MLB Network Ranks Martin as 2nd Best Catcher, Bautista as 3rd Best Right Fielder

Where would the 2015 Blue Jays have been without Jose Bautista and Russell Martin? Those  two players were instrumental in the team’s success last season.

Martin hit a clutch home run against the Yankees that helped the Jays get a much-needed late season win. And if not for Jose Bautista’s heroics, we might still be lamenting the loss of Game 5 of the ALDS.

Jose Bautista and Russell Martin had some of the best seasons at their respective positions in right field and behind the plate, and thus MLB Network chose them as some of the best players right now.

MLB Network unveiled their “Top 10 Catchers Right Now” and “Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now” lists, and the two Blue Jays were among the best of the best.

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In the case of Russell Martin, he may not have had the best defensive season by his standard, but his ability to hold baserunners and gun down would-be basestealers was incredible in 2015. Offensively speaking, Martin didn’t have his best offensive season either, but in the realm of catchers, his numbers play well.

I also find it interesting that the man who took over for Russell Martin in Pittsburgh (Francisco Cervelli), was not far behind on the list at number four.

And even though Joey Bats missed about six weeks in the field with a bad shoulder, Bautista still put forth an incredible offensive campaign for a right fielder.

During the Top 10 Right Now special, Eric Byrnes revealed this interesting fact (which may or may not be common knowledge); Jose Bautista was anxious to sign a pre-tender deal with the Blue Jays in late 2009 because he was fearful that he was going to be non-tendered by the Blue Jays.

It turned out to be a very, very wise move for both parties.