J.D. Martin

J.D. Martin - Right-handed Pitcher
Age: 25 Height: 6'4" Weight: 205 Bats: Right Throws: Right

	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	BB9	K9	WHIP
2007 Akron	2	3	4.26	9	9	0	42.3	42	20	4	16	23	3.40	4.89	1.37
Career	41	25	3.67	112	110	0	566.3	524	231	48	159	486	2.53	7.72	1.21

History: John Dale Martin was taken by the Indians in the 1st round of the 2001 Draft out of high school (CA). Martin was sensational at Akron in 2005 going 3-1 with a 2.38 ERA in 10 starts before he was sidelined with an elbow injury and underwent Tommy John surgery. He came back late in the year in 2006 and in 14 combined appearances at Mahoning Valley, Lake County and Kinston, Martin went 1-2 with a 2.03 ERA and in 44.1 IP allowed only 30 hits and 5 walks while striking out 40.

Strengths & Opportunities: Martin throws three different fastballs - a cutter, two-seamer and four-seamer - and he also throws a changeup and curveball. His fastball consistently ranges from 88-91 MPH, and he has outstanding control of it and his other pitches. Martin's true 12-6 curveball is one of the best in the system, and the development of his cut fastball might now be the best pitch in his arsenal.

Martin is starting to grow into his body more and beginning to fill out, which has seen him add some more velocity to his fastball. Also, the added bulk allows him to maintain his delivery and arm action better, especially through his lower half. Martin has an outstanding work ethic, which has helped in his rehab from Tommy John surgery and also from a strained ligament in 2003.

Last year, Martin was sidelined with a right elbow strain in early June and missed the rest of the season. The Indians had noticed his fastball velocity was down to the low 80s for a few starts in a row, and while Martin's elbow was structurally fine the Indians shut him down as a precaution. He reportedly is 100% healthy, and pitched in the Nicaraguan Winter League this offseason going 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA in four starts, and struckout 12 batters in 20.1 innings while holding hitters to a .197 batting average against (BAA).

Outlook: Coming into 2007, it looked like the J.D. Martin of old was back and that he was primed for a breakout year. Once again, he looks great going into 2008 and the Indians are very excited with what they saw from him in the Fall Development Program and winter league stint. At 25 years of age, Martin's prospect clock is getting close to striking midnight, and 2008 will be a big year for him. He should anchor the Akron rotation to start the season.

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