Martinez DFA, four more get spring training invites
The Pirates designated pitcher Joe Martinez for assignment on Wednesday, to make room for Kevin Correia who was added to the 40-man roster on Friday.
If Martinez clears waivers, the Bucs have 10 days to either trade, release or outright him to the minors (If out righted to the minors, he would receive an invitation to Spring Training to compete for a spot in the Pirates bullpen).
Martinez was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the Javier Lopez trade, where he, along with John Bowker, were sent to Pittsburgh.
In five relief appearances with the Pirates in 2010, Martinez allowed three runs in 8.2 innings while striking out six and walking three.
The Pirates announced four more non-roster spring training invites. Tyler Yates, Jeff Clement, Rudy Owens and Justin Wilson. The non-roster list currently sits at 12. Those already invited are: Justin Thomas, Fernando Nieve, Josh Fields, Dusty Brown, Sean Gallagher, Donnie Veal, Andy Marte and Cesar Valdez.
Kristy Robinson
Looks like the Pirates are also starting to feel the pain of having so much young talent on the cusp of the Major Leagues, then have to make unpopular decisions that might effect a guy they really wanted within their system.
Sometimes the business angle of baseball takes the most wounds and produces the most pain
Hopefully Martinez will get throiugh waivers and he can get a chance to hit Pirate City this Spring and get a shot again with the Pirates.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Rays Renegade,
I hope Martinez clears waivers and is assigned to Triple-A. With a spring training invite he could make the Pirates roster in the bullpen. We only saw him five times since he was acquired by the Giants and I would hate to lose the guy, when we have yet to see his potential.
The Pirates are finally starting to have a pretty good minor league system. Good years are ahead in the steel city. Looking forward to watching the Bucs and Hurdle turn things around.
Enjoy the rest of the offseason. Best of luck in 2011!
Kristy