Shifting Values for Different Categories: Catcher

We provide fantasy analysis across a fairly broad spectrum of topics here at Fake Teams, but our rankings are built on the assumption of a standard 5x5 redraft league. So what about our readers who don't play in standard 5x5 leagues? Obviously those rankings don't fit in the same manner if your league plays different categories. So if you're looking for some catchers who may be ranked differently in your league than the standard, you've come to the right place.

In general, the bar for catcher production remains fairly low, but there are still players who can be moved up or down our consensus rankings if you're playing those other categories. All 2015 ranks are based on a 100 plate appearance minimum.

OBP-leagues

Up: Miguel Montero - The Cubs' main backstop finished 2015 7th among catchers with a .345 OBP, but his .248 batting average was only good for 23rd. The high OBP difference is no fluke either, as he's posted walk rates above 10% each of the last three seasons. We have him at 19th in our consensus catcher rankings in part because of that low batting average, but can be a top 10 option in OBP leagues.

Other Risers: Yasmani Grandal, Alex Avila

Down: Salvador Perez - While this isn't a huge downgrade because of the other categories, Perez does drop in value in OBP leagues due to a low walk rate (2.4% last year, 3.5% for his career). The thing that makes him so valuable for batting average can really kill you with OBP - with at least 526 plate appearances in each of the last three seasons, his low OBP can really drag down your team's totals in a way most catchers wouldn't.

Other Fallers: Wilson Ramos, Yan Gomes

Slugging Percentage (SLG)

Up: Welington Castillo - Traded twice last year, Castillo hit 17 home runs in 80 games with Arizona, and comes into the season this year as the starter with relatively guaranteed playing time. While I don't expect a full-season total that surpasses 30 home runs, I can see him finishing in the top 5 among catchers in both home runs and slugging percentage.

Other Risers: Geovany Soto, Robinson Chirinos

Down: Yadier Molina - He's dealt with injuries each of the past two seasons, and while it hasn't affected his batting average, his isolated power dropped to a new low in 2015 (0.080) along with his home runs. It's possible that the offseason surgery will help him return to form, but there are a lot of catchers I'd rather take a chance on in slugging percentage leagues.

Other Fallers: Francisco Cervelli, Kevin Plawecki

OPS-Leagues

Up: Nick Hundley and Tom Murphy - It's easy to say that if you're in OPS-leagues, you should move up Rockies' catchers, but there's more to it than that. Both catchers have posted solid walk rates in the past as well as excellent isolated power (including in San Diego for Hundley), and could easily finish in the top 5 in OPS over a full season.

Other Risers: A.J. Ellis, A.J. Pierzynski

Down: James McCann - McCann should get the majority of at bats for the Tigers, but he doesn't really hit for any power and doesn't draw walks particularly. He could also lose playing time if Jarrod Saltalamacchia plays well in Spring Training, as Salty could help give a little bit of L/R balance to that lineup if a platoon occurs.

Other Fallers: Kevin Plawecki, Alex Avila

4x4 Leagues

Up: Miguel Montero - Turns out that one of Montero's weakest categories is runs scored, with a high of 44 in any of the last three seasons. The fact that he should provide above-average production in home runs and RBI should move him up 4x4 ranks.

Down: Francisco Cervelli - Cervelli finished 6th among catchers in runs scored last year, and unless he sets another career high in home runs this year, he's simply not as valuable for this format.

Looking for other specific categories? Post them to the comments and I'll look into them in future positions.