RealGM

not exactly the huge splash we all were expecting this winter




source is sherman on twitter

I just hope this isn't a panic move to get Greinke by trading one of their catching prospects. There is no need to make a move so quickly...

This wasn't a panic move. Anyone who follows this stuff knows damn well we have been going after Martin since the season ended. We almost traded for him but then the dodgers non-tendered him and he became a FA. He has been deciding on an offer from us, boston and the blue jays for the past few days.

I think this has nothing to do with greinke but to give us better depth at the position since we all know cervelli is a AAAA catcher and Posada is just bad. Getting Martin is good insurance for Montero as he will be the backup catcher and probably will slide around the IF and play some 3b as well. Montero also needs time to get adjusted to MLB and so this is also much needed insurance in that case that he's just not ready in ST.

You lost me when you got to Martin playing the IF and 3B. I like Martin a lot but he is coming off an injury.

I can accept Martin as a move to keep him from the Boston Red Sox but...is he a need for the Yanks with their depth at catcher? Just seems like a luxury unless there is an ulterior motive. Keep in mind, Montero was on his way to being a Seattle Mariner.

While I doubt Cash will try to trade Montero again, somehow I just don't believe that Cashman is going to stand pat.

Martin is very strong defensively, so i think he's a good compliment to Montero if they decide to keep Jesus around. He threw out like 31% of base runners last year or something of that nature.

rappa wrote:This wasn't a panic move. Anyone who follows this stuff knows damn well we have been going after Martin since the season ended. We almost traded for him but then the dodgers non-tendered him and he became a FA. He has been deciding on an offer from us, boston and the blue jays for the past few days.

I think this has nothing to do with greinke but to give us better depth at the position since we all know cervelli is a AAAA catcher and Posada is just bad. Getting Martin is good insurance for Montero as he will be the backup catcher and probably will slide around the IF and play some 3b as well. Montero also needs time to get adjusted to MLB and so this is also much needed insurance in that case that he's just not ready in ST.

This. Good signing for the Yanks. Mainly because it's for one year. Gives time for the kids to show something starter worthy.

Hey he was a 2 time All-Star selection (starts in both 2007 and 2008) and he's only 27 years old so it can't be all bad. Some reported "high opinion of self" issues and some injuries but a strong defensive catcher, runs well (12 SB in 2007 I believe) and has shown he can hit the ball.

I really like this move, especially for $4 million. If he sucks, then it doesn't change the plans at all. If he works out, well then we can definitely move one of the minor league catchers and bring the rest along slowly, only when they are ready. If he is healthy, I think his swing should return with K-Long in the mix. -Jitpal

Yanks to Montero: "Not this year bro"

thebuzzardman wrote:Yanks to Montero: "Not this year bro"

I wouldn't say that. Buster Posey didn't start out as the Giants opening day catcher either last year, and he had a huge year for them.

First let's admit it, this is the LAST year you'll see Jorge Posada. If he's not DH, the only time I see him behind the plate is if the Yanks are playing the KC Royals.

Yanks don't know what to make of Montero BUT they can ill afford to roll the dice on Montero should he struggle. I like the idea of Martin being insurance as Montero adjusts to the majors.

Dr. Detfink wrote:First let's admit it, this is the LAST year you'll see Jorge Posada. If he's not DH, the only time I see him behind the plate is if the Yanks are playing the KC Royals.

Yanks don't know what to make of Montero BUT they can ill afford to roll the dice on Montero should he struggle. I like the idea of Martin being insurance as Montero adjusts to the majors.

Yes watching Posada behind the plate has become almost as painful as watching Bernie Williams play center near the end of his career.

If Montero shows that he can catch, can Martin play LF?