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M2 · 11-30-2012, 03:44 PM

I suspect this was about adding some leadership and a proven hand behind the plate to shepherd along kids like Cole and Taillon when they arrive.

The Pirates melted down late last season. From the perspective of a fan of a competing team, it was kind of funny to watch. My guess is the Pittsburgh front office was less amused by the team's collapse. Martin's a character guy for a team that was lacking in character.

It's not a terribly different move from the Reds bringing in Ramon Hernandez in 2009. Also, given how the luxury tax works (and how the Pirates rarely spend their cut of it), are the Yankees still effectively paying for Martin even though he's going to the Pirates?

11-30-2012, 03:44 PM	#7
M2 Posting in Dynarama Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Boston Posts: 26,809	Re: Pirates sign Russell Martin (2 years, $17 mil) I suspect this was about adding some leadership and a proven hand behind the plate to shepherd along kids like Cole and Taillon when they arrive. The Pirates melted down late last season. From the perspective of a fan of a competing team, it was kind of funny to watch. My guess is the Pittsburgh front office was less amused by the team's collapse. Martin's a character guy for a team that was lacking in character. It's not a terribly different move from the Reds bringing in Ramon Hernandez in 2009. Also, given how the luxury tax works (and how the Pirates rarely spend their cut of it), are the Yankees still effectively paying for Martin even though he's going to the Pirates? __________________ Baseball isn't a magic trick ... it doesn't get spoiled if you figure out how it works. - gonelong I'm witchcrafting everybody.