Yanks free agent watch: Crawford, Martin

The Yankees are in contact with outfielder Carl Crawford and attempted to trade for catcher Russell Martin yesterday.

Martin represents a rare breed of catchers who can actually run. Yes, I mean steal bases — he’s averaged more than 12 per season in the big leagues. He is 27 years old, turning 28 in February, and ranks as a solid catcher. He threw out 39 percent of would-be base stealers last year, while the major league average is 27 percent. I could see a Martin-Jesus Montero combination at catcher in 2011.

As for Crawford, I think he is a great, great player but just not a fit for the Yankees. Here’s why.