New York Yankees pursuit of catcher Russell Martin continues – MLB Update
Sources told a renowned sports website that New York Yankees are still interested in catcher Russell Martin.
The Yankees and Martin’s camp are showing resistance on a long term contact but still there are high chances that both sides will agree on a mutual understanding soon.
Yankees had already made their backup plan and now they are implementing it with correct order. They just signed backup catcher Eli Whiteside with a contract worth $600,000.
Eli Whiteside played last season with San Francisco Giants. He batted well and also did a decent job behind the plate. He finished with .091 hitting average along with 2 RBIs and .214 OBP.
With a four-year of experience in the Major League Baseball, Whiteside certainly is a talented player and knows his abilities.
His overall career hitting average is also consistent at .215 along with 10 homers, 43 RBIs and .273 OBP. He has played very well over the past four years and performing with his best skills.
Experts believe that signing Whiteside is part of Yankees’ plan to broaden their existing fire power. Though they still not sure over their former catcher’s status but still they are taking positive measures to give stability to their roster.
Martin himself talked to the media recently and showed slight confusion over his next season’s contract.
“They've been dragging their feet, People believe he really wants to stay with the Yankees and the Yankees don’t have anybody in-house to replace him,” an industry source said of Martin’s camp in dealing with teams.
Many believe that the Yankees' front office is not taking the matter seriously like they have behaved in Ichiro Suzuki’s case.
“They’re going after pitching first which is what the Yankees normally do, There has been a lot of interest [from teams] but he enjoyed playing for the Yankees so much it’s hard for him to say no to the Yankees. His preference is to stay there instead of going someplace else, but we’ll wait and see,” said Ichiro Suzuki’s agent, Tony Attanasio.
Next few weeks will be critical when Yankees and all stake holders on re-signing agenda decide their potential future.
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