- Victor Martinez was born December 23, 1978.
- He came to the organization as a shortstop back in 1996. But, it was a terrific set of hands
that forced the Indians to move Victor Martinez behind the plate, a move that probably gave
the 23-year-old Venezuelan his best shot at the big leagues.
- After missing all but 47 games of the 2000 campaign with a shoulder injury, Victor Martinez
emerged by leading the Class A Carolina League with a .329 average and taking home MVP honors
last season. He hit .429 in the month of July -- the fifth-highest average of any minor leaguer
that month -- and hit for the cycle on July 7 against Salem.
- Signed as a reed-thin, 6-2, 160-pound 17-year-old, Victor Martinez has built up his body into
a solid 200 pounds, with most of the extra weight being added prior to last season. The
switch-hitter, who led the circuit in slugging percentage and ranked fourth in hits, on-base
percentage and doubles, hits both lefties (.315) and righties (.334) at a nearly equal clip,
has gap power and is competent behind the plate. (All of the above from USAToday.com.)
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