LOL DODGERS

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, some Dodger officials have spread the word that Russell Martin will either be traded or moved to third base.
If a whisper gets repeated by enough people, there's probably some truth to it. It seems ludicrous that the Dodgers would really move Martin out from behind the plate. He had no real business winning a Gold Glove in 2007, but he's a more-than-adequate defensive catcher and the Dodgers have no internal possibilities to replace him. Moving him to third and then signing Jason Varitek to catch would do significant damage to their chances of making it back to the postseason in 2009. If they do opt to make him available in trade, the Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies, Astros, Marlins and Reds could show interest.

WTF are they thinking?

over 3 years ago TimLincecumIsGod 12 comments 0 recs |

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WTF are they thinking?

What many teams have thought before – a very good hitter can lose his hitting production if he continues to catch 150 games per season. Years ago LA moved Martin from 3b to catcher and he shot to MLs. LA has an opening at 3b. They also have plenty of pitching to offer the Rangers for one of their young catchers. If they can sign Varitek for 2 yrs/$9M it could be better than overpaying for a 3b.

by wilriv21 on Nov 4, 2008 12:12 PM PST reply actions

taking a very good defensive catcher with a well above average bat for his position and moving him to 3B where he played very mediocre defense (admittedly over a small sample size) is just wrong. his bat isn’t near as valuable at 3B and moving him there would lower his value by a huge amount.

by TimLincecumIsGod on Nov 4, 2008 3:11 PM PST up reply actions

Lower what “value”? This is a team game and if it lowers the overall team value you do not do it. However, you cannot say it will unless you know who they are considering as the new catcher.

by wilriv21 on Nov 4, 2008 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

i can say, right now, without knowing who they would replace him with at catcher, that moving russell martin to 3rd base would hurt the team.

by TimLincecumIsGod on Nov 4, 2008 5:11 PM PST up reply actions

It lowers his "value"

because catchers are hard to find. Who are they going to replace him with? Jason Varitek?

Yes, it’s a TEAM game. Which is why they would be better keeping him behind the plate, even if it hurts his offense, and sign someone like Joe Crede to be stopgap at 3b, instead of moving him to 3b, and signing the very done, very toasty, Jason Varitek.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Nov 4, 2008 11:00 PM PST up reply actions

Actually, they don't have plenting of pitching to offer.

This will likely be their rotation next season, barring them retaining Lowe, or splashing out for Sabathia etc: Billingsley, Kuroda, Kershaw, McDonald.

They NEED all those young pitchers.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Nov 4, 2008 11:04 PM PST up reply actions

Pudge

It’s probable that Ivan Rodriguez would be able to extend his career had the Rangers moved him from behind the dish years ago. But would that have made him more valuable? Of course not. A great deal of Rodriguez’ importance is derived from his excellent defense at the most difficult position. It’s unthinkable to move Pudge from Catcher.

Same with Russell Martin. He’s an very good defensive Catcher, and shuffling him off to 3B only diminishes his value. He goes from and All-Star to a good-but-not-great third baseman.

So I say, go for it.

by biff pocoroba on Nov 4, 2008 1:17 PM PST reply actions

please please please please

let the Dodgers sign Varitek. the guy is D-U-N Dun!

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Nov 4, 2008 1:51 PM PST reply actions

Agent Ned

ACTIVATE DECODER RING

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Nov 4, 2008 2:16 PM PST reply actions

WELL DONE.

Ralph Barbieri, heal thyself.

by ThrillisGone22 on Nov 5, 2008 9:38 AM PST up reply actions

I believe the term is

Loldgers

Rafael Rodriguez: He likes the way Snrub thinks!

by BrianBokake on Nov 4, 2008 3:07 PM PST reply actions

LOLs AngeLOLs LOLgers

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Nov 4, 2008 3:16 PM PST up reply actions