Fresh Fur Part 1: Ivan Martinez (Hoppy Endings, pre-IFA Sim 4) [PP:2055.03]

[neugey]

Like their previous Rule V draft where they came away with veterans Ronnie Sprinkles and John Bartlett, Edmonton set up their draft board and went into this one knowing they likely would come away with at least on pitcher. This year, they went for youth, tabbing Ivan Martinez from the loaded Nashville farm system.

Martinez, who is now 22, was drafted by the Bluebirds in the 14th round in 2049. For 4 years he persisted at the rookie ball level but eventually showed his prowess. Since then, he’s progressed to Short A and in 2054 to A ball where scouts have marveled at his rapid development. A power pitcher with a nasty curveball/fastball/slider repetoire, Martinez dominated the competition in 2054 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 13.0 K/9 in 24 starts.

“Despite having a nice pitching season in 2054, we finished last in the Johnson in strikeouts,” explained GM Mike Bauer. “So, we think Martinez will help us out in that area. He’ll start out in the bullpen, and I wouldn’t rule out a rotation spot long-term if he excels. But we’ll bring him along slowly. Starting games in the BBA is serious business.”

“Martinez is also a young leader with excellent work ethic. He can’t wait to get started and learn from our veteran pitchers and raise his abilities. He does have the drawback of not having a lot of movement on his pitches at this point, but we still think his ceiling is high. We’re excited to have him on the Jackrabbits or in the higher minors for seasons to come. We have no intent on returning him to Nashville and we feel we may have got one of the steals in this draft.”

[Dington]

Interesting player in the right ballpark, but I could not trust his lack of movement.