Russell Martin
On a day when the Detroit defense prevented the Yanks from overcoming no pitching, and beating them, let's focus instead on Russell Martin. As you remember, Martin was a top Dodger prospect who came up and looked like a rare catcher who could hit his first few seasons, peaking with an OPS+ of 116 in 2007. He started getting hurt and was down to 108 in 2008, and has been in the 80's over the last two years. The Dodgers released him. It's a small sample, but through the first three games of the year, he has looked like he might have regained his health. He's hit in every game, and even stole a third in game one. Originally, I thought Jesus Montero would beat him out in ST, but Jesus forgot his bat. Meanwhile, this is looking like one of Cashman's shrewder bandage jobs. Let's hope Russell can maintain his health until Jesus is ready. Go Russell! Go Yanks!
posted by Kalel9 @ 1:21 PM
2 Comments:
Color me a Phil Hughes doubter. In the minors, he relied on pinpoint command and a plus curve, neither of which he has shown consistently in the majors. He also never developed his changeup as a legitimate third pitch (his cutter is, at best, a fourth pitch).
If he doesn't find his curve at some point this season, it may be time to groom him as the team's future closer and tell him to hone his curve. He needs to show me this season he can be a starter at the major league level. Thankfully, the offense can overcome his struggles on some occasions.
Glad to see Joba's velocity back to what it was in the early spring, but man, he has got to stop throwing slider on 3-2 every time. They know it's coming.
*Meant to say, if he doesn't find his curve AND command, AND develop the change into a legitimate third pitch, it might be time to try him in the pen.
His lack of velocity is a bit concerning.
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