Who would you take as a second catcher in fantasy baseball...?

Question

Josh Bard or David Ross?
Right now my catcher is David Ross of the Reds. He hasn't even gotten a hit so far this year. Josh Bard of the Padres is still available on the waiver wire. He's doing great! Should I jump ship with Ross and pick up Bard or is Bard's hot start just an apparition? By the way, I've got Mike Piazza as my starter, and I have confidence he'll come around.

Answer 1

Assumption: Your roster has only one slot for a catcher in the daily lineup.

I would not even have a second catcher. If your catcher gets hurt there should be several on the waiver wire that are comparable and servicable. It is too hard to follow when your regular catcher is not in the lineup to make it worth your time and worth using up a roster slot for a second catcher.

Use that slot for another relief pitcher. There are too many times that you do not have all of your starting pitchers scheduled to start---you accumulate no stats on those occassions. Find a relief pitcher that is available, looking especially for one that is also starter eligible. Those few extra saves, wins, and strikeouts will pay-off, much more than the infrequent use of a back-up catcher.

Now, if you have two slots for a catcher in your daily lineup, take Bard. Ross was a journeyman catcher that won the Reds job only because they were so frustrated by Jason LaRue. Bard has better potential.

Answer 2

I would take Josh Bard...with Piazza going to Oakland the catching job is Bard's full time and he still has a huge upside even at age 28 and sure his hot start is an apparition but he will be a consistent hitter. I believe he will hit in low 300's with 13-18 hrs and 60-70 RBI's and 55 runs scored. I really like his bat and think your in a no lose situation.

Ross' career average is around .255 and last year's 21 HRS were the most in his career the most he hit prior to that was 10 with LA Dodgers in 2003 so again Bard has would be the better pick in my opinion. Whatever you decide, good luck and enjoy the season!

Answer 3

First do you really need a 2nd catcher? They arent overly valuable so you would be far better off filling that extra slot with a productive player at another position. But if you need an additional catcher then consider someone like Gerald Laird from Texas, very good hitter in a hitters park. Plus he actually will steal you 10-15 bags this year to go with 15 HRs and 60-70 RBI. He is a good bet to hit near .300 and has the everyday job this season. It is also possible that Johnny Estrada is available (cant believe he isnt drafted but he ends up a free agent far too often). This is a guy who hit .300 and drove in 71 RBI last season (2nd among NL catchers....only McCann drove in more) and he did it in 115 games. Again this guy gets a full time gig this season so look for improved numbers....if he is available he would be the steal of the league as catchers go. Last....keep an eye on Chris Iannetta (Rockies) and Ronny Paulino (Pirates), they are the best young catchers right now and both have good offensive potential.

Answer 4

i would take Bard now and drop him as quickly as he fades ... and he will fade. Ross should still be available though as he isnt doing anything too spectacular yet.

Answer 5

DROP DAVID ROSS AND ADD BARD TO YOUR ROSTER. BUT IF ROSS GETS GOOD YOU CAN ALWAYS RE-ADD HIM TOO YOUR ROSTER.REMEMBER FANTASY BASEBALL IS ALL ABOUT RISKS

Answer 6

I would pick up bard.

Answer 7

ADD BARD