First off, ABSOLUTELY I want the same standard applied- if anything, it’s the other way around! Martin should get LESS scrunity and criticism than Manny because of this, especially considering that Martin’s given the team so much of an effort since he first came up- for Manny, it’s just been a year (albeit a great year) minus 50. And yes, I agree with your assertion that Manny’s “slump” is nowhere near Martin’s, but it is still WAAAAY out of proportion with how much hostility Russell’s gotten from so many. Personally, I’m happy with both of them at this point.

“Anyone who has watched Manny play defense since he came into the league knows not to expect much so dumping on him when he sucks at a part of the game we already know he sucks at seems pointless.. When Martin blows a game like last night with his glove/arm and he can’t hit then he gets dumped on.”

Come on, Phil- dumping on Manny because we “know” he sucks defensively seems pointless?! First off, ironically, Manny’s defense has been GREAT lately. His reputation for being lousy defensively has more to do with his not trying, which we have (mercifully) seen so little of in LA. But since when doesn’t a player get dumped on because we already have lowered expectations of them in a certain area? Again, if anything, they get MORE scrutiny.

“Martin has to be tops with the glove to make up for the weak bat. "

Weak relative to his past performance, not relative to other catchers. He’s done ok- maybe needs more rest than Torre’s given him, yet is too proud to ask for it himself. Just speculating. But his defensive numbers are just fine.

“He couldn’t have a more empty .370 OBP if he tried.”

That’s the kind of Martin-bashing that I see everywhere now. Even though he actually HAS a good OBP…well, it doesn’t really count, since it’s an “empty” one! He can’t control what people do behind him or in front of him, and he HAS gotten some key hits, as well.

Bottom line- This is the best team in baseball. Let’s just be happy about it, criticize a guy when he messes up during a game, and move on to the next one.

I am far from a Manny detractor, but just look at the facts. Manny was slightly off coming out of the All Star Break, and took a nosedive after the grand slam (which was AFTER the hand injury, as we all know). It’s not a big deal, and it wouldn’t be ANY deal if we didn’t have to acknowledge that he is now 37, and presumably, off the stuff. I don’t attribute his career to the “help”, for the most part, but at his age, you have to wonder if it will have any noticeable effect going forward. I hope the answer is no, and we’ll find out soon.

But that’s not even my main point. My point was about Manny’s treatment versus Martin, and- just my opinion- it has NOTHING to do with the length of the slump. Russell Martin hit well over .300 in July, yet many, if not most, fans are giving him a lighter version- ok, MUCH lighter version- of the Andruw Jones treatment. Manny seems to get the benefit of the doubt NOT because of his track record- if anything, hometown fans are MORE demanding of superstars that come to their city late in their career- but because he just happens to be “the guy” in Los Angeles right now. I’ve been to a lot of Dodger games this year, and most of the time, at least half the crowd is busy hitting the beachball until Manny comes up.

Bottom line- Martin is WAY too young to give up on- especially consider that he is STILL an above average catcher (look it up)- and I hope some hometown cooking gets Manny going again.