Chris Martin: Former Boston Red Sox Prospect Reflects on Recent Trade and Career

When the Boston Red Sox acquired infielder Jonathan Herrera in a recent trade with the Colorado Rockies, they had to give up major league pitcher Franklin Morales and a prospect. That young player was pitcher Chris Martin, a hard-throwing right-handed reliever, who is on the cusp of making his major league debut.

The 27-year-old Martin was considered a good prospect as an amateur. He was drafted out of high school in 2004 by the Detroit Tigers, and again the following year by the Rockies after he had done a year with McLennan Community College. He never signed with either team, opting to continue his education.

After he tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder during his sophomore year, it looked like baseball might be over for him for good. According to The Boston Globe’s Michael Vega, after school, he spent three years working for places like UPS, Lowes and an appliance shop.

After he started playing baseball again recreationally, Martin discovered that he had healed from his injury and was still able to throw effectively—with a fastball that sat comfortably in the 90s. One thing led to another, and in 2010 he signed with the Grand Prairie AirHogs in the independent American Association, which was managed by former major league outfielder Pete Incaviglia.

Martin’s time as an AirHog was a success, as he went 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA in 13 games, earning a 2011 contract with the Red Sox.

Since joining the Boston system, he has progressed steadily, compiling a combined mark of 14-11 with a 3.12 ERA in 88 games over three seasons. He has also struck out nearly a batter per inning and only given up a total of 10 home runs in 222.3 innings.

Martin started 2013 with 21 scoreless innings at Double-A Portland before moving up to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he was 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA. He appears to be ready for a chance to pitch in the majors. Although that opportunity will no longer be from the Red Sox, his new start with the Rockies could be the perfect springboard.

I was able to catch up with Martin just days after his trade. Check out what he had to say about changing organizations and other reflections on his career. If you want to continue monitoring how he makes out with his new team, give him a follow on Twitter and keep looking for his name to pop up on the Colorado roster.

Chris Martin Interview:

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: Growing up in Arlington, Texas, I watched a lot of Rangers games as a kid. Anytime Nolan Ryan was pitching, I was locked in. The reason is because of his mentality. He pitched with confidence and he knew no one was going to touch him.

After you suffered a serious shoulder injury that prevented you from starting a professional playing career after college, what made you decide to make another attempt years later?: Even though I wasn’t playing I always had it in the back of my mind that I could pitch professionally. Just had to be patient and wait for the shoulder to allow me to give it another shot.

What has been your favorite moment from your playing career?: This may sound a little cliché but every moment is my favorite as long as I’m still playing. I know how fast it can be taken away.

How did you find out you had been traded to the Rockies, and how surprised were you?: On Twitter, I saw a post that I was involved in a trade. I called my agent and he didn’t answer, but about a minute after I got a call from the farm director for the Red Sox and he told me that I was traded, and he wished me the best of luck.

Are you disappointed that you reached the highest level of Boston's minor league system but never got to pitch with the big league team?: No. not at all. I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason. Hopefully I can debut in Colorado now.

What do you believe 2014 holds in store for you and your career?: It’s going to be new scenery but it’s still the same game. I just want to be able to contribute in helping win games whether it’s at Triple-A or the big leagues. 

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Nick Goody: The Pursuit of Mariano Rivera's Legacy With the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees’ propensity for courting and signing high-priced free agents can sometimes obscure their farm system, which has delivered numerous players of great importance to the team over the years. Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter and the recently departed Robinson Cano are all more recent examples of franchise cornerstones that were also homegrown.

One area the Yankees especially hope start producing in the near future is pitching. Right-hander Nick Goody is a prospect trying to be one of the youngsters who will one day graduate to the Bronx and continue the team’s tradition of self-sufficiency.

After attending high school in Orlando, Goody went on to Manatee-Sarasota Community College. He pitched well enough to be selected by the Yankees in the 22nd round of the 2011 draft but declined to sign and transferred to LSU.

Serving as the team’s closer, Goody had 11 saves and a 2.67 ERA in 2012, posting 45 strikeouts in 33.2 innings while walking just four. It was enough to induce the Yankees to draft him again—this time in the sixth round.

Pitching for three minor league teams that summer, Goody had an impressive combined ERA of 1.12 with seven saves in 23 games. What really stood out were the 40 strikeouts he recorded in 24.2 innings.

Unfortunately, after just two games with Advanced-A Tampa in 2013, Goody had to undergo Tommy John surgery and missed the rest of the season and possibly a good chunk of 2014.

If everything goes as planned, the 22-year-old will eventually regain full health and resume his promising career. With the recent retirement of Rivera, the Yankees are in need of a new long-term replacement to close games. With any luck, Goody could be a potential option down the road.

Last offseason, Goody answered some questions about his career. Check him out and also give him a follow on Twitter. Since he is coming back from such a major setback, he would undoubtedly enjoy as much support as he can get as he works to fulfill his baseball goals and dreams.

Nick Goody Interview:

Who was your favorite player growing up, and why?: My favorite player growing up was Rafael Furcal. I loved the Braves and I was also an infielder and switch hitter. I tried mirroring everything he did.

Talk a little bit about your experience playing at LSU:  Playing for LSU was everything I could have asked for and more. The fans are unbelievable, and the team and staff is in my opinion the best in the country. The atmosphere and competition you get there is second to none and definitely helped prepare me for pro ball. Definitely a blessing

How did it feel knowing that the Yankees thought so much of you that they drafted you twice?: Being drafted once by the best organization in baseball is an honor and a blessing. Being drafted twice by the same team just goes to show what a class act they are. I guess the big man upstairs wanted me to be a Yankee and I'm honored.

What is your favorite meal when you are on a team road trip?: Haha, my favorite meal when on a road trip... It's tough to say when you’re not piecing meals together at a gas station, LOL, but I mean I'm a big sushi guy, so I'd say when I can sushi.

If you could change anything about the 2012 season what would it be?: I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing this past season. Everything happens for a reason, although I'm not satisfied, and know I have a lot to work on to get to where I ultimately want to be.

What pitches do you throw, and which one do you consider your out pitch?: I throw a fastball, slider, and recently have been working on a changeup. If I had to choose my "out pitch," I guess it would have to be my slider.

Have you had a chance yet to pick the brain of Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera?: I have not met Mariano Rivera, although he's one guy I'd love to talk to. Every person that talks about him has nothing but great things to say. I'd have to say he's one of my favorite players. He's an all-around good guy on and off the field.

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Brian Garman: Getting to Know the Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitching Prospect

If you are left-handed and a pitcher, there may be a future for you in baseball. Especially if you have some talent. Former Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguer Brian Garman is finding that out as he works his way towards the major leagues.

The 25-year-old southpaw attended Wapakoneta High School in Ohio before moving on and having a stellar career with the University of Cincinnati.

The Brewers made him their 17th-round draft choice in 2010 and promptly started developing Garman as a reliever. Through four seasons, he has become a very effective bullpen piece, appearing in a combined 127 games (four starts) and going 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning. He has pitched at Double-A for parts of each of the past two seasons, and 2014 should be a pivotal year for him, as he is on the verge of the big leagues.

Last offseason, Garman answered some questions about his career. Regrettably, his answers are just getting posted now but he is an intriguing prospect, and more importantly, a nice guy. 

*UPDATE* Unfortunately, Milwaukee released Garman earlier this offseason following some troubles he had with injuries. Hopefully, he will be able to bounce back and resume his major league aspirations with another team.

Make sure to check out his story and give him a follow on Twitter because he may just be pitching at a major league stadium near you in the not so distant future.

Brian Garman Interview:

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: My favorite player when I was a kid was Nolan Ryan. I am too young to remember watching him pitch but my father always talked about him and it grew on me. I knew I wanted to pitch, and Nolan was the guy to watch.

As I got older, through high school and college, I really took to Roy Oswalt. Because of his small stature, I could relate to having to overcome being smaller than most, as far as pitchers go. He always seemed to be attacking hitters with no fear, and I feel like that is a guy to try to emulate.

How did you come to attend the University of Cincinnati?: Cincinnati hosted a Nike Baseball Camp when I was in high school. I didn't have any knowledge of UC prior to this camp. I came to the camp just as they were opening up their brand new, multi-million dollar facilities – new weight room, new ball diamond and club house. There was nothing better in the nation at that time. 

During the camp I caught the eye of the coaches, and they followed me from there. When it came to my junior year in high school and the recruiting picked up, Cincinnati was the first to call. They seemed excited about getting me on campus, and they had a good offer along with the top-notch facilities. I couldn't turn it down. I had a great four years there. 

Can you describe what your 2010 draft day experience was like?: My draft day was not at all the way I pictured it as a kid. I always knew it would happen, although I wasn't sure when or how it would go, and if you would have asked me to describe it, it wouldn't have been close to the way it actually happened.

My senior season at Cincinnati was a strong season, undoubtedly the best of the four, so I anticipated being drafted. I had been contacted by all MLB teams and had heard several things from the scouts that looking back on it now I never should have bought into. I was told the latest I was going to be drafted was 10th round from five or six different scouts. I was drafted in the 17th round. I was not happy. As I was watching some high school guys and some of my friends getting drafted in the seventh, eighth, ninth, 10th, 12th, and 14th rounds, I was pissed and I wasn't hiding it. So, to burn off some frustration, I left the house to go running. I left the house without anyone noticing; unintentionally. I ran to the track, and started running 100 yard sprints mumbling to myself that I wasn't good enough to get drafted in the top ten rounds as motivation to keep running. I ran home completely exhausted and walked in the door to my mom asking where the hell I had been because the Brewers called and drafted me in the 17th round. My reply was, ‘Good... took 'em long enough.’  I called my scout and we handled the rest of the contract/signing plans over the phone. 

What kind of feedback about your training and performance have you been getting from the Brewers organization?: I have not been told too much. On the training side of things they seem to be pleased. As far as performance goes, they don't say too much to me. I don't get too wrapped up in compliments or criticism. At this age I know what a strong performance is and what is not. If I am throwing the ball well then things will take care of themselves. 

Which pitches do you throw; and which is your best; and which do you believe needs the most work?: I throw a two-seam, four-seam fastball, curveball, slider, changeup. I wouldn't say that I have a best pitch, just a pitch that isn't the best, and that is my changeup. That is what needs the most work, but with that said, if I just throw it with confidence then it could be just as good as the others. I like to mix it up and throw all my pitches in any count, so I try not to label any as my best. 

Have you been surprised by the success you have had thus far?: I don't want to say that I am surprised by success because that is what I work for and I expect to have success. I have also had plenty of struggles along the way. I am not surprised by either successes or struggles. I understand it is part of the process and part of the game. I would like to think that during times of struggle that maybe I can surprise others with a comeback. There are plenty of lessons learned from both.

Are you comfortable being labeled as a left-handed specialist, or do you think you are capable of ever more, like starting or closing?: I am not particularly fond of the label left handed specialist. Hitters are hitters; I don't care from which side of the plate they choose to stand. I have been facing right handed hitters my entire life, I have never faced an all left-handed line-up, so I have some experience getting out right handed hitters. As far as starting or closing, I will pitch at any point throughout the game that the organization or manager feels I can have success and be an asset to the team. I will pitch whenever they call my number and hope it is often. I just want the ball. I don't care when.

Can you talk a little bit about the work you have done in the off-season teaching and working with youth?: I spend my offseason keeping busy. It is an opportunity to make slightly more money than the life-changing minor league salary I make, and a chance for me to teach the game to kids. I run my own pitching camp in my hometown and I help others with camps throughout the region. I also work with the Wapakoneta High School varsity baseball team five or six days a week. We lift, condition, talk mental game, and even do yoga classes during the offseason. I give individual lessons in the evenings as well. I substitute teach four or five days a week for a little money and to keep some structure. I find myself interacting with youth in almost everything I do during the offseason. I enjoy doing all that I do. I like to try to teach the game, but even if it's not baseball related I like to try to make an impact and try to create opportunities for kids. 

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Jamie Callahan: Boston Red Sox Pitching Prospect About to Explode on the Scene

Fire up the presses! The Boston Red Sox have another really good pitching prospect. No, seriously, they do. His name is Jamie Callahan and he is poised to join the short list of the best young hurlers in the organization.

The right-hander grew up in South Carolina and attended Dillon High School where he went 7-1 with a 0.89 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 50 innings.

Although Callahan had a scholarship to attend the University of South Carolina, who were coming off winning the College World Series, the Red Sox took him in the second round of the 2012 draft. A healthy bonus convinced him to forego school and start his professional career.

He just dipped his toes into the minors last year, appearing in a handful of games in the Gulf Coast League. That served as a good spring board to the 2013 season, as he went 5-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 13 games (12 starts), striking out 54 in 59.2 innings.

Callahan will be 19 for most of the 2014 season, which he will spend with his first full-season team. His low-to-mid 90s fastball and starter’s arsenal make him a prospect on the rise.

SoxProspects.com lists a smoother delivery and fastball command as two of the biggest things he must work on to propel his development. However, both are typical areas of concern for young pitchers.

I was able to chat with Callahan prior to one of his Lowell games this past season. Not only was he one of the nicest players I have met in a long time, he is also clearly passionate about his job and determined to continue getting better. Don’t be surprised if his name starts coming up a lot more often in the Boston area in the coming years.

Jamie Callahan Interview:

How did you first become interested in baseball?: I started playing when I was just four-years old in T-Ball. My dad gave me a ball and glove, and started playing catch. From that, the love of the game has just always been there. I just enjoy playing it.

Did you have a favorite team or player when you were growing up?: Being from the south, and South Carolina, the closest team was the Braves. My grandparents and great grandparents were Braves fans, so I was a big Chipper Jones and Braves fan too. John Smoltz, I loved watching him, so I guess the Braves have been my team.

Is there any pitcher you would like to sit down with and pick their brain?: Any guy that has MLB experience. It’s always great when we have them come through the clubhouse. It’s always great to sit down and ask them a couple of questions about what it feels like. Just to learn how to be a professional pitcher; how to be a big leaguer so to speak. I like to pick their brains for their experience, and kind of live through them.

What was your draft experience like in 2012?: Oh man, it was amazing. Actually, when I got the call, I had a Blackberry at the time and my scroll button wasn’t working, so I couldn’t make calls.

I was on my way to my local Sprint store, which was like 30 minutes away in Florence. So I got my phone fixed, and the draft, which was on the second day started at 12. I was on my way back and stopped at a gas station and got the call. I was pumping gas with my parents when I got the call. I was on my way into the store to buy a soda and I got the call. It was just completely a surprise that I got picked.

Had Boston been in touch with you before? How did you know they were interested in you?: I knew they were kind of interested, but there wasn’t really talk. I didn’t think they were actually going to take me.

I had a couple of calls; a call from the Orioles, but couldn’t get things worked out there.

It was just kind of a surprise. Going through the draft with Quincy (Red Sox scout Quincy Boyd), my family really liked him. My mom felt really comfortable with him, and talked with him a couple of times and didn’t really think they were going to take me in the second round; maybe the later rounds. It just so happened to work out. It seems like it was meant to be.

You originally committed to play for the University of South Carolina; how difficult was it to choose between them and the Red Sox?: It was very difficult. I told my parents that if I got such-and-such money I was going to go. I got that and I felt like the time was right and I was mature enough to take on the challenge. When I got that call, I knew I was ready for pro ball.

It was really tough to turn down a great program; a great school.

Did you do anything special to celebrate after you signed with Boston?: I went out and bought me a 2012 SRT Dodge Challenger. It was my dream car and what I wanted, so I went out and bought that. I just kind of enjoy it, but know that it only lasts for so long.

What pitches do you throw, and which one are you trying to work on the most?: I throw a fastball, curveball and a changeup.

I would have to say I am working on all the pitches. Just working on developing them and being able to throw them when I want, on command.

The curveball is probably the one I am struggling with right now. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not.

I just recently started throwing a changeup a lot more, and I’m getting comfortable with that. I’ll move on and try to get comfortable with the curveball so I can have a three-pitch arsenal. I’ll pull that out whenever I need to.

I would say that all of my pitches are in development right now. Just trying to learn how to pitch.

Now two years in with the Red Sox, how has your experience been with the organization?: I love it. It’s great. They’ve got a great coaching staff, all the way up. It’s just magnificent to be able to learn from their experiences.

                                                                 

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