At the plate or behind it, Martinez's health will be key

The former Mahoning Valley Scrapper has gotten off to a slow start.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- Victor Martinez isn't making any promises. He isn't forecasting the type of season he'll have as the Indians' starting catcher.
But he does have one simple goal that, if reached, will guarantee Cleveland a leader behind the plate and in the batting order.
"My only goal for this year is to keep myself healthy," Martinez said. "If I'm healthy, I can do some things."
Martinez won't talk specifics. The native Venezuelan and former Mahoning Valley Scrapper will only stress physical health and well being.
"I stayed here in the winter," said Martinez, 25. "I spent a lot of time in the weight room, trying to get in the best shape because it's going to be a long season."
Martinez played in 49 games for the Indians last season -- splitting time at Triple-A Buffalo -- and showed enough skills on both sides of the plate to become the top catcher entering 2004.
He ended last season with consecutive 12-game hitting streaks, and hit in 24 of his last 25 games.
"I felt really good when they told me that I had the job," said Martinez, who batted .289 last season. "I just prepared like I've been doing the past two, three years.
"I don't change anything," he added. "I take the same approach before the game."
Big-league arrival
Martinez has made his presence felt throughout the Indians' organization, climbing his way through the minor league system.
In 1999, he was a catcher at Mahoning Valley during its inaugural season as Cleveland's Class-A short-season affiliate. Those days remain special to him.
"To me, it seemed like it happened yesterday," Martinez said. "I have great moments in my mind from Mahoning Valley, especially the nice fans."
Martinez had his breakout season in 2001, when he batted .329 at Class-A Kinston and was named the Tribe's Minor League Player of the Year.
He continued that pace the following season at Double-A Akron, and made his Indians debut later in 2002. Then last season, he climbed from Double-A back to the big leagues and remained there.
Now, he knows what's being asked of him.
Responsibility
"I have to get the best from the pitchers," Martinez said. "We have a pretty young staff, with a strong starting rotation and bullpen."
Reminded about the bullpen's struggles, Martinez defended his teammates.
"Those things happen," he said. "But if you saw those guys in spring training, they worked so hard, and you can tell they're going to make some noise."
With a .136 average, Martinez has gotten off to a slow start at the plate, much like he did in 2003 when he hit .224 over a 23-game stretch. But he eventually found his rhythm.
"I'm not trying to do anything [differently]; I'm just trying to do what I've been doing the past few years," Martinez said. "I'm going to the plate and trying to make solid contact."