MLB Rumors: Russell Martin Prefers East Coast, Considering Yankees Among Others

Update: According to Andy Martino of the NY Daily News, the Dodgers made a one-year, $4.2 million offer to Martin with another $1.1 million in possible incentives and he turned it down. If this is what it’s going to cost the Yankees, I don’t see them making a deal with him.

Original post Via Buster Olney of ESPN:

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"Heard this: Russell Martin will be a catcher next year, and he’s getting interest from teams who would fit his preference to be closer to his home on the East Coast: Jays, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox. All teams examining medical information over the last day."

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The reason Olney started his tweet with "Martin will be a catcher" is because a few teams that have been interested in him wanted him to possibly play infielder or even a corner outfield position, but he’s set on only playing behind the plate.

The Yankees though would be strictly be interested in him as a catcher, specifically a backup to Jesus Montero. They also fit as a team from the east coast. He’s from Ontario, Canada, so obviously if location is the only thing he is considering than Toronto would be the team he joins.

Ultimately money and playing time could come into play. I think playing time could potentially be even bigger than money here for Martin. He was once a big up and coming star, but has had a few consecutive down seasons and a hip injury. So playing time could be huge for him as he tries to reestablish himself as a big time player.

If it does come down to playing time it could be the Red Sox that he ultimately chooses. I say this because both the Yankees, Mets and Blue Jays all have young catchers to break in.

The Sox have Jarrod Saltalamacchia as well, but he’s already been in the league for parts of four seasons and hasn’t put together an impressive season yet. The Mets have the least impressive young catcher in Josh Thole, but they seem intent on not spending this offseason.

The Blue Jays of course have J. P. Arencibia who will be broken in as their catcher of the future.

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• December 4, 2010 -- Yankees Backed off Russell Martin Deal Because of Money/Injury Concerns
• December 3, 2010 -- Trade Rumors: Yankees Nearly Acquired Russell Martin for Cervelli
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