Jays' Martin has history of immediate impact

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Canadian catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82-million deal, they knew they were getting one of the best offensive and defensive players in the league at the position.  What they might not have known is they were also getting a player who has led his team into the playoffs in his debut season at every Major League stop, a trend that looks like it will continue this season in Toronto.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2006)

After losing a battle for the starting catcher job to current Blue Jays' teammate Dioner Navarro, Martin started the season in the minor leagues with the Las Vegas 51s.  After a wrist injury put Navarro on the disabled list, Martin was called up and made his Major League debut on May 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He announced his presence with two hits, including a double.

"I didn't really get overwhelmed," said Martin in 2006 about taking over the starting role for the Dodgers. "That's just the way I played. I play hard. I had a pretty good first game, and that just catapulted me a little bit. After that, I just felt comfortable."

When Martin, who was converted from a third baseman to a catcher in 2003, joined the Dodgers they were 13-17, last in the National League West division and five games off the pace.  His arrival had an immediate impact. The Dodgers won the first five games with him on the roster, and would put together a seven-game winning streak before his first month with the team was over.

"He brings experience beyond his years behind the plate," said Dodgers manager Grady Little. "He's only been back there for three years, but he does the physical things perfectly. He blocks balls. He throws well. What's really been amazing to me is his ability to handle these veteran pitchers. He takes charge."

"It's going to be hard to ignore what this kid has done and what the ball club has done since he's been in there."

Little was correct, Navarro was eventually dealt to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Martin took over as the starter.

The Dodgers finished the season at 88-74, tied with the San Diego Padres for the NL West crown. The team qualified for the playoffs in the wild-card spot due to losing the season series to their division rivals. They would drop the Division Series to the New York Mets in three games.

New York Yankees (2011)

After seeing his production numbers drop off in 2009 and 2010, Martin left the Dodgers and signed a free-agent contract with the Yankees.  

Taking over from longtime starter Jorge Posada, Martin started 125 games behind the plate for the Yankees and posted bounce-back numbers of 18 homers and 65 RBIs with a .237/.324/.408 slash line to earn his third all-star appearance.

The East York, Ont., native also threw out 40 base runners to lead the league for the third time.

"He believes in these pitchers, and they believe in him," Yankees bench coach Tony Pena said about Martin. "I love this guy."

The 2011 Yankees posted a 97-65 record, reclaiming the AL East division title they lost the season before to the Tampa Bay Rays.

They were eliminated in the Division Series by the Detroit Tigers in five games.

Pittsburgh Pirates (2013)

At 30-years-old, Martin joined a Pirates team that had not qualified for the playoffs since losing the 1992 NLCS to the Atlanta Braves and immediately became their starting catcher.

In 127 games, Martin hit 15 homers and drove in 55 runs with a .226 average.

"He's has the ability to make every pitcher feel like he's going to be the best he's ever been that day that he's on the mound with Russell behind the plate," said Hurdle.

Martin instantly became a fan favourite as the Pirates battled down the stretch with the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central crown, as well as the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals for the two wild-card berths.

With a 94-68 record, the team's first winning season since the '92 playoff campaign, the Pirates would earn the first wild-card spot and host the Reds in a one-game matchup to advance to the NLDS.

Martin led the way in that game, going deep twice and driving in four runs to help the Pirates advance with a 6-2 victory.

The Pirates would be eliminated in the NLDS in five games by the Cardinals.

Toronto Blue Jays (2015)

Martin joined the Blue Jays on a five-year deal, hoping to help erase the longest active MLB playoff drought that has seen the team miss the playoffs each season since winning the World Series in 1993.

Offensively, Martin is second in the American League in homers (21) and RBIs (72) by a catcher.  He is also first in runs and second in doubles.

Defensively, Martin once again leads the league with 31 runners caught stealing, but has also made his mark working with a pitching staff that includes a knuckleballer he has primarily caught, as well as a rookie closer who has emerged as one of the best in the league.

"He's not going unnoticed, but he's probably not getting (the recognition) he deserves," said Jays manager John Gibbons. "He's having a tremendous year. That's why they got him."

Martin has already delivered one of the biggest hits of the season for the Jays, a three-run homer to seal a series victory against the New York Yankees on Wednesday to help them extend their division lead.

The Blue Jays currently hold an 87-65 record, first in the American League East.
 

*As of 9/24/15