Jeff Mathis

2013

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2012

After spending parts of the last seven seasons with the Angels, Mathis was sent to the Blue Jays in an offseason trade. Mathis draws raves for his defensive skills, but with just a .194 batting average and .557 OPS at the major league level, it’s clear he does not hit enough to warrant regular playing time. As such, expect Mathis to serve as backup catcher behind J.P. Arencibia.

2011

Mathis recorded a hit in each of his first 10 games last season, but a broken wrist knocked him out for the next two months and he really struggled with the bat the rest of the way. Mathis hit .170 and walked just four times in 170 at-bats after his June 18 return, and he was on the bench a lot even though fellow catcher Mike Napoli saw considerable action at first base. Mathis will enter the 2011 season healthy, but Napoli will likely catch more with Kendry Morales back at first base. While Mathis will make a few starts a week because he is better defensively than Napoli, he will not benefit fantasy owners at all unless he makes big strides with the bat.

2010

His ALCS heroics aside, Mathis is a no-bat backup catcher with enough defensive skills to make a long career out of nothing. Manager Mike Scioscia seems very attached to him, enough to make him a slightly better than usual No. 2 catcher in AL-only leagues.

2009

Mathis played in 94 games in 2008 and proved that his offensive game still needs some work. His production at the major league level is a far cry from our expectations generated by his early minor league numbers. Mathis will be Mike Napoli's backup again next season, but could become the starter if the injury-prone Napoli goes down again, or when Napoli goes into one of his patented slumps.

2008

Mathis has long been expected to be the Angels' catcher of the future, but he hasn't been able to prove himself at the major league level yet. He is regarded more for his defense than for his offensive skills, but few catchers are going to get regular at-bats hitting .211 in the majors. Mathis' bat just hasn't looked ready for everyday duty and Mike Napoli will be the Angels' starting catcher to begin the 2008 season, so bid and draft accordingly.

2007

Mathis survived the Bengie Molina era only to be lapped by Mike Napoli, then didn't hit all that well on his return to Salt Lake. He'll get another chance should Napoli falter, and like Casey Kotchman and Dallas McPherson, needs to convert the next opportunity or be cast aside. He's still just 24, and could end up as Mike Stanley down the road.

2006

The Angels feel Mathis is ready for a regular spot on the 25 man roster after a nice rebound at Salt Lake City in 2005. The power is definitely there. If the plate discipline starts to improve, he could join the ranks of the AL upper echelon catchers sooner than later. He's more than adequate defensively, although not superior, but good enough that if he's hitting, he'll earn more than his fair share of starts behind the plate in 2006.

2005

Mathis stalled at Double-A last year, with his OPS dropping from .827 to .695 and his average falling to an eyebrow-raising .221. It appeared as if he started pressing after teammates Casey Kotchman and Dallas McPherson were promoted. Even with the setback, Mathis is still considered a fine prospect and should bounce back in 2005.

2004

Mathis is quickly advancing in the Angels organization. He hit .315 with 13 HR and 93 runs scored between Double-A Arkansas and at high Single-A Ranch Cucamonga. The combination of power, plate discipline and defensive skills at an early age (he'll be just 21 next season) suggest he'll be a star one day. A strong year at Double-A this season could make him a factor at the major-league level in 2005.

2003

Mathis may turn out to be the best all-around catching prospect of the current crop. High praise considering the group includes super-prospect Joe Mauer. He excels in the areas that are most important for a backstop; athleticism, arm strength, receiving, and overall intelligence/makeup. While his home run potential is not off the charts, strong hands and a quick bat make it likely he’ll develop into a medium power hitter that will also produce a decent average. The Angels 2001 first round supplemental pick will begin the season at High Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. It would be unusual for him to advance to Double-A in 2003. Catchers are generally developed at a slower pace than other position players, but the 20-year-olds potential is so high this may the exception.