Eddy Martinez-Esteve Stats & Scouting Report

AB	2249
AVG	.294
OBP	.384
SLG	.43
HR	46

Full name Eduardo H. Martinez-Esteve
Born 07/14/1983 in Miami, FL
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Florida State
Drafted in the 2nd round (70th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2004 (signed for $537,500).

View Draft Report

An unsigned third-round pick of the Mariners out of a Miami high school in 2002, Martinez-Esteve might improve on that standing, considering the paucity of power bats in the '04 draft. He became one of the Atlantic Coast Conference's top sluggers this year, hitting .377 with 14 homers, and has some of the best raw power in the country. He's stayed healthy after a severe hamstring pull short-circuited his freshman season. Martinez-Esteve has lost some life in his lower half since the injury, and is a well-below-average defender who appears indifferent about getting better. Scouts invoke Manny Ramirez when describing his defensive play. His best position is the batter's box, where he punishes mistakes with brute strength. The consensus is that Martinez-Esteve has slider-bat speed, can be beaten inside by a good fastball and will have to make adjustments at the plate as a pro.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Drafted with San Francisco's first pick (second round) in 2004, Martinez-Esteve hasn't been able to stay healthy. He was nagged by injuries during his college career, and he has undergone elective surgeries on his right shoulder and foot as a pro. He made it through just 27 games last season before hyperextending his left shoulder and had surgery to repair a torn labrum in June. Martinez-Esteve is the best pure hitter in the system, with the ability to hit for average and power. Coaches noted that his maturity improved last year and he reported to instructional league having lost almost 20 pounds. Martinez-Esteve might finally be getting the message that he can't DH in the National League. He's putting more effort into improving his defensive skills, though his range, arm and instincts all rate below average in left field. First base remains an option, but only if he's up for the challenge. Martinez-Esteve should be fine for spring training, when he'll make his first appearance in big league camp. Following his lost season, he'll probably return to Double-A, but he could be in the mix for a starting job with the Giants in 2008.
A Mariners third-round pick out of a Miami high school, Martinez- Esteve didn't sign and had two big seasons at Florida State before the Giants took him with their top pick (second round) in 2004. Martinez- Esteve surprised San Francisco by having offseason shoulder surgery on his own. He was healthy enough to start the 2005 season but didn't play in the outfield until mid-June, and he missed the postseason with a foot injury that isn't considered serious. Martinez-Esteve stands out as the Giants' most polished hitter, with a fluid, efficient swing and a discerning eye at the plate. His bat is quick enough to hit good fastballs, and he's an excellent breaking-ball hitter. He has power to all fields. Being a DH suited Martinez-Esteve too well, considering he's in a National League organization. He lost life in his lower body after a college hamstring injury and has lost arm strength because of his shoulder problems. His lessened athleticism and lack of desire to be a good defender means his entire value stems from his bat. Fortunately for Martinez-Esteve, he really can hit. The Giants will try him at first base and give him a chance in left field at Double-A Connecticut (the Norwich franchise's new name) in 2006.
An unsigned third-round pick of the Mariners in 2002, Martinez-Esteve was plagued by hamstring problems as a freshman at Florida State. He moved from third base to the outfield last spring and missed winning the Atlantic Coast Conference triple crown by two RBIs. Signed for $537,500 as a draft-eligible sophomore, he just kept hitting as a pro, batting .455 in the California League playoffs. It's all about the bat for Martinez-Esteve. He's adept at making adjustments at the plate because he has a low-maintenance swing that he repeats easily. He has solid bat speed and excellent raw strength, overpowering balls to all fields. Martinez-Esteve had average arm strength before he had offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn right labrum. It's unclear how his arm will come back. He already had earned a reputation as an indifferent defender in college. His routes and instincts will have to improve to make him a passable left fielder. The Giants aren't in a hurry to replace their current left fielder, so Martinez-Esteve will have time to learn the position. His bat could expedite his route to San Francisco. He'll start 2005 down the road at San Jose.

Minor League Top Prospects

The Giants top pick (second round) in the 2004 draft, Martinez-Esteve proved why he was considered one of the best pure hitters available that year. He led a potent San Jose offense in both runs and RBIs while finishing second in the league in on-base percentage. In a San Francisco system short on hitting prospects, he's a rare commodity: an RBI machine with great contact ability. Only Barton had better pitch recognition, and Martinez-Esteve knows how to use the whole field while also taking advantage of his plus power. Already considered a liability in left field, Martinez-Esteve was limited to DH duties until late June following offseason labrum surgery. When he returned, his arm was well below average, as were his range and instincts. "He's just a complete circus out there," an AL scout said. Martinez-Esteve also drew criticism for his perceived arrogance.