A Signing Of Hope For The Blue Jays
Written by: Calvin Lai
The beginning of the MLB offseason started with a bang. The Toronto Blue Jays under GM Alex Anthopoulos was never big contenders to sign free agents. During his 4 year tenure as the general manager, the most renowned free agent signings were Maicer Izturis for three years and Melky Cabrera. It seems like the tune has changed this offseason as Alex Anthopoulos handed out the second-largest contract in Blue Jays history to Toronto-born Russell Martin.
Russell Martin, a catcher who previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, had a career year last season, hitting a .290 average with an elite .402 OBP (on base percentage). Furthermore, he provided elite defense from the catcher position, and is known as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball today. The Blue Jays officially signed Russell Martin to a five year, $82 million contract, easily the biggest contract handed out by Alex Anthopoulos to date.
The Ontario native returns to his home in Toronto, giving fans a home grown talent to cheer for. The signing, however, happened because Russell Martin produces high-end offense from a position that is largely defensive, while also providing the elite defensive profile he has revealed over the years. In addition, he has shown top-tier leadership skills that can assist the upcoming young talent the Blue Jays possess down in the minors. Most importantly, Russell Martin has won, and is largely considered a winner. This is a player that has made 7 postseason appearances in 9 big league seasons. The Toronto Blue Jays currently have the longest playoff drought in all professional sports, having not made the playoffs in 22 years. We all hope he is the difference maker next season, as the city of Toronto has waited long and hard for post-season baseball.
Calvin Lai is a hard worker, who is passionate about whatever he does. He is willing to overachieve to become successful and loves a challenge. Calvin has a imaginative mind, and constantly has a variety of ideas floating around in his brain. Calvin loves sports, and follows many of the major sports globally. He cherishes the opportunity to write about what he loves and is so passionate about.
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