"The Yankees officially announced the signing of catcher Russell Martin, who enters next season as the new starting catcher, with Jorge Posada making a transition to designated hitter.

"This is a guy who's very talented, very athletic," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said today. "It allows us to bring our younger catchers along at the pace that we want to and not force them into maybe being on our club."

Without Martin, 27, the Yankees' choices would have been backup Francisco Cervelli and prospects Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. Those three will now compete for the backup spot, even though Martin will undergo minor knee surgery before spring training. Martin's deal is for one-year, $4 million, though performance bonuses could give him another nearly $1.4 million.

Girardi said Martin could also help spell Alex Rodriguez at third base. Martin had been a third baseman in the minors before the Dodgers converted him into a catcher.

A two-time all-star with the Dodgers, Martin had been one of the better catchers in the National League. In 2007, he hit .293 with 19 homers and 87 RBI. But his numbers have declined in every season since.

In 2009, a hip injury limited Martin to just 97 games. He hit .248 with five homers and 26 RBI. The Dodgers non-tendered Martin in the offseason, making him a free agent."