FAN Projection Targets: Catchers in the News

As site founder and iron-fisted ruler David Appelman noted this morning, the beginning of December heralds the arrival of FAN Projection ballots to the site.

It also heralds the arrival of posts like this one, in which we, the authors of FanGraphs, attempt to coerce you, the readership, into casting votes for two or three select players.

Today, we look at three catchers whose fates are linked: Ramon Hernandez, Chris Iannetta, and Devin Mesoraco.

The 35-year-old Hernandez signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Rockies on Wednesday after three years with the Cincinnati Reds.

Hernandez’ arrival in Denver was made possible by the departure of Iannetta, whom the Rockies sent to the Angels — also on Wednesday — in exchange for right-hander Tyler Chatwood.

Hernandez was made redundant in Cincinnati by the development of the 23-year-old catching prospect Mesoraco. Mesoraco made only 53 plate appearances with the major-league club in 2011, but is more than likely to assume starting duties in 2012.

Click here to enter projections for the catching triumvirate.