by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/20/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin was hitting .245 on May 1, with a home run, and no steals in 49 at-bats over the team's first 27 games. Martin has hit .325 with five steals and a home run in 40 at-bats in the ensuing 17 games.
Martin's main drawback earlier in the season was his timeshare with Craig Gentry in center field. But Martin has started seven of the last eight games for the Rangers, and, with the regular playing time, is proving to be a solid regular. Gentry, hitting .250 with six steals, has started two games since May 12.
Martin, who hit .323 in 533 minor league at-bats, could be a nice source of steals, average and might be able to contribute a handful of home runs (in just over 500 minor league at-bats, he hit 16). Momentum is shifting in Martin's direction, but -- more importantly -- he's getting the playing time. Owned in just 27 percent of leagues, Martin is a smart grab for an astute owner in 12-team Roto leagues and deeper.
Leonys Martin blazing on the basepaths
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/17/2013) Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin stole two bases Thursday night as part of a 2-for-4 game, giving him three steals in his last two games after failing to steal a base in his first 33 games.
Martin was also caught stealing for the second time this season Thursday. He has hit .268/.326/.390 in 89 plate appearances and appears to be warming up on the basepaths.
Leonys Martin clubs second home run
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin hit his second home run of the season Sunday against the Astros.
Martin got the start in right field, and went 2 for 4. In the top of the fifth, Martin took a slider out to right field for his second home run of the season. In 70 at-bats, Martin is hitting .271/.338/.414.
Leonys Martin provides spark off bench
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin came off the bench Saturday to triple and drive in two runs against the Astros. It was his second triple, which have both come in his last 18 games (eight starts).
Martin, who has appeared in 29 games (17 starts), is batting .262 with a .333 on-base percentage, one home run, four RBI and nine runs.
Leonys Martin records multiple hits
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin got the start in center field on Sunday at Minnesota. Martin was one of two Texas players to record multiple hits as the Rangers were shut out 5-0.
Batting ninth, Martin went 2 for 3 with two singles in the game. He's batting .261. Martin has hits in each of his last five starts for the Rangers.
Leonys Martin connects for first HR
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin hit the first home run of his major-league career in Sunday's series finale against the Mariners. The 25-year-old launched a solo bomb off starter Aaron Harang in the third inning and finished 2 for 4 with a pair of runs scored in the 11-3 win.
"I just made contact," Martin told MLB.com. "I didn't know it was a home run until I saw it land into the stands. It was exciting. I'm not going to forget that for the rest of my life."
Martin is batting .242 (8 for 33) through 12 games with seven runs scored.
Leonys Martin, Craig Gentry can't get consistent time
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry continue to be used in a platoon role.
Martin played in consecutive games this weekend, but was replaced by Gentry Monday. Manager Ron Washington hinted that Martin would start Tuesday's game, but Gentry would be used Wednesday. The constant substitutions in the starting lineup may continue.
Washington reiterated that "they're both going to play." The only way for the team to do that right now is to continue platooning them.
Both players had some promise as potential sleepers this season, but neither will have value in this current part-time role.
Martin had been rotating with Craig Gentry in center field. He is just 1 for 10 (.100) with four strikeouts through three games.
"I decided to give Martin back-to-back days," Washington said, "And try to get him going a little bit. Then eventually I'll give Gentry back-to-back games. I had the one game and out. I don't want him to start thinking. I want him to just play baseball."
Leonys Martin on the bench again
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/5/2013) Well, the Rangers faced their first left-hander Friday, and sure enough, Leonys Martin was out of the lineup. That's two out of four games now, and my patience is wearing thin.
Granted, it's only wearing thin. Given Martin's upside and potential in the Rangers lineup, I'd hate to cut ties with him prematurely, so if he starts both Saturday and Sunday, I'll hold on to him. But if this every-other-day thing continues, it's going to make him borderline useless in 12-team mixed leagues.
Let's wait and see on Leonys Martin
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/3/2013) When Rangers manager Ron Washington said he would play both Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry this season, you had to figure you could at least trust Martin to start against the righties. But he sat in favor of Gentry against a right-hander -- Lucas Harrell -- Tuesday at Houston.
He was back in the lineup Wednesday against Philip Humber, another right-hander, which is good news, I guess. But who really knows what to make of this split so far? I have a feeling Martin's benching Tuesday was at least partially a punishment of sorts for not running to first base on a dropped third strike Monday, judging from Washington's comments, so I'd rather not make a move yet, knowing Martin's potential.
But clearly, the situation bears watching. Part-time at-bats do not a mixed-leaguer make.
Leonys Martin to start vs. Astros, Phil Humber Wednesday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin is back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros, the club announced.
The left-handed Martin moves back into the lineup against right-handed Houston starter Phil Humber. The Rangers have said they won't platoon the outfield pair of Martin and Craig Gentry. So far, the Rangers have faced three right-handed starters (Bud Norris and Lucas Harrell started the first two games), so we'll have to wait and see if one of the pair pulls away or if a platoon eventually sinks in.
Manager talks to Leonys Martin about hustle
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin caught the eye on manager Ron Washington for not hustling after striking out in Sunday's season opener, The Dallas Morning News reports.
Astros catcher Jason Castro dropped the third strike but instead of running to first base, Martin walked back to the dugout and was tagged out.
“That’s been addressed,” Washington said Tuesday. “He got some good knowledge.”
Craig Gentry replaced Martin in the lineup on Tuesday against the Astros.
Rangers to give Leonys Martin green light on the bases
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Rangers manager Ron Washington told the Dallas Morning News Saturday that outfielder Leonys Martin will receive the green light around the basepaths this season.
"We told him at the beginning of spring training that we were turning him loose," Washington said. "We're going to stay aggressive. Some nights, it's going to turn us off the field. Some nights, it’s going to run us into some big innings."
Martin stole five bases but was caught four times in 25 Cactus League games. He's expected to start at center field Sunday night against the Astros.
Leonys Martin likely to start in center on opening day
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com Thursday that Leonys Martin will likely start in center field in Sunday's opener against the Astros over Craig Gentry.
"The spring they had, they both deserve to start and play regularly," Washington said. "But it'll probably be Martin because of the right-hander [on the mound for the Astros]."
No platoon for Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry?
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) Rangers manager Ron Washington said that Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry will see a fair amount of playing time this season. Washington would not commit to specific roles, saying “both guys will play, but I am not announcing a platoon.” He added that he will find a way to get both players into the lineup.
Leonys Martin being stifled by Craig Gentry's solid spring
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/26/2013) In 56 spring at-bats, Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin is hitting .339 with three steals, three doubles, a triple and 12 RBI. He has yet to hit a home run. Normally, we'd be embracing him and whispering his name in the same breath as Wil Myers or Shelby Miller. Instead, Martin is relegated to being the 254th player taken in Roto drafts despite the strong spring and generally stellar minor-league numbers (.323 average, 16 home runs, 29 steals, .891 OPS in 533 at-bats).
The main problem? Craig Gentry, the incumbent in center, is having an equally strong spring, hitting .333 with two home runs and six steals in 51 at-bats. And Gentry's reward for his great spring and solid 2012 (.304 average, 13 steals in 240 at-bats) is an ADP that doesn't even scrape the top 400.
Although Gentry doesn't have the pedigree of Martin, he does have some impressive speed and nice average potential in his past -- although Julio Borbon, Jr. can attest to that not meaning much in the Texas system. So here's my plan: In mixed leagues, I go for Martin late. In AL-only leagues, I pair my Martin pick with a reserve pick of Gentry. If Martin wins the job, I drop Gentry outright. If Gentry wins, I keep Martin on my bench. Until we get word on a decision, it's the route that assures the most value.
Leonys Martin viewed as centerpiece
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/15/2013) Rangers outfield prospect Leonys Martin is battling Craig Gentry for the starting job in center field to begin the season. But his long-term outlook appears even brighter, according to Texas manager Ron Washington.
"I definitely see Martin’s future as an every-day guy out there in center field, and so far down here in spring training he’s been doing everything, playing defense, throwing to the right bag, running the bases, hitting," Washington told ESPN.com on Friday. "Right now, we haven’t made a decision on who will get that job, but right now both of them are doing extremely well."
Martin is boasting a .400 batting average with two doubles and two triples in 15 games this spring, while Gentry is carrying a .300 mark and a pair of homers.
Martin returns with three RBI
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/7/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin returned to the lineup Thursday against the Dodgers in Cactus League play, after missing Wednesday's contest with a left hamstring injury. Martin returned in a big way as he went 1 for 3 with three RBI in a 12-12 tie. “He looks more comfortable,” third baseman Adrian Beltre said. “He’s swinging the bat good, from what I’ve seen. He’s taking that next step because he knows he has a really good shot at staying on the ballclub.”
Martin scratched with tightness
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin was scratched from Wednesday’s spring training game, due to tightness in his left hamstring. He is being considered day to day due to the injury.
Martin has come 'ready to play'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/27/2013) Outfielder Leonys Martin is emerging as the early front-runner for the starting center field job for the Rangers. Martin is batting .545 (6 for 11) with two doubles, three runs, one RBI and one stolen base through his first five games. His hot start has given manager Ron Washington the idea of potentially naming a full-time starter in center field. "I'm getting him in against everyone and he isn't showing any sign of giving in to left-handers," Washington said, per ESPN. "If this continues, and we feel like he can handle lefties as well as righties, which he has always handled in his career, it's a possibility. I think what's happening is he knows he has a chance to probably make this team and he came here ready to play."
Rangers love what they have in Martin
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/17/2013) Texas outfielder Leonys Martin has a real chance of winning the center field job out of spring training this season, reports MLB.com Sunday. Texas' regard for the young Cuban defector is one of the main reasons the team did not go out and sign a replacement for Josh Hamilton. "We're going to put him out there and find out everything we can about him," manager Ron Washington. "He's got talent. This kid just needs to relax and play and he'll answer every single question that needs to be answered."
Martin liking his chances
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/23/2013) With Josh Hamilton out of the picture, Leonys Martin is the favorite to start in center field for the Rangers, with Craig Gentry being his primary competition. "I feel good," Martin told MLB.com. "I'm sorry that Hamilton went to another team, but I feel great mentally and physically. I feel good about the opportunity." Rangers hitting coach Dave Magadan, formerly of the Red Sox, recently met with Martin and gushed about his potential. "The ceiling is limitless on him," Magadan said Wednesday. "So we'll let him go at his pace and whatever we can to make him better, and he's definitely a lot like Jacoby [Ellsbury] in the way he's very coachable, very open. He's got that personality where he's very approachable, those are all good things."
