The Dodgers re-signed LHP Tom Martin to a two-year, $3.2M contract on Thursday. Martin compiled a 51:24 K:BB with 36 H and 6 HR allowed in 51 IP for a 3.53 ERA in 2003. He performs much better against left-handed batters, but his platoon split isn't so bad that the Dodgers need to pull him when two lefties are split by a right-handed batter. Martin's walk rate remains a bit troublesome, however his groundball tendencies at least decrease the risk that a homer will make him regret the baserunners.

While I support L.A.'s decision to bring him back, I think the Dodgers were overly generous with his salary, likely out of compulsion to compensate for signing him cheaply last year. In the current market, a one-year deal with an option would have been much more appropriate. Nevertheless, provided L.A.'s defense remains solid, Martin should be able to replicate his 2003 performance, making the Dodgers investment mostly worthwhile.

L.A. has also signed John Barnes and Nelson Castro to minor league deals.