TIGERS BRING BACK PROSPECT MARTINEZ
The Detroit Tigers acquired outfielder/infielder Francisco Martinez from the Seattle Mariners for cash.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
Even though Martinez hasn't panned out the way Detroit hoped (when they signed him back in 2007), they clearly want to add some third base depth to a farm system that doesn't have many top prospects at the hot corner. Obviously Martinez isn't going to supplant superstar {P Miguel Cabrera} anytime soon, and he has failed to hit well in the minors this season and last. Still, Detroit knows him and seems to like him enough to re-acquire him here from Seattle. To make room for Martinez the Tigers designated outfielder {P Quintin Berry} for assignment.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners added Martinez in the trade two summers ago that saw them also move {P Doug Fister} to Detroit, so clearly that didn't pan out ideally for them. Martinez struggled with the bat when in Seattle's organization, and it's tough to know how much of that was adjusting to playing the outfield for them. The Mariners have promising third base prospects {P Alex Liddi} and Stefen Romero in the system, so they could afford to let Martinez go. It will be interesting to see what type of asset they eventually get in return for Martinez.
Fantasy impact
Martinez is not a fantasy-viable player (and won't likely be even if he somehow makes it to the bigs anytime soon). Meanwhile not much changes for the Mariners, who as mentioned have power-hitting Liddi currently knocking on the door, and Romero waiting in the wings at Triple-A. This deal probably clears the path a bit for Romero, but he doesn't appear quite ready yet.
