"All three of these players have found success in the minor leagues and have earned this callup," said Jacksonville GM Aaron Weiner. "We're happy to see all of them on the team."
Dave Hill has been waiting for this moment for quite a while. A 2050 first round pick - keep in mind that it's 2058 - Hill has suffered a number of minor injuries and one major injury that has held him back from reaching this point. However, he is a player that scouts love, and he has been healthy for three seasons now, long enough for the team to properly evaluate him. This year, Hill has had his best professional season, winning 15 games for the team's AA affiliate.
Hill seemed somewhat nonplussed about the decision to call him up.
"I mean, I've been waiting for this chance for quite a while and watched the team pass me by in favor of other players for years," said Hill. "If I had known it might take me eight years to make it to the majors, I might have gone to college. Maybe it's because I'm not outspoken, maybe it's because I'm not a rah-rah guy, I don't know. They've told me in no uncertain terms that I'm likely to be a reliever next year, too, but maybe I can earn my way into the rotation."
Hill is expected to be a long reliever and a lefty specialist for the team next year. The other two players mentioned are likely to have a more expansive role. Zheng, a 2057 fifth rounder, was reportedly acquired in a trade for long-time Jacksonville closer Alejandro Chavez for the purposes of starting him in right field next season. The 22 year old has posted stellar numbers in AAA this season, with a .299/.360/.510 slashline and 27 home runs. He joins a team sorely in need of powerhitting.
"I have been surprised how fast I have made it to the major leagues," said Zheng, through a translator. "You do not expect to make the major leagues after one year in the minors being drafted in the fifth round, but that is my story."
Martinez is also another surprising story, as he was also drafted last year in the seventh round. However, Martinez has widely been considered one of the best bargains in that draft, and he has risen through the ranks quickly too, following a strong college career by posting an otherworldly season at high-A after being drafted, then following that up with a solid season in AAA.
"I could not believe I had to wait so long to be drafted," said Martinez, whom scouts had given a 55 rating before the draft. "My agent told me I would be drafted in the second round at worst. I kept waiting for that call. The fact that I am now in the majors already makes me feel good for having waited."
Zheng and Martinez are both expected to start the year in the starting lineup, Zheng in right field, Martinez at DH. In fact, the lineup that Jacksonville is likely to run out there in September is very likely the same one you will see in April of next year:
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