"When the Yankees signed Russell Martin in December, they immediately anointed him their starting catcher. But the former Dodger, who arrived at the team's minor-league complex last week for pre-spring training workouts, isn't acting like he already has the job.

And Jesus Montero, the uber-prospect the Yanks view as their catcher of the future or a valuable trade nugget, isn't conceding the gig to Martin, either.

"I want to be behind the plate," Montero said Tuesday during a break from a session in the batting cage. "I want to show everybody that I can catch with the Yankees."

Still, it seems certain - as certain as anything can be in Yankeeland, anyway - that Montero has little chance to be the No. 1 catcher. Backup, with competition from Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine, is a more likely landing spot, if the Yankees don't believe Montero's development would be hindered by infrequent playing time. Or if they don't trade Montero for pitching help.

"Russell Martin is the starter," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said Tuesday. "With Russell, it gives us the ability to transition to the next generation in the best way possible. It wasn't instant for Jorge Posada - it took a number of years before it was a full transition. It's the hardest position to transition to in the big leagues, so we're going to make sure we're prepared. We believe we have everyday catchers coming up, but Russell's presence allows us to let them dictate when they are ready rather than our need for a catcher demanding it."

On a 50-degree day, Martin and Montero worked out separately in preparation for camp, which officially starts Monday when pitchers and catchers report. Montero, who started workouts two weeks ago, went through drills, including scrambling after foul pops launched high into a changing sky. Martin, recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee, said he will catch Wednesday for the first time since his December operation."