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2.24.2004
Luis Martinez cleared
I don't know much about prospects. I'm trying to learn more, but all someone in my position (outside of baseball) has to go on are translated/non-translated statistics and scouting reports as there aren't many opportunities to actually see them play. So while I don't know all that much about Luis Martinez, I know that he's been highly thought of in prospect circles and was the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2003. A few weeks ago, Martinez was involved in a shooting (supposedly regarding a parking spot) in the Dominican Republic. As a result, Martinez was held in the Dominican - he supposedly shot a government tax worker several times - and his future was in serious jeopardy. The bottom line is that the Brewers waived him due to the uncertainty surrounding his status and the Cardinals claimed him yesterday. Today he's been cleared, and the Cardinals find themselves with a nice looking pitching prospect on their hands. For an organization pretty bereft of any kind of minor league talent (pitching or otherwise), Martinez is a fine addition, especially considering he cost nothing talent-wise. Martinez is supposed to report to Jupiter tomorrow, and will probably begin the season either at AAA Memphis or in the bullpen. But on a team relying on the likes of Jeff Suppan as its #3 starter and Chris Carpenter at #4, the opportunity is going to be there for Martinez to break in on what should be a very good offensive team. Though his brief (16.1 innings) performance last year didn't do much to inspire confidence he's ready to succeed right now, he was damn good at AA Huntsville (8-5 with a 2.58 ERA, allowing 93 hits allowed (4 homers), while walking 54 and striking out 116 over 115 innings) and dynamite at AAA Indianapolis before the late season call-up. And he's a 24-year old, 6'6" lefty with a nasty curve (it's in there). Not knowing more about Martinez, I don't know what else to say about this other than that the Cardinals may very well have picked up a hell of a pitcher and a guy who could be a factor as soon as this season. - |