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I think Martin's value is more than his numbers indicate. He isn't going to sign a 1 year deal. They need him to catch next season and maybe the following. With that said, he isn't going to be behind the plate the rest of his career. He would bring value at 3rd base with his leadership and I'm sure he would still work with the pitchers.

Just my opinion, though

Martin's bat is valuable at the Catcher position only. He's a very good hitting Catcher, he would be marginal if he played a corner infield spot. Most catchers aren't very good hitters at all, fortunately Russ handles the bat very well. He needs to be resigned, and only if he is staying at Catcher the next few years until 3 years from now one of the Pirates catching prospects emerges as a major league ready player. I have full confidence Martin can be effective defensively and hold his own in the batter's box for three more years. In general, most teams can't count on the catcher spot for offense, but if Martin can still knock around 12-15 home runs, he's a valuable asset with his defense. The Pirates should bring him back, but it won't be easy.


As far as who you want to see in Altoona...

1. BY FAR, Josh Bell. This is his first week at AA. But he hit .335 in 84 high-A games this year with 9 homers and 53 RBI's. He's the top bat in the minors moving forward. He's either trade bait, potential first basemen, or the guy that could unseat Starling Marte. The Pirates gave him 5 million out of high school to skip his college commitment to Texas. He's the real deal.

2. Alen Hanson. He's been in AA for a while, but he's only 21 years old. I've heard his defense is shaky, but he's hitting very well right now. 10 Home Runs and 50 RBI's for a guy who is only 5"10 170, that's a lot of pop.

3. Stetson Allie. I mean he has 14 Home Runs, he was obviously drafted as a high school kid that could throw 100 mph, and it never worked out. He was a power bat, but strikes out a lot.


4. Willy Garcia. An outfielder a peg below guys like Bell and Austin Meadows, but he's still young and puts up good numbers. Maybe a trade-able part eventually.

5. Elias Diaz. 23 year old Catcher with a .307 batting average. Could be a future major leaguer if he can continue to hit.

Martin wouldn't be worth a dime if he was a third baseman or first baseman.

He's hitting well now, true, but he hit just 226 in 2013 and 211 in 2012.

Thanks. Is there anyone out of the BP to watch for? I seen at one point this season the Curve had more blown saves than saves converted. Something like 13 for 29 in save opportunities?

Kasparek only RP even worth mentioning. They all have been pretty bad.

As expected AA prospect Alen Hanson has made the move to 2B.