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The Tigers added a middle of the order bat today, reaching an agreement with catcher Victor Martinez on a four-year, $50MM contract.  Martinez was widely regarded as the  best offensive catcher available, though he may see significant time as  Detroit's designated hitter.

Martinez, 32 next month, hit .302/.351/.493 in 538 plate appearances  for the Red Sox this year, earning his fourth All-Star nod.  As a  switcher-hitter, Martinez provides the left side protection the Tigers  craved.  He also logged 904 innings behind the plate, a number  that should decrease in Detroit due to the presence of Alex Avila.

Though the Red Sox hoped to re-sign Martinez, they can take solace in  receiving the best available draft pick as part of their compensation.   The Tigers must surrender their #19 draft pick next year to the Red  Sox, unless Detroit also signs Jayson Werth later.  Regardless, the Red Sox will also receive a supplemental draft pick.  According to Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional,  who broke the story, Martinez turned down a four-year, $48MM offer from  the Orioles and a three-year, $48MM contract from the White Sox.   Martinez is represented by Octagon.

The Tigers have been baseball's most aggressive team this offseason.   Prior to the Martinez agreement, they committed $39.25MM to Brandon Inge, Jhonny Peralta, and Joaquin Benoit.  In a November 10th poll, three of five MLBTR writers correctly predicted Martinez would sign with the Tigers.

Serrano broke the story, while Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com reported that an agreement was in place.

mlbtraderumors.com

Nov 23, 2010 -- 11:21AM, luvdayanks wrote:

Nov 23, 2010 -- 11:11AM, Cleese wrote:

The Tigers added a middle of the order bat today, reaching an agreement with catcher Victor Martinez on a four-year, $50MM contract.  Martinez was widely regarded as the best offensive catcher available, though he may see significant time as Detroit's designated hitter.

Martinez, 32 next month, hit .302/.351/.493 in 538 plate appearances for the Red Sox this year, earning his fourth All-Star nod.  As a switcher-hitter, Martinez provides the left side protection the Tigers craved.  He also logged 904 innings behind the plate, a number that should decrease in Detroit due to the presence of Alex Avila.

Though the Red Sox hoped to re-sign Martinez, they can take solace in receiving the best available draft pick as part of their compensation.  The Tigers must surrender their #19 draft pick next year to the Red Sox, unless Detroit also signs Jayson Werth later.  Regardless, the Red Sox will also receive a supplemental draft pick.  According to Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional, who broke the story, Martinez turned down a four-year, $48MM offer from the Orioles and a three-year, $48MM contract from the White Sox.  Martinez is represented by Octagon.

The Tigers have been baseball's most aggressive team this offseason.  Prior to the Martinez agreement, they committed $39.25MM to Brandon Inge, Jhonny Peralta, and Joaquin Benoit.  In a November 10th poll, three of five MLBTR writers correctly predicted Martinez would sign with the Tigers.

Serrano broke the story, while Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com reported that an agreement was in place.

mlbtraderumors.com

The Tigers are loading up this off season, but I still don't see them overtaking the Twins. It looks like Salty will be the Blue Sox catcher unless they make a trade. And they think we have catcher problems. HA!!!

Boy I don't know about overtaking the Twins, the Tigers pushed the Twins most of the season.. With a little help they could take over the lead in the Central Division.. The Twins will get their closer and first basemen back so that will be like adding a FA somewhat.. What the Twins need is a stud pitcher.. Word around Twinkies land is they are trying to get Greinke (sp) from KC.. Don't know if that's just hopeful thinking or if it's true.. They are probably going to lose Pavano so that doesn't help them either..

Well there goes all the talk about the Rangers getting Martinez

Nov 23, 2010 -- 12:04PM, BigGuy wrote:

Good.   Boston just got weaker.

And the Rangers just lost an incentive for Lee to return to Texas...

Nov 23, 2010 -- 12:09PM, Cleese wrote:

Nov 23, 2010 -- 12:04PM, BigGuy wrote:

Good.   Boston just got weaker.

And the Rangers just lost an incentive for Lee to return to Texas...

It also frees up more cash for them to go after Lee.