Jose Martinez

GOOCH · Post by **GOOCH** » April 10 07, 11:52 am

The Hardball Times takes note of a Cardinal prospect:

Jose Martinez
2B/SS | St. Louis Cardinals | 21 years old
Martinez was largely overlooked last year despite striking out in fewer than 8% of his plate appearances at Class-A Quad Cities. Most players with that kind of contact rate are one-dimensional singles hitters, but Martinez drove 30 extra-base hits including eight home runs last year. The strong defensive infielder doesn't possess the raw power to become more than an average power threat in the upper minor leagues, and he will certainly have a hard time hitting many home runs at Palm Beach of the Florida State League this year. But his exceptional ability to make good contact could lead to some well-deserved attention in the near future.

Full artcile here:

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/artic ... h-in-2007/

Hungary Jack · Post by **Hungary Jack** » April 10 07, 12:22 pm

Man I hope he develops fast. We have so few MI prospects it's pathetic.

longhornbaseball · Post by **longhornbaseball** » April 10 07, 12:26 pm

I like Martinez a lot. I think he's a good bet to make the majors with an outside shot at being a starter. Another guy to watch is Donovan Solano, a 19 y/o SS at Quad Cities. He's drawn comparisons to Renteria in the past and could have a breakout year this year.

Phyrkrakr · Post by **Phyrkrakr** » April 10 07, 12:26 pm

He's only 21 this season, so he has a few years before he'll be ready. He's a non-drafted free agent we picked up in October 2004 from Venezuela. If he can continue to hit for average and develop a power stroke on his way up, it'll be nice to have a middle infielder with some pop.

cardfaninfla · Post by **cardfaninfla** » April 10 07, 2:15 pm

He has started off this season hitting .353. He has 6 hits in 17 AB's. Of the 6 hits he has 2 doubles and a triple.

mcgee51taguchi99 · Post by **mcgee51taguchi99** » April 10 07, 2:20 pm

Hungary Jack wrote:Man I hope he develops fast. We have so few MI prospects it's pathetic.

So can we assume Edgar Gonzalez isn't cutting it for you??

Hungary Jack · Post by **Hungary Jack** » April 10 07, 3:22 pm

mcgee51taguchi99 wrote:
Hungary Jack wrote:Man I hope he develops fast. We have so few MI prospects it's pathetic.
So can we assume Edgar Gonzalez isn't cutting it for you??

He's a lousy fielder. He's got Hector Luna written all over him.

mcgee51taguchi99 · Post by **mcgee51taguchi99** » April 10 07, 3:26 pm

Hungary Jack wrote:
mcgee51taguchi99 wrote:
Hungary Jack wrote:Man I hope he develops fast. We have so few MI prospects it's pathetic.
So can we assume Edgar Gonzalez isn't cutting it for you??
He's a lousy fielder. He's got Hector Luna written all over him.

Heh Luna is more athletic and waaaay better than EG defensively.