Backstop Bounty

Hey guys, my name is Jeremy from Rhode Island.  I currently have three catchers on my roster, one being on the bench.  I would like to know which two catchers I should keep.  Varitek, Pudge, and Mauer.  I know I need to keep Mauer, but out of Varitek and Pudge?  Thanks.

Jeremy,

Although this is a nice problem to have, the decision between Varitek and Pudge is a tough one.  Their counting stats are roughly the same.  They both hit in strong lineups.  And they’re both 35 years old.  I’d take Pudge over Varitek due to his higher average and lower strikeout rate.  That said, I would hate to drop one of these guys.  If by any chance your league’s trading deadline hasn’t passed, definitely try to work a deal so that you can get at least something back.  Otherwise, you’re pretty much out of luck.  The best advice I can give is to check the lineups prior to game start times to see if either player is resting.  It’s very common for catchers to get some days off, especially as the season winds down.  In a standard 12 teamer that starts two catchers, cutting Varitek should only be a last resort.

Zach Steinhorn, MLB.com