Pirates Catcher Russell Martin: 'What You Do Today Will Affect Tomorrow'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- New Pirates catcher Russell Martin joined The Fan Morning Show on Wednesday to chat about Spring Training, as the team's pitchers and catchers reported to Bradenton on Tuesday.
Martin explained that he's looking forward to improving his on the .211 batting average he posted in 2012, even if that means adjusting the approach that allowed him to launch 21 home runs.
"Sometimes you just have to laugh about it and get back to the drawing board," Martin said. "I just took a lot more swings in the offseason, got back to the tee work, and just really simplified things, and right now I feel good...I know I can do better than that."
He also mentioned that he feels good about his ability on the defensive side of things.
"That has always been one of my strengths," Martin said. "I've been blessed with a good arm, and quick feet, and it's something I work on pretty much every day."
Martin told the guys that he's looking forward to helping the Pirates improve in 2013.
"I'm definitely excited to take on this challenge. I know it's going to be a challenge, but I like what we've got going on right now," Martin said. "[Baseball] is an individual game played as a team, so everyone just has to take care of what they can...What you do today will affect tomorrow, and if we have that attitude I feel like we can do things well."
The interview can be heard here: