Andy Marte, 3B, Cleveland Indians

February 9, 2006 @ 14:29:34

By Brad Berreman
Edited by KFFL Staff

The Cleveland Indians acquired top prospect 3B Andy Marte from the Boston Red Sox Jan. 27 as part of the trade that sent OF Coco Crisp to Boston. Marte had been dealt from the Atlanta Braves to Boston in the Edgar Renteria trade in December. Marte was named the Braves' top prospect by Baseball America and is arguably one of the top 10 prospects in all of baseball.

Table: Andy Marte Career Statistics

Year	Level	G	AB	R	HR	RBI	AVG	SLG
2001	Rookie	37	125	12	1	12	.200	.272
2002	A	126	488	69	21	105	.281	.492
2003	A	130	463	69	16	63	.285	.469
2004	Rookie	3	15	4	1	4	.467	.933
2004	AA	107	387	52	23	68	.269	.525
2005	AAA	109	389	51	20	74	.275	.506
2005	Atlanta	24	57	3	0	4	.140	.211

He has the ability to hit with power to all fields, hitting .275 with 20 homers and 74 RBI for Triple-A Richmond in only 389 AB in 2005.  Strikeouts may be a bit of a concern for Marte early in his career, though, and he has just 11 stolen bases in his career, so speed is not his forte either.  He has been a solid fielder throughout his minor-league career.

Marte did have an ankle injury in 2004, but the injury shouldn't affect him greatly going forward.  He has not been injury prone so far in his career.

Marte's role in Cleveland has not yet been clearly defined. With only 3B Aaron Boone ahead of him on the depth chart in Cleveland, Marte could take over as the Indians' starting third baseman, possibly as early as June or July.  Boone had 16 HR and 60 RBI in 2005, but had just a .243 batting average. He struggled early last season and if that repeats itself, Marte could easily replace him. 

Since he is just 22 years old, Marte is a player definitely worth looking at in keeper leagues. His future is bright as long as he can find a permanent home and not continue being traded.  As for this season, he is worth keeping an eye on. If he takes over the starting gig, he would be worth adding as a free agent, particularly in AL-Only leagues.

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Brad Berreman
Brad Berreman has been a KFFL contributor since 2004.

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