2010 Fantasy Baseball Draft Profile: Brian McCann, C, Atlanta Braves
Submitted by Imaginary Diamond Blog
We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as the regular season approaches.
Brian McCann, C, Atlanta Braves
Overview: Since his first full season in 2006, McCann has become one of the two or three best offensive catchers in the game … is fantasy’s undisputed No. 2 catcher this season behind only Minnesota’s Joe Mauer and Boston’s Victor Martinez … has posted consistent power numbers over career and has 90+ RBIs in three of four full seasons.
2009 numbers: .281 avg, 21 HRs, 94 RBIs, 63 runs in 138 games
Key splits and trends: Hits over .300 against righties but just .225 vs. left-handed pitchers … nearly all of power numbers coming against right-handers … struggled down the stretch, batting .228 in August and .270 combined in September and October.
Strengths: One of the most productive hitters in the majors despite playing at a non-offensive position … more consistent power numbers than Mauer with 3 years of 20+ HRs and 90+ RBIs … records a high number of XBH each season and, surprisingly, has 9 combined stolen bases the last 2 seasons.
Weaknesses: Like most catchers, McCann brings virtually nothing once he reaches base, as evidenced by his inability to score runs and his career 12 SBs … Lacks plate discipline, walking just 49 times in 2009 … is a big man at a position that grinds on players’ bodies.
Bold prediction for 2010: Will reach the 20-HR plateau once again, but will post 100 RBIs for the first time in his career.
