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December 7, 2012 (BNN)
Subject: Yankees Retain Free Agent Catcher Russell Martin
Team insiders were tight-lipped prior to today's deal that brought 29-year-old catcher Russell Martin back to New York. One source said that the new contract runs for six years and is worth $113 million. If true, this contract averages $18 million per year, exceeding the $15 million annual salary that Yadier Molina received from the Cardinals. Martin is considered one of the league's A-list players and certainly will enhance any chances the Yankees have to win a playoff spot this year.
Subject: Seattle Wins Lottery for C Napoli
Seattle officials presented their new catcher Mike Napoli today before a packed house of media representatives, agents and baseball officials. The deal is worth an estimated $71 million, and runs for 4 years.
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I was not even close on Martin. I had no idea that the Yankees would try to re-sign him with lots of catching prospects in their system. I was not interested in Napoli because of his defense, and certainly not at $18M per year. This gets a couple of big catchers off the board early. Miguel Montero is the only other top catcher on the market, and I doubt that I will be competitive on him.
So I need to change my strategy and acquire a player to backup/platoon with Castro. I also now know that I have more money available to chase a DH and a pitcher.
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