84 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN: Richie Martin on being a Rule 5 pick and competing for a job
http://www.masnsport...-for-a-job.html

[Mike B]

It looks like he is going to get a chance to win the SS job.  

 

Same question, I have for a number of positions.  If not Martin, then who?

[JordanKough]

Law put him on as the #16 impact prospect of 2019. But don't worry he said he was going to be below average and inconsistent . Just that he's going to get playing time. 

 

http://www.espn.com/...y-rock-mlb-2019

[Mike B]

Law put him on as the #16 impact prospect of 2019. But don't worry he said he was going to be below average and inconsistent . Just that he's going to get playing time. 

 

http://www.espn.com/...y-rock-mlb-2019

Hell if Law is calling him below average,  he is probably going to be good.

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN: Martin navigating through first spring slump

http://www.masnsport...ring-slump.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

BSL: 

 

(#13) Richie Martin, SS

Ceiling: 45         Risk: High        ETA: 2019       Role Description: Role Player
Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 190 lbs.          B/T: R/R         Highest Level: AA               Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 3m
Spotlight

Somewhat surprisingly, Martin—Oakland’s first-rounder in 2015—was left off the team’s 40-Man Roster this November, even on the heels of a strong season at Double-A. He was an obvious Rule 5 Draft candidate, going with the first pick of the Major League Phase to Baltimore. He now will get the chance to audition for a big league job this spring with the O’s. Martin is a slick-fielding shortstop who has been known for his glove since his amateur days at Florida. He’s an above-average defender who has the versatility to play all over the infield. How much Martin would hit has been the bigger question for a few years, though a career-best .308/.368/.439 line in the Texas League gives hope his bat is on the upswing. In the absolute best-case scenario, Baltimore catches lightning in a bottle and Martin winds up a low-end regular. More realistically, he finishes a glove-first utility player who can spot-start all over the infield. He’s the type of Rule 5 player that can actually stick on a Major League roster for a full season. 

[BSLChrisStoner]

Turned a couple of double plays in the opener.  Had his first hit today on a bloop.  Looks smooth in the field, and a bit uncomfortable at the plate (very early impressions). 

Had a steal today, with his speed helping to force the issues on the basepaths. 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Richie Martin's grandfather was a teammate of Jackie Robinson on the 1945 KC Monarchs.

 

https://www.baltimor...0414-story.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

I see FanGraphs has Martin with a -9.4 UZR/150, and his DRS is -3.  Know defensive numbers can widely fluctuate over year (and certainly +/- 20 games)... but I'm surprised they are so low right now. By the eyes, I think he's been above average with the glove.

[Mike B]

I really pay no attention to defensive numbers and I think Martin has been good, not great in the field. 

 

He has not been overwhelmed and has been quick to start DP's recently.

[MDtransplant757]

I have a feeling once his rule 5 status wears off, he'll be in Norfolk or Bowie. Dude can't hit and his play at SS has either been mediocre some games or god awful. -.3 bWAR defensively according to BB REF, and a - .6 UZR according to fangraphs. Has a wRc of 30 and an OPS of .474. 

[Mackus]

I have a feeling once his rule 5 status wears off, he'll be in Norfolk or Bowie.

 

That's not until next season.  So you still have to carry him all year this year or send him back to the A's unless you can trade for his rights.  I wouldn't be shocked if he suffers an "injury" about halfway through the season, after he's accrued his 90 days of active roster time (end of June).  Give him a month or so off to "recover", then a 20 day rehab assignment at AAA, and then recall him to Baltimore when it's nearly time for the rosters to expand.

 

Also, somewhat related, I think that UZR and DRS are pretty close to worthless over such a small sample size.  Need a lot more data for those to be somewhat more reliable gradings.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I have a feeling once his rule 5 status wears off, he'll be in Norfolk or Bowie. Dude can't hit and his play at SS has either been mediocre some games or god awful. -.3 bWAR defensively according to BB REF, and a - .6 UZR according to fangraphs. Has a wRc of 30 and an OPS of .474. 

His defense has easily been above average, and the metrics will reflect that as time goes on.

His offensive numbers have been expected. He was productive in AA last year, but it was known that his bat was behind his glove. You are just looking for month-to-month improvement.  He was completely overwhelmed offensively in the initial 10 games, he's been steadily better since.  (Not 'good', but better.)

[BSLBobPhelan]

Do rule 5 picks have 2 or 3 options remaining once they’re eligible?

[MDtransplant757]

Do rule 5 picks have 2 or 3 options remaining once they’re eligible?

Normal optioning rules apply after the 90 days of service time. 

[Mackus]

Normal optioning rules apply after the 90 days of service time. 

 

3 options years.  But it doesn't start after only 90 days.  It's one full year of service, at least 90 days of which must be on the active (not on the DL) roster.  We cannot option Martin this season unless we trade with the Athletics to acquire his rights.  If we keep him all year, we can option him next season.  

[BSLBobPhelan]

Cool. Didn’t know if this season counted as an option year for some reason. Makes sense that it doesn’t.

[Mike B]

His defense has easily been above average, and the metrics will reflect that as time goes on.

His offensive numbers have been expected. He was productive in AA last year, but it was known that his bat was behind his glove. You are just looking for month-to-month improvement.  He was completely overwhelmed offensively in the initial 10 games, he's been steadily better since.  (Not 'good', but better.)

I really feel like some are judging the kid too harshly.

He has not been Above AA this year.  I don't believe in the defensive metrics but my eyes tell me, he has been better than average.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Balt Sun: For Orioles' rookie Richie Martin, progress at the plate coming slowly but clearly

https://www.baltimor...0606-story.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

8 for 28 in August... average up to .198. 

Would like to see him finish over .200...  go to AAA next year, and see what he does.