Carlos Martinez- reliever

[jvmillion83]

What can anyone tell me about this guy? I've watched a few games so far and this guy throws some very nasty and unhittable stuff. Do you think he has a shot at the closer's role this year?

[garf112]

There are very few times when I say, "I've never heard of that guy." This is one of those times. Here's what I got with a little research.

He pitched well at hi A last year. 3.12 ERA, 22 SV, 60.2 IP, 65 Ks.
He was known as Juan Nova.
I have found three different birthdays for him. Yahoo and Fox have him listed as 20 and from Venezuela. The Baseball Cube and MLB.com have him listed as 23 and from Dominican Republic. When he was known as Juan Nova, he would be 22. I'd go with mlb.com.

Other than that, seems like he is a hard thrower that major leaguers might figure out eventually, but could show early success.

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John Sickels- minorleagueball.com (before the beginning of the year)
Carlos Martinez, RHP:
Throws hard, but is jumping directly from A-ball. Control will be an issue, and he is unlikely to pitch high-importance innings as the 25th man. PREDICTION: Back in the minors by June.