I wouldn't be bothered if Baines hadn't looked a player on the slide this past year or so, but he has. Someone less popular would have been hammered by the fans for the performances he's put in; particularly when it's come to defending crosses.
Obviously that's just opinion, but what is a fact is that if Everton are going to continue to be skint in return for the privilege of being owned by Kenwright, they need to be shrewd with what resources they have available.
Allowing Baines to see out his career here at the expense of a younger player would be fine if it was likely there would be money for an adequate replacement when he finally does a Distin and makes himself unpickable.
However, Martinez knows the score when it comes to finances at Everton, so I'd expect him to plan ahead and avoid having to blow a significant chunk of a future budget on a left-back.
I'm aware that you won't accept any criticism of Rinus Michels 2.0, so I should point out that I believe this is part of an ingrained culture at Everton which I thought he'd do away with. Too few players leave this club at the right time, which is why we're still handing bumper contracts to members of a team that peaked with a cup final defeat and a fifth placed finish in 2009.
All opinions mate but I think Baines is a better all-round player than he's ever been. His international experience, coupled with the manager now, has seen him turn from the focal point of an entire team's attack to a player who is far more balanced and composed on the ball and has developed a far wider passing range. Just one example - under Moyes, Baines was quite clearly under instructions to be at the by-line and cross the ball dead centre into the six yard box. These days he mixes this with that pull-back pass he does.
What he's missing is a partner who actually
wants to utilise him. Pienaar and he have a great relationship, yes, but when players like McGeady and Kev play ahead of him they don't care about getting the best crosser in the league into an effective position, all they care about it beating their man so they look the part.
I think I can remember two or three incidents all seasons when Baines hasn't defended a cross well as you say, and if I remember correctly they were all after a few games out injured - to me rustiness is just normal. But then again I don't think Barry, Osman, Coleman have warranted the huge criticism they have received this season.
Anyway Garbutt, to bring it back on topic, is a good prospect but nothing more. His positional play is pretty bad defensively and, although I understand it will improve by playing games, it's not like he's a John Stones where his raw talent shines through.
I'd keep him but he isnt good enough yet.
