PITTSBURGH — There are many reasons the Pirates are back in the playoffs for the first time since 1992, but don’t underestimate the addition of Russell Martin — the catcher the Yankees let get away.
That loss is the Pirates gain, and now it’s the Yankees on the outside looking in at the postseason, while the Pirates are playing Buc-tober baseball.
“It’s a little bit ironic,’’ Martin told The Post Monday night at PNC Park, where the Pirates will take on the Reds Tuesday night in the NL wild-card game. “Maybe the Yankees will change the way they think about things. Catching is not a place where you try and patch it together. The middle part of that field is probably the most important, catching, pitching, up the middle and center field, and we’re strong.
“Maybe the Yankees just didn’t think that I was going to sign here. They were aware that I had an offer from Pittsburgh, they didn’t want to match it, they didn’t have the funds to match it at that time. I think they had other priorities.’’
The Pirates are thrilled to have Martin behind the plate. Listen to manager Clint Hurdle.
“Russell is a grown man and he has helped our team grow up in so many ways,’’ Hurdle said.
Or this from reliever Mark Melancon, another ex-Yankee.
“He’s had such a huge impact,’’ Melancon said. “If you don’t know baseball you might not realize what an impact he has had, but he is really directing everybody on the field. It’s probably the biggest part why we are here right now.’’
Believing they had the pitching, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington and Hurdle targeted Martin, signing him to a two-year, $17 million contract while the Yankees were focused on strengthening their pitching.
“It definitely worked out for me,’’ Martin said. “From my perspective, catching is a pretty important position. You’ve got a guy who can receive and control the running game a little bit, it can really change the complexion of the team, and I feel that is a little bit what I brought here. Last year one of their biggest weaknesses was the running game. You keep that guy on first base, you get a lot of double plays, get some outs here and there, it changes the game.’’
Martin, 30, said his approach to the game is the same in Pittsburgh as it was with the Yankees.
“I just tried to be myself and try to win games every day, play hard, make sure the pitchers are prepared and make sure I’m prepared as well,” he said, “doing all the necessary things you do to make sure you are prepared to play the game.’’
Hurdle said he doesn’t pay any attention to Martin’s .226 average, noting, “Throw that out, he’s gotten some big hits for us.’’
Martin hit only .211 with 21 home runs and 53 RBI last year. This year he hit 15 home runs and knocked in 55 runs.
“I didn’t have the best average,” Martin said, “but for me it is all about production, and in key situations. I think I had four or five walk-off hits this year.
“I’ve always loved the pressure situations. I’ve come through a pretty good percentage, and from here on out, that’s all it is going to be.’’
Win or walk the plank.
The Pirates are ready for the postseason spotlight with Francisco Liriano going against Johnny Cueto. PNC will be packed with fans wearing black, as requested by star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who said of Martin, “It’s great to have him back there where runners are scared to go on him.’’
McCutchen was hit in the head with a batted ball during batting practice Monday, a ball that first hit the ground before hitting him. He joked the ball got hurt.
These Pirates are a fun bunch.
They even have a real, live shark tank in the center of their clubhouse to celebrate the relief pitchers. We’ll see if Martin & Co. can keep swimming with the sharks in October.