Could Martin Be a Fit In Boston?

I'm aware it's early in the year, and the team may not truly reflect the true colors of the team when things get cooking. However, there is a nagging issue that must be addressed if things stay the way they do: catching/hitting.

My number one suggestion would be to kill two birds with one stone and trade for Russell Martin. Martin's an elite defender, has a good bat that has yet to meet its full potential, and he's only 27. Martin would be a better defender behind the dish and would be able to throw runners out, something Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek have struggled in doing. Last year, Martin had a 31% caught stealing percent, which was higher then Joe Mauer's 2009 percent and Martin had a .994 fielding percentage, also better then Mauer's 2009 total. Martin also is said to call a great game and with a rotation like the Sox have, the combination of Martin-Beckett, Martin-Lester, etc could be deadly.

Although Martins power numbers were down last year, the potential is there and Martin, being a righty, could find some comfort in his swing by banging some balls off the monster. Martin's bat could also catalyst the bats by adding some thunder to the middle of the line up, which is the part of the line up that I feel needs the most help. Martin could also push Victor Martinez into the DH role, where David Ortiz continues to struggle and make the hitters like Kevin Youkilis and Victor Martinez look like a real devastating combination.

The Dodgers back stop would also bring with him a friendly contract that would be sure to drive up the amount of prospect the Sox will have to part with, but one can assume it would be less then the cost of Adrian Gonzalez. Although young, Martin has made some pretty impressive accomplishments, in 2007 and 2008 Martin was an all-star, also in 2007 Martin won a gold glove, and a silver slugger award. That's a pretty impressive resume for a guy who only has been in the league for 5 seasons.