"The Yankees have had discussions with Russell Martin's agent about a possible return engagement in pinstripes and the free agent catcher, not surprisingly, is interested.
"We've had some initial conversations and they've expressed interest in bringing him back, but nothing substantial to date other than that," said Matt Colleran, Martin's rep. "The organization, he loves it, working with the staff, manager, coaches and players. It was all very positive. We'll see what happens as we move along here."
Martin, who will be 30 in February, batted only .211 with a .311 on-base percentage in 2012, but slugged a career-best 21 homers. He was hitting .199 as late as Sept. 3, but had seven homers, 17 RBI and a .277 average, .355 on-base percentage and a .578 slugging percentage afterward. Martin struggled in the postseason, though, batting .161.
"He had a rough first half but he battled his way to get out of it," Colleran said. "Based on his career, the player you saw the second half if more indicative of the player he is."
Colleran said other teams have called to express interest as well and noted that the market would "take a little bit of time to develop." Mike Napoli and AJ Pierzynski are probably the biggest-name catchers on the market.
Still, the Yankees seem like a good landing spot for Martin, though the team will have to commit monies to re-signing Mariano Rivera and adding to its starting rotation. Martin made $7.5 million last season and the two sides discussed adding a two-year extension to that last spring."
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