As noted by ESPN in a statement which probably couldn’t be more true,

“Catching talent in the minor leagues ebbs and flows, and it’s at a low ebb right now.”

With Brad McCann playing for the Braves in Atlanta, rather than in Double-A, the talent is even thinner. Russell Martin is 22 years old. He was selected by the Dodgers in the 2002 amateur draft. He is a “scout favorite” appearing in several “Top 100 Prospects” lists including at Baseball America and he is CANADIAN. He is well regarded for his defense in these reports. Martin, who went to junior college in Florida, is a converted third baseman and has shown the best mix of power, plate discipline and catch-and-throw skills in the minors. He’s part of the Dodgers’ Double-A Jacksonville roster, which is brimming with talent.

Even though Martin has put up great numbers this year hitting .319 with 5 dingers and 43 RBI’s, and an on base percentage of .445, he is in a tough position because of the Dodger’s off-season acquisition of Dioner Navarro. Navarro is 21 years old and was originally signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2000. He was acquired by the Dodgers this winter as part of the deal that sent Shawn Green to Arizona. He is an interesting case if for no other reason than general manager Paul DePodesta made multiple attempts to acquire him.

Navarro’s upside does not appear to be significantly different from Miller, however being a big part of DePodesta’s stamp on the club, one has to figure he has a good line to the majors. He has shown little power – less than Martin so far in his minor league career (.125 ISO compared to Phillips .142). He is currently playing for the Las Vegas 51’s and is batting a respectable .278 with a .376 on base percentage.

Look for Martin in the prospect’s game this week suiting up for the World team. You won’t be disappointed.