Martin Has a Little Captain in Him
by Eric Stephen on Feb 28, 2009 10:39 PM PST
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via daylife.com
Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times has a profile about Dodger catcher Russell Martin, noting the maturity of the two-time All-Star entering his fourth season.
The player who, in third base coach Larry Bowa's words, used to squeeze the sawdust out of his bat looked relaxed. He sounded calm. Asked whether he was smoking something to settle his nerves, he laughed and offered another explanation for his newfound tranquillity: "I feel I know who I am more than ever. I'm not trying to be anyone but myself."
Martin has set himself apart as a leader of this club. He took over as the team's union player representative -- from Scott Proctor!!! -- so he's capable of handling extra responsibilities. He's got a new girlfriend. He's doing Yoga. He's one of the best catchers in baseball.
The Dodgers have not had a captain since Davey Lopes gave up his captaincy in 1979 (during the tumultuous season when manager Tommy Lasorda famously told the underachieving team they were "rusting on their laurels."). All in all, there have only been five team captains in Dodger history:
| Pee Wee Reese |
1949-1958 |
| Duke Snider | 1962 |
| Maury Wills | 1963-1966 |
| Willie Davis | 1973 |
| Davey Lopes | 1978-1979 |
Will making Russell Martin a captain make much of a difference? Probably not, but it seems kind of cool to me. Martin has already added a "J" to the back of his jersey; why not add a "C" to the front?
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not yet, I’d wait until he signs an extension before issuing out the Captaincy.
by RolexEmbezzled on Feb 28, 2009 10:43 PM PST reply actions
I'm with you
Let him play through this year to see if these changes are real. If so, then sign him to a long term contract going years into his free agency. The franchise needs a homegrown face to setup as a marquee player.
I've got a little Captain in me
…Got a little Captain in you?
by EthierIsBetterThanKemp on Mar 1, 2009 2:13 AM PST reply actions
wait a while
I wouldnt name him captain until he signs longterm. If the dodgers can trade Piazza and Lo Duca they can trade Martin.
You are forgiven
I know you did not intend to put Mike Piazza and Paul Lo Duca at the same level or even sentence. Remember that Brad Penny (asshole) did put up a couple of solid seasons and Lo Duca fell off the map quickly.
Also remember that all Dodgers tied to the Mitchell Report were not on the Dodgers at the time of the report’s release. The report listed Lo Duca.
Piazza on the other hand should have been the face of the franchise . I will shed a tear when he is inducted into the HOF as a Met.
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