This series attempts to review how each position fared within the AL Central last year and what holds for the future. The first chart reviews how the position fared in the majors between the five teams. The subsequent charts track each position through each team's farm system. Status is not always correct as some of the info was culled a few weeks ago. For players not on the 40-man roster, I have taken my best guess as when/how they were acquired. Not every player who played the position in the minors has been identified as again, I have tried to identify core players at the position only. Some identified as minor league free agents, could have been trade acquisitions. I also only reviewed down to the A level as players at A- or in the rookie leagues are still quite volatile.

First off, the tools of so-called ignorance. As an Indian fan, I am very much a proponent of Carlos. But, man, he might have only been the fourth best catcher in the division last year. Mauer was his usual self although I still believe he is vastly overpaid for the production proffered. Pier/jackwagon had a very good age 35 season. Salavdor Perez was extended recently, and the numbers he put up as a 22 year old in the majors are extremely promising. Carlos had a good year, considering the funk he was in post-concussion. Avila slumped quite a bit compared with 2011.

But all in all, this was a very solid position for all teams in 2012. Going forward, Chicago may have trouble replacing the Jackwagon's production as Flowers looks to have some pop, but the OBP looks a bit weak. Maybe a full-time role will improve that. Avila should bounce back somewhat, Perez might get better, Mauer shouldn't decrease a ton and I feel Santana will improve some more. But he may have a hard time finishing first in this division.

Onto the minor league assessments ...

With all of the AAA catchers leaving as free agents (although Brian Jeroloman was recently signed), my guess is that Roberto Perez gets some play in AAA with Yan Gomes; with Tolentino in AA, Lowery in A+ and Lavisky in A. It will be interesting to see if Lowery can continue to develop, but Lavisky looks to be the best prospect of the bunch.

Phegley looks to be the AAA guy as Espino is quite old. He is a former first rounder and was recently added to the 40 man roster. Bryan Anderson, formerly of the Cardinals, is a NRI this spring as well. Not much else in the system except perhaps Kevan Smith and perhaps Michael Blanke.

Another seemingly black hole in this system as well. McCann has the most plate appearances, but can't hit a lick. This offseason, the Tigers have acquired Ramon Cabrera (AA) from the Pirates in the Andrew Oliver deal. Brad Davis and Brayan Pena were also signed this offseason.

With both backups on the MLB roster gone, if LGFT Max Ramirez is still under contract, I expect him to be Perez's backup. But again, there really isn't a whole lot of interesting prospects here with the stats shown, and no high draft picks. Journeyman Mitch Canham was signed this offseason and he'll probably be the backup in AAA.

With Mauer entrenched, the minors don't need much, but surprise, it looks that the Twins have the best prospect in the Central with Josmil Pinto shining last season as a 23 year old in AA. He was recently added to the 40 man roster. Eric Fryer was also signed this offseason to a minor league deal.

With all the stability in the majors, except for Chicago, it is not that surprising how few true catching prospects exist. Phegley is the highest draftee but doesn't look ready to take over for Pierzynski. The top prospect in my opinion seems to be Pinto from the Twins.