The only comparable player to Martinez is David Ortiz and Ortiz hasn't had a contract longer than two years. You could also make a case that Ortiz keeps getting his contracts because he is, arguably, the face of that (Red Sox) franchise. The Red Sox have actually been reluctant to give him the money and have been going year-to-year with him.

 

A 36-year-old DH isn't getting 3/45.

 

I think he will get 3 years from an AL team. If he doesn't he will still get $30+ Mill for 2 years.

Victor Martinez starting 140 games at 1B sounds like a horrible idea

Less horrible than a combination of Mark Canha, Kyle Jensen, and Justin Bour.

Victor Martinez starting 140 games at 1B sounds like a horrible idea

 

Thank god I'm not alone.

 

And Lou is smart and stuff.

You are still alone because of the alternative you are pushing.

Victor Martinez is so good offensively that it would make up for how bad he'd be at 1B.

 

So, in other words, a lot better than Garrett Jones and every other shitty 1B we've had since Derrek Lee.

You are still alone because of the alternative you are pushing.

 

I'm not pushing anything. I would be fine with Jones and Baker again. I'd be fine with Bour and Jensen/Canha. I think both of those platoons are acceptable especially considering their cost. I don't see what suggests any of Bour/Jensen/Canha would fail as suggested by you and others, they have all pretty much hit at every level. I'd love Jones/McGehee if they were able to acquire a Sandoval.

 

This franchise hasn't really had a great 1B since Derrek Lee, and even then people complained. I've learned to accept less than thrilling first basemen.

Less horrible than a combination of Mark Canha, Kyle Jensen, and Justin Bour.

 

Well that is basically what is going to happen when Victor Martinez is signed, because he's going to be hurt by May.

 

He's not holding up at 1B

You have no way of knowing that.

You have no way of knowing that.

 

Is it worth $30 Mill to find out?

I think so.

For what it's worth, I'd be ok with a strict Jones/Baker platoon, as well. A big reason why Jones has sucked is because they've given him too many ab's against lefties.

 

Suggesting that Martinez isn't a clear upgrade is absurd though.

When your entire infield is either below or well below average offensively(possibly...we dont know what McGehee will do next year or even if he will be retained) you have to take a chance somewhere.

For what it's worth, I'd be ok with a strict Jones/Baker platoon, as well. A big reason why Jones has sucked is because they've given him too many ab's against lefties.

 

Suggesting that Martinez isn't a clear upgrade is absurd though.

 

Nobody would argue that a healthy V-Mart would be a huge upgrade.

 

The debate is whether the healthy part is accurate and worth the gamble. Our payroll isn't flexible enough for a gamble like that IMO.

You could say the same thing about any free agent you'd be interested in.

You could say the same thing about any free agent you'd be interested in.

 

Now you're just arguing to argue. Just the fact that he's 35 and aging logically should tell you he is more of a risk than most.

Not really. The fact that he has primarily been a DH for the past few seasons actually takes a few miles off of his body.

You guys are also assuming he wants to play the field. He may have zero interest in playing first base... I can't believe we're still discussing Victor Martinez.

Because the Marlins need offensive upgrades at C, 1B, 2B, and SS and he would be an offensive upgrade at 1B.

It's not even Sept and we are in a playoff race. Why the fuck are we talking about free agency? Dumb.

I think we just need the upgrade at first, honestly. We don't need a guy that can hit .280 with 15 homers at each position besides first. 5 good bats and 3 other guys that can contribute here and there should be enough.

It's not even Sept and we are in a playoff race. Why the fuck are we talking about free agency? Dumb.

 

Calm down, there, Johnny, calm down.

I think we just need the upgrade at first, honestly. We don't need a guy that can hit .280 with 15 homers at each position besides first. 5 good bats and 3 other guys that can contribute here and there should be enough.

 

I would agre with that, but the guys at C, 2B, and SS really dont contribute.

It's not even Sept and we are in a playoff race. Why the fuck are we talking about free agency? Dumb.

 

Uh, because this thread is about next year's payroll...

Now you're just arguing to argue. Just the fact that he's 35 and aging logically should tell you he is more of a risk than most.

 

I'm not. The rumor is that they'd be interested in spending the money on pitching. Signing pitchers long-term when they're in their 30's has proven to be the riskiest investment in the sport.