Victor Martinez make Red Sox Extra Offensive

By acquiring All-Star catcher Victor Martinez, the Boston Red Sox are getting the big bat they’ve been seeking by adding the AL’s top offensive catcher.

A three-time All-Star, Martinez is hitting .284 with 15 homers and 67 RBI, but he’s done that in a home park that ranks 28th in scoring (and last in the AL) in scoring, according to ESPN’s Park Factor calculations. Boston’s Fenway Park, on the other hand, ranks ninth overall (and fourth in the AL).

That bodes well for V-Mart’s fantasy owners, who can expect an uptick in production just by moving to a better offensive lineup. However, he also creates a logjam at first base since the Red Sox recently acquired Adam LaRoche from the Pirates. Martinez will also cut into playing time for starting catcher Jason Varitek, who’s probably the biggest loser from a fantasy standpoint. David Ortiz, hitting just .228 this season, also figures to lose at-bats – especially against left-handed pitching.

Perhaps the biggest news is that neither of the top young arms on Boston’s major league roster, Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard, is part of the deal.

The Indians, who’ve already traded ace Cliff Lee and first baseman Ryan Garko in the past week, will receive 24-year-old right-hander Justin Masterson as the centerpiece of the three-player package. If that’s the case, it’s a huge boost to Masterson’s fantasy value since he’d probably go straight into the Indians’ starting rotation.

Also in the package are minor league pitchers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price. Hagadone, 23, was a college teammate of NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum. He missed most of last season after having Tommy John surgery and has only pitched 25 innings at Class A this year.

Price was drafted 45th overall by the Red Sox in the 2008 draft, but only has a 5-11 record in the minors with a 4.42 ERA.

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