best catchers in mlb

Yadier Molina is the best defensive catcher in the league. So much so there are many teams who won't even attempt to steal off him. Something like 30 pickoffs at 1st base in his career. Hardly ever misses balls. Other catchers may be better overall when you include speed, hitting, and defense. But from a defensive standpoint, I don't think you'll find a better catcher than Yadier Molina.

Best overall catcher is Mauer...

Defense, I totaly agree with you. I too try to model my game after Varitek's. I think he is what a catcher is supposed to be: his pitchers like throwing to him and he is a leader/captain of his team. He may be getting old and is not hitting as well anymore, but I still believe his ability to call games and handle his pitchers is his best quality and is still great.

Mauer is the best catcher offensively as he was the first American League catcher to win a batting title and has won 2 and now in the race for another.

Mauer is the best!

Bulldog is correct that Yadier Molina is considered the top defensive catcher in the game today.

One thing to consider is how many of the catchers that are just average to below average hitter there are, who are playing regularly. Most (all!) of those guys are excellent behind the plate. That is their primary responsibility, before offense.

But, everyone would love to have a catcher with Joe Mauer's offense!

Defensively, probably Molina due to his arm. Glove is decent but not great; not all that great blocking laterally. Game calling is good; maybe not as good as McCann and Mauer but still good. Has improved on his tendency to be lazy at times. Hitting is good enough and has improved; looks like he is getting more comfortable as a hitter.

Offensively, Mauer and McCann giving the edge to Mauer.

Overall it's a tossup between Mauer and Molina; I'll take Mauer due to his hitting and his improved defense. A couple years ago, Mauer wasn't all that impressive behind the plate but really looked good this past season. Amazing for a guy that size.

All of them should sit down with Varitek and pick his brain on how to play the position. JMHO.

Along with Mauer and Molina, I would have to throw Gerald Laird in for his defense. His arm might be the best in the game.

Kid I want to watch devlop and see what happens is Matt Wieters of the O's. O's instructors have already done some good work with him. Not quite on par defensively at the same stage of his career with some we've mentioned but he's shown great adaptabilty in college and has really good upside potential. Be interesting how he handles the grind of a full MLB season.