Julio Pablo Martinez

[Tampa Bob]

Any take on the new Texas prospect, Julio Pablo Martinez? Apparently Baseball America is going to rank him #60 overall. He's not very big which is a bit concerning. Still, Texas is laying out $2.8 million so there must be something there. Does anybody know anybody that's seen him play?

[Captain Hook]

I will check with the Rangers this week Bob - I am pretty high on him based on reports I read and the fact that the Rangers went after him so strongly.

[Tampa Bob]

Hi Perry, did you learn anything new about Martinez? I need to decide by Friday whether to drop Leody Taveras to open a spot for him.

Thanks,
TB

[Captain Hook]

trying to see him this week but personally as much as I like Taveras I would make that switch

will post before Friday

[Captain Hook]

Not finished just yet as I have to check transactions tomorrow but Martinez is in low 40s - maybe 10-15 spots higher than Taveras... just a guess based on my conversations as unfortunately I did not get to see him this week.

[Tampa Bob]

An FYI, Perry, I see Martinez beat up the Dominican league and has been promoted to Spokane in the short season NW League. That should be a bit of a culture shock but might as well get that out of the way now. He had nothing left to prove (after all of 22 at bats) in the Dominican.

[Tampa Bob]

It's a year later and mlb.com lists Martinez as their 56th ranked prospect. He should be fun to watch this year.

[Todd Zola]

Saw Martinez in the AFL. Given, I don't take notes and often misremember things, but if I recall correctly, he had a little Ichiro in him as he was already on the way to first base when he slapped an infield grounder. It wasn't a scout, but someone I know and trust that sees a ton of AFL games said Martinez was one of his favorite players to watch this season.