Martinez Adjusting To New Role And New Arsenal With A's
The Oakland Athletics are dealing with one of the best problems an organization can have: too much starting pitching. Oakland's top prospect list is littered with high-upside starters. That ever-increasing depth, however, has forced other solid starters to the bullpen. Among them is Beloit's Seth Martinez who, despite previous success
The Oakland Athletics are dealing with one of the best problems an organization can have: too much starting pitching. Oakland's top prospect list is littered with high-upside starters. That ever-increasing depth, however, has forced other solid starters to the bullpen. Among them is Beloit's Seth Martinez who, despite previous success as a starter within the A's organization, is thriving in his new relief role.
"It's definitely a different mindset," Martinez, 23, said of his first experience as a full-time reliever. "You don't have time to think about much. Your names called, the adrenaline kicks in and you're ready to go."
The A's selected the right-handed Martinez, a native of Peoria, Ariz., in the 17th round of the 2016 draft following a solid three-year career at Arizona State. Primarily used as a starter, Martinez pitched to a 3.50 ERA in 244 innings for the Sun Devils. He blossomed in his junior year, posting a 2.75 ERA while striking out 94 in 111 1/3 innings.
That success translated to the righty's full-season debut in 2017. After making just four appearances between the rookie Arizona League Athletics and Short-Season A Vermont, Martinez was tested at Class A Beloit, and did not disappoint. Martinez spun a 3.49 ERA in 20 games (10 starts), bouncing between the rotation and bullpen as part of the "piggyback" system that Oakland often employs in low levels of the minors. He struck out 73 while walking just 19 in 95.1 innings, and his 1.14 WHIP was among Midwest League leaders.
Martinez, a methodic worker, attributes much of his success to his mental state while on the mound, which revolves around "taking it one pitch at a time."
"Mentally I've gotten more in tune with myself, in tune with how my body works," Martinez said of his development since being drafted. "I've gotten stronger just confidence-wise. I always go back to taking it one pitch at a time. I said that stuff in college, but now I know the true meaning [behind that saying] because we're out here everyday… just knowing that you're going to have your ups and downs, and trying to learn from failure."
The A's threw Martinez a curveball this past offseason with the knowledge that he would be used as a full-time reliever for the first time. It seems he was up for the challenge, however: with a 2.90 ERA in 59 innings over 34 games, Martinez has been arguably the Snappers most reliable reliever in 2018. His 13 saves lead Beloit and rank fourth in the Midwest League.
The new pitch Martinez added to his arsenal prior to the 2018 season may have a role in his success in the bullpen.
"I got a new pitch this year, the sinker," he said. "I worked on the sinker grip, which really gave me more action on my fastball, something that I can kind of go to down in the count and get a groundball."
The sinker seems to be paying dividends for Martinez. In 2017, his groundout-to-flyout ratio was 0.9; that number has escalated to 1.31 in 2018.
Thanks to his experience as a starter, Martinez's repertoire is more diverse than that of the average reliever. Aside from the sinker, which lives in the upper 80s, he features a four-seam fastball (88-91 MPH), a straight change-up (83-85) and slider (80-82).
"I do go for strikeouts, but at the same time I don't consider myself a strikeout pitcher," said Martinez of his mindset on the mound. "I do of course want to have that aggression to strike out the batter, but at the same time, my stats say that I don't really strike out many people.
"I just try to focus on executing each pitch, knowing what I want to do with this pitch depending on the situation and just trying to make sure that I'm visualizing that pitch happening before I throw it. Once I let go of the ball, whatever happens, happens… just trying to control what I can control."
Despite his great success coming out of the 'pen so far in 2018, Martinez sees himself as a starter in the long run, but will answer to whatever the A's ask of him.
"I like to start more. I feel like I'm more of a starting pitcher with my arsenal and the way I pitch," Martinez said. "But I mean also, I feel I've been doing pretty well this year out of the 'pen. I have a preference for starting, but I think I have the ability to just pitch whenever I need to pitch."
The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and have been the Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics since 2013. For more ticket information, contact the Snappers office at (608) 362-2272 or on our website, www.snappersbaseball.com.
Sky Carp well-represented in Spring Breakout
BELOIT—The Sky Carp will have seven alumni featured for the Miami Marlins in the annual Spring Breakout game. The Marlins squad will take on the St. Louis Cardinals top prospects on Friday, March 14 at 11:05 a.m. Four Sky Carp pitchers made the roster: Noble Meyer (2024 Sky Carp), Karson
Border Brouhaha Softball Slam Featuring Football Legend Mason Crosby
BELOIT, WI– The Sky Carp, in collaboration with Green Bay Packers legend Mason Crosby and TEAM LAMMI, are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Border Brouhaha Softball Slam, a spirited charity softball game set to take place on July 27 at the picturesque ABC Supply Stadium. This exciting event will
Sky Carp release single-game tickets
BELOIT—Families can officially make their spring and summer plans today as the Sky Carp’s single-game tickets go on sale. The team has an exciting summer promotional schedule, offering the first chance to secure premium tickets! Families can enjoy returning favorites and new events that will engage all ages. We anticipate
Sky Carp announce 2025 field staff
BELOIT -- The Sky Carp, in conjunction with the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce their 2025 coaching staff, led by manager Angel Espada. Espada is no stranger to Sky Carp fans, as he served as the defensive coach for the 2024 Sky Carp. He is among the Marlins’ longest-tenured
Sky Carp to give away tickets to Marlins Fanfest
BELOIT WI– The Sky Carp, High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to offer four fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a VIP experience at the Miami Marlins Fan Fest, taking place at loanDepot Park on Saturday, February 8. To enter the contest, participants must reside within a 60-mile
Sky Carp to host Rudy Ruettiger
BELOIT, WI – The Sky Carp proudly announces that Rudy Ruettiger is coming to town! Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the iconic movie ‘Rudy’, will be in Beloit on Thursday, April 3, as part of the Beloit International Film Festival. There will be a showing of the film in the
Sky Carp get into the swing with golf simulator
BELOIT, WI – The Beloit Sky Carp have added another exciting element to state-of-the-art ABC Supply Stadium: A brand new golf simulator. The simulator, which is available to the public for rent, is housed in the Beloit Health System Club, where it is accessible year-round for those Stateline area golfing
Quint and Rishy Studer provide holiday surprise to SFOC employees
BELOIT – Quint and Rishy Studer have provided each full-time and part-time employee of the Studer Family of Companies, Center for Civic Engagement and Studer Community Institute a gift of $1,000 in advance of the holiday season. “Rishy and I see how inflation impacts individuals and families,” said Quint Studer
Sky Carp announce Supper Clubbers identity
BELOIT, WI –There are few things that say ‘Wisconsin’ more clearly than a traditional supper club. The cozy atmosphere. The menu staples like the prime rib, relish tray and Friday fish fry. And the feeling of a sense of belonging. Sky Carp fans get many of those same sensations while
Joe Mack wins Gold Glove Award
BELOIT, WI – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence, including the recognition of catcher Joe Mack, who began the season with the Beloit Sky Carp before moving on to Pensacola, as one
E.R.As Night II is here!
BELOIT—Sky Carp fans spoke. OK, shrieked. Screamed. Sang. Whatever it was, the demand was clear: We Want Another E.R.A.s Night! At ABC Supply Stadium on Thursday, August 29 at 6:35 p.m. fans will once again have the opportunity to win TWO TICKETS to Taylor’s incredible show at Lucas Oil Field
Sky Carp release 2025 home schedule
BELOIT – The Sky Carp announced the home schedule for their upcoming 2025 season on Friday, featuring 66 total games against eight different opponents in the Midwest League. The Sky Carp will begin their 44th season in Beloit and fourth full season at ABC Supply Stadium on Friday, April 4
Sky Carp-Lugnuts postponed
BELOIT —Saturday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Lugnuts has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader between the two teams beginning at 12:05 on Sunday. Gates will be opening at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for Saturday’s game can
Sellout crowd sees Captains defeat Sky Carp
BELOIT – A standing-room only crowd on ERAs Night at ABC Supply Stadium witnessed the Captains beat the Sky Carp 5-3 Saturday night. The crowd jammed to Taylor Swift songs all night, participated in T-Swift Trivia and marked the end of the game with fantastic fireworks show. The Captains jumped
Sky Carp-Captains rained out
BELOIT – Tuesday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Captains was postponed due to rain following Tuesday’s deluge. The two teams will make the game up as part of a doubleheader beginning Thursday at 4 p.m. The doubleheader will feature two seven-inning games. Tickets for tonight’s game can
E.R.A.s Night comes to ABC Supply Stadium
BELOIT—The Taylor Takeover has arrived! E.R.A.s Night will be held on Saturday, June 8 at ABC Supply Stadium, and much like Taylor Swift’s latest single, it’s a guaranteed hit! Only 100 seats remain for E.R.A.s night presented by Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts. The big prize of the night? That’s
Sky Carp split doubleheader
BELOIT – The Sky Carp split a doubleheader with the Dayton Dragons Wednesday night at ABC Supply Stadium. The Sky Carp took game one 6-5 in 12 innings, while the Dragons bounced back for a 2-0 victory in game two. Jake Thompson’s RBI grounder in the 12th secured the victory
Late run secures 5-4 win for Sky Carp
MIDLAND, Mich.- After a couple of heartbreaking late defeats, the Sky Carp bounced back with a dramatic win of their own Friday night. It took 10 innings, but the Carp took down the Loons 5-4 to even the series at two games each heading into the weekend. A wild pitch
Tuesday night's game postponed
BELOIT – Tuesday night’s game between the Sky Carp and the Chiefs was postponed due to field conditions following Tuesday’s deluge. The two teams will make the game up as part of a doubleheader beginning Wednesday at 4:05 p. m. The doubleheader will feature two seven-inning games. Tickets for tonight’s
Dino Night comes back to ABC Supply Stadium
BELOIT—One of the most popular promotions in recent Beloit Sky Carp history is back! Dino Night, sponsored by Regal-Rexnord, will be the featured promotion at ABC Supply Stadium on Saturday, June 1. While the Sky Carp are taking on the Dayton Dragons on the field, we will have plenty of
Sky Carp bounce back for 6-5 win
BELOIT—The Sky Carp entertained a tremendous Education Day crowd of 1,839 by taking down the River Bandits 6-5 Wednesday afternoon. Jake Thompson hit a three-run home run, Emmett Olson continued his streak of scoreless baseball and the Sky Carp held off a late rally to even the series at one
Offensive explosion triggers Sky Carp past Cubs
PEORIA, Ill.—Just one day after the Sky Carp exploded for 11 runs against South Bend, the team had plenty left for an encore presentation Wednesday afternoon. The Sky Carp pounded the Cubs 19-4 in an incredible display of offensive might. The team finished the game 18 hits, including six home
The Supper Clubbers debut on What Could Have Been Night
BELOIT—A Wisconsin tradition. A true ‘What could have been moment.’ A memorable night at the ballpark. The Wisconsin Supper Clubbers will take to the diamond on Friday, July 12, as What Could Have Been Night comes to the ballpark. ABC Supply Stadium will transform into the home of the Supper
Sky Carp suffer first defeat of season
PEORIA, Ill.—The Beloit Sky Carp late-inning magic came up short on Tuesday night. The Sky Carp suffered their first defeat of the season, a 5-3 decision to the Peoria Chiefs. Beloit trailed 4-0 when Osiris Johnson cracked his first home run of the season, a two-run blast that plated Torin
Sky Carp-Kernels postponed
BELOIT—Sunday’s scheduled game with the Cedar Rapids Kernels has been postponed due to inclement weather. Because the Kernels do not return to Beloit during the season’s first half, the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, April 27. Game one is scheduled