Prospect in the Spotlight: Andy Marte (Braves)Daniel PaullingJuly 30, 2005 Name: Andy Marte; DoB: 12.21.1983; POS: 3B; Ht/Wt: 6-1/185; B/T: R/R
(Source: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/andy_marte.shtml) The Atlanta Braves draft plan is as simple as possible: do the opposite of what Billy Beane does. Braves scouting director Roy Clark, and his scouts, painstakingly scour the high school ranks to find the best prep school talent. The team usually finds exactly what it needs in the area surrounding Atlanta, but sometimes ventures into states like Florida, Alabama, or Mississippi for the top 18-year-old talent. These Atlanta Braves heavily draft pitching talent and have the stocked their farm system with coaches that can produce top notch pitching talent. Guys like Jason Schmidt, Jason Marquis, Odalis Perez, and Bruce Chen once wore Braves uniforms and have gone on to put together solid careers, while guys like Adam Wainwright (Cardinals), Jose Capellan (Brewers), and Bubba Nelson (Reds) have been traded off for major league talent. Most of their position players come from Central America, as well as Caribbean Islands. Andy Marte, voted by some as the best hitting prospect in all of baseball, is not an exception to this rule. Born in the Dominican Republic, Marte started off just like any other kid: busting his butt to get noticed by some scouts. Rene Francisco, representing the Braves organization, did just that. Marte received a $600,000 signing bonus and put his name on the line. Andy Marte’s first year of professional baseball did not go as well as hoped. He hit a paltry .200, while striking out twice as much as getting a free pass. For a player adjusting to a new country, this should be completely understandable. The Bravos moved Marte up to another level, and at the tender age of 18 years old, he hit quite well in the South Atlantic League. High class A Myrtle Beach (in the Carolina League) proved to be not much of a challenge for him. The Braves sent a 20-year-old Marte to Double A Greenville with instructions to work on his defense. The organization knew that Marte’s bat would carry him to the major leagues, but that his defense at the hot corner would be a hindrance. In 2004, Marte pretty much made himself an average defensive third baseman. With an excellent workout regimen, Marte has shored up his biggest weakness, but still could use better footwork, which only comes in time. At the plate, Marte could use better plate discipline. His strikeout numbers – 114, 109, and 105 – have always overshadowed his walk totals – 41, 67, and 58. His on-base percentages have been decent, but not great. If Marte can strengthen his K/BB ratio, he might become, as scary as it sounds, an even better prospect. What does the future hold for this future major leaguer? Marte is only 21 years old, quite early to be beginning his major league career. I would love to see the Braves send him to AAA and let him put the finishing touches on his batting stroke and defense. If he didn’t impress in spring training next season, then send him back to AAA for more work. If Marte does show he’s ready for a major league job, move Chipper Jones to left field (again), put Marte at the hot corner, and let Wilson Betemit take the everyday shortstop job (since Furcal will likely not be re-signed after this year). One thing is for sure, however. Wherever the Braves finally choose to keep him, Andy Marte has the bat to stay there. For more of Daniel's work feel free to check out his blog here at At Home Plate |
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