Francisco Martinez

[RedSox]

I've had a couple people ask about him since he was moved in the Fister trade.

According to BA's youngest by level mid season he's the 11th youngest player in AA. He'll be 20 for the entire season and began the season as the Tiger's #4 prospect.

Here is what JJ Cooper said yesterday in a chat:

Jack (Washington): Alex Liddi, Vincent Catricala or someone else is our long term answer at 3B?

J.J. Cooper: I'll say recent trade pickup Francisco Martinez. Still a little ways away, but he has all the tools to handle the position and even if he repeated Double-A next year he's still be young for the league.

And Jim Callis on Wednesday:

Ballboy (watercooler): Does Seattle's acquisition of Francisco Martinez place him ahead of Liddi on the 3rd base depth chart, or does it signal Liddi's move to 1b?

Jim Callis: Yes on Martinez. He's definitely a better prospect than Liddi. Not sure if the Mariners will push Liddi to first base yet, but that's probably his best big league position.

And Jason Parks over at BP:

In the end, I think Martinez could be a 55 player, meaning his ceiling would be that of a first-division starter. The power will need to develop, and the approach will need refinement, but you have to like the promise the package offers.

BA top traded prospects:
8. Francisco Martinez, 3b, Mariners. To upgrade its pitching staff with Doug Fister and David Pauley, the Tigers shipped Martinez, lefthander Charlie Furbush, outfielder Casper Wells and a player to be named to Seattle. Martinez, who's playing in Double-A at age 20, has the highest ceiling of anyone involved in the deal. He has solid tools across the board, should tap into his power potential once he adds more strength and loft to his swing and runs better than most third basemen.

I'm either looking for a pick or a bump up in my pick position.

Thanks,
P.