Reading a post from a month or so ago I ran across Victor Martinez may be available. Looking into his contract situation VMart has only an option year left on his contract for 2010. Given the State of the lousy Indians they’re entertaining offers for their All Star catcher. While the list above provides a few better defensive prospects, and I do not believe Zaun is the same offensive threat as Martinez, are there rumors into a possible trade for Victor must be asked?

Consider the facts about Victor Martinez who I agree is the best available catcher:

 Htting .303 avg. , .383. OBP, .508 SLG %, .891 OPS, only 42 K’s in 355 AB, 42 BB.

The offensive prowess above has to be discussed as I read something intriguing if the Rays were to make it to the series again the bottom two hitters in the order are Navarro and the pitcher in an N.L. park which is basically two almost automatic outs. In an A.L. park if Manager Joe Maddon shows his patience and sticks with Burrell we’re looking at two of the same.

Last year discussions were rampant into how much the Rays needed a RH bat in the line up in the series. GM, Andrew Friedman apparently felt the asking price was too high and nothing was done. Of course we went on to lose the series. This season it is very apparent that Dioner Navarro is a very weak link that can cost this team in a stretch run. Even last night during the AB being discussed JB was pitched around to get to Navarro.

Imagine Victor Martinez in the line up in Burrells spot or even hitting clean up and bumping the K-King down to 5th in the line up? This team would be nothing less than devastating. Against RHP VMart can also DH, against LHP Martinez can play 1B being a switch hitting catcher to give Pena a break. Martinez is affordable and can very much be the missing link this team needs to turn the corner and no longer have the Navarro discussions which are running rampant across the net.

From Cots baseballl contracts:

5 years/$15.5M (2005-09), plus 2010 club option

5 years/$15.5M (2005-09), plus 2010 club option

signed extension with Cleveland 4/05, replacing 1 year/$0.3721M deal signed 3/05
$1M signing bonus
05:$0.5M, 06:$0.8M, 07:$3M, 08:$4.25M, 09:$5.7M, 10:$7M club option ($0.25M buyout)
award bonus: $50,000 for All Star selection
1 year/$0.3045M (2004)
re-signed 3/04
award bonus: $10,000 for All Star selection
agent: Alan Nero, CSMG

ML service: 5.114

The Rays would be on the hook for approx. $2.7M the rest of the season making Martinez very affordable. TB would get an A-type pick if Martinez left after the 09’ season. According to MLB trade rumors Martinez is a sought after commodity. Though Cleveland denies he’s available, teams sell high. Martinez will draw talent to get him. The question for the Tampa Bay deep thinkers is, is it worth making this trade now and winning having a much better shot at the World Series and losing a few prospects?

it’s like going to FA Wal-Mart

I’ve never been a Navi fan, but I never thought I’d see him this bad. It seems to be from a lack of effort and/or preparation. That is just my guess. I can just see him busting his ass over the offseason and just being locked in next year.