The Q&A on Russell Martin and the Dodgers

So what now for Russell Martin? For that matter, what now for the Dodgers?

It seemed a frantic and curious final moments heading up to the arbitration deadline for the Dodgers, one that provided nearly as many questions as answers.

So we take a stab …

Question: Does Martin really believe he can do better than the guaranteed $4.2 million the Dodgers last offered?

Answer: He either believes it or is at least willing to give it a go.

There can’t be too many teams out there willing to gamble $5 million-plus on a catcher coming off a serious hip injury. One who has yet to start running or drop into a crouch.

Aside, from maybe the … New York Yankees?

The Yankees were apparently trying to swing a deal for Martin prior to the deadline. Martin’s agent said six teams had contacted him after Martin became a free agent.

The Yankees have an aging Jorge Posada, whom they want to make a designated hitter, and the young, light-hitting Francisco Cervelli. What’s another $5 million to the Yankees?

Q: Are the Dodgers really prepared to start the season with Rod Barajas and A.J. Ellis as their catchers?

A: Yep. At least, as they say, at this moment.

Martin could re-sign with the Dodgers, and both parties are interested. No doubt General Manager Ned Colletti would still prefer to upgrade the Barajas-Ellis tandem, but it’s not like they’re miserable with it.

Colletti must have liked Barajas more than a little to pay him a fairly stunning $3.25 million. Barajas was paid $900,000 by the New York Mets, who waived him in August.

Q: Could Martin really return as a utility player?

A: Will answer as soon as I stop laughing. This makes little sense for the Dodgers, and almost none for Martin.

Martin has a much greater value as a catcher than as a utility player. He’s only 27, and if he wants a well-paid future, he needs to stick to catching -- assuming he can. Once you go the utility route, it’s hard to come back. And utility players don’t get paid like starting catchers.

Most utility players are either particularly adept with the bat or the glove. Martin’s offensive production has been in a downward spiral for two consecutive seasons, so it’s not like he is a great bat to bring off the bench. And he has played 12 games at third base, none at second base and none in the outfield.

Q: Where’s the best place for Martin to prove he’s still capable of being an everyday catcher?

A: The Dodgers.

That’s right, right back home. The Dodgers know him and have invested time and money in him. They are less likely to give up on him the first time he slumps.

And if he proves he can catch regularly, he’s likely to beat out Barajas. If not, let the best player play.

Q: Was a relatively minor $800,000 really a deal breaker?

A: Strange, but true.

It’s the most mysterious aspect to the Martin situation. The Dodgers ultimately offered a guaranteed $4.2 million, plus some odd incentives based on games played. I’m not sure why they went that high, but they did. Martin’s last offer was for $5 million, plus incentives.

In a world of $100-million payrolls, $800,000 doesn’t seem like it would force the Dodgers to fold and take the chance of losing him to free agency, and getting nothing in return.

But they did. For whatever reason, it was the line Colletti had drawn. Offer $4.2 million to Martin, and it looks as if you believe he can come back and be a serious contributor. It looks as if you’d go another $800,000.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[William]

For those who think the Dodgers owe Martin another chance out of loyalty, remember that this is the team the tried to trade Jackie Robinson to the Giants, let Gill Hodges to the Mets in the expansion draft, traded Maury Wills to the Pirates for Gene Michael, and allowed Tommy John to go to the Yankees.
If history proves true, Martin will not be back in blue next year.

[Gordon Gekko and Russell J. Martin]

We think greed, for a lack of a better word, is good!

[KoufaxFan]

The usual No Head Ned at work: overpaying Barajas & unable to work out $800,000 for Martin. Do not forget it is McCrap pulling the strings...

[Bill]

Hey, I dig Russell as a Dodger as much as any fan. But theses salary numbers being tossed around are staggering. I agree with Steve that the safest place for Russell to play is with the Dodgers. I find his transition to the field an intriguing one. Without the responsibility of catching he may become a more focused and dedicated hitter. Several more hours in the cage and not having to squat may be what he needs to get out of the two season doldrums at the plate. Wouldn't it be something if he then has what it takes i.e. a solid OPS that allows him a shot at third or even left field?

[alanw19]

$4.2M for a guy who on Dec. 4 can't squat to catch and didn't have surgery is more strange to me than being in a squabble over 800 grand.

[Alex Soto]

Sad to see Russel go.. he's not coming back, but what I am more sad about is us missing out on all these power hitters like A-Gon who I believe we would have gotten if we would have given up on Loney who has no power..

[Stan]

Are Steve and other Times writers part of the arbitration process? I have read where Martin would probably get a raise in pay if he was offerred arbitration. Or, are they basing this on past arbitration decisions? Does the MLPA have a major influence in this process?
It would be a case of pure larceny if Martin got a raise after his poor performances the past two years.

[68elcamino427]

Will Martin fully recover from his injury and be able to catch again?
Will he suffer the same injury the next time he steps awkwardly on Home Plate?
Hope he makes it back.

[OldBrooklynFan]

I have to wait awhile and see what changes in this situation because it's hard to understand when both parties are interested and nothing happens.

[SaintNick]

The Dodgers have been dropping VERY big hints that they would NOT be offering Martin a contract prior to the Deadline. The BS that Colletti stated ("the hardest decision") was just window-dressing. Martin was worth the $risk$. Too bad Colletti and McCheap thought otherwise. It will, indeed, come back to bite them...
Good Luck, Russell!

[Hollywood Dodger Mark]

"Bill" should just say he is Josh Rawitch. LOL/ Smart move on Martin would have been for Colletti to convince him to go to the minors for a year or half a season to get his life, swing and health together. That is what any team will do if they sign him. You think the Yankees would have him on their opening day roster? Ha. Minors for Martin. Whether its Pittsburgh, KC or the Yanks.

[BlueSangre]

Martin hasn't been worth that supposed offer in over two years. He can't hit to save his life anymore. His skills as a catcher have faded quickly. Add a SERIOUS injury to that? Hell with him. If he isn't willing to play for a million, I'll gladly buy him a beer on his way out of L.A. Anyone wishing Martin's return is caught up in a sentimental case of glaucoma. I can't believe anyone can look at the trend in those numbers, his horrible catching performances, and the injury and say he is worth anymore than a $1M risk. Disgusting. Hey, why don't we just trot Eric Gagne back out there again? Oh wait...we already tried it....didn't work. Pathetic. Hey Russell, if for some odd reason yo are reading these posts, we're better off without you! P.S....if you'd like to avoid injury, stop being lazy and slide! Heck, even try and take out the catcher and maybe sore that run! *&(#)(*#()## GOON, GOOD RIDDANCE!

[Dodgers = Joke]

Q: There cant be many Dodger fans left who think that this team is worth supporting?

A: think again - L.A. is full of idiots!! as Dodger Stadium will be come April Fools Day, ...

[jason]

everything to me depends on getting a OF who can hit for power or be an all around hitter (not a slappy guy like Posednick/Pierre). If we get that it turns this team around with the moves already made. Without some protection for Ethier/Kemp the team will struggle all year.

[Steve Wimer]

Martin should have taken the Dodger's offer.

[waus]

Wow...Werth signs with the Nationals for 7 and 126 million....WOW!

[Bill]

"Bill" should just say he is Josh Rawitch. Hey Hollywood I had to google Mr. Rawitch to see who he is. I have been compared to a lot worse and take it as a compliment. I am just a fan, for many more years then I care to admit too. As a kid I feasted on Koufax, Drysdale, Three Dog and Maury Wills. I do like loyalty both from players and management. And, I am still blown away by the salaries. A buddy of mine pitched in the Big Leagues for a dozen seasons, was an all star and was a fine overall talent. What he made by comparison to today's players is shocking. The players then made little more the the working man of the day, 2 to 3 times maybe if they were really good. Now its hard to calculate, but it is probably closer to 100 times as much. Enough ranting, and tell me what you thing about re-signing Beltre and platooning Blake with Loney at first to take advantage of their strengths at the plate.

[patrickhenrypress]

If they don't resign Martin, there goes one of the great phrases in Dodger history. Sigh.

Rock it Rod Barajas? It just doesn't have the suction - I mean, traction.