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Dodgers: NL West Position Rankings

By Anthony Perez

Jul 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of Dodger Stadium during the fifth inning between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of Dodger Stadium during the fifth inning between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; United States catcher Buster Posey (28) looks on from during batting practice before the game against Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; United States catcher Buster Posey (28) looks on from during batting practice before the game against Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Catcher:

1. Buster Posey, SF

Posey will come into the new year looking to bounce back from a “down year” in which he batted (.288/.362/.434). He just happens to be one of the best defensive catchers in baseball and will be looking to repeat as a gold glove winner. Highly considered the best catcher in baseball still plays in the bay and will more than likely continue his reign of terror in 2017. The Giants offense will surely need Posey’s bat if they want to compete for the division and avoid another playoff berth via the Wild Card.

2. Yasmani Grandal, LAD

With a .228 batting average last year, some people look at Grandal as a below average catcher. But, when you look at his 27 home runs and .816 OPS you may want to think otherwise. He ranks as the best pitch-framing catcher in baseball and will look to put it all together against lefties this season. With no other clear-cut starters in the division, Grandal’s power lands him as the second best catcher in the division.

3. Tom Murphy, COL

Murphy will be looking at his first real taste of the majors this season but will more than likely fall into a platoon with Tony Wolters. He did have a nice looking 1.006 OPS last season in only 44 AB, so he has some potential. Hitting in Coors Field could help boost his power numbers, but he’ll need to separate himself if he wants to be a starting catcher in the league.

4. Austin Hedges, SD

Hedges is an above average fielder, but below average hitter. There’s not much to his game other than that. He’s the only real option San Diego has behind the plate so he will get his fair amount of shots to work out his problems. Hedges only had 24 at-bats last season so he is really getting his first taste of the big leagues.

5. Chris Herrmann, ARI

Herrmann falls to number 5 simply because of playing time concerns. I think Hedges has high potential and could rank higher but his playing time could be limited. He’ll have to beat out veteran catchers, Chris Iannetta and Jeff Mathis to show his potential. But if the season goes south for the Dbacks early, expect Herrmann to get more opportunity early. Herrmann will look to build off a .284 batting average last season.

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