Edgar Martinez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #3 prospect in 1989
  One reason that Jim Presley’s name kept popping up in trade rumors is the development of Martinez, signed as a free agent out of Puerto Rico in 1982. After two years at Triple-A--including leading all minor leaguers with a .363 average last year--he’s got nothing to prove at any level below the big leagues. Martinez doesn’t have the pure power of his cousin Carmelo Martinez, but he is a pure hitter. He has a composite .342 average the last two years, achieved by driving the ball to all fields. Martinez doesn’t give pitchers any breaks. In five full professional seasons, he’s walked 410 times and struck out only 228 times. Martinez has the soft hands of a middle infielder, the quick step of a third baseman and a solid throwing arm.
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #6 prospect in 1988
  He’s the cousin of the Padres' power-hitting Carmelo Martinez, but other than the ancestry has little in common with Carmelo. Edgar, signed as a free agent out of Puerto Rico in December 1982, is a disciplined hitter. Consider: a .294 average and 340 walks compared to 181 strikeouts in the last four pro seasons. Martinez works himself ahead in the count, and makes use of all fields, driving the ball into the alleys. While he’ll never be a big home run hitter--maybe 15 to 20 a year--Martinez’s discipline will produce runs. He’s averaged 70 RBIs the last four years. In the field, he’s solid, with good reactions and the soft hands of a middle infielder.
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #7 prospect in 1985
  What a difference a year made for Martinez. After being signed out of Puerto Rico in 1983, he debuted at short-season Bellingham and there was little hope for his development. He hit a weak .173. During the offseason, however, he matured physically and came back last summer much stronger. The 300-foot fly ball outs suddenly went 350 feet, and the ground balls in the hole went through the hole. Martinez drove the ball and hit for average at low Class A Wausau (.303, 32 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs). If Martinez continues to develop with the bat, he can play third base. He has average speed, good reactions and a good arm.

• December, 1988 Scouting Report
  One reason that Jim Presley’s name kept popping up in trade rumors is the development of Martinez, signed as a free agent out of Puerto Rico in 1982. After two years at Triple-A--including leading all minor leaguers with a .363 average last year--he’s got nothing to prove at any level below the big leagues. Martinez doesn’t have the pure power of his cousin Carmelo Martinez, but he is a pure hitter. He has a composite .342 average the last two years, achieved by driving the ball to all fields. Martinez doesn’t give pitchers any breaks. In five full professional seasons, he’s walked 410 times and struck out only 228 times. Martinez has the soft hands of a middle infielder, the quick step of a third baseman and a solid throwing arm.
• December, 1987 Scouting Report
  He’s the cousin of the Padres' power-hitting Carmelo Martinez, but other than the ancestry has little in common with Carmelo. Edgar, signed as a free agent out of Puerto Rico in December 1982, is a disciplined hitter. Consider: a .294 average and 340 walks compared to 181 strikeouts in the last four pro seasons. Martinez works himself ahead in the count, and makes use of all fields, driving the ball into the alleys. While he’ll never be a big home run hitter--maybe 15 to 20 a year--Martinez’s discipline will produce runs. He’s averaged 70 RBIs the last four years. In the field, he’s solid, with good reactions and the soft hands of a middle infielder.
• December, 1984 Scouting Report
  What a difference a year made for Martinez. After being signed out of Puerto Rico in 1983, he debuted at short-season Bellingham and there was little hope for his development. He hit a weak .173. During the offseason, however, he matured physically and came back last summer much stronger. The 300-foot fly ball outs suddenly went 350 feet, and the ground balls in the hole went through the hole. Martinez drove the ball and hit for average at low Class A Wausau (.303, 32 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs). If Martinez continues to develop with the bat, he can play third base. He has average speed, good reactions and a good arm.