Sox sign Carlos Martinez
- Thread starter RedOctober3829
- Start date
Interesting. He’s only 29 — was absolutely terrible the last 2 years in 21 starts since and has been injured at times, but was fantastic in 2019 as a closer with 24 saves, 3.17 ERA, 2.86 FIP and 1.179 WHIP. Perhaps a low risk effort to get another bullpen arm with upside — depending upon health, of course.
Follows their pattern of buying low on a guy who has potential. Assume he works out of the pen? Worth a shot since they really need RH relief help, but since he hasn’t pitched anywhere this year, I assume any help he could provide is at least a ways off?
These two posts are how I feel. The team is desperate for more bullpen arms and Martinez was a good one recently. I remember him best as the Cardinals staff ace type in '15/'16/'17, but he was oustanding as their closer in 2019.
What went wrong? I'm sure the answer is slightly more complicated, but: velocity (AKA injury).
2019: 95.8 mph avg FB velocity
2020: 92.9 mph avg FB velocity
2021: 92.7 mph avg FB velocity
As a result, his SwStk rate plummeted from 12% to 8% and his contact rate tipped above 80% the last two seasons. Understandably, last year he was clearly messing around with his pitch mix and trying to throw fewer fastballs -- he started throwing a cutter and started throwing a curveball again.
Here's hoping if the velocity is never coming back he might be able to figure out how to use his secondary pitches more effectively. John Smoltz is someone who comes to mind who pulled off that transition (no, I'm not saying Carlos Martinez is John Smoltz but... wouldn't it be nice if he were!?!?).
Sox doing a good job of rebuilding the 2013 Cardinals Pitching Staff of the Future. Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal are both available, yes?
Fun fact, we originally signed him when he was 18 but MLB voided his contract due to discrepancies with his name and date of birth.
He's 30. But try him over Barnes or Davis and see if you can catch lightning in a bottle. Not much risk here, agreed, not like he's a prospect. He'd also probably be one of best bench bats,
He’s not ready to pitch though, is he? At the very least, he will need a few weeks in Worcester before he’s ready.
Totally not at you, but can I plant a flag and retire this nonsense? This is soooooo played out its not funny anymore and adds zero to the discussion
He's currently pitching for Worcester. Not a great start. Currently in the middle of his 1st inning, bases loaded. 0.2 ip, 2 hits, 1r/1er, 2bb/0k.
edit: Done. Still responsible for a runner on 2nd. 0.2ip, 4 hits, 5r/5er, 2bb/0k, 33 pitches, 16 strikes.
double edit: That's his final line. 2 of the hits were doubles.
edit: Done. Still responsible for a runner on 2nd. 0.2ip, 4 hits, 5r/5er, 2bb/0k, 33 pitches, 16 strikes.
double edit: That's his final line. 2 of the hits were doubles.
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So, progress is being made. That first start left him with an ERA of 67.50.
His second start on May 14 was an improvement. He went 3.2 innings, striking out 4, walking 1, and giving up 5 earned runs on 5 hits. So, he lowered his ERA to 20.77. Yay.
It's the Brad Peacock path back to the majors. Once he gets his AAA ERA under 8.00 (and half the major league staff is somehow unavailable), he'll be good to go.
Whoops. Nice knowing you, Carlos.
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/33995097/former-all-star-pitcher-carlos-martinez-gets-80-game-ban-positive-drug-test
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/33995097/former-all-star-pitcher-carlos-martinez-gets-80-game-ban-positive-drug-test
NEW YORK -- Former All-Star pitcher Carlos Martínez was suspended for 80 games Friday under baseball's minor league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Runinflatin, which increases Earned Run Average.
Yeah, whoops on me. I did check but I honestly didn't see the post that he got released. I'm loosing it. Sorry @chawson
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I liked the idea of trading for Carlos Martinez in 2018-19 or so, but had no expectations here. He looked broken two years ago.
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Ah, I see what you mean now. Yeah, it’s a bummer. He was one of the best young arms in the game from 2015-17 (his age 23-25 seasons), right there with Cole, Nola, Bumgarner, Syndergaard and Robbie Ray. Career is probably done now though.
He wasn't too bad in "18 and '19. 24 out 27 in save opportunities in '19. He at least can say he was a very good Major League pitcher over decent length of time.