TORONTO – Jeff Banister calls Russell Martin one of the toughest competitors he’s ever been around.
Banister, now the manager of the Texas Rangers, and Martin, who’s in the first year of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, contributed to Pittsburgh Pirates playoff appearances in 2013 and 2014 as bench coach and starting catcher, respectively. Before facing off for the first time in 2015, Banister said Martin’s the kind of throwback player you never want to face.
“He’s a gladiator, man. He’s going to find a way to beat your ass. I love that about him,” Banister said.
During his two seasons in Pittsburgh, Martin averaged 13 home runs with a .764 OPS — above average offensive numbers. But his contributions as a catcher stood out most to Banister, who considers Martin a Gold Glove-level defender.
“In one sense he’s a linebacker behind home plate, in another sense he’s a shortstop behind home plate and in another sense he’s a technician, too — what he can do with a pitching staff,” Banister said.
Those skills have translated to results in 2015, as Martin has thrown out 20 of 45 would-be base stealers while once again ranking among the league leaders in pitch framing metrics. At the plate, Martin has already matched his 2014 home run total of 11 with an .860 OPS in 64 games.
But as tempting as it may be to put Martin’s bat in the lineup every day, every catcher needs rest. There were times in Pittsburgh that Banister would argue with Martin, telling him he needed days off to stay sharp over the course of a long season. “He’d fight me to stay in the lineup,” recalled Banister, who was hired by Texas last October after 29 seasons with the Pirates including one plate appearance as a player in which he collected a hit. Not surprisingly, Banister would win those arguments; they left a lasting impression all the same.
“I had great joy watching him play every time he was behind the plate for us in Pittsburgh,” Banister said. “He was a true professional, just gritty, gutsy, just wants to go play to win. I love everything about him.”
Martin and Banister caught up before Friday’s series opener, comparing notes on new teams and cities. Both went back home in a sense, with the Canadian Martin signing in Toronto and Banister, who grew up in La Marque, Texas, now managing the Rangers. The conversation left Banister with the distinct impression that Toronto suits Martin.
“You can tell in the energy and the bounce,” he said.