Jim Banks over on the Cleveland Indians' official site breaks down Tribe's recent trades. Apparently the fan reaction in Cleveland -- as measured by talk radio banter -- has been negative, but Banks explains point per point why he feels the Indians actually came out ahead. If you're interested, check it out, but he makes one point in particular that I'd like to highlight (added emphasis mine):
The idea of Martinez seeing some action at first base has been floated in the past, and it was recently discussed on this site in the comments in Boston Been's diary. Personally, I'll believe it when I see it.
Nothing against Shoppach, but he's offered no proof that he can hit for average. The last two years at AAA Pawtucket, he's hit .233 and .253 while striking out in about a third of his at-bats. Yeah, he combined for 48 home runs in that span, but the Indians shouldn't have any problem scoring runs this year, and I'll be surprised if they get overly creative just to get his bat in the lineup.
Besides, Martinez has just 14 games of experience at first base, and that was back in 2003 with AAA Buffalo. (That doesn't include winter ball or Arizona Fall League games, which I can't easily verify one way or the other.) Teams don't just throw their marquee, cornerstone hitters at a new position on a whim. First base isn't a demanding position, but inexperience is an injury-risk at any position.
From a fantasy perspective, Martinez is still going to be a top-tier catcher no matter what, but don't draft him thinking you may be getting a bit of roster versatility out of it, because it'll take most of the season -- if at all -- before he makes the requisite 10 appearances at first to be eligible there in most leagues.