[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

It was just announced. Martin signed a two year contract with the Pirates.

I was on the Daily News web site and didn't see it because i was looking for a small headline and the headline was a big picture. I also went to mlb.com and it wasn't there. DUH!!!!!!

Thanks Tom.

[Tom Hannon]

The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with former New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin, sources told ESPN.


I found the news of Martin's signing on ESPN. Trust Tommy. I never tell a lie.

[ugotme]

YUP - I read it too. I was a bit surprised - I thought the Yanks were in negotiations with him.

Oh Well - Onward and (hopefully) Upward.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with former New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin, sources told ESPN.


I found the news of Martin's signing on ESPN. Trust Tommy. I never tell a lie.

I never doubted you as you are a honorable person.

Originally Posted by ugotme

YUP - I read it too. I was a bit surprised - I thought the Yanks were in negotiations with him.

Oh Well - Onward and (hopefully) Upward.

I was surprised too.

[Tom Hannon]

I see no available catcher thats hits me in the face. Stay within. Hey, Pudge was 20 when he got to big leagues. He did alright. Romine can't make it if he doesn't get a chance. I remember when Yankee catcher Jake Gibbs retired early and I thought the Yankees were screwed. I said "Whose going to catch now? Thurman Munson?" At the time my comments were scary. Nobody knew much about Munson or if the Yankees could trust the pitching staff with such an inexperienced backstop. All that could be hoped for was that Munson would be able to hold the fort until another player became available in a trade. So much for my scouting talents.

[2BNTV]

I think they may try for A.J. Pirensynski, (spelled wrong), the White Sox catcher but they have said they wanted to be under the 189 Million salary cap. He would want a multi year deal and I don't know if they are go for that type of deal.

They have Francisco Cervelli who might hit for a slightly higher average than Martin but with limited power.

I'm sure Cashman will be watching the waiver wire to see what becomes available.

[Tom Hannon]

Don't like AJ. Not a fit for the Yankees. He was voted the most unpopular player in baseball, ahead of AROD. Don't need people with bad personalities on this club. Bad chemistry.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

Don't like AJ. Not a fit for the Yankees. He was voted the most unpopular player in baseball, ahead of AROD. Don't need people with bad personalities on this club. Bad chemistry.

Have no fear as A.J. is probably not going to happen anyway.

They signed someone last week. (Whitehurst?), and sent him down to the minors as he was also a light hitting catcher. Hopefully, they will find someone as Martin was one of the better options around.

[2BNTV]

I just read a great article on the last moments of Thurman miunson's life.

Enjoy:

25 years later, Thurman Munson's last words remain a symbol of his life - NY Daily News

[Tom Hannon]

Thurman played as hard as possible. He and George Brett were the best clutch hitters I have ever seen. Even though he died in the plane crash, I feel his catching days were over. His knees were shot. I am out the door so I will return and read the Munson story later. Thanks for sending

[ugotme]

I know what they said but I doubt they will be able to stay under the $189 million limit they have set.

[2BNTV]

They don't want to pay the high luxury tax is the real reason because GOD knows they have a bushel full of monies especially from their YES Network.

They always spend what's necessary to get into the playoff but winning the World Series is another story.

We'll see what happens in 2013.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by ugotme

I know what they said but I doubt they will be able to stay under the $189 million limit they have set.

The Royals have stated they have a $70 million limit

[2BNTV]

Chavez signs with the D-Backs. Keppinger close with signing to White Sox.

D-backs add Eric Chavez, Wil Nieves to bolster bench | MLB.com: News

Will the Yankees land Youkilis?

[ugotme]

And so it goes . . .
Now A-Rod will be out until May or June so they need a 3rd baseman.

I think (hope) Cashman will come up with a few surprises. God knows he needs them !