Russell Martin (C, TOR) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: One of the leagues models of consistency as a catcher over the pasts eight years has beenRussell Martin. You may have heard that Martin is expected to have a decent regression in his BABIP compared to his impressive .336 last season, and you’d be crazy to argue otherwise. That caused Martin's fantasy stock to drop significantly, and what a lot of people didn’t place a whole lot of stock in was his change in scenery from Pittsburgh to Toronto.

While he won’t hit .290 like last season, there were some positive signs to look into that might allow Martin to return solid value in the position. Martin’s walk rate has improved the past three years, rising from 10.9% in 2012 to 11.5% in 2013 to 12.8% last season. With better plate discipline typically leading to higher averages, this growth is substantial even in leagues that do not count walks. A reduction in strikeout rate is also a positive trend for average growth, and Martin managed to lower his K-rate from 21.3% in 2013 to 17% last year, below the league’s 20.4% average. He also has plus speed for a catcher.

Martin’s counting stats should be in line for a big upgrade due to the transition to Toronto. He will be batting second, behind Jose Reyes and in front of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, which should lead to Martin scoring 100 or so runs and a healthy RBI total. Moving to Rogers Centre should also help Martin’s power numbers, as should the increased playing time afforded to him by a move to the AL which comes with the chance to DH on his days off from catching. Not to mention PNC park is arguably the worst power park for right-handed hitters, especially when compared to Rogers Centre and it’s 110 RHH homer park factor (4th best in the MLB).