Russell Martin Chase Down to Four Clubs

by Ed Price

Filed under: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Rockies, Yankees, MLB Rumors, MLB Inside Scoop, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency, MLB Winter Meetings

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Non-tendered by the Dodgers last week, catcher Russell Martin appears close to finding a new team. Sources at the winter meetings said the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees and Rockies are all in the hunt for his services and are satisfied with the medical reports on his hip.

All three of the AL East powers could use catching help. Boston, which re-signed captain Jason Varitek last week as backup, is heading into 2011 with Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their starter, but if it signs Martin it could send Saltalamacchia, who has one option left, back to the minors for more seasoning.

New York is transitioning Jorge Posada to full-time DH duty, meaning highly regarded prospect Jesus Montero is atop its depth chart. Toronto, meanwhile, lost John Buck to free agency last month when he signed a three-year deal with the Marlins.

 

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