Pirates sign Russell Martin (2 years, $17 mil)

[Blitz Dorsey]

They overpaid, but that's what you have to do in order to get free agents to go to Pittsburgh. I have no doubt he'll improve over his numbers during his time in the pressure-cooker of New York, but his numbers were atrocious and there's nowhere to go but up. The Pirates just paid a lot of money for an average player. Course, there aren't many legit MLB catchers out there. Not a terrible deal for them, but not a good one either, IMO. Somewhere in between.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/stor...in-sources-say

[Spitball]

I like it when a team like the Pirates rise up and take a player from the Yankees. Of course, it may prove to be an unwise signing. For right now, it feels good.

[Chip R]

Zach Stewart and Russell Martin? Look out for the Pirates.

[redsmetz]

I'm going to toss this out just for the chatter it will bring. I doubt this is in the Pirates plans, but it does show Martin's thoughts about his future viz playing other positions besides catcher. He's talked with the coach for Team Canada about playing short during the World Baseball Classic.

http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/1...?smid=pl-share

[NJReds]

Martin was very good defensively for the Yankees, but struggled at times offensively and had some on and off back issues. I think Pittsburgh overpaid.

If the Reds really thought Mes was ready, I bet the Yanks would love to have Hanigan. But I didn't see anything from Mes last year that would lead me to believe that he could handle the starting role.

[RedlegJake]

I could easily see Martin having a big comeback year for the Buccos.

[M2]

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?

[Blitz Dorsey]

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?

Haha! Yes, there is no question that Pittsburgh's front office did not find the same level of humor in their complete collapse as we did.