In the Weeds: New England Part II

By Shooter Hunt

National Crosschecker

In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level. This week, In the Weeds, continues looking at some intriguing prospects out of New England. The winter months are cold, and spring baseball can be equally as cold while also being very wet, so the players of the region have a short amount of time to showcase their abilities. Because of this, many of the players in New England bloom a bit later than those of the south, and can slip through the recruiting cracks. The players in part one of a series on New England, showcase promise, and will have a chance to play at some level in college.

Alex Martinez, MINF, Austin Prep HS, MA, 2018

Martinez’s easy actions in the infield really stand out, and should allow him to be a strong defender in college. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder shows proportional strength throughout his frame, and moves around athletically in the infield. HIs quick release and whippy arm action (80 mph), will give him a chance to stick at shortstop at some level, but he will be able to play any infield position. At the plate, Martinez sets up crouched and square with his back elbow high and front shoulder tilted, slightly, down. Martinez gets solid separation as his hands drift back while he strides forward before working on a level to uphill path through the zone. At times, Martinez’s hands can drop and drift away from his body causing him to scoop, a bit, through the zone. However, when he is at his best, Martinez utilizes the entire field to spray line drives all around, and he projects for future gap to gap power. Martinez’s excellent balance at the plate stands out right now, and as he continues to mature will have a chance to be a top of the order hitter at the next level.