Victor Martinez
Contract: Signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010.
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Born: Dec 23, 1978
- Debut: September 10, 2002
SEASON
| AVG | HR | RBI | Runs | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Newsbreakers
December 8, 2009
Victor Martinez is expecting a long-term offer from the Red Sox, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View:
Boston did not hesitate to exercise the elite catcher's $7.1MM option for 2010 after the playoffs, but Martinez's agent is yet to discuss a long-term contract. The Sox could wait to see if the Twins can re-sign Joe Mauer, which would set the market for catchers.
December 6, 2009
At some point this offseason, the Red Sox will likely discuss a potential contract extension for Victor Martinez, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View:
Talks have not opened between Martinez's agent and Boston's front office just yet, but that could change after this week's winter meetings pass by. Martinez remains one of the best all-around catchers in the majors and is also capable of playing first base. While he is 31 years old, he's shown no sign of decline in his play.
November 9, 2009
The Boston Red Sox have exercised their $7.1 million 2010 team option on catcher Victor Martinez, according to ESPN.
Our View:
They declined their 2010 team option on Jason Varitek, as well, though Varitek has a player option he can vest. Martinez hit .303 with 23 home runs and 108 RBI in 155 games between the Indians and Red Sox last season.
October 25, 2009
According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have five days after the completion of the World Series to act on Victor Martinez's $7.1 million option for the 2010 season.
Our View:
The Sox appear to want to keep their trade deadline acquisition, but may want to sign him to a long-term deal instead of just grabbing him for next season. How much he receives will likely depend on what kind of deal Joe Mauer gets. Stay tuned.
October 9, 2009
According to the Boston Globe, Victor Martinez will catch Josh Beckett in Game 2 of the ALDS on Friday and and hit third against the Angels.
Our View:
V-Mart caught Game 1 as well and, with the Sox trailing the Halos 1-0 in the series, they likely wanted to keep his feared bat in the lineup. He should provided significant pop over Jason Varitek.
October 3, 2009
Victor Martinez hit a grand slam in the Red Sox 11-6 win over the Indians on Saturday.
Our View:
V-Mart now has 108 RBI this season with Boston and Cleveland and the catcher/first baseman is a surefire candidate for comeback player of the year. He played just 73 games last season and hit two homers and drove in 35.
September 22, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-4 with a single and an RBI in tonight's 5-1 loss at Kansas City.
Our View:
The Red Sox only mustered two hits in the game, and Martinez was their lone source of scoring. He managed to extend his hitting streak to 21 games as well.
September 16, 2009
Updating an earlier report, Victor Martinez has told the Sox that he can return to the diamond Thursday, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
Martinez left the team to attend to an undisclosed personal matter. Barring a change in plans, fantasy owners should count on having him back tomorrow.
September 16, 2009
Victor Martinez is not scheduled to be in the starting lineup for the Red Sox on Wednesday, according to the Twitter page of the ESPN's Amy K. Nelson. Martinez is dealing with a personal matter, and the Sox haven't said when he will return to the team.
Our View:
V-Mart should be back in the next few days, but Jason Varitek will likely be behind the plate again tonight. Fantasy owners probably aren't too happy about this, but he will be back soon.
September 15, 2009
Updating an earlier report, Victor Martinez has left the Red Sox to attend to a personal matter, according to Amalie Benjamin's (Boston Globe) twitter page.
Our View:
There is belief that Martinez could be away for the next couple of days. Jason Varitek will work behind the plate in his absense, and Casey Kotchman is slated to start at first base tonight against the Angels.
September 15, 2009
Victor Martinez is not in the Red Sox lineup on Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View:
Jason Varitek will catch, while Casey Kotchman will man first base.
September 6, 2009
Victor Martinez un-tightened a tight 3-1 game in the ninth inning in Chicago on Sunday, blasting a three-run home run to lead the Red Sox to a 6-1 win.
Our View:
Martinez is now batting .326 with six home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games since joining Boston on August 1.
August 28, 2009
Victor Martinez told WEEI.com that he would be open to an extension from the Red Sox. When asked about an extension, Martinez replied: "Who wouldn't want to play here in Boston? It's up to them, but from my side, I would like to stay here."
Our View:
It sounds like Victor wants to be a Red Sock next season, and you would think that the time won't have a problem keeping a player with the skill set that he has. Money has never been much of an issue in Boston, so expect the two sides to come to an agreement at some point.
August 25, 2009
Victor Martinez is out of the Red Sox lineup on Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin.
Our View:
Jason Varitek is getting the start behind the backstop in his place. In 21 games for the Red Sox this season, V-Mart is batting .322 with five home runs and 16 RBI.
August 23, 2009
Victor Martinez went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Yankees at Fenway Park.
Our View:
Martinez has two hits in each of his last two games, and he is batting .337 with five homers and 16 RBI so far in August.
August 22, 2009
Despite leaving the team's game on Friday after fouling a ball off of his toe, Victor Martinez is expected to play Saturday vs. the Yankees, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View:
Great news for beleaguered Boston, as they are going to need all the offense they can muster against the imposing Yankees this weekend.
August 20, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-5 with a solo homer off Shawn Camp in tonight's 8-1 win at Toronto.
Our View:
V-Mart collected his 20th homer of the season, and his fifth with the Red Sox. He started the game behind the plate as Jason Varitek continues to nurse a stiff neck.
August 13, 2009
Victor Martinez was productive in Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Tigers at Fenway Park, as he went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles. He also swiped his first base of the season.
Our View:
The elite catcher accounted for half of Boston's four hits today. He looks to be back on track after only recording one hit over his previous three games (13 at-bats).
August 12, 2009
According to the Boston Globe, Victor Martinez is not in Wednesday's starting lineup.
Our View:
V-Mart is just getting a standard day off. He has started every game since coming over via trade from Cleveland and could use a breather. He should be fine to get back in you lineup for the Sox's next game.
August 9, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer off Phil Coke in tonight's 5-2 loss at New York.
Our View:
Martinez is batting .324 over 37 at-bats this month, and crushed his 17th homer of the season tonight. He is fitting in well as a member of the contending Red Sox.
August 2, 2009
In his first start behind the plate as a Red Sock, Victor Martinez delivered in a big way. He went 5-for-6 with a double and four RBI in Boston's 18-10 blowout of the Orioles on Sunday.
Our View:
The V-Mart deal looks to be playing dividends early for the Red Sox. He is now 6-for-11 with five RBI in his brief tenure in Boston.
August 2, 2009
Victor Martinez, who made his Red Sox debut yesterday, will get his first start at catcher today, according to WEEI.com.
Our View:
The Red Sox have a number of options for their lineup, with an everyday player in Martinez able to play first base or catcher, and an everyday player in Kevin Youkilis able to play first or third. With David Ortiz entrenched at DH, that means that Mike Lowell, Casey Kotchman and Jason Varitek will lose significant at-bats.
August 1, 2009
Victor Martinez will make his Red Sox debut on Saturday, MLB.com confirms. He will likely start at first base, and Kevin Youkilis will shift to third base.
Our View:
V-Mart will be expected to play on a daily basis and split time between first base and catcher. Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek will lose at-bats, depending on where Martinez lines up on a given day.
July 31, 2009
It's official. The Rex Sox have acquired catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez from the Indians for Justin Masterson, Nick Hadagone and Bryan Price, according to Bob Nightengale's Twitter account.
Our View:
V-Mart will likely play first base and catcher and could even see some time at DH if David Ortiz's struggles continue. The Red Sox will have some messy platoon issues, but they landed a lineup-changing hitter in Martinez. As a switch hitter he should be able to take advantage of the short field in right and still pepper the Green Monster in left. Assuming he plays every day, his fantasy stock should be on the rise.
July 31, 2009
According to Bob Nightengale's Twitter account, the Red Sox are about to acquire Indians' catcher Victor Martinez.
Our View:
No word on the specifics yet, but one would think that Clay Buchholz has to be involved. Another uncertainty is what do the Red Sox do with newly acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche? There is already a logjam at the position and V-Mart likely won't catch every day. Looks like the Sox have some crazy platoon situations ahead of them. Stay tuned for official details.
July 31, 2009
According to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, there is about a 50 percent chance that Victor Martinez will be dealt by the trade deadline.
Our View:
V-Mart was a hot commodity a day or two ago, but now a deal seems much less likely. The Indians have him under contract until 2011, so there is no urgency to deal him this year. The Red Sox have shown the most interest, but they started straying off V-Mart's path when Adrian Gonzalez came into play.
July 29, 2009
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that he fully expects slugging catcher Victor Martinez to be traded in the next 48 hours.
Our View:
The Tribe has already parted ways with Mark DeRosa, Rafael Betancourt and now Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco, so why would they be reluctant to unload Victor? According to a unanimous AL executive referencing Martinez, "I don't think they'd move one without moving the other." V-Mart is earning just $4.5 million this season and has a relatively affordable $7 million option for 2010. The switch-hitting catcher will likely attract a lot of offers and could improve almost any club. The Red Sox and Rays have been the hottest pursuers thus far.
July 26, 2009
Victor Martinez will not be in the Indians' starting lineup on Sunday. He is getting the day off due to the day game in Seattle.
Our View:
Today is apparently the official day off for starting catchers, because it seems like most teams are giving their backstops a rest. This happens quite a bit on day games after a night game, so nothing to be worried about here. He should be back as soon as the team resumes play, and he could pinch-hit today as well.
July 26, 2009
The Boston Globe is reporting that the Indians are listening to offers from several teams involving catcher Victor Martinez. The Red Sox, Rays, and Giants have all shown a high level of interest in the All-Star catcher.
Our View:
Cleveland has already turned down two proposed deals from Boston, one including a swap of Clay Buchholz for Martinez and the other involving three prospects for the catcher. It sounds like the Indians are asking for a boat-load for Victor, and unless they get blown away he is likely staying in Cleveland.
July 23, 2009
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports states that it is unlikely that Victor Martinez or Cliff Lee will be dealt by the Indians despite the rumors swirling.
Our View:
One source views both star players as longshots to be traded, namely as Cleveland's asking price would be very high, and would not likely receive the value they covet. The Indians have a top catching prospect with Carlos Santana in Double-A, and Martinez would be replaced more easily than Lee if a trade does happen however.
July 23, 2009
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Rays are interested in Indians' catcher Victor Martinez.
Our View:
The two sides haven't exchanged names yet, but the Rays have Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson (not to mention a dearth of young talent in their lower systems) to offer. The Red Sox have been involved in talks with the Indians for Martinez for weeks now, but a deal never came to fruition. The Rays may have a better package to offer and if they pull it off it could make the AL East even more interesting. Stay tuned.
July 22, 2009
Victor Martinez went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles in tonight's 10-6 loss at Toronto.
Our View:
Martinez has two hits in three of his last four games, which is encouraging as the elite catcher is only hitting .175 in July.
July 21, 2009
Victor Martinez led the Indians offensively in tonight's 2-1 win at Toronto, as he went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI.
Our View:
Martinez ended a five-game skid without an RBI, and was only hitting .122 in July heading into tonight's game. Hopefully fantasy owners won't have to wait long for his next solid performance.
July 18, 2009
Victor Martinez went 2-for-4 with a run scored in tonight's 3-1 loss to Seattle at Progressive Field. Both of his hits were singles.
Our View:
The Indians only mustered eight hits in the loss, all singles. Martinez was in need of a solid outing at the plate, as he only had one hit over his previous five games (15 at-bats). He is hitting a dismal .136 over 13 games this month, and has not crushed a homer since June 26.
July 13, 2009
Victor Martinez stated that he would like to retire as a member of the Indians, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He said, "I cannot see myself in another uniform. We will see what happens. In my mind, I would like to retire as an Indian."
Our View:
The Indians hold a $7MM club option on Martinez for 2010 before he becomes a free agent. The elite catcher renounces the rumors swirling that he could be traded. He added that he loves the Indians' organization.
July 5, 2009
According to the Twitter page of the Cleveland Indians, catcher Victor Martinez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's. He is being replaced by Kelly Shoppach behind the plate.
Our View:
This looks to be a routine day off for Martinez, so if you have another option behind the plate get him in this afternoon. Martinez should be back in the lineup when the Indians return to action, so get him back in after today.
June 30, 2009
The San Francisco Giants are scouting Victor Martinez in their search for offensive help, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View:
The Giants are also scouting the White Sox Jermaine Dye and the Royals Mark Teahen. While those two are very solid players, Martinez is a level above them at this point, and would offer a massive upgrade to the Giants' puny offense. The only problem for the Giants is the fact that they have Bengie Molina entrenched at catcher, meaning Martinez would have to play mostly first base. Still, it is a problem the Giants would likely love to have.
June 26, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and two RBI in tonight's 9-2 win over the Reds at Progressive Field.
Our View:
Martinez hit a homer in back-to-back games, and leads the Indians with 14. The elite catcher also leads the club with a .327 batting average and 56 RBI.
June 25, 2009
Victor Martinez went 2-for-3 with a solo homer off Ross Ohlendorf in tonight's 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh. His other knock was a single.
Our View:
The Indians only recorded five hits in the game. V-Mart was in need of a solid performance at the plate, as he was hitless over his previous four games. The elite catcher continues to lead the Indians with a .327 batting average and 54 RBI. Martinez co-leads the team (Mark DeRosa) with 13 homers as well.
June 19, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer off Rich Harden in Friday's 8-7 loss at the Cubs.
Our View:
The elite catcher continues to play up to high expectations as he leads the Indians with a .342 batting average and 53 RBI. He also ranks second on the team behind Mark DeRosa with 12 homers.
June 15, 2009
Victor Martinez enjoyed a strong night at the plate in Monday's 14-12 loss to the Brewers at Progressive Field, as he went 3-for-4 with four RBI. He hit a pair of singles and a two-run homer off Dave Bush.
Our View:
The elite catcher is second in the AL with a .341 batting average, and leads the Indians with 49 RBI. He should continue to perform up to high expectations.
June 13, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-3 with a single and recorded the Indians' lone RBI in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Cardinals at Progressive Field.
Our View:
The elite catcher collected his team-leading 45th RBI of the season. He has a hit in three straight games, with four RBI over the span.
June 11, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Royals at Progressive Field.
Our View:
Martinez has six RBI in June, and co-leads the Indians (with Mark DeRosa) with 42. The elite catcher also leads the club with a .339 batting average.
June 7, 2009
Victor Martinez was 2-for-5 with a solo home run in the Indians' 8-4 win over the White Sox on Sunday.
Our View:
Martinez has ten homers to go along with his .344 average this season and has turned into one of the better fantasy options at catcher after an injury plagued 2008 season.
June 3, 2009
Victor Martinez was 2-for-5 with two RBI, a run scored, and a double as the Indians defeated the Twins 10-1 on Wednesday.
Our View:
Martinez is up to 40 RBI, which is just seventh in the AL. He is having a phenomenal bounce back campaign as he is hitting .352 with a .992 OPS.
June 2, 2009
Victor Martinez was productive in Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Minnesota, as he went 2-for-4 with a single and a solo homer.
Our View:
The elite catcher has homered in back-to-back games, and leads the Indians with nine. He needs three more home runs to reach 100 for his career.
June 1, 2009
Victor Martinez went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees at Progressive Field.
Our View:
He served in the DH role tonight after fouling a ball off his leg Saturday. Martinez ended a 15-game drought without a homer.
June 1, 2009
Victor Martinez will be in the Indians lineup tonight as the DH. There was some concern he may miss tonight's game after fouling a ball off of his knee on Sunday.
Our View:
Start Martinez without hesitation.
May 31, 2009
Victor Martinez, who exited Cleveland's game on Sunday after fouling a ball off his knee, did not play Sunday and remains day-to-day, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View:
While Martinez's injury does not appear serious or likely to land him on the DL, you should consider sitting him until he returns to action.
May 30, 2009
Victor Martinez exited tonight's battle with the Yankees after fouling a ball off his left kneecap in the first inning, according to the Sports Network.
Our View:
Kelly Shoppach replaced him behind the plate in the second inning. The severity of Martinez's ailment is yet to be determined.
May 28, 2009
Victor Martinez provided all of the offense that was necessary on Thursday in the Indians 2-1 win over the Rays. Martinez went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the game.
Our View:
There wasn't much offense in Cleveland today, but Victor's two RBIs were just enough to beat the Rays. Martinez has been struggling a bit lately, as his average has fallen to .359, but he is still having an excellent season.
May 21, 2009
Victor Martinez kept his average at a cool .400 with a 2-for-5 performance on Thursday. The slugging catcher drove in three runs in the Indians' 8-3 win over the Royals.
Our View:
Martinez is having an incredible season so far. After an inconsistent and injury plagued 2008 campaign he's killing the ball in 2009. His three RBI on Thursday gave him 30 on the season, and, with his .400 average, has been a bright spot for a fading Indians team.
May 18, 2009
The Red Sox have inquired about Indians' catcher Victor Martinez, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal said, "The Sox could offer Triple-A right-hander Clay Buchholz, but not all teams view him as a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. Buchholz, though, would be only one moving piece. The Red Sox could dangle numerous others who might interest the Indians, including hard-throwing reliever Daniel Bard and Double-A first baseman Lars Anderson."
Our View:
Cleveland is not necessarily interested in dealing the elite catcher - especially since he currently leads the majors with a .401 batting average. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2010 campaign.
May 16, 2009
Victor Martinez had three more hits on Saturday in the Indians' 4-2 loss to the Rays. Martinez also scored a run in the game.
Our View:
Martinez is hitting .409 on the year, so this was just another game owners have come to expect. He has always been a very good hitter when healthy, so as long as his health allows, he should continue hitting for average and power all season.
May 14, 2009
Victor Martinez was huge at the plate for the Indians on Thursday as they defeated the Rays 11-7. Martinez went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs, and four RBI.
Our View:
Martinez continues hitting everything in sight. The man is hitting an even .400 on the year. That's right, .400. When healthy he is one of the best hitters in the game, so ride him now while he is playing every day.
May 13, 2009
Victor Martinez went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Chicago at Progressive Field. His other two knocks were singles.
Our View:
Martinez collected his seventh homer of the season, with three coming at home. He also raised his season average to .385.
May 6, 2009
Victor Martinez had three hits, three runs scored and four RBIs for the Indians in their 9-2 thrashing of the Red Sox. One of the hits was V-Mart's sixth home run of the season.
Our View:
We told you that last year was merely an injury induced effort. That's 15 games and counting for Martinez with a hit, and he is now batting a robust .398 with 19 RBI. He has easily been the most valuable fantasy backstop in the early going.
May 5, 2009
Victor Martinez continued his terrific start with three hits in five at-bats Tuesday, driving in and scoring a run in the process.
Our View:
V-Mart has been the best fantasy catcher so far, and that's saying something given Jorge Posada's start.
April 25, 2009
Victor Martinez went 3-for-4 with a run scored and a double in Cleveland's 7-1 loss to Minnesota on Saturday.
Our View:
Martinez has 11 hits, eight of which have been singles, in his last five games, but has only two RBI to show for it. Once Grady Sizemore and Mark DeRosa start getting on base at a better clip, Martinez could be a scary run producer. He is hitting .405 after 74 at bats.
April 22, 2009
Victor Martinez kept his hot start to the season going on Wednesday night as he went 2-for-4. The Indians only had five hits, so Martinez provided much of the offense for the team.
Our View:
Martinez is hitting a staggering .403 this season, and he also has hit five home runs. After missing much of last year with an injury, he looks as if he has regained the form that made him one of the better hitters in the game. His fantasy value is sky high, and it is likely it will stay that way if he is healthy.
April 21, 2009
Victor Martinez was 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and a run scored as the Indians beat the Royals 8-7 on Tuesday. He is currently hitting .397.
Our View:
Martinez had just two home runs all of last season but already has five in 2009. He clearly appears to be back to the player he was from 2004-07 when he was a major fantasy factor.
April 16, 2009
Victor Martinez went 3-for-6 with his third home run of the year to go along with a double and two runs against the Yankees during the day on Thursday.
Our View:
It took Martinez just 10 games to top his home run total from last season, when he hit just two out of the park. The catcher/first baseman is batting .381 (16-for-42) and looks to be back in his old form; he was clearly hurt last season and, thus, his down year appears to have been a fluke.
April 14, 2009
Victor Martinez has another multi-hit game as he went 2-for-3 on Tuesday in Cleveland's 9-3 loss to the Royals.
Our View:
The catcher/first baseman has been one of the few bright spots for the 1-7 Indians. He's now hitting .394 on the young season.
April 13, 2009
Victor Martinez went 3-for-5 with three singles in Monday's 4-2 loss to Kansas City. He is now hitting .367 through seven games.
Our View:
Martinez hit just .278 last season, but he had hit over .300 in the three seasons prior to 2008. Assuming he is 100 percent, as it appears he is, he should be able to reach the .300 mark once again in 2009.
March 4, 2009
Victor Martinez had a nice game for the Indians on Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with an RBI double and scored a run.
Our View:
Martinez certainly won't be the first catcher off the board in most leagues after he was one of the biggest fantasy busts last season, but he's easily a top-10 catcher in all-MLB leagues again this year if he can stay healthy.
February 25, 2009
Victor Martinez went 0-for-2 to begin his spring on Wednesday.
Our View:
Martinez only managed to play in 73 games last year due to elbow surgery and was one of the most disappointing fantasy players in the majors. He only collected two home runs with 35 RBI.
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