Cliff Lee-Phillies is a done deal. And now it seems so, too, is Russell Martin to the New York Yankees.
With Jorge Posada already in place, it makes for a crowded backstop.
Last week, Martin's agent, Matt Colleran, said the Yankees "made an offer and have serious interest. We are at the point where we are having serious discussions with the Yankees, Red Sox and Toronto."
But he also indicated that the Yankees expressed interest in making Martin the club's "starting catcher."
Posada has held that spot for more than a decade, but he is now 39 years old and last season he hit below .250 for the first time since 1999.
Martin (five homers, 26 RBI) isn't a switch-hitter like Posada, and hit an identical .248 to Posada last season, but when healthy he should put up similar home run and RBI totals: In 2007, Martin hit 19 homers, drove in 87 runs, and hit .293.
Most importantly, Martin is only 27 years old and displayed a great ability to handle pitchers in Los Angeles. Having spent three seasons under Joe Torre should also make the transition a bit smoother.
For more on the MLB offseason, see MLB Free Agents: The Latest on Cliff Lee, Adrian Beltre and Others.
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