Apparently, the Indians’ management picked the perfect time to slip Andy Marte through waivers and he cleared and he has been outrighted to Columbus.
According to reports, it is likely that Wes Hodges will get the majority of time at third base, while Marte will spend time at third base, first base and DH. This will likely create a logjam at first base/designated hitter with Marte, Jordan Brown and Michael Aubrey all likely to be fighting for time there. Hodges tore up the Arizona Fall League with his bat (.349/.368./ 587), but is questionable with his glove, so the early indications are that he needs reps at third base. Marte’s defense is unquestionably major league already – the question is whether he can regain the power that made him a top prospect.
The fact that he is now on a minor league contract may actually end up making Marte more tradeable – clearly no other team was willling to take him on without options, but they might be willing to stash him at their AAA affiliate as an emergency back up in case of injuries. Or, the Indians might hold on to Marte in case Hodges is unable to put his defense together. The only career path for Hodges is at third base – his bat is good, but there are too many better prospects at first base (Mills/LaPorta) and in the outfield (LaPorta, Weglarz, Brantley) for him to be viable with a position switch. At least they know Marte can come in and provide solid defense.
I still suspect that Shapiro will be working the phones trying to unload Marte before Spring Training ends. So, Andy Marte is still not free – he’s just not chained to the big league bench and his days of catching the ceremonial first pitch are behind him for the moment.
Mojo Watch:
Andy Marte:
No Elvis for Andy right now – he’s going to have to earn it all back.
Mark DeRosa:
Major Elvis for “The Pulse”, who cranked the Tribe’s first official Goodyear home run yesterday in a 10-7 loss to the Giants in the Cactus League opener.
