Yankees Sign Russell Martin To One Year Deal
Ryan Kelley
12/14/10
3:47pm EST
The New York Yankees are in the process of signing former All-Star catcher Russell Martin to a deal that will probably keep him in New York through 2012. This signing came only hours after the team fell short of signing their primary target this offseason, star free agent pitcher Cliff Lee. Lee’s decision to sign with the Phillies, instead, shocked much of the baseball community.
Only a couple of years ago, Martin, the Dodger’s former starting catcher, was one of the National League’s rising stars. He made the NL All-Star team in 2007 and 2008, and has won both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger. Marred by injury, Martin has seen a steep drop in his production these past two seasons, failing to post an OPS above .680. His defense is still premium among MLB catchers, though, and he has experience playing third base as well.
The Yankees hope that Martin can rebound from the hip injury—a hairline fracture—that depressed his 2009 production. In order for his contract to become official, Martin will have to pass a physical proving his health. With less than five years of MLB service time, Martin will be under team control through 2012.
Earlier this winter, the Dodgers offered Martin a $4.2 million dollar contract, with an additional $1.1 million in incentives. The two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement and Martin was non-tendered a couple of weeks ago.
Martin, a native of Montreal Quebec, had stated that he wanted to play for an East Coast team so that he could be closer to his home city. Naturally, the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays were also possible suitors for the 28-year-old catcher.
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