The Cardinals have acquired outfielder Jose Martinez from the Royals, per an announcement from the St. Louis club. Cash considerations will go back to Kansas City in the deal.
Martinez, 27, was designated recently. He’s a ten-year minor-league veteran who has yet to crack the majors. In parts of two seasons at Triple-A, Martinez owns a productive .359/.431/.525 batting line over 556 plate appearances. He hasn’t quite maintained the pace he set last year at Omaha, but will nevertheless provide the Cards some outfield depth in the upper levels of their system.
How does a guy put up numbers like that and get designated for assignment?
At Triple-A, at his age, with his track record, it’s not too surprising.
But why has he never been called up? And what track record…not hitting .400? No mention of injuries or anything in the article…
The track record I’m referring to is the long line of “meh” batting lines that came before his big season. Certainly, KC had opportunities to bring him to the majors, so they obviously don’t feel he’s likely to be all that useful.
27 is too old for a .359/.431/.525? He might be behind, but only by 1, maybe 2 years
It’s not too old for anything. Players emerge late, at least in terms of putting results up to match the already-existing talent.
Point is that KC likely had reasons not to believe in that slash line, given that it comes after a lengthy and undistinguished minor league career. Different than assessing a 22-year-old who might still be growing into his body, adjusting to being a pro, etc.
(See “Jeremy Hazelbaker”)