BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin is looking forward to switching things up for the World Baseball ClassicMartin will move from catcher to shortstop for Team Canada when the tournament begins next month. It's a refreshing change for the 30-year-old, who began his professional career as a third baseman before being moved to catcher while still in the minors.
The three-time All-Star says moonlighting at short will break-up the repetition of spring training. He says he wasn't interested in catching for Canada because he didn't really want to try to master a pitching staff he didn't know that well. Martin already has his hands full trying to get a read on Pittsburgh's rotation.
Martin signed a two-year, $17 million deal with the Pirates in the off-season and says he thinks the team can win now.
