Competition deepens after the Pirates sign Russell Martin – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates, among other things, were on a lookout for the catcher with the onset of offseason. Their search bore fruit at the end. Veteran free-agent Russell Martin was signed.
However, at a time when the Pirates have a catcher in Michael McKenry, the choice may come as a surprise to many. Saturday’s warm reception accorded to McKenry at PiratesFest was a telling evidence of the admiration the fans hold for him.
The past year, McKenry was to play with Rod Barajas, the experienced catcher whose presence was considerably noticeable, adding an exciting flavour to the Bucs offensive and defensive mix.
Veteran Barajas appeared in 104 games, having had 99 appearances as the Bucs catcher; batting .206 in 321 at-bats. Barajas’ being with the Pirates was an overwhelming experience for McKenry as well who learnt a great deal from him.
McKenry remembers the day Barajas was to leave.
"I don't know if I want to share everything he said," McKenry said, "but he did give me a huge hug and told me, 'It was awesome to see you grow this year.' And [he] just told me to keep going. He was such a great guy, and I enjoyed my time with him and learned
some things from him.”
Now, it is Martin who recently signed two-year, worth $17 million, deal with the Pirates. Having previously played with the New York Yankees – which have 27 World Series titles to their credit, to play with the Pirates that have not won any title for 20
long years, Martin will experience an essentially different atmosphere here.
On the other hand, McKenry too will have an added challenge. However, much as the challenge is huge, McKenry is looking forward to it – vowing to work harder to prove his worth as the able competitor.
"It's not anything I can control," Michael McKenry said. "I just continue to show up every day and bust my tail to be the best I can be, focus on what can make me better as an individual. If Martin and I both do that, only good things can happen.”
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