Russell Martin wants to comeback to the Yankees.
"My situation is I"m still arbitration eligible," Martin told me and one other reporter today outside of Yankee Stadium. "So either I'll get offered a contract or I won't get offered a contract. It is the same situation I was in with the Dodgers last year. Now, it is up to the Yankees to make a decision. For me, I would like nothing more than to be here."
Since Yankees manager Joe Girardi spoke so highly of Martin -- especially Martin's defense -- it seems that there is a very good shot he will be back. Martin made the All-Star team this season, while hitting .237 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs.
"I feel like I had a decent year, overall," Martin said. "I though the pitching staff did pretty well. Obviously, my batting average wasn't where I wanted it to be, but I had some decent at-bats; especially with guys in scoring position."
There is a question if Jesus Montero can play defense well enough to catch regularly, but Montero could split his time between DHing and catching. This could cut into Martin's time.
"I obviously want to play as much as I can, but my main goal is just to be on a winning team and win a championship," Martin said.
Martin made $4 million this season and should get a nice little raise in arbitration.