MLB Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Should Pursue Russell Martin In Coming Weeks

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Russell Martin

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

If you ask the average Pittsburgh Pirates fan who the one player is that they can credit their playoff berths to, their answer is Russell Martin. He manages a pitching staff as well as any in baseball, he hits more than his weight and defensively, he is a monster. Leadership is hard to come by and the Chicago Cubs‘ front office has expressed that this quality is one they need to address this offseason. Unless the Cubs feel they can rely on Wellington Castillo to bounce back to above-average offensive numbers, Russell Martin should be at the top of their wish list.

The 31-year-old Canadian born catcher has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees and most recently the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has consistently put up good numbers against would-be base stealers. In the last two years alone, the percentage of runners he caught trying to steal was 10 points higher than the league average. To say he is a threat to a run game is an understatement.

Another plus to Russell’s game is that he gets on base. Last year, he had an impressive .402 OBP, light years ahead of the .296 on-base percentage put up by current Cubs catcher Wellington Castillo. Not only that, but Russell Martin is a proven leader in the clubhouse.

If the Cubs are heading toward a “win soon” mindset, then Russell Martin has to at least be on the table. He will aid in the development of their young pitching staff and he will be there to help lead the plethora of catching prospects the Cubs have drafted in the past few years. He may even be able to help Wellington bounce back next year.

Matthew Haines is a Chicago Cubs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mhaine86 , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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