Pirates Sign Russell Martin to Two-Year Deal - East Idaho News
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Pirates Sign Russell Martin to Two-Year Deal

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Getty S 113012 Martin?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1354292607682 Al Bello/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to pry away a key player from the New York Yankees. The team has signed catcher Russell Martin to a two-year deal worth $17 million.

Even though the Yankees were hoping to resign Martin, they never even made him an offer, and the Pirates swooped in to land the former All Star.

The signing of Martin stabilizes the team’s need at catcher. He will replace Rod Barajas, who often struggled last season. The Pirates threw out just 12 percent of basestealers last season, which was the worst percentage in baseball.

“I want to thank the @yankees organization and fans for treating me with class and respect… I will truly miss the city and people of NY,” Martin tweeted Thursday night.

In 133 games last season, Martin his .211 with 21 home runs and 53 RBIs.

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