Russell Martin Beefing Up #MLB

Russell Martin showed up to Dodgers' camp at 231 pounds. That would be about 25 pounds more than last season, a season where he struggled at the plate, especially with regard to power numbers: .250, 7, 53.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

"I just didn't have the weight behind me," Martin said. "I think it just didn't translate well into my offense. As far as using the weight, transferring weight to hit the ball, it kind of faded for me a little bit."

Uh, OK. If you say so Russ. Am I the only one who sees a red flag here? Can anyone say PEDs? I’m not saying anything, I’m just sayin’. Isn’t this how we got into this entire mess in the first place? Guys showing up 25, 30 pounds heavier than the season before and attributing it to workout programs, diet changes, etc.? This doesn’t ring a bell? Did Martin sublet Jose Canseco's apartment in the off-season?

I don’t know what he did or didn’t do, but it sure as hell is a fair question to ask. The Dodgers have had a history of drug cheats; Gagne, LoDuca, Ramirez, and who knows how many others. It isn’t like there isn’t a precedent.

Martin says that he spent some time on a conditioning program endorsed by Gagne this off-season!

Again, from the Los Angeles Times:

...Martin's weight gain hasn't put much, if any, noticeable fat on his 5-foot-10" frame.

...Martin not only started to power-lift more, he flew to Arizona early to take part in a training regimen recommended to him by pitcher Eric Gagne and his wife.

Uh, hello? Lots of muscle, no fat and a noted drug cheat is giving him fitness advice? Let’s just say that if Martin starts popping balls out of the yard, I won't be surprised to see George Mitchell show up on his front door step.

Good thing baseball took care of all those drug issues, otherwise this would look really odd.

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