KFFL.com's fantasy baseball rankings are based on our fantasy baseball projections, but a ranking doesn't always reflect a player's optimal position in fantasy baseball drafts. Use these player profiles in conjunction with our free Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide to get the whole story.

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians | Age: 25 Bat: B Ht: 5-11 Wt: 190 Elig: C 1B

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Santana's prodigious power and opportunity for reps at 1B and DH make him the top fantasy catcher in baseball. He's an even better bet to meet that designation in OBP leagues, but his AB outlets still separate him from the rest. He could stand to hit more line drives and improve vs. RHP, but given his plate discipline and rookie sample in the latter, those aren't outlandish expectations. -TH

Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins | Age: 28 Bat: L Ht: 6-5 Wt: 235 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Upon his return to action - finally - in 2011, it was all line drives and ground balls. That is, until the final month. He's regained the weight he lost since last spring, and perhaps added a little more. How confident can you be? Probably more so than you were last year. Dear home runs, are you possible? That question, dear roto friend, has an ambiguous answer, but that's a secondary matter. It's not wise to pay for 500 at-bats, but Mauer will come at a mild discount in 2012 and stands a reasonable chance to make you glad that you bought in this time. -NM

Mike Napoli, Texas Rangers | Age: 30 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 215 Elig: C 1B

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

There's something about Napoli's ballooned contact rate and stirring home run run totals that endears him to fantasy baseball players. Those things should - the possibilities seem endless for a player with C eligibility, especially one who improved his defense last year. The length of time that his ankle injury has lingered is bothersome, however. Couldn't that, or a rediscovery for an affinity for K's (his swinging-strike percentage didn't decrease much) - or both - give pause? Just because things can get better doesn't necessarily mean that they will, so be wary of paying for that expectation. The allure of a thumping croucher is great. -NM

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves | Age: 28 Bat: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

McCann won't hit .300 without some fortune, but nearly everything else about him makes him a stable top-5 mixed C. Blame his late-season struggles on residual effects from his oblique strain. His output nearly matched 2010 anyway, and given the way he ended the season, it should've been much better. Health should translate into more line drives to go along with his 20-HR tradition. -TH

Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles | Age: 25 Bat: B Ht: 6-5 Wt: 225 Elig: C

Yadi has stepped up

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

He's only 25 and saw his power skills mature last year. Wieters is entering the prime years for additional power growth, too, so there is likely more to come. August and September power output is encouraging for transition into 2012, to go along with optimism surrounding his BA thanks to a gains maintained in contact rate and some poor fortune last year. -KH

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants | Age: 24 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

The most important factor is how Posey recovers from his devastating knee injury in order to make the most of his enticing batting profile, his above-average BB/K included. A shaky start to 2011 can't be overvalued because of its small sample size. Though he could become a reverse-splits commodity, you have to like his chances of hitting LHPs harder, which stands as an easy route to putting up 2010-like stats. With Posey, you have to trust his pedigree. It's not a stretch to think he could be the top-performing fantasy catcher. A readjustment could last into the second half, so he could even present a buying opportunity. -TH

Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks | Age: 28 Bat: L Ht: 5-11 Wt: 215 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Struggles versus left-handed pitchers will probably keep Montero from taking the next step, at least in the immediate future. The 28-year-old, however, still possesses the skills of a top-10 mixed backstop: His contact and liner rates increased, so he could overcome his platoon split. 20 HR remain within reach if he doesn't sit based on matchups. His flaws shouldn't keep you from a confident bid. -TH

Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals | Age: 29 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Molina had chiefly been a playing-time aggregator with helpful BA peripherals before his HR boom in 2011. The traditional path of late-blooming C power came early for him, considering he's already a vet. It's reasonable to expect similar power, but sustaining those gains along with the BA he showed last year will be difficult. He'll give a little there to keep up his yard-leaving. That's still a solid profile, though, if you miss out on the elite mixed backstops. -TH

Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners | Age: 22 Bat: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 225 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Montero is assured of PT in the M's anorexic lineup, although much of it, at least in 2012, may come at DH. Don't worry; he'll hit. Safeco Field and his teammates will simply deaden the impact. Montero, 22, should be at least a high-end No. 2 C with low-end No. 1 upside or greater in mixed leagues. -NM

Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers | Age: 25 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 190 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Lucroy failed to sustain the spurt of contact rate he showed the previous year, but he's a Kurt Suzuki Lite. He hit seven homers before July last season and will be practically unchallenged for AB. Notable 2011 improvements: ISO, liner % and September BB%. He isn't a traditional powerhouse, but he's bucking the trend of late-blooming backstops in several key offensive components. Needs to solve RHP, but he showed power against them. In most setups, you can snag Lucroy as a mixed No. 2 and net low-end No. 1 production if he puts it all together. -TH

Russell Martin, New York Yankees | Age: 29 Bat: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Martin's BB/K and contact rate have decrease in each of the last 3 seasons, but he took well to his new home park in 2011. Luckily, he hit plenty of HR on the road, too, so it's unfair to assume he's leaning on his digs. Another year with a high liner rate and a BABIP that could stand to improve shows he has minimal upside for BA improvement, but it's not a strength, like it was pre-2009. Playing time in this lineup will make him a valuable mixed No. 2 C, as long as you realign your expectations to shade more toward power. -TH

Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers | Age: 25 Bat: L Ht: 5-11 Wt: 210 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Avila's home runs are why you buy him. His line-drive rate gives some credence to his BA improvement, but the .295 he posted last year was a pipe dream, especially when you note his shaky contact percentage and high K rate, which negates his BB rate in the BA game. At least he has a better shot at DH AB this year with Victor Martinez's injury, so he can try warding off the knee issues that bugged him last year, but there are still some flaws in his game. He has a better shot to match his breakout 2011 in OBP leagues. His flaws place him near the end of the top 10 mixed C. -TH

Kurt Suzuki, Oakland Athletics | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 195 Elig: C

Arencibia: bombs away

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

After posting a sub-.250 BA in each of the past two seasons, Suzuki is testing fantasy baseball owners' trust. Those who remain faithful should be satisfied, however. Suzuki has hit 13 and 14 HR in each of the past two campaigns, respectively, on the heels of his 15 in 2009, his signature season. He enters prime years with indicators that support his power record and growth. His fly-ball rate has steadily risen in the last few seasons, and his HR/FB has rested quite comfortably in double digits for the past few years. Could 20 HR come? All that has come without a sacrifice of his line-drive rate, which is close to 20 percent. He's posted a BABIP below .250 - and still more than 25 points below his career rate - for two straight years, however. In mixed leagues, he'll be someone's No. 2 C, but he has an excellent chance to perform as a low-end No. 1 C. -NM

Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Twins | Age: 30 Bat: B Ht: 6-1 Wt: 215 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Where will the PT come from? DH, most of the time. That hurts his long-term prospects to maintain C eligibility but increases hope that he'll remain upright. He has more power as a left-handed batter, but Target Field forgives no one. He hasn't been on the field long enough to mix the quality BA ability and modest power for a few years now. In 2012, he has an opportunity to make that happen, at least, and your competition appears to be less interested. -NM

J.P. Arencibia, Toronto Blue Jays | Age: 26 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Power? Arencibia will provide plenty of it. His growth has been gradual over the last four seasons, minors included. The price for that pop, though, is a crippling BA and a K-filled profile that doesn't show promise there; it limits him to the low-end No. 1 region of mixed C. Playing time shouldn't be an issue for 2012, though, so that matters when you hit that point in the player pool. -TH

Wilson Ramos, Washington Nationals | Age: 24 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 220 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Ramos has keeper promise of 20 HR, but a lot will have to go right for him to repeat 2011. His contact rate and BB/K outweigh those that facilitate his pop; he still hits a bit too many grounders to become a frequent yard leaver. He's … incomplete. Skills tweeners can have painful growths, and Ramos, though he's an acceptable No. 2 mixed C this year, is no exception. -TH

Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies | Age: 33 Bat: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

2-year increase in liners fueling Ruiz's BA growth, already bolstered by frequent contact. Playing time not an issue considering his relationship with PHI SPs. A second mixed C that'll help you far more than hurt you. -TH

Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs | Age: 29 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

In recent seasons, Soto has relied on crushing LHP to stay afloat. At least his power is strong vs. each handedness. K's are a problem but shouldn't be as bad as they were last year. His Mroin injury lingered, likely affecting the potency of his swing for a bit. Still 20-HR profile, which could be had at a value. His career BB/K, late-season liner rates say his BA will rebound. -TH

Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals | Age: 21 Bat: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Perez seized the Royals' C gig with a torrid late-season stretch. PT won't be an issue at least early on. Unfortunately, a lofty BABIP fueled that surge. Even though an insanely high liner rate justifies it on the surface, that's a tough pace to sustain. Luckily, some of those hard-hit knocks might turn into fence clearers, which adds more intrigue to his mixed No. 2 C stock. -TH

Chris Iannetta, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Let's face it, Iannetta isn't a help in average; he posted a rather high BABIP for his standards in '11 and still hit just .238, and he won't have Coors Field to fall back on anymore. He just hasn't made enough solid contact for growth in anything besides HRs, and it's not certain that he's going to give anymore of them. He's best as an AL-only target or as your second catcher in two-catcher mixed leagues. -KH

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Boston Red Sox | Age: 26 Bat: S Ht: 6-4 Wt: 235 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

A full, healthy season showed Salty's potential. It took a few years, but his power surfaced, thanks to his increased and more frequent lift. Besides his high line-drive rate, though, he boasts a BB/K and contact profile that doesn't bode well for BA growth. As a mixed No. 2 C, you'll take the HR, but beware the harm his clip will do. -TH

A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox | Age: 35 Bat: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Pierzynski's contact rate and plate discipline marks in general are improving. Is he like a fine wine? Not likely, because there are also no signs of a late-career power spike that a roto owner would like to see from an aging backstop. Tyler Flowers needs some ABs, too. Pierzynski's deal expires after this season. -NM

Miguel Olivo, Seattle Mariners | Age: 33 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Although Olivo moved to one of the worst home run environments in baseball, his average ding dong distance slipped in 2011. The backstop boasts a bit of wallop, but he may have a tough time getting that close to 20 again in 2012. At Safeco Field, the fly-ball banger will continue to beg for mercy from the BABIP gods, especially as he ages, and his contact rate remains atrocious. The BA could bounce back a bit, but probably not enough to please a roto owner. He should still chip in with a few stolen bases and be an OK consolation prize in deep mixed leagues as a C2. -NM

John Buck, Miami Marlins | Age: 31 Bat: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

There's little that's flashy about Buck's profile: hurtful BA, bottom-of-the-order placement and sluggish OBP. But for a No. 2 mixed C, he'll offer you upwards of 20 HR. Maybe his modest improvements on the BA front will push him all the way up to .250. Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves, but for the desperate, he offers power, if nothing else. -TH

Ramon Hernandez, Colorado Rockies | Age: 35 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Hernandez has the pop to take full advantage of Coors Field, sustain the HR/FB fortune he had last season and stave off increasing GB rate. BB/K won't replicate 2009 anytime soon, but still has skills to be useful in BA column. Some youngsters sit behind him, but his experience should give him the majority of AB. A steady if not outstanding second mixed C. -TH

Nick Hundley, San Diego Padres | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Last season, Hundley missed more than a month because of surgery on his elbow. When he returned, he was much more aggressive, and his results were much better. He belted six 6 home runs in final the two months. Did the elbow injury stifle a breakout? John Baker is the immediate potential threat to PT - if he's healthy after long recovery from TJS. Yasmani Grandal is the long-term threat to PT, but he's not ready. Hundley has a 2012 window and a bit of upside, but correction of his hit rate would reduce the impact if he breaks through. -NM

Yorvit Torrealba, Texas Rangers | Age: 33 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 200 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Josh Thole, New York Mets | Age: 25 Bat: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Even with his top-shelf BB/K, Thole must improve vs. LHP to become a valid BA commodity, but playing time shouldn't be a concern. He has little power to speak of, though puts the ball in play frequently and hard enough to keep your BA afloat, which should be his job as a No. 2 mixed C. Still, don't overrate his clip upside. -TH

Ryan Hanigan, Cincinnati Reds | Age: 31 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 201 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Rod Barajas, Pittsburgh Pirates | Age: 36 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 250 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Expect upward of 20 HR in a typical Barajas seasonal workload. Every other category? He hurts you as a desperation mixed No. 2 C, with fingers crossed his pop continues to shine in a weak home park. -TH

Chris Snyder, Houston Astros | Age: 31 Bat: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 240 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds | Age: 23 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Mesoraco's power and favorable environment are reasons to take a chance on the young backstop. He'll at least be in a time share, most likely. Getting his feet wet with the pitching staff last year gives him a head start to prepare for a lengthy 2012 contribution. He'll probably fail to hit .250 but in a 300-AB season stands to offer 10 HR minimum, making him a promising No. 2 mixed backstop. -TH

Jose Molina, Tampa Bay Rays | Age: 36 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 250 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

In effect: power spike - relatively speaking - for catchers in mid-30s. Molina has big haunches and a starting job. Might those facts and his career-best .281 BA in 2011 and lead him to roto relevance in 2012? Probably not. Tampa Bay has divvied up plate appearances at backstop among multiple bodies, and this season will be no different. -NM

Hank Conger, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Age: 24 Bat: B Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

George Kottaras, Milwaukee Brewers | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 190 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

John Baker, San Diego Padres | Age: 31 Bat: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Tyler Flowers, Chicago White Sox | Age: 26 Bat: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 245 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

David Ross, Atlanta Braves | Age: 34 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Francisco Cervelli, New York Yankees | Age: 25 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

A.J. Ellis, Los Angeles Dodgers | Age: 30 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Jesus Flores, Washington Nationals | Age: 27 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 230 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Ryan Lavarnway, Boston Red Sox | Age: 24 Bat: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 225 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Gerald Laird, Detroit Tigers | Age: 32 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Kelly Shoppach, Boston Red Sox | Age: 31 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 220 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Jason Castro, Houston Astros | Age: 24 Bat: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Coming back from a torn ACL, Castro will get starting duties if he can handle it. Not much power to speak of yet. In fact, besides his walk-taking ability, not really much to speak of that doesn't make him more than a desperation No. 2 mixed C. More of a long-term project than a 2012 contributor. -TH

Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies | Age: 23 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 200 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Blocked by a veteran and his lack of AAA time, Rosario probably needs more development. His power is the most secure aspect of his game; he still whiffs a ton. Those who draft him will have to wait this out. In NL-only, a stash is more warranted. Most mixed leaguers can probably wait him out on their waiver wire but must be quick to add him when he comes up. -TH

Lou Marson, Cleveland Indians | Age: 25 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

John Jaso, Seattle Mariners | Age: 28 Bat: L Ht: 6-2 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Welington Castillo, Chicago Cubs | Age: 24 Bat: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 210 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Matt Treanor, Los Angeles Dodgers | Age: 36 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Brett Hayes, Miami Marlins | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Jose Lobaton, Tampa Bay Rays | Age: 27 Bat: B Ht: 6-0 Wt: 195 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Eli Whiteside, San Francisco Giants | Age: 32 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 220 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Taylor Teagarden, Baltimore Orioles | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 200 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Robinson Chirinos, Tampa Bay Rays | Age: 27 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Henry Blanco, Arizona Diamondbacks | Age: 40 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 225 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Tim Federowicz, Los Angeles Dodgers | Age: 24 Bat: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 200 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Anthony Recker, Oakland Athletics | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 240 Elig:

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Brian Schneider, Philadelphia Phillies | Age: 35 Bat: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Rob Johnson, New York Mets | Age: 29 Bat: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 215 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Jeff Mathis, Toronto Blue Jays | Age: 28 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 200 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections

Mike Nickeas, New York Mets | Age: 29 Bat: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 215 Elig: C

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections