Fantasy: Fill thin catcher, third base spots early

Positional scarcity is always a big topic in fantasy baseball, especially in "only" leagues. Catcher and third base are two of the more scarce positions this year. It is best to fill these spots early, but if you don't there are some players to target late that could provide good value. In only leagues with two catchers it is best to get at least one upper-tier catcher early and a second catcher that won't hurt you.

Aramis Ramirez (Cubs): He was bothered by a shoulder injury last season that limited him to 306 at-bats, but still had 15 home runs and 65 RBIs. Ramirez has fallen in some drafts because of the injury. He is healthy and should provide good average and some power at a thin position.

Adrian Beltre (Red Sox): He is coming off a disappointing season because of injuries. Before last season, he hit at least 25 home runs in three consecutive seasons. The move to Fenway Park should help. Over the last three years, he hit .252 with a .703 OPS at spacious Safeco Field and .287 with an .819 OPS on the road. Look for a bounce back.

Chone Figgins (Mariners): Hitting second behind Ichiro Suzuki could curtail his stolen base opportunities slightly. A better pick in only-leagues for his speed and positional scarcity, but in a mixed league there is a ton of speed available later in drafts making Figgins overvalued in mixed leagues.

Edwin Encarnacion (Blue Jays): Will cost you very little in drafts and still has upside. He had a strong second half and has legit power. His walk rate is solid, but average is a concern. Worth an endgame pick.

Alex Gordon (Royals): His fantasy stock has already fallen because he hasn't lived up to lofty expectations and now that he has a broken thumb and will miss the start of the season, he is falling further. That means his draft price is very low and worth the risk.

Geovany Soto (Cubs): Players coming off injuries who underperform often provide good value and Soto fits the bill. He was plagued by shoulder and oblique injuries and had a .246 Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABIP). His .218 average will increase and he could hit 20 home runs. A good value pick.

Mike Napoli (Angels): If only Napoli could play good defense. He lost at-bats last season because of his poor defense, but he hits for power. He hit 20 home runs in 227 at-bats in 2008 and 20 in 382 at-bats last season.

Yadier Molina (Cardinals): Molina is a solid catcher that will hit for average in more than 400 at-bats, which is especially critical in deeper leagues and only-leagues.

Carlos Ruiz (Phillies): He has a good walk rate and makes excellent contact. He showed some power in the second half and he makes a great No. 2 catcher.

Kelly Shoppach (Rays): He strikes out a lot and won't provide average, but if he gets enough at-bats, 15-20 home runs is possible.