Interesting Young Players

Hello Yoda,

Regarding the attitude part, I just read a report recently (don't remember where, but I think it was based on a credible source - Cleveland Plain Dealer, perhaps,) that Marte's attitude in the Winter League hasn't been that good, and likewise, his performance in the Winter League hasn't been that good either, batting just .198/.313/.260, 30 G/96 AB/6 2B/0 HR/12 RBI/14 BB/29 K, according to MinorLeagueBaseball's profile page.

For me, Marte is starting to get into the category of Michael Aubrey in the sense that "anything we can get from him will be considered a bonus."  In Aubrey's situation, it's due to a constant string of injuries and lack of consistent playing time; in Marte's situation, it's not really excelling at the Minor League level for any extended length of time and not taking advantage of the limited opportunities he's had to this point, and granted, he hasn't had many chances to this point, but conversely, he has not forced the Indians to keep him in their immediate plans to this point either.  Blake's extended period of solid play both offensively and defensively in 2007 is the main reason Marte was kept at AAA Buffalo, and Marte didn't really light it up at AAA Buffalo to force the Indians to reconsider their decision, outside of one hot month (July or August - can't remember which, but I believe he hit 4 HRs and had something like 21 RBIs if I remember correctly.)  

That's been the main problem with Marte in my opinion - he shows flashes of great power and offense, but can't stay consistently solid throughout, going through extended dry spells.  On top of that, his defense has been more erratic than you'd expect from someone who was reported to be a plus defender.  

One thing is pretty well for certain regarding Marte in the 2008 season - this will likely be his final chance to impress the Indians and deliver on the potential he was reported to have when he was acquired from Boston in the Marte-Crisp (and others) deal.  Marte is out of options beginning this season, which is a main reason why Marte will begin in Cleveland as a backup to Blake.  In addition, with 3B prospects Wes Hodges likely starting at AA Akron and Beau Mills likely starting at High-A Kinston, Marte does not have much time and leeway left to impress the Indians and show he can be the future starter at 3B for the next several seasons.  

Just my 2 cents.  :-)

Take care and have a great day!