Kurt Suzuki

2013

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2012

Suzuki's value is tied almost exclusively to your scoring format. In traditional 4x4 or 5x5 leagues, catchers that hit for 15 homers, 60 RBI and 60 runs hold some value in their counting stats alone; those in OPS-based leagues got killed again with Suzuki's poor .237/.301/.385 line over 460 at-bats. There have been no signs of growth after a somewhat promising 2009 season, and he seems to be settling in as a .240 hitter and not the .270 version that some had hoped for. He struggles against lefties and righties, home and away, so there's no platoon possibility for the A's to take advantage of or to use to reduce his playing time. His high price tag could lead to a trade elsewhere following the acquisition of Derek Norris in December.

2011

Suzuki failed to play in at least 145 games last season for the first time since becoming a lineup regular, but still managed 131 games behind the plate as the A's heavily-used catcher. He gave back all the promising power gains he showed in 2009, however, shedding 60 points in slugging and posting a career-low (.366) mark in the process. Any thoughts of it being a side effect of a too-quick return from an early-season oblique injury can be dismissed with his terrible final two months (.206 average, no homers, 24 RBI his final 185 at-bats). His road performance (.220/.270/.331) was far worse than his home numbers, making it tough to find anything positive from 2010.

2010

For the second straight season, Suzuki appeared in at least 147 games as the A's primary catcher. He drew just 28 walks in 570 at-bats, leading to a poor .313 OBP in what otherwise was a pretty decent year from a catcher. His 37 doubles and 15 homers show good potential and he'll be just 26 years old this season so there's still some upside here. The A's haven't made any indication that they are interested in reducing Suzuki's workload, so he should be in line for at least 140 games and 550 at-bats again in 2010.

2009

Suzuki played often as the A's regular behind the plate, appearing in 148 games. He'll rack up enough counting stats given his heavy workload to be worth a bit as your second catcher, but his modest power doesn't project as being worthy of your No. 1 spot behind the plate.

2008

Suzuki emerged as the A's everyday catcher following the trade of Jason Kendall after spending just half a season at Triple-A Sacramento. His struggles against righties (.252/.319/.327 at Triple-A) will result in some less-than-stellar numbers for him in the majors the next year or two. There's not a lot of projectable power here, making him a poor option for those in leagues that use OBP and SLG as scoring categories.

2007

After putting up an .856 OPS in the first half at Double-A Midland, Suzuki tailed off in July, hitting just .215. He's got excellent strike zone judgement and punished the lefties in the Texas League to the tune of a 1.054 OPS. His glovework behind the plate improved as well. There's a lot to like about the 23-year-old catcher. If his gap power continues to develop as he moves up the chain, he could be an offensive force behind the plate. He'll start the season at Triple-A and figures to push for a starting job by 2008.

2006

Suzuki, a 2004 draft pick, has shown a good eye at the plate in his brief pro career. He doesn't have a ton of power, though, and given how often catcher bats stagnate as they advance, it's debatable if he'll hit enough to be a major league regular.