One thing is for sure, no one seems agree on the ideal lineup for the Dodgers in 2009.
Kensai, over at Fire Ned Colletti Now, has it a few ways.
Jon, over at Dodgers Thoughts, has it another.
Eric, with True Blue LA, differs yet again.
And sure enough, we are assembling one that hasn’t been mirrored elsewhere either. Which leads us to our seventh hitter, Russell J. Martin.
There is one thing that Dodgers bloggers, and fans, can agree on however, and it is that Martin is being used too frequently behind the plate. If there is anyone that should know about over-using a catcher it’s former plate blocker turned current Dodgers manager, Joe Torre. However, that didn’t appear to be the case last season as Martin’s name was penciled in at catcher 149 times, the most in all of baseball. Even on his “off-days” he was positioned at the hot corner 11 times, brining his total games played in ‘08 to 161.
For a catcher to play in that many games shows you the importance of his presence; however, as was the case with Russell Martin, it can also lead to a physical and mental decline as the season wears on. This was evident by the declining numbers posted by Martin in the last two months of the season. From Ken Gurnick…
Although still an All-Star and postseason starter, Martin wasn’t the same player or person as the National League’s Gold Glove and Silver Slugger catcher the previous year.
Speculation ran the gamut from a hidden injury to a swollen ego. Whenever asked, Martin said nothing really had changed.
“If you watched me play the game, you couldn’t question my desire or intensity. But things like nutrition, my preparation, my rest — I wasn’t 100 percent in those elements.”
The over-use of Martin was even addressed at the end of last season by Dodgers GM, Ned Colletti.
“We did talk about our catching situation to see if there was a way of improving it,” Colletti said. “We did talk about Russell’s versatility. I think it would benefit Russell to not play as often behind the plate as he did. Sometimes that’s easier to be said from someone who’s not making out the lineup card.”
Enter Brad Ausmus. The signing of the veteran catcher this off-season will allow Martin some rest, which will hopefully bring back the pop in his bat. Although, as Martin recently stated, perhaps the occasional off-day was not all that was needed. Again from Gurnick…
“A lot had changed in my life,” Martin added. “I think it’s just part of growing up and maturing. I’m finally just taking responsibility and taking control of everything.
Martin said he credits his new girlfriend, a model and fellow native of Quebec, with teaching him an organized, grounded way to run his life. And he credits teammate Manny Ramirez with showing him how to prepare for the game, and reminding him how to enjoy playing it.
In reading those quotes it sounds like Martin has changed his mindset. Perhaps the maturity and self-awareness will have him focusing more on being a student of the game, and less on Steel Panther. With the newfound attitude, and the addition of Manny Ramirez, look for Martin to be a solid contributor all season long.
Prediction for 2009: .292 BA/ 15 HR’s/ 75 RBI’s
Note: The numbers would be higher, but I’m banking on much more off-days in 2009.
Latest Headlines
- Retro Box Breaks – 2003 Fleer Tradtion Update
- BD Fantasy: Daily Managing A Must In Playoffs
- BD Fantasy: Save The Best For The Playoffs
- WNET in New York to Premiere Baseball: A New York Love Story on Public Television
- Pinstripe Recap: Eight Is Enough
- Yankee Showdown Will Determine Price’s Cy Young Chances
- Bob’s Brooklyn Baseball Banter – A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled
- Rivera Bullpen Phone Highlight of New Auction
- Baseball Digest Classic: Kent Bottenfield
- Pitching Questions Rays Must Answer
- Padres Look Forward To Winning Again
- Jaime Garcia Increases His Rookie Of The Year Credentials
- Blyleven Belongs In Hall Of Fame
- Clemente’s Legacy Lives On Through Roberto’s Kids
- What’s in Your Closet? – Periodicals
In The News
What’s in Your Baseball Packs?
Steve discusses non-baseball baseball cards.
Baseball Digest LIVE: The Game From Where I Stand
Join host Mark Healey and an
Mets Week 22 Recap: Mets Youngsters Struggle In Major League Introductions
The Mets worked several of their September call-ups into the mix this week, but the results were nothing new.
The Week That Was: Slamming The Door
This week's "The Week That Was" is summed up easily: Bad in Houston, tolerable at home.
Not that there is such a things as NSFW at my office, but you may want to throw a little warning up there with that link, good buddy.
I love Martin towards the bottom of the lineup. Need to alleviate some pressure from himself to just sit back and do his thing. Gives speed at the bottom of the lineup, and has a veteran behind him to run some plays.
[...] Underrated in the draft. « The Fantasy Baseball Advisors…Beltran » Joe Posnanski…Lineup Preview (7th Spot) : Baseball Digest…What Your Favorite Phillie Says About You. « Sloth [...]