Backup Catcher?

[Dude86]

How important do you guys think it is to have a backup catcher on your fantasy team?

[ondeckb]

Unless you can project when your #1 is going to sit, I don't think it has any value....it's a wasted roster spot.

[chinch sacs]

Unless you can project when your #1 is going to sit, I don't think it has any value....it's a wasted roster spot.

Very well said, also in cases like Pudge and Javy, when he starts at DH

[NZF]

Unless you can project when your #1 is going to sit, I don't think it has any value....it's a wasted roster spot.

I disagree. For a few catchers like Varitek and Lopez (last year) you know when they will sit because of who they catch to. You can get guys like Jason Phillips or Le Croy (who won't hurt your overall numbers) to sit on the bench and use them when your catcher sits.

[Dude86]

I have that exact situation with Varitek and Phillips on my team. But I am thinking about dropping Phillips. How many games do you think Varitek will play this season?

[willieroe]

Unless you can project when your #1 is going to sit, I don't think it has any value....it's a wasted roster spot.

A few managers have a routine. Lieberthal always sits when a day game follows a night game, for example. In that case, it might be worth it to get his backup Todd Pratt (although I just read that Pratt has a torn medial meniscus in his left knee.)

[GotowarMissAgnes]

Varitek will sit whenever Wakefield pitches and on days games after night games, usually. So, that means he's out for 30-35+ games guaranteed. I will definitely try to have a second catcher on my bench, hopefully someone that can play another position (Wilson, Hammock, Lecroy), so that I'm not wasting a whole roster spot just on a catcher. If I can't get something like that, then I usually will look for a decent match-up for someone on waivers for some of the games Varitek sits.