Victor Martinez is joining the Detroit Tigers after passing a physical today. The catcher signed a 4-year contract over $ 50 million.

V-Mart will join his fellow compadre Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the Tigers’ lineup. This acquisition gives Detroit more flexibility at the catcher position as Martinez can play catcher as well as first base or could be used as designated hitter when Alex Avila starts behind home plate.

The Venezuelan is no stranger to the AL Central. From 2002 to 2009 he played for the Cleveland Indians before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in midseason. He has a lifetime batting average of .300. Last season he batted .302 with 64 runs, 20 home runs and 79 RBI.

Fantasy Perspective

Martinez has been a top-tier catcher for many years now and this will continue to be the case in 2011. With a talented lineup such as Detroit’s his numbers may well improve compared to last season. He should easily surpass the 20 homers mark again, something he has achieved in 5 of his 9 seasons in the Majors. Depending on whether he his going to bat before or behind Cabrera will have an impact on his runs and RBI. Currently I see him batting 3^rd and expect runs as well as RBI to be in the 80s, provided there are no lengthy injury breaks.

New York Yankees Perspective

Arbitration or no arbitration cases aside, or can you see Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera wearing any other but a Yankees uniform next season, the Boston Red Sox are currently without a proven catcher. Jarrod Saltalamacchia may be young but he has yet to have a half-decent season and I am not convinced that Boston is the right place for this.

Depending on whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays can keep their superstars the New York Yankees are currently clear favourites to regain the AL East crown.