Friday, November 12, 2010

Dodgers Mulling Over Martin

ESPN, in its position-by-position review of players like to be involved in the hot stove market this season, did a pretty good job summarizing the Dodgers' quandary at catcher (insider only):

With Russell Martin getting expensive via arbitration -- he could make more than $8 million in 2011 after earning just over $5 million this past season -- the Dodgers could look to move the 27-year-old after watching his production decline for the third consecutive campaign. The problem is, the Dodgers lack in-house options for the lead gig at catcher and aren't expected to significantly increase their payroll to the point where jumping into the market for Victor Martinez would be plausible.

Martin could interest several clubs, including the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, and the Dodgers might then be found turning to A.J. Pierzynski, Ramon Hernandez or John Buck. A.J. Ellis and Rod Barajas shared the job in L.A. when Martin went down with a season-ending hip injury in August, but Barajas is a free agent and Ellis managed just five extra-base hits in 44 games.

Lucas May, 26, is the club's best bet in the minors, but his defensive development appears to have stagnated which leaves Dodgers GM Ned Colletti with a decision to make on Martin.

Martin isn't listed as one of the three catchers to avoid, but he is listed as one of the catchers to discuss:

3. Russell Martin: A likely non-tender, Martin's body has gone south on him in the last two years, and he's lost bat speed and strength. Some players peak early, and while Martin's probably worth a minor league contract and spring training invite, there's too much reason to think he's done to guarantee him seven figures or two years.

I still can't believe it's come to this, after Martin's meteoric rise--but it's true that he has been a liability both defensively and offensively the last couple of years. Martin has tried a number of different off-season workout regimens but none have paid off. I hate to admit it because Martin is the kind of player I would like to like--but I believe it's time to move on at the catcher's spot.

23 comments:

karina said...

"The heart has its reasons that reason does not understand"

I love my son deeply and I really wish he improves his play.If he has to go, I cross fingers he goes to the White Sox.

:_(

but if they move my son away, can we keep King James?

NicJ said...

Loney has some giveaway nights at the stadium themed after him so I would assume he is staying. No Martin giveaways though.

Fred's Brim said...

I don't know how to feel about this Russ situation, other than confused.

I do know how I would feel about AJ Pierzynski: he can go to hell. I don't nee him and Theriot ruining my Summer, 2011

Somebody mentioned Torrealba the other day. I wouldn't mind him if he was cheap.

Nostradamus said...

I hate that it's come to this, frankly.

Nostradamus said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Neeebs (The Original) said...

Hoping that Karina doesn't see this post.

Martin...It's been nice knowing you. Get well soon.

Cliff Beefpile said...

I have to grudgingly agree. I really like the guy, and certainly wanted him to do well, but he just hasn't been the same the last two and a half seasons. I think the injury makes the choice pretty clear, he's just way too much of a liability for that kind of cash.

Paul said...

Not very familiar with the baseball arbitration process but if his production has gone down plus the injury plus then why is it a given he will get a raise?

Paul said...

minus the last plus please.

rbnlaw said...

Anyone else notice Martin's decline once he put the J on his jersey?

Bye Russ. Say his to Lo Duca when you find him.


I'd like to see Carlos Beltran as the newest reclamation project.

rbnlaw said...

I'm watching the Liverpool/Chelsea replay.

Fernando Torres is good at the soccer.

Bryan said...

i don't know how to feel about martin, as there aren't really many other options behind the plate. this might bring back memories of jason phillips/david ross.

Josh S. said...

Non-tender him, try to bring him back on the cheap, and pray for a bounce-back year. I think Barajas' pop off the bench (should they re-sign him) might motivate JMart a bit. In past years, he knew they had no one else.

Harrison said...

I can't believe this hasn't been caught yet-- Lucas May doesn't belong to the Dodgers anymore. Ned traded him to Kansas City for Scott Podsednik. So our minor league catching depth is even weaker than the article has described.

Nostradamus said...

@rbnlaw

I should have watched the replay instead of the live match against Wiggum.

Nostradamus said...

@HL Oh yeah, that's true, as well. It was a whirlwind few months.

spank said...

Here my take about Martin.There is a coincidence with the J. in Karinas' sons name like RB pointed out, but I believe it's more than that. He has declined ever since he started "doing" a higher class of babes. Disprove me if I am wrong. THINK KEMP!

Also it is much harder to test clean from the P.E.D.s'. Just Saying.

spank said...

^Here is my take....

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Eh, Martin sucked in the second half of 08 before adding the J.

Steve Sax said...

@Mr LA SC: how goes the luck during name changes,pray tell?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

In fantasy football? Well, so far I'm doing pretty well with "My Mother the Czar."

karina said...

So, Cameron Maybin to the Pod Rays. Nice to know the NL West is getting ready and improving for 2011

(cries)

Unknown said...

What about A. Gonzo? Any chance the Dodgers pick him up? There was talk at the beginning of the season last year if the Padres weren't going to be contenders. Any thoughts?