NYY / BOS		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 35	5x5:	0		0		0		0		1

Joe was once a quality platoon catcher, and then a decent backup. He's now your injury replacement and can't help your roto team any more unless you also need an injury replacement who might break even in BA.

29.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
John Flaherty		248	59	.238	4	29	1	20	C-78
TB Devil Rays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0		4
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	0		1		0		1		2

Toby Hall will finish putting Tampa out of their catching misery this season. Flaherty has displayed a skill or two in the past, but he should remain no more than a replacement catcher in most leagues. No more than a buck unless he'll get playing time, and then consider not bidding at all unless you don't care about average.

30.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mark Dalesandro		0	0		0	0	0	0	C-1
CH White Sox		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 33	5x5:	-1		0		0		0

Dalesandro has neither Mark Johnson's plate discipline nor Josh Paul's speed. He has no business on a major league roster unless he learns to hit by spring training.

31.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Paul Hoover		4	1	.250	0	0	0	1	C-2
TB Devil Rays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 25	5x5:	-1		0		0		0

Hoover was Tampa's AAA utility guy in 2001. He has relatively no skill with the bat, so don't expect him to ever be more than a 25th man, and avoid him like the plague unless he shows severe improvement

32.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Tom Prince		196	43	.219	7	23	3	19	C-64
MIN Twins		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 36	5x5:	0		1		0		1

Minnesota's major free agent signing almost led them to the playoffs! Okay, so Prince probably had more to do with keeping them out of the post-season than advancing them towards it. He should return for another year to help keep Matt LeCroy in his place, which appears to be out of the Twins' catching picture. LeCroy has a lot more upside for your money if they both make the team.

33.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Tom Wilson		21	4	.190	2	4	0	4	C-9
OAK Athletics		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-1		0		0		0

A career minor league OBP of .376, slugging percentage over the last five years around .500, and a walk rate of 18%, and yet somehow nobody can find a roster spot for him. Wilson has the bat to start immediately for at least 10 teams in the majors. The Athletics gave him his first cup of coffee in the majors this year, but replaced him when they had a chance to augment Hernandez with lefty Greg Myers. He would be a perfect place filler for a team in need of a starter for three years until their "top catching prospect" is ready. Texas should jump at this guy to keep Scott Heard's place warm if they deal IRod. Don't use a minor league pick on him considering his age, but be ready to jump if he gets a platoon job or more somewhere.

34.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Hector Ortiz		154	38	.247	0	11	1	12	C-55
KC Royals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	0		0		0		0		1

Even the Royals didn't quite appear to think that Ortiz's fluke .386 BA in 2000 was more than an unexpectedly high career peak. Ortiz really doesn't have the skills to be much more than a 3rd catcher, but should see an occasional few at-bats for several more years. I suspect that you already know that none of them should happen while you own him.

35.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Jamie Burke		5	1	.200	0	0	0	1	C-8
ANA Angels		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		0		0
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-1		0		0		0

AAA catcher at best, but he couldn't even hit in slugger's paradise Salt Lake. Strictly big league roster filler.

36.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Fernando Lunar		167	41	.246	0	16	0	8	C-64
BAL Orioles		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	0		-1		0		0		1

Fernando is one of the three Baltimore catching modules. While he has more upside due to his relative youth than Fordyce or Gil, Fernando remains very similar and perhaps even interchangeable with Baltimore's non-Lunar modules.

37.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Bobby Estalella		4	0	.000	0	0	0	1	C-3
NY Yankees		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-1		0		-1		0
2001 Age: 26	5x5:	-1		0		-1		0

The Yankees should retain him as their backup catcher since Estalella still has a lot of power potential. His questionable catching skills and strikeouts scare off many teams, but he can certainly help someone as a backup. Hold your bid until you know he's made a roster.

38.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Tim Laker		33	6	.182	1	5	0	5	C-14
CLE Indians		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-1		0		-1		0

Tim Laker already re-signed with the Indians and should continue residency in Buffalo. He's developed some decent longball power like many catchers in their 30's, so don't be afraid to use him as a mid-season replacement if he's up and you need help in the quantitative categories.

39.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Tom Lampkin		204	46	.225	5	22	1	28	C-71
SEA Mariners		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1		3
2001 Age: 37	5x5:	0		1		0		0		1

Lampkin helped a lot of roto teams in 1999 but hasn't done much else to help either your team or his major league club. At 37, his window's probably closed for good.

40.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Josh Phelps		12		.000	0	1	1	3	C-7
TOR Bluejays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 23	5x5:	-2		-1		-1		-1

The other top AA catching prospect, Phelps crushed Southern League pitching for a .968 OPS. He doesn't really have the defense to catch in the majors, but could immediately be Brad Fullmer's right-handed platoon mate at DH in Toronto. J.P. Ricciardi is smart enough to utilize Phelps' potential immediately, so try to grab him this year; he could earn double digits in 2002 while still qualifying at catcher. If Jason Werth fizzles again, Phelps could even start for a year or two behind the plate, but it's more likely he winds up at a much less strenuous defensive position.

41.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Marcus Jensen		29	5	.172	0	2	0	0	C-12
BOS / TEX		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 28	5x5:	-2		-1		-1		-1

He's a free swinger with some plate discipline, but he doesn't have the power to capitalize on his passable batting eye. Watch Jensen's minor league numbers over the next few years. He could develop into a decent $1 catcher in a few years, but he's just as likely to stay a AAAA player.

42.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Jorge Fabregas		148	33	.223	2	16	0	9	C-53
ANA Angels		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-1		-1		-1		-1

He'll swing at any pitch near the plate. All you can hope for in drafting him is that he doesn't get enough at-bats to hurt you. With Molina and Wooten also on the Angels, Fabregas shouldn't receive many at-bats next year. Jorge remains a defensive replacement who has no place in most fantasy leagues.

43.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Darrin Fletcher		416	94	.226	11	56	0	36	C-129
TOR Bluejays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:L    T:R	4x4:	-2		-1		-1		-1		12
2001 Age: 34	5x5:	0		0		0		0		10

What happened to someone who went for double-digit prices in almost every AL-only league? Fletcher not only completely stopped hitting against lefties, he even lost the ability to drive the ball against righties. A rebound remains possible, but speculate low unless you hear good reports from his hitting coach in spring training

44.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Todd Greene		96	20	.208	1	11	0	9	C-34
NY Yankees		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-2		-2		-2		-1
2001 Age: 30	5x5:	-2		-1		-1		-1

Todd Greene almost had a World Series' ring when most GM's don't even think he's a capable catcher. He doesn't have enough strike zone command to ever really increase his average, and his power won't help you much either. Taxi-squad material unless he finds a job platooning on some team desperate for a RH DH.

45.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Sal Fasano		22	1	.045	0	0	0	2	C-12
OAK / KC		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-2		1
2001 Age: 29	5x5:	-3		-2		-2		-1		1

This should sound familiar: power upside, average downside, needs at-bats to prove himself, and I have no idea where he'll find them.

46.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Mike DiFelice		149	31	.208	2	9	1	13	C-48
TB Devil Rays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-3		-2		-2		-2
2001 Age: 32	5x5:	-2		-1		-1		-1		3

Miller signed the first free agent contract for 2002. I sure hope the Cardinals inserted a clause that fines him if he even looks a nightclub. After Arizona dealt for him as a veteran backup to Miller, they dropped him like a hot potato when he reportedly assaulted a couple women near Pittsburgh; he supposedly had one too many drinks or some idiotic excuse like that. The Cardinals should be ashamed for picking him up. Ashamed not for the above reason, but because they already have a better offensive catcher in Marrero, a better defensive catcher in Matheny, and a desperate need to add a power bat to the lineup at either first base or the outfield.

47.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Alberto Castillo		131	26	.198	1	4	1	9	C-66
TOR Bluejays		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-4		-3		-3		-2
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-3		-2		-2		-2		1

Alberto is a defensive specialist who can hurt you in every category. Avoid drafting Castillo unless you have a really good reason, like a vocal spasm during the draft.

48.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
A.J.Hinch		121	19	.157	6	15	1	10	C-43
KC Royals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-4		-3		-3		-3		1
2001 Age: 27	5x5:	-3		-2		-2		-2		Res

Celebrated his age 27-year (with experience) by posting his lowest batting average in any season. Hinch will undoubtedly receive a few more chances, but they shouldn't occur on your roster.

49.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Brook Fordyce		209	61	.209	5	19	1	30	C-95
KC Royals		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:R    T:R	4x4:	-6		-5		-4		-4		10
2001 Age: 31	5x5:	-3		-3		-2		-2		10

Brook had his own radio show when with the White Sox. It was called, surprisingly enough, the "Brook Fordyce Show." Fordyce is Exhibit #1 for people who don't believe that Comiskey is now a hitter's park and that Camden Yards is one of the best three pitching parks in the majors. Hope for a rebound from Brook, but hope cheaply. I suspect he'll start for someone next year, quite possibly elsewhere if the Orioles try to improve their catching, and Fordyce could earn a half dozen bucks or more.

50.		AB	H	BA	HR	RBI	SB	R		Position(s)
Brandon Inge		189	34	.180	0	15	1	13	C-79
DET Tigers		DV		DTCD		AV		ATCD		LABR/Tout
B:S    T:R	4x4:	-7		-6		-5		-5
2001 Age: 24	5x5:	-5		-4		-4		-3

Brandon is skilled at missing the ball from both sides of the plate. He's also one of the few Tigers with endorsement potential, helping to sell personal fans. And one time, in band camp, Inge . . . we went two bucks at the draft, and then he "earned" $-5 for us. You reap what you sow.

One more time: stay with cheap catchers unless you can grab stars at an impressive discount. Look for young guys with some experience in good lineups and ballparks, and players in their early 30's who have displayed power skills in the minors and might gain playing time

Minor league prospects and suspects tomorrow. Rest of the NL catchers ASAP.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Enjoy your turkey. Cheer for the Lions.