Moving on Up: Indians Promote Marte
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The Cleveland Indians promoted third-base prospect Andy Marte today after Marte's recent surge for AAA Buffalo.
Marte was the key piece in the Indians' trade with the Boston Red Sox that sent Coco Crisp to Boston.
The Indians sent utility infielder Ramon Vazquez back to Buffalo.
Marte was expected to start his big league career beginning in 2007, but current Tribe third baseman Aaron Boone has been struggling and Marte has recently proven himself worthy of a chance.
Marte started 2006 with a long slump but has broken out in recent weeks. He earned International League Player of the Month honors in June by batting .304 with 10 homers and 22 RBIs. Earlier this month, he took home the Home Run Derby crown at the Triple-A All-Star Game in Toledo.
Marte is hitting .261 for the season with 15 homers and 46 RBIs. He's made 19 errors in the field.
Boone has been struggling both both at the plate and in the field. Marte is expected to start making regular stars. Cleveland is hoping to trade Boone before the July 31 deadline. He he isn't moved in a trade he will be released or placed in a utility role.
This is Marte's second trip to the Majors, he had a September callup with Atlanta in 2005. In that short stinkt he hit .140 (8-for-57) with four RBIs in 24 games.
Marte was acquired along with reliever Guillermo Mota and catcher Kelly Shoppach in the trade that sent Crisp, David Riske and Josh Bard to Boston.
Source
Date
Fri 07/28/06, 11:17 am EST
