The dilemma of three catchers

According to today's LA Times, Russell Martin is a sure bet to start at C, even if/when Dioner Navarro comes back off the DL quite soon. Since the Dodgers are not willing to carry three catchers, the most viable option seems to use some of Sandy Alomar's chronic pains as an excuse to place him on DL. That will allow having both youngsters on the active roster, splitting time 2/3 to 1/3 in favor of Martin.

On the right: Dioner Navarro has plenty of work in front of him (pun intended) to get back to starting [photo: www.ladodgers.com]

Alomar is not only older, but also less capable with the pitchers (highest ERA on the days he plays) and equally to Navarro incapable of holding opposing runners on. While a 15-day DL stint for Sandy is definitely not a final solution to the dilemma of three catchers, it sure buys some time needed to see which young catcher is hotter when the opposing pitchers adjust to both.

I agree with LA Times that trading one of them (Navarro?) should not be an option at the moment. It's a nice problem to have - similar to whichever we should play Cesar Izturis when he's back.