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The catcher position is among the most difficult positions to draft in fantasy baseball, and in the American League it is particularly true. There are a very limited number of catchers that will give you real impact in the American league, and the drop off after them is fairly sharp. Still, if you are smart and put them in the right draft positions, you can get a leg up on the competition by drafting the right ones. Here are the top five options in fantasy baseball at the catcher position in the American League.

Joe Mauer – Joe Mauer is one of the few catchers that actually has the potential to bring some serious fantasy noise. He is returning from a serious health issue last year, and seems to be on track to be ready for the 2009 season. In limited play last year, Mauer hit his usual .328, and hit nine homers and 85 RBIs. These numbers would be more than sufficient for most fantasy baseball teams, and especially at the catcher position.

Victor Martinez – Martinez is one of those players that you just keep waiting on and 2009 just might be the year. He has a decent stick and hits for a decent average. The key with Martinez is health, and getting off to a good start. Last season was not very good at all due to health issues as he was well under his regular numbers. Still, he would be the second best option in the American League.

Jorge Posada – Like Martinez, Posada has struggled with health. When he is healthy, he is as good as anyone except possibly Mauer. In some ways, a healthy Posada is better than Mauer because of his power potential. The better days are probably behind this aging veteran, but he still is a good addition to a solid team. Just make sure you draft a serviceable back up just in case the health issue crops up again.

AJ Pierzynski – AJ is easily the player that I might target in many drafts. The reason why is because you will get him dirt cheap and he regularly hits the ballfield ready to play. That regularity is usually good for a high .290s type average, along with double digit homers. He also will drive in 50-60 runs as well. Those numbers are pretty good considering that you will not have to waste a great pick on him. AJ does just fine for me, and others can take the other high priced chances on catchers.

Mike Napoli- Mike Napoli is not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but he certainly is making himself known to American League drafters. The reason? Twenty home runs is a start along with a .273 average. Those are pretty strong numbers for a guy that was hardly even on the radar at the beginning of last season. With that type of power, his RBI numbers should be better than 49, however.