Leonys Martín
From BR Bullpen
Leonys Martín Tápanes
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lb.
- Debut September 2, 2011
- Born March 6, 1988 in Corralillo, Villa Clara Cuba
[edit] Biographical Information
Leonys Martín became a star in his third season in Cuba in 2007-2008, hitting .398/.497/.564, just behind Yoandy Garlobo for the league lead in average. He tied for second in the league in triples (9) and was 6th in steals (13). He failed to make the post-season All-Star team as Alexei Bell, Alfredo Despaigne and Yoandry Urgelles were picked as the outfielders. He made Cuba's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. As a backup outfielder in the Classic, he was 2 for 7 with 3 runs. He had previously played for Cuba in the 2006 World Junior Championship.
Martín hit .311/.491/.492 in 2008-2009. He tied Yoennis Cespedes for 4th in runs (83) and tied Alexei Bell for 2nd in steals (17). He was also 5th with 78 walks. He made the All-Star team as a utility man.
In the 2009 World Port Tournament, Leonys hit .310/.356/.476 and had one assist from right field. His 7 RBI tied Ariel Borrero, Rolando Meriño and Eriel Sánchez for second in the tourney, behind Yoelvis Fiss. His four doubles tied Sidney de Jong and Borrero for second behind Sánchez. His 20 total bases were 4th and his 13 hits 5th. He also tied Meriño and Fiss for 5th in runs (7). He was 9th in average and 7th in slugging. In 2009-2010, he hit .326/.438/.497 with 82 runs in 82 games. He tied Jose Dariel Abreu for 6th in runs, stole 30 bases (second to Marino Luis) and was caught stealing 13 times.
Martín defected from Cuba in 2010 and established residence in Mexico, thereby being able to avoid the Major League's First-year player draft. He worked out for the Texas Rangers in extended spring training in Surprise, AZ in April 2011 among rumors that he was about to sign a $15.5 million contract with them. The contract was formally announced on May 4, as Rangers GM Jon Daniels described the centerfielder as an "impact player" who could be in the major league team's line-up before the end of the year. The Rangers designated pitcher Ramon Aguero for assignment to make room for him on their major league roster. He was assigned to the AA Frisco Rough Riders at first, making his debut as the team's starting centerfielder on May 12; another top prospect, Engel Beltre, was moved away from CF to a corner outfield spot to make room for Martín. In his debut, he went 3-for-5 in a 10-7 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks, including a pair of doubles. He was then moved to the AAA Round Rock Express after a month, and also made a short stay with the AZL Rangers while rehabbing for an injury. For the year, Martín hit .295/.362/.421 in 73 minor league games, with 4 homers, 53 runs scored and 19 stolen bases.
It took Martin less than a year to reach the major leagues. On August 30th, he was called up to the majors when the Rangers placed Nelson Cruz on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, although for the time being Endy Chavez, like Martín a fast lefthanded batter able to play all outfield positions, was slated to fill in as the starter for the injured Cruz. He made his debut against the Boston Red Sox on September 2nd and singled off Tim Wakefield in his first at-bat as a pinch-hitter for Josh Hamilton in the 8th inning. He then took over for Hamilton in center field.
