Here’s an early peek at the RotoAce 2012 fantasy baseball rankings for catcher.

1. Brian McCann (left): With our No. 1 going down for the season (Victor Martinez), McCann assumes the top spot. He’s as consistent as they come (between 18-24 homers and 71-94 RBIs in each of his six full seasons) and is in his prime entering his age-28 season.

2. Carlos Santana: The .239 average may have disappointed in his first full season, but the counting numbers (27 homers, 84 runs, 79 RBIs, 5 steals) were elite and could get better as he turns just 25 in the first week of the ’12 season. His high walk rate and .291 career minor league average are good signs that his average will be on the rise and give the Indians slugger a chance at the top spot. It helps that the Indians keep his bat in the lineup by playing him at first base when he’s not catching.

3. Buster Posey: Concerns over the aftereffects from his season-ending leg injury keep him from starting 2012 as the No. 1 catcher, but he could finish there. He is entering his age-25 season and benefits from playing some first base to stay in the lineup when he’s not behind the plate.

4. Mike Napoli: While there will surely be regression to his career-high .320 average, Napoli should get more ABs next season and is the favorite to lead the position in homers.

5. Matt Wieters: It’s taken a little longer than most expected, but the Orioles’ 25-year-old receiver is primed for his breakout season after making strides in 2011 with 22 homers.

6. Alex Avila: As his .366 BABIP regresses, likely so will his average, so don’t pay for his breakout numbers. Another 25-year-old catcher, he could move up the rankings by building on his 19-homer season.

7. Miguel Montero: His struggles against lefties (.195 with one homer in 124 PA) keep him from ranking higher, but he’s a serious run producer in his prime at age 28.

8. Joe Mauer: Injuries and lack of power have him falling down the rankings, but a return to health could make the .323 career hitter a bargain next year. Twins will likely continue moving him out from behind the plate, which will mean

9. Russell Martin: Assuming he returns to New York in his final year of arbitration availability, hitting in Yankees’ lineup and ballpark keep his ceiling high entering his age-29 season.

10. J.P. Arencibia: If he can get his average up, the power is already there for a top-10 season.

Honorable mentions

Jesus Montero: He could gain catcher eligibility at some point during 2012 and immediately move into the elite tier at the position, but you may have to wait deep the season to play him there.

Yadier Molina: He likely reached his ceiling in 2011, but he finished as the No. 5 catcher on the ESPN player rater and a repeat would make him an excellent value.