Russell Martin: 87 R, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 21 SB, .293 BA
Victor Martinez: 78 R, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 0 SB, .301 BA
Why I’d Pick Martin:
Come on, a speed/power threat from the catcher position? 20/20 guys are rare, and 20/20 catchers come around once a generation.
Martin is a five-category stud who is started only his third season in the majors. Also, with all the games he starts (143 starts in 2007), his high batting average means even more.
The speed has to play a big factor. Martin had 21 swipes last season. Martinez’s career total? 1.
Why I’d Pick Martinez:
He’s had three 20-homer and three .300+ BA seasons in the last four years. Martinez is a run-producer, his RBI numbers providing a healthy boost to the category.
The biggest selling point on Martinez is that he’s proven it over the course of four seasons, compared to 1.5 seasons from Martin. Consistency and track record are two things you look for with high draft picks.
Setting my sights on:
This is a tough one. Martin provides an obvious advantage with the steals. However, Martinez is slightly more proven than Martin. He is likely the safer, but not sexier, pick of the two. One more season at the 2007 level and Martin will catapult ahead of Martinez on top of the catcher rankings.
