"The Los Angeles Dodgers declined to officially offer a contract to catcher Russell Martin before Thursday night's deadline for doing so to arbitration-eligible players after the sides failed to reach agreement on a new deal for the two-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner. As a result, Martin is now officially a free agent and quite possibly has played his final game in a Dodgers uniform."

".. the Dodgers' first choice was to bring Martin back if an agreement could be reached on a contract that would have paid him a lower base salary than what he received in 2010. Colletti said that in the final minutes before the 9 p.m. PST deadline, Colleran lowered Martin's asking price to a simple $5 million guarantee, but the Dodgers weren't willing to go that high.

"We were willing to get to the same point with performance bonuses, but not with a guaranteed $5 million," Colletti said."

If he can stay healthy and get back to his 07-08 form... then $5M wouldn't be bad -- but I'm not up-to-date on his health situation or why he's struggled offensively of late.

No. The rangers have 2 catchers already on the roster that can put up numbers similar to Martin's from the last 2 years. And yes, Teagarden is one of them.

Depends on the market for him and thwe cae Rangers' budget. I'm willing to roll with Yorvit/TT if we can keep Cliff.

Nobody seems to know about Martin's broken hip and how it healed. He has not crouched as a Catcher makes his living doing. His offense has went down ironically since Steroid testing started. No one seems to know if that is coincidental or if the broken hip might be related. In other words, is he now fragile? Could he survive a collision at the plate? I'd say he gets a Minor League contract with an invite to the Big Camp if he shows he has healed. The Catcher spots are filling and he still hasn't made it public knowledge whether he can perform as required.

Yes, depending on the medicals. Even with the lost time last year and decline in production he was a 2 WAR player the last two seasons, with average or better offense for a catcher. His on base perc. was still .350, very nice. As always, it depends on the price and his expectations, but I'd at least call his agent to see if he'd split time with Yorvit.

if im not mistaken, i believe that he came up with the dodgers as a 3rd baseman. i wouldnt mind a back up catcher/ back up 3rd baseman/ DH that hits righties with above average skills at the plate and the field. he could be the other utility guy next to blanco and murphy. which would allow us to carry an extra pitcher for the bullpen. Kirkman maybe?

I think someone will offer him a big league deal, he's a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner... maybe not to the tune of $5M (maybe $3M? Yankees?), like he's wanting... But I think for the right deal, you could have him split time with YT if/until he proves he can take on the starter's role -- like t ball said, depending on medicals.

I think JD and the Rangers are content right now going into the season with YT, Treanor and Teagarden (and Ramirez?). Although, I still like the idea of snagging one of the two young catcher prospects in a deal with the Cubs. Not to make them your starter or even your backup, but put the guy in AAA and know he's there for if/when Treanor/Teagarden/Ramirez aren't getting the job done.

Speaking of Ramirez, have we given up hope on him? Last year's stint wasn't too impressive (of course defensively) but even offensively (where he is supposed to shine).

@ hamjia: I'd like to see Kirkman compete for the 5th rotation spot. I think he could hang with Holland/Hunter/Feldman/Whoever is looking to land that role -- and maybe even win the job.

It's Hot Stove League so we can still look back and wonder about looking forward. We can say NEXT YEAR until maybe Jan and then we have to go THIS Year. Just looking at what the Rangers look better at now as opposed to how they opened this past season. Catcher looks vastly improved although it seems this time last year some were thinking Salty and Tea were going to suffice. Didn't Happen! So Kinsler on DL and bad day at Black Rock from sticks behind the plate and throwing problems, You have to think the Rangers are stronger in those two weak areas to start. Don't get me started on the two little BB'ers that couldn't throw strikes. Where are they now? I don't really want to know.

Who knew that we would get such Breakout years out of CJ Wilson and C Lewis? Could anybody see Ted Williams in Hamilton's body or Vlade hitting like crazy? Cruz was special in the times he was there healthy. Murphy starts late but he does show up big. We didn't know Elvis would embrace the mantra: "Hit singles and even Walks to get on base. A BoB and steal is as good as a double?" I think Elvis comes back strong. Can anybody here play 1st well and hit for two seasons in a row? I would never have thought C Davis would forget what a down and away strike looks like. Is Moreland real or is he Memorex? Who was that masked man who stood in for a while? I keep thinking Borbon has improved enough to help this team with a concept of speed. I hope someone got him and Andrus together and taught them better tip off skills as to when to go. Their BAs were not bad but you just can't give it away on the bases. Maybe make them wear a patch that says, "If you give it away, you can't sell it." That which Wash thought acceptable in Vlade (Giving away bases) he but a "Run On Sign ONLY!," on Borbon and maybe even some on Elvis.

Who is going to exceed expectations this year? If everyone has the Plain Vanilla year then we are going to be hurting. There has to be some good surprises like Catcher and there are going to be reality checks like Feldman and Salty. I think there are some talented Farm Hands who are itching to move up and move someone out. How long can M Young cheat At Bat and hit that inside out swing to Right? His hand speed is slipping just a smidge. Actually inside out usually indicates the knob of the bat is getting through the zone before the barrel of the bat catches up. Pretty soon more hit balls are landing just Right of the RF line rather than fair balls down the line or inside the RF Pole. How long can you cheat and guess at 3rd base on potential balls left and right? Sixteen million for a Scarecrow is not a good Caw, Caw, Caw. Hitch ol' Nelly up strong. It's going to be one wild ride. The thing is, NOW, we expect better and there is no more "They have always let me down," moaning and groaning. We need Results.

Tom..... Huh??