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I think Vic Martinez is a potential .330 - .410 OBP hitter. The problem is do you really want your catcher always on the basepaths?
The secondary issue is I see Vic as more of a double's and singles hitter. Nothing wrong with that, especially if Vic hits .330.
The ideal offensive catcher would hit .280, 25-30 homers, 100 RBI's. Vic seems to be a better hitter, but with slightly less power, and as a result he'll be on the bases more often, and for longer periods of time.
I'd hate to see Vic try and hit with more power and stay a catcher when his real offensive value would be tapped at a less taxing position.
But in the meantime, if Vic is happy catching, then I'm happy too!
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Well, I think my April 2006 prediction foreshadowed this situation quite accurately. Too bad Vic has been having trouble throwing out base runners because it may force Vic to only play first base.
However for the time being, Vic is splitting time between catcher and first.
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This has turned out to be the question.
In only 20 games, Vic hit .350 at first base. A small sample yes, but an excellent result no doubt.
But about Ryan Garko? Probably Vic will split time between first base and catcher.
