Sleeper Stick: C Yan Gomes
By Bill Pivetz
Sep 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) hits a home run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
After the first couple of names, the catcher position suffers from a drop off in talent. As a result, you can wait a few extra rounds before you draft your starting catcher. One of those catches you could draft late belongs to the Cleveland Indians, and his name is Yan Gomes.
After splitting catcher duties with Carlos Santana in 2013, Gomes supplanted Santana as the starting catcher in 2014. Santana then bounced between first and third base. This was beneficial to the Indians as Gomes finished the season as one of the league’s best catchers.
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He finished the 2014 season with 135 hits, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, .279 average and .313 on-base percentage. He was ranked fourth, sixth, fourth, fourth and sixth among catchers, respectively.
Becoming the team’s starting catcher opened more doors for Gomes and his fantasy value. He received more playing time, which equates to more opportunities for at bats, RBI, home runs, hit and everything. It also helps that Gomes stayed healthy for the 2014 season. He did not miss any starts and was fifth in innings caught.
Rotochamp.com ranks Gomes 62nd overall and the second-best catcher, behind Buster Posey. He has a good combination of contact and power, while still keeping a good batting average. Fantasypros.com projects Gomes to be drafted in the 10th round. That is great value for the catcher of Gomes’ stature.
Gomes has the possibility to reach 500 at bats. Hitting fifth behind Michael Brantley and Santana will lead to more hits and RBI for Gomes. He should hit 17 home runs and 70 RBI with ease on his way to a .270 average and .310 OBP.
The power, playing time and ADP keeps Gomes as a solid sleeper this season. He will finish as a top-10 catcher guaranteed, with top five being a likely target.