Bengie Molina

Molina finished with a career-high 20 homers last season, and his 80 RBI no doubt made him a valuable fantasy catcher. However, those counting stats had a lot do with him batting cleanup for most of the year, and remarkably, his 52 runs scored were the second-highest total of his career. Thanks to just 13 walks all year, Molina finished 2009 with just a .285 OBP, and at age 35, his best days are likely behind him. Surprisingly, Molina took a one-year deal to return to the Giants in January, so he'll hold onto the starting job until it's decided that Buster Posey is ready to take over.

Molina hit .292 with 16 homers and 95 RBI during the Giants' 2008 season. His .322 on-base percentage was hardly ideal for a cleanup hitter, but his place in the lineup resulted in terrific run production for a catcher. He hit 39 points better (.277 to .316) with RISP compared to with the bases empty, something that's become a trend since he arrived in San Francisco. Because he's one of the slowest runners in the league and had generally poor production behind him, Molina only scored 46 runs on the year, but his 95 RBI were a career-high. He'll act as the Giants' primary catcher and probably hit in the middle of the lineup once again this season, but it figures to be his last in the Bay Area, as Buster Posey should take over in 2010.

Molina finished with solid counting stats last year, matching his career-high with 19 homers and setting a new personal best with 81 RBI, which was largely in part to situational hitting; Molina hit .315 with RISP and just .265 with the bases empty. Still, his .298 OBP was a major liability, and he's unlikely to even approach that RBI total in 2008 with no Barry Bonds around. With his defense also continuing to decline, the Giants have been rumored to be shopping Molina, but it's uncertain if anyone would be willing to take on the two remaining years of his deal.

Molina hit 19 homers in 117 games for the Blue Jays, walking as many times, and played his way out of favor with some less-than-expected defense behind the plate. He signed a three-year deal with the Giants, clearing the way for Gregg Zaun to serve as Toronto's primary catcher again.

At publication time Molina was still a free agent and the Diamondbacks appeared to be the top suitor. Should he sign in Arizona, look for a nice lift on his numbers due to the positive ballpark effect. Regardless of where he signs he remains a solid tier one fantasy catcher.

Molina will likely hit well enough to get the majority of work behind the plate for the Halos this year. After the first half-dozen or so catchers are gone in your AL draft, Molina may provide as much value as any other backstop left on the board.

Molina is nearly impossible to walk and strike out and generally is a good hitter for average. Don't expect his power to keep up with last season (14 homers). Molina will be coming back from surgery to repair his left wrist, broken in a collision at the plate.

Ben is the better of the catching Molina brothers and will get more starts behind the plate than his brother Jose. His average won't likely rise above .270 and you can count on him for 5-8 HR and 40-50 RBI. Molina is a middle tier catcher in both AL-only and mixed leagues.