It seems like only yesterday that Brian McCann was that wide-eyed kid catching old man Smoltz and hitting a playoff home run off old man Clemens. Today he's considered by many to be the unofficial Captain of the Atlanta Braves. A five-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger winner, Mac is the best catcher in the National League (sorry Buster). It will be interesting to see how we predict his 2011 season, as he'll have good protection in the lineup for the first time (especially if Heyward hits sixth).

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Brian McCann's Baseball Reference comparable players by age (1000 equals most comparable). No, that's not our hitting coach at number three.

Frankie Hayes (926)
Yogi Berra (911) *
Lance Parrish (887)
Bill Dickey (875) *
Rich Gedman (873)
Bill Freehan (873)
Joe Mauer (873)
Shanty Hogan (873)
Gabby Hartnett (871) *
Ivan Rodriguez (870)

Brian McCann Trivia Fact:  In a weird quirk the 2012 year of his contract becomes a club option should he fail to win "specified awards" from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, he can earn an additional $3 million in 2012 based on Gold Gloves, Silver Slugger, and All-Star selections from 2007 to 2011. It certainly looks like he'll have no problem reaching whatever level that was set at, meaning his 2012 salary will be closer to $11.5 million than $8.5 million.