In 6 Months We'll Forget Victor Martinez

            Victor Martinez is leaving the Red Sox to play for the Detroit Tigers. Detroit offered Martinez an extra $8 million than Boston was willing to pay. Martinez hit .313 in 183 games with the Red Sox, smacking 28 homers and driving in 120.

            Offensively this is a blow for the Red Sox, but his production can be replaced either this off-season or next. Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder could be had via trade, or signed after the season. Arizona has also been rumored to be dangling Justin Upton, who would find his inner monster smacking line drives off or over the Green Monster. Gonzalez would be the perfect acquisition, as his hitting approach fits in perfectly with what the Red Sox do (make sure games last 4 hours by taking tons of pitches). Throw in the possible signing of Carl Crawford, and the healthy returns of Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, and the Sox should have a powerful offense in 2011.

            The less talked about aspect of this trade for the Red Sox is the upgrade on defense. Martinez has one of the weakest arms of any major league catcher (and with David Ortiz signed up for 2011, there would’ve been limited opportunities to use Victor as the DH). Tampa Bay made every game against the Red Sox look like a track meet. Just about any catcher is an upgrade over him. I’d be happy to see the Sox sign one of the 16 Molina brothers and have them bat ninth and play catcher.

            Detroit will get a nice bump from this acquisition. The Tigers crumbled last year when the entire line-up around Miguel Cabrera got hurt during the summer. Martinez is a great second banana to pair up with Cabrera. Detroit has more flexibility with their DH slot, so Martinez should have to catch less for the Tigers.

            This move is a win-win for both sides. Boston gets the Tigers 1^st round pick in a loaded 2011 draft class (because of the Tigers signing Martinez. MLB has some quirky rules involving the signing of free agents). The additional draft pick in round 1 will neutralize the blow of losing a pick if they sign Carl Crawford. The Red Sox have as much flexibility as they have had in many years. Let’s see what they do with it.