RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target in Deep Mixed Leagues and NL Only Leagues
OWNED IN: 28% of Fleaflicker Leagues
ANALYSIS: Carlos Martinez is flashing some of his high strikeout potential, averaging nine strikeouts per nine innings through his first three starts. This is no fluke, and he is still raw, but has very good stuff. Martinez throws a hard fastball in the mid 90s and has a solid curverball. He's still working on a changeup, and if hes able to throw one effectively - watch out.
The right-hander, just 23 years old, was previously working out of the bullpen for the Cardinals, and finally got the call to the rotation this season. This certainly improves his stock, but the one thing that could hold him back is a strict innings limit the Cardinals may/will place on him.
There's little doubt this kid has the stuff to be an above-average middle rotation guy as soon as right now, so long as he can locate his pitches. Walks have been an issue for Martinez in the past, as have left-handed batters, but he has been improving with walks recently. One thing to watch for is how lineups adjust to him and vice versa, now that they'll face off three or four times in each contest. If he makes progress vs. lefties, his ceiling is a #2/3 fantasy starting pitcher.
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