Russell Martin non tendered by Dodgers

[darth_federer]

The #Dodgers have non-tendered Russell Martin, George Sherrill and Trent Oeltjen. Quotes from Colletti to follow shortly

Ned: Russ was one of the toughest decisions I've had to make. We tried many times to strike a deal but just couldn't bridge the gap

Colletti: We still have interest in continuing discussions with Russell.

http://twitter.com/#!/Dodgers

AA get er done? Bring the Canuck back home?

[Schad]

I'd still prefer that we start Arencibia, but if they don't believe that he's the guy, Martin isn't the next-best option.

[hyper316]

no friggin way. Take russell martin and run with it. JPA is not even major ready and i doubt his ceiling is higher than martin's. didn't martin go to allstar game couple years back?

[DonYon]

I'd still prefer that we start Arencibia, but if they don't believe that he's the guy, Martin isn't the next-best option.

Who'd you prefer then? I can't think of a better option on the FA market.

[Schad]

Sorry, that should be is the next best option.

And Martin was an All-Star in 2007 and 2008. Problem being that since then, he has had two awful offensive years as his power has disappeared. Not a bad flier, but probably not a guy you should expect to be starting long-term.

[Hoopstarr]

It'd be a no-brainer pickup if not for the injury. Hip injuries are very tricky. I'd still take a flier regardless in a backup role. That way JPA can get his reps and "Jussell" can work his way back.

[Scorpion King]

AA should go after him if he remains a free agent for a while. It could be a great value signing like John Buck last offseason.

There is a reason Dodgers let him go wait and see the interest in the market

[hyper316]

nice, dodgers are closed to signing rod barajas

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/d ... rajas.html

so this means a good chance martin will be moved. while i was really against signing AJ Pierzynski, not because of the fact that he's a catcher, but his attitude and relationship with other players in the league. he just has a terrible rep and would not want someone like that in the club house. on the other hand, I'd love Russell Martin on the team. Russell Martin was a premier starting catcher just a few years ago and still pretty young i'm guessing. perhaps this season Martin and Molina can be the 1 and 2 catcher with JPA being the 3rd catcher/DH role.

[Michael Bradley]

Martin's value has gone down considerably since 2008, but he is still a catcher that can get on-base at a .350 clip. Unfortunately his power got zapped. At worst he is probably Jason Kendall the 2001-present version, with an outside chance to get some of his prior offense back given his age and getting out of LA. Seems like it could be a low risk move. If he is healthy enough to split time at catcher with JPA and comes cheap, then go for it. His health is likely the main reason he is available though. Who knows.

[Rhettmatic]

From Buster Olney:

Russell Martin is from Montreal and wants to play on the East Coast -- which might be good for the chances of team like NYY or the Jays.

[evilRyu]

Hmmm.... do the Yanks have plans to start Montero, or platoon him with Posada next season?

[hyper316]

rumour said Yankees almost landed Martin, i hope the deal fell apart and Jays come in and take it

[WpgPage]

he can also play some 3rd base

[darth_federer]

Interested to see if #BlueJays jump on native Canadian R. Martin. They did NOT show strong interest in past trade talks with #Dodgers. #MLB

http://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal

[SharoneWright]

Only if we can find a trade for Molina. JPA needs significant time this year. Need to see more of him before TD'A starts to challenge.

[darth_federer]

Heard this: Russell Martin will be a catcher next year, and he's getting interest from teams who would fit his preference to be (more)

closer to his home on the East Coast: Jays, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox. All teams examining medical information over the last day.

It's interesting that Martin may choose among three AL East teams -- Yankees, Red Sox and Jays.

http://twitter.com/#!/Buster_ESPN

I get the feeling that AA isnt too hot on the guy. Jeff Blair asked him a question about him and he gave a standard answer.

[OakleyDokely]

Thing is, AA gives a standard answer about everything.

Most of his moves have come out of nowhere (with the exception of the Doc trade).

[dagger]

Heard this: Russell Martin will be a catcher next year, and he's getting interest from teams who would fit his preference to be (more)

closer to his home on the East Coast: Jays, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox. All teams examining medical information over the last day.

It's interesting that Martin may choose among three AL East teams -- Yankees, Red Sox and Jays.

http://twitter.com/#!/Buster_ESPN

I get the feeling that AA isnt too hot on the guy. Jeff Blair asked him a question about him and he gave a standard answer.

It's probably good bargaining not to get too excited about anybody.

[zilby]

What about George Sherill for a year rental?

He was an all-star 2 years ago, no?

[LBJSeizedMyID]

Still think JPA isn't part of the Jays plans, but I would also think Russell Martin can still fetch some coin. Rather get Miguel Olivo - someone that can play D, throw runners out and offensive profile like John Buck.