The Blue Jays are among four teams that are seriously interested in catcher Russell Martin, and will more than likely offer him a contract in the coming days.
However, the competition is expected to be hot from three teams, most notably the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and a “mystery team” according to Star Ledger reporter Marc Carig. That team I suspect is the New York Mets, but it’s only a guess on my part since they will more than likely be losing catcher Rod Barajas via free agency.
That mystery team is expected to offer a contract to Martin soon, but supposedly the Red Sox are the front-runners according to reports.
The Red Sox, having lost C/1B Victor Martinez to the Detroit Tigers via free agency, the Red Sox are in some need for a catcher. The Sox had great interest in signing former Jays catcher John Buck earlier this offseason, but he opted for a three-year deal worth $18 million with the Florida Marlins, thus ending the speculation.
Boston, having already signed catcher Jason Varitek to a new contract for the upcoming season, will more than likely see a bit more playing time this season, as opposed to last season when “V-Mart” took over the catching duties.
Will having Varitek already there, along with the Sox’s ability to just spend as they please, deter Martin from signing there? That’s a question that’s up for debate. With the Yankees’ Jorge Posada and superstar in training Jesus Montero on the Yankees already, I truly believe Martin should think twice about signing there.
Lastly, with the “mystery team” set to make an offer, I truly believe that this team may pose the greatest threat to Toronto’s pursuit to land Martin. They’re unknown for the time being, and to tell you the truth, the unknown is far scarier than the known as I always say.
Martin’s numbers the last three years have been on a steady decline since the breakout 2007 campaign when the Canadian slugged 19 home runs, added 87 RBI and an amazing 21 stolen bases as a catcher while averaging .293.
Since then he’s had 13, seven and five home run seasons and the power threat he once was, has faded into the abyss, only at the age of 27, when you’re expected to be starting the prime of your career.
Last season was an injury-plagued year for Martin as he finally gave in to his hip injury and opted for hip surgery in August and ended his season.
You ask, “Why Do the Jays even want Martin with JP Arencibia nearly ready to take over as the organizational catcher for the next few years?” The answer to that is simple—Martin has versatility. Having the ability to play third base, and even first base, Martin’s versatility lends itself perfectly to fit in with the Jays lineup.
The Jays, who have already added one Canadian, when the club dealt staff No. 1 starter Shaun Marcum to Milwaukee for prospect Brett Lawrie, look like they have their sights set on yet another Canadian for the upcoming season. If he will accept the offer remains to be seen.
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