Could Pirates Claim Fernando Martinez?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 10, 2012 10:11 AM EST
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PrintGrant Brisbee (via WHYG Zane Smith) speculates that the Pirates could claim outfielder Fernando Martinez, who the Mets recently placed on waivers.
There's a chance that Fernando Martinez clears waivers, but let's be honest, there are teams that just live for players like this to come on waivers. Some of them may or may not be named after people who attack and plunder ships at sea.
I had a similar thought when Martinez was cut - this one has Neal Huntington written all over it. Martinez is still only 23, and he's hit reasonably well at Class AAA.
He's been a disaster in limited opportunities in the majors, and he hasn't developed much. Looking back on his performance record, a lot of his status as a top prospect was tied up with age relative to league. He also hasn't had a lot of mobility recently due to his injuries, so he's probably a liability on defense. He probably isn't ever going to be very good. But, you know, that's why he's available on waivers. Huntington loves former top prospects, and he loves guys he can get cheaply, so it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him put in a claim here. The Bucs don't necessarily need another outfielder right now, but I could certainly see Huntington grabbing him and putting him at Class AAA.
Update (by Vlad): Martinez was claimed by the Astros, who were first in line for waiver priority.
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sign me up
always wanted him, he has never panned out but lets give it a whirl eh?
Thats what she said! - Michael Gary Scott
don't we have a similar OF'er
in Gorkys Hernandez?
Because we're absolutely certain that...
Gorkys Hernandez is going to turn out as we expect?
Much like the Mets used to think about a guy named Fernando Martinez.
Low risk, potential reward. Little to lose, so why not?
It's just my two cents. Could be worth more, could be worth nothing.
don’t we have a similar OF’er in Gorkys Hernandez?
Not really, no. Gorkys gets his value from being an elite defensive CF, while Martinez is a corner guy who’s being projected mostly on his bat. Also, Gorkys is a RHB, while F-Mart is a LHB.
this!
if you could melt them together, pretty damn good ballplayer
by white angus on Jan 10, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Or...
if you could melt them together,pretty damn good ballplayera disgusting, twisted pile of flesh and bone.
FTFY.
It's just my two cents. Could be worth more, could be worth nothing.
by Bishop1973 on Jan 10, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs
the only funky thing about them
would be the smell
by BlindSquirrel on Jan 10, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
Kind of a shame
that such genetic experimentation hasn’t been legalized yet…well, we gotta start somewhere.
in AAA
it’s a good idea to stick him there for certain. Depending on how things go our extreme OF depth might get traded for future franchise 1B so having too much talent at any position is of course never a bad thing
Cost/benefit analysis
Benefit: Adding a high upside player who could still pan out in a big way and won’t cost anything if he continues to flop
Cost: Removing someone like Duke Welker from the 40 man
Advantage: Benefit.
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
no need
to remove anyone if they decide to make a trade with their OF or MI depth
Thats what she said! - Michael Gary Scott
they would have to deal before aquiring Martinez
by white angus on Jan 10, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
"they would have to deal before aquiring Martinez"
“One scout guaranteed to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark that at least five teams will claim Mets outfielder Fernando Martinez, who is now on waivers”
So correction: The Pirates would have to trade with the Mets, in order to acquire Martinez. Since it’s pretty obvious that at least one of those 5 teams will waiver priority over the Pirates – who are #8, in the waiver pecking order.
So, if Huntington wanted to acquire Martinez, trading someone like Nunez or Welker for him would solve that whole 40-man roster problem.
by Midnight Moose on Jan 11, 2012 5:38 AM EST up reply actions
So, if Huntington wanted to acquire Martinez, trading someone like Nunez or Welker for him would solve that whole 40-man roster problem.
Probably not, since the Mets probably waived Martinez in order to clear their own roster spot.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
They may find someone we have and are willing to deal more interesting
Worth a call
The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
Twitter: @shanecglass
Well...
A trade was the only way he was going to become Pirates property. It’s all moot now, though.
by Midnight Moose on Jan 11, 2012 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
pirates or mets?
we apparently still want a Utility guy, I was speaking in a general sense if we deal from depth to any team, although if you mean the Mets i do believe they were looking for some MIs yes.
Thats what she said! - Michael Gary Scott
Referring to this tweet from Robo from last week. After 100 or so comments here, I think I’m over that speculation.
Cost: Removing someone like Duke Welker from the 40 man
Actually, I think Harrison might be the next guy to get cut. I think the decision to bring in McGehee displays a lack of confidence in Harrison’s abilities, and IF PT at Indy is going to be hard to come by.
A fair point
McGehee, Navarro and Nunez could spell the end for Harrison
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Which would be a minor shame
I don’t expect JH ever to start, but he could be a useful, above-average bench guy at the league minimum for a few years. The other guys to me seem more like fliers – more upside than JH, but also reasonably likely to provide zero (I worry about McGehee. although he obviously has a solid MLB ceiling).
I won’t gnash teeth, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him provide more value than any of those guys.
according to wilbur's article over at Pirates Prospects
at the moment brandon boggs is inline for a starting job at indy. i think we could probably make an accommodation there for f-mart.
17.4%, 22.6%, 24.0%
those are his K percentages over the last 3 seasons in AAA. he’s got to turn that trend around if he’s going to amount to anything. his walk percentage did rise last year though.
40-man
Isn’t it nice to not have 5 guys on the 40-man roster that seem to be completely worthless? Really, it does become a bit challenging to add people. I actually think the worst player on the 40-man is the rule 5 pick.
I’ve followed F-Mart for a few years as I own him in a keeper rotisserie league. He has had numerous leg injuries, and last season it came out that he has already experienced arthritic symptoms in one knee that may never go away. I dropped him this season because he will never be the runner he was projected to be, and his power seems to be suffering due to his knee issues. That said, he wouldn’t be a terrible pickup with an eye toward working first on his health and strength, which seems to be something Huntington does understand and focus on.
by ballparkfranks on Jan 10, 2012 12:20 PM EST reply actions
This statement...
reminds me eerily of NH’s Clement experiment. It’s always possible they try him as a 1B.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Grab him
Very little risk and possible high reward if things work out even mildly well for him.
Marte, Gorkys and Martinez in the Indy OF would be nice.
Huh?
Why were you ahead of yoursef? Marte will be at Indy…
by KentuckyPirate on Jan 10, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
It's fine
I was just confused…didn’t know if I was foggy and didn’t notice something.
by KentuckyPirate on Jan 10, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Nope
you are good. Marte played all of last year at AA, crushed, and he’s healthy. He’ll be in AAA.
Few guys I’m interested in their placement are..
Jarek Cunningham – A+ or AA
Stetson Allie – SS or A-
ZVR – A- or A+
Zack Dodson – A- or A+
Dilson Herrera – DSL/VSL or GCL
Really hoping to see Cunningham in AA. I think he needs to be challenged. ZVR should be in A+. I think Allie needs to stay in SS and I really want Herrera to come stateside. I’m not sure what to do with Dodson.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
I have a few more names
Heredia, SS or A- or back to GCL?
Hurtarte, that 1B i mentioned a while back where reports said signing him included him coming stateside. so looking for him in GCL?
Cabrera, depends on Sanchez, either A+ or AA
Sanchez, AA or AAA
Cole, A+ or AA
Thats what she said! - Michael Gary Scott
Ya
the catcher roulette is interesting. I guess I just assumed Heredia will go to SS.
I was under the impression that it’s been decided that Cole will start in Bradenton because it’ll be warmer.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
i thought
thats just what were assuming here, no gurantee that happens or that he moves along to AA as we move into summer. More or less I’m saying we’ll see if he spends the year at A+ or not.
Thats what she said! - Michael Gary Scott
I thought
I read somewhere that the Pirates planned on sending him to Bradenton for 4-6 weeks then onto AA.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Quick-and
-dirty research shows I have no idea what I’m talking about. Looks like its all speculation. I’d like to see him do a few weeks in Bradenton and the rest of the year in AA. Maybe get a taste of AAA, but start again in AAA in 2013 with a early or mid-season call up.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
From what I understand...
…that’s the hoped for scenario
5 or 6 starts in Bradenton that he’ll hopefully dominate, a callup to Altoona to finish out the season, start at Indy in 2013 with a June callup.
Best case scenario, obviously, but aren’t the Bucs due for a best case to work out someday?
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
@ Pirate Fest
NH said (in an interview with the Fan via radio)that he thought Cole would start at A+ (Bradenton) – maybe you heard that & ur not crazy
by Danatural08 on Jan 10, 2012 1:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think anyone posting on this site in the middle of January is crazy.
Present company included.
by Midnight Moose on Jan 11, 2012 5:22 AM EST up reply actions
Can't argue
But this is the only sports site I can visit without reading/seeing anything about my Steelers, and that wound’s too fresh.
why start Cole in AAA in 2013??? Indy is cold in April too.
just start him in Bradenton each season and call him up in May
He may as well get used to pitching in cold weather.
It’s not like God is going to move Pittsburgh 800 miles south any time soon.
"No, we're not delaying his call up for arb purposes"
“We just figure that, by next year, it’ll be 65° on Opening Day in Pittsburgh.”
except it will be 130 degrees in the dog days of summer
by karreemofwheat on Jan 11, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Via
WTM..
The catching situation in Altoona will depend heavily on Sanchez’ opening assignment. Cabrera and Paulino both played well enough at Bradenton to merit promotion, but if Sanchez is in Altoona there won’t be room. Cabrera won a batting title in 2011 and will almost certainly be promoted, so he and Sanchez could share the catcher and DH spots.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Herrera was in fall instructionals. That almost always means he’ll be in the GCL.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
Yep
just read that in your article. Thanks WTM.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn't
be a bad pick-up, but I would have been much more excited about an opportunity like this two years ago when we didn’t have fair-to-solid OF depth throughout the system.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 12:31 PM EST reply actions
We have good CF depth, but not many corner guys, and none in the upper minors (unless you like Lambo, which I really don’t at this point).
It wouldn't hurt us to claim him
so I wouldn’t be upset (plus we’d be lucky enough to read another “dumpster diving” column by Bob Smizik) but I wouldn’t expect this move to really help the team much, if at all.
by KentuckyPirate on Jan 10, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Fair
enough. I don’t disagree it’s worth it. Just pointing out (and it’s a good thing) that two years, picking up a 2012 F-Mart would be super-exciting.
That’s cause we had Cutch, Tabata, and Gorkys and that was really about it. Since then, Marte, Grossman, and Presley have all broken out and we grabbed Bell in the draft, although Gorkys has seen his stock plummet. Plus we’ve added lesser guys such as Mel Rojas, Dan Grovatt, Harold Ramirez, and Elvis Escobar, plus youngin Jose Osuna had a good year (although he may be a 1B) and Willy Garcia has shown some promise, plus Wes Freeman returned from the dead.
Of those guys, the only true CF I see are Cutch, Marte, and Gorkys anyway (and further down Harlod Ramirez), so I consider Tabata, Grossman, Presley, and Bell as our corner depth. Again, in winter of 2009-2010 it was Tabata and that was about it.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 10, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
The Buccos could almost field an entire line-up of past top prospects
so logic would dictate that we win the whole enchilada this year
" I think this is probably the best team ever assembled. They talk about the Vince Lombardi Era, but I think the Chuck Noll Era is even greater. " - Mel Blount
it would
until you saw Andy LaRoche, Jeff Clement, and Lastings Milledge in a Pirates uniform.
we are so loaded with talent
maybe we should branch off into two MLB teams.
Perfectly matched pair
We’ve got a third baseman that closely matches his qualifications…why not make it matched pair…go for it Neal.
This was also literally the first thought I had
When I saw the Mets cut him. One of these days Neal Huntington has to hit on one right? I’m not sure that Martinez is the guy but you never know.
I'd take him in a second.
Should the Pirates keep Neal Huntington?
http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/5/16/2174135/poll-should-huntington-be-retained
He's been claimed by an NL Central team...
https://twitter.com/#!/Enrique_Rojas1/statuses/157157690928414721
I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. It's ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realm. ~~ Mike Tyson
ah, looks to be the Astros
I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. It's ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realm. ~~ Mike Tyson
We signed Doug Slaten though!
raise the jolly roger!
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