Luis Martinez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #13 prospect in 2004
  The Brewers didn't know what to expect from Martinez, who spun his wheels and showed a distinct lack of maturity while in Double-A in 2002. Last year, the light bulb suddenly turned on as he made a triumphant return to Huntsville, then pitched even better in Triple-A. His stuff is not particularly awe-inspiring: 90-92 mph fastball, plus changeup, so-so curveball. But the big lefty has a funky delivery with a slight hesitation that adds to his deception. His unusual mechanics also can work against him, leading to command problems at times because he struggles to repeat his arm action. When he stays ahead in the count, he racks up strikeouts, and when he keeps the ball down, he's effective. Martinez didn't do that during a September callup and got hammered by big league hitters. In the Brewers' eyes, that shellacking didn't detract from the progress he made in 2003. They'll give him a shot to make their rotation in spring training.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #22 prospect in 2003
  It's not unusual for minor league players to endure ups and downs, but Martinez' six-year roller-coaster ride through the system has Brewers officials scratching their heads. Is he a starter or a situational reliever? Hard worker or pretender? Prospect or suspect? Martinez has an excellent body, fluid throwing motion and good command. His arsenal includes a 92-93 mph fastball, an above-average changeup and a curveball that needs work. Milwaukee officials compare him to Valerio de los Santos, but Martinez could be better because of his changeup. Then again, he has yet to post an ERA lower than 5.19 since leaving low Class A. Martinez lacks confidence and consistency, and he doesn't throw nearly enough strikes. Just when the Brewers think he has turned a corner, he'll turn in a string of rocky outings. He was more effective in relief last year, but he moved back to starting in the final two months.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #13 prospect in 2002
  Martinez has split time between starting and relieving in the minor leagues, and he has been hit harder than he should have been, considering his stuff. He throws his fastball in the 92-93 mph range and has a good breaking ball. He has the body frame to get bigger and stronger, and therefore he could pick up even more velocity. Martinez needs to challenge hitters more and make them hit his pitch. He gets a little stubborn at times but has the ability to strike out hitters and has shown fairly good command to this point. Martinez' future in the big leagues could be as a situational lefty, much the way Valerio de los Santos developed for the Brewers before he was injured last season.