Marte knows he has to hit
Andy Marte may make the team because the Indians have limited alternatives.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians hoped Andy Marte would be a big part of their future when they traded for him two years ago, but the power-hitting third baseman may have no future at all with the team.
Marte, 24, is out of minor-league options so the Indians must keep him with the team, trade him or risk losing him through waivers.
This isn’t how the Indians envisioned things when they got Marte from Boston in a multi-player trade that sent outfielder Coco Crisp to the Red Sox in January 2006. At the time the right-handed hitter was considered one of the top prospects in baseball.
Realizing what’s at stake, Marte reported to camp on Saturday, four days earlier than required of before position players were required to do so.
“I know how important this camp is,” Marte said. “This is the biggest spring of my career. I know I’m out of options.”
Marte might make the team, not because he’s one of the best 25 players, but because the Indians have limited alternatives.
“We have to take that into consideration,” manager Eric Wedge said.
Marte wants to remain with the Indians. For that to happen, Marte must start showing something with the bat. He opened last season as the third baseman, but pulled a hamstring on April 22. After a month on the disabled list, he was sent to Buffalo, where he remained until rosters were expanded in September.
Marte batted .193 with one homer and eight RBIs in 57 at-bats. In parts of the last two seasons with the Indians, he’s batting .271 with six home runs and 31 RBIs. The lack of offense is a concern to the Indians.
“I want him to go out there game-speed and have the approach to be a consistent big-league hitter,” Wedge said. “I haven’t seen that yet. He needs to be a more professional hitter.”
Even if Marte makes the team, he won’t see much playing time unless there are injuries. He will back up Casey Blake, who is coming off his best season, at third. Marte will also play first base during the exhibition games, although Ryan Garko and Victor Martinez will get the bulk of the time there.
Notes
DH Travis Hafner, OFs Grady Sizemore and Franklin Gutierrez and INF Michael Aubrey reported Monday. ... All position players are to report Tuesday. ... Pitching coach Carl Willis said RHP Jorge Julio, a non-roster player, might report on Thursday. Julio, who has been having visa problems in Venezuela, is a candidate for the last spot in the bullpen. RHP Tom Mastny, who appeared in 51 games for the Indians last season, is the favorite for that spot.