Yanks, Martin avoid arbitration : According to The Journal News, the Yankees and catcher Russell Martin agreed on a one-year non-guaranteed contract on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration. Martin hit .237 with 18 home runs and 65 RBI in 125 games in New York last season. (Updated 01/24/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Martin led all catchers in the majors with 35 baserunners caught stealing last year and was able to reestablish himself as a relevant Fantasy option in 2011. There is a good chance he can have a repeat performance this season with solid bats around him in the lineup. Fantasy owners should view him as a low-end No. 1 catcher in drafts this spring. (Updated 01/24/2012).
10/21/2011 04:41 By the Numbers: Infield, catcher hits and misses
The second installment of Al Melchior's look back at his 2011 preseason projections in By the Numbers focuses on catchers and infielders.
After three straight years of decline with the Dodgers, Russell Martin got his Yankees career off to a good start. Having his most productive season in three seasons, Martin hit 18 homers and drove in 65 runs, though his .237 batting average was a career low. His stats may have been more robust overall if he hadn't suffered a mid-season swoon that was likely related to a stiff back. Fortunately, he was not hindered by his hip, which affected him in his final year with the Dodgers. Martin took advantage of his new environment, increasing his flyball rate, but his emphasis on power probably robbed him of some points on his batting average. Look for Martin to have another good season of power production, and even though it may come at the expense of his batting average, he will still be a low-end No. 1 catcher in mixed league formats. (Updated 1/26/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
