The buzz on Russell Martin

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports recently looked at the case of Russell Martin. Here are the highlights:

• Martin's OPS has dropped in the last three years from .843 to .781 to .680.
  
• His current salary is $5.05 million. He's entering the last two years of arbitration, meaning it will likely rise to the $6 million range.
• Simply put, will the Dodgers want to shell out that kind of money for a catcher whose production has gone that far down?
• The Dodgers are not actively shopping him, but they appear willing to listen to offers.

A similar question was brought up in the offseason, and Ned Colletti quickly shot it down. Now, Martin's numbers have gotten even worse. With the Dodgers being very careful not to give any money away, it sure looks like Martin leads to a dilemma.

While the offense is down, I think we need remember that he has thrown out 41% of base stealers (26 for 63), good for second in the majors. That number speaks for itself. So when we complain about his bat, keep in mind that he's producing on the other side of the field.

As for my thoughts, I wouldn't recommend moving him this year. Brad Ausmus is 41 and just back from a back injury. A.J. Ellis is a decent backup, but looks nowhere close to being a reliable starter. Unless another catcher is brought in, I don't think it would be a wise move.

Would I offer him arbitration again this offseason? I think that depends on a couple of factors. One, if the Dodgers pick up another couple of bats to add to their lineup. Manny Ramirez will be gone, and Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are still showing the inconsistency of youth. Two, whom would the Dodgers replace Martin with behind the plate?

If the Dodgers find the pieces, I'd go ahead and let Martin walk. If not, I don't think they can justify not trying to resign him.