plays for the Cleveland Indians! We all know Vic has been one of the best hitting catchers for years but his defensive skills and his leadership has put him at the top of the game(obviously my opinion)! We all know the kind of catcher Vic was when he entered MLB(couldnt throw a guy out to save his life), now he has established himself as one of the best catchers with throwing out basestealers. Last night he threw out 2 runners to end the innings and kill a potential rally. He might of had a third in the 9th with Ichiro at 3rd base if Blake caught the ball. Far cry from his earlier years! He can also play a solid 1st base! His leadership behind the plate is improving as well, he calls a great game and has the pitchers attention and respect. What I love most about Vic is his enthuisiasm and passion for the game.
I dont know about you Tribe fans in here but Im pumped to have Vic as the Tribes catcher! lets jump on the Royals tonight and get our record to 500. Ill be in the Bronx Tuesday cheering our boys on! As always Go Tribe!!!!!!
I agree that Victor Martinez has to be considered one of the top catchers in the game today. Pudge Rodriguez and Jorge Posada arent getting any younger and Victor is truly emerging. Ever since he improved his footwork he has been very impressive on the defensive side of the ball
he may not be the sexy pick for the starting allstar spot(VTEK, Pudge, and Posada)but I bet if you ask all the AL teams and pure baseball fans who the best is, it has to be Vic! I cant forget Mauer, he is up there with the other top catchers!
Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer, Russell Martin, I'm not sure which order but those are the 3 best today. I'd take Martinez because he can hit both righty and lefty. Geovanny Soto for the Cubs will be in that conversation within 2 or 3 years.
I like Martin because even though he might not hit for as much power (hes still young, could possibly overtake vics power, he has potential), he will get you a dozen or so stolen bases which puts him in better position to score. All 3 are good.
Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer, Russell Martin, I'm not sure which order but those are the 3 best today. I'd take Martinez because he can hit both righty and lefty. Geovanny Soto for the Cubs will be in that conversation within 2 or 3 years.
I agree. I'd put Martinez at the top. I'd also include Brian McCann in the discussion at least as far as hitting. Also, that kid from Houston (J.R. Towles) is gonna be up there with Soto. He's struggling right now but he's only 24.
Great Vic is the best catcher in baseball! Who cares the team stinks! Until they realize Shapiro makes bad front office decisions, and Wedge can't manage, this team is going nowheres.
At least the Tribe has the best catcher in baseball. Hooray!
I am pleased with Victors progress at catcher. I am concerned about his clutch hitting and power this year. RBI's are way down and he has yet to hit any homers. We are only 1 month into the season, so maybe he will go on a huge HOT streak!
If anyone else has noticed, and hopefully I'm not exaggerating because I think Victor is the savior of our offense, but Victor seems to be one of the only ones to be hitting in clutch situations and doing the fundamental things. No mental errors, he gets sac flys, etc. Just a good all around solid ballplayer. Go Tribe.
Victor Martinez must have worked on his conditioning in the off season. He lost 15 pounds and was ready to go. His caught stealing % was tops in the AL recently, probably still is. That really impresses me considering his defensive woes in 2006. He must be calling a good game as overall the pitching staff, especially the starting pitching, is fine. He is working well with Cliff Lee, so there seems to be no grudge or anything held over from last year.
It may not be Wedge's style to name a captain, but he should do it. Victor Martinez is the overwhelming choice. He deserves it, and I think it'd be good for the team.
The team captain should NOT be named by the manager. The manager should tell the team to pick a captain. While Victor may deserve it, there may be a co-captain to go along with him.
yeah vic is getting better behind the plate. he is one of the better hitting catchers in the league. but lets be honest guys the best catcher in the league. dude just because he can thro someones grandma out at second with the pitcher holding them on doesnt justify that title. besides did anyone think the amazing pitching we have is contributing to his defense. its easy to make a play here and there when you need to. we have not had a lot of defensive pressure on him yet this season. shoppach is still ten times as good as victor behind the plate. he cant hold his jock at the dish though.
