Catchers dine out on Martinez's dime

Catchers dine out on Martinez's dime
By Jason Beck / MLB.com | 02/19/11 6:22 PM EST

LAKELAND, Fla. -- In a sign of solidarity for the catching fraternity, Tigers catchers in camp dined on Brazilian-style steak at Texas de Brazil Orlando on new Tiger Victor Martinez's bill. It was Martinez's idea as a reward for the non-roster catchers, who report to camp early and put in a lot of work without a lot of glory while the club's pitchers get in their early work.

Alex Avila said the crowd got to about eight, the number of catchers in camp. Others, he said, joined in.

When asked about the gesture for the Tigers' young catchers, manager Jim Leyland had his comeback ready.

"I'm a little disappointed he didn't take the old catchers out to dinner," said Leyland, a catcher in Detroit's system during his playing days.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.