Russell Martin is moving from backstop to shortstop.

Well, temporarily.

The former Yankees catcher who signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason is preparing to play shortstop for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, according to a report from Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi.

"It's hilarious, the reactions I get," Martin told Morosi at the Pirates' spring training complex on Monday. "It's like, 'this guy's a catcher. He wants to play shortstop.'"

The three-time All-Star has logged 925 games in his seven-year major league career, but none have come as a shortstop. Martin does have experience playing the infield, though. He spent a season in the minors as an everyday third baseman and played 11 games at third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.