Thursday, June 18, 2009

The J Is for Jenerosity

Russell Martin during a 2007 visit to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

From a Dodgers press release:

WHO: Dodger Catcher Russell Martin

WHAT: The two-time All-Star catcher for the Dodgers will announce a major personal charitable initiative that will launch tomorrow along with his official website, www.russellmartin55.com

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2009
3:45 p.m. P.T.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium
On the field behind home plate

Let's hope Martin isn't pledging donations on a per-home run basis. Whoa! Cheap shot! Okay, obligatory what's-wrong-with-Russell gag*. Moving on.

Is there any doubt Russell Martin is a good guy? He visits sick children (above) and he honors his mama. This "major personal charitable initiative" will simply make it official.

Nowadays, though, any mention of the words "Dodgers" and "charity" begs the question of whether Frank McCourt is invoking the so-called "Ramirez provision." Martin is making $3.9 million this season, so a portion of his salary would represent a relatively minor contribution. Perhaps having Martin establish a foundation is simply a more efficient way for McCourt to extract his charitable pound of flesh.

Or perhaps that's just the cynical part of me talking. The hopeful part of me notes that setting up a charity is a substantial commitment — maybe one that presages a buyout of Martin's arbitration years. Long-term girlfriend, long-term charity...long-term deal? It could happen.

*My second choice was "HRs: 0, URLs: 1."

AP Photo/Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Bob Riha, Jr.

6 comments:

Chappy said...

Players like Martin are why it's easy to get behind the entire organization and not just the team's play.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Take a look at MSTI's blog today about Russell Martin. He has articulated what I was thinking, but was afraid to say. He basically says, "the emperor is not wearing any clothes."

Yikes.

berkowit28 said...

At this particular point in time, I don't think the team would be looking to buy out Martin's arbitration years, and must be waiting until at least the end of the season to see what his value is.

Roberto Baly said...

He's getting involved with One Drop Foundation. Looks like a great thing to get involved. I posted some details on my blog...

Jimbo said...

The J is for "J. Mart has been stinking it up at the plate as of late."

Orel said...

Buy low!