Tino Martinez

Martinez confounded the experts in 2004 by turning in perhaps his best season since he was on the '98 Yankees. He'll turn 37 this spring, however, and will be hard-pressed to match those numbers in 2005. Left-handers give him more trouble as time goes by, so a platoon situation might be best. However, he could win a sizable role with the Yankees with Jason Giambi's status unclear.

OK, let's get this straight: Martinez is 36, his numbers have gotten worse each year since 1997 (save for a brief spike upwards in 2001) and he's moving into a park that is tougher on left-handed hitters than Busch Stadium. Folks, no matter how good the Cuban sandwiches and fried plantains are in Tampa, home cooking is not going to reverse those trends. He'll start the year as the Rays' first baseman and get regular playing time. If any of the Rays' younger outfielders (Jonny Gomes, Josh Hamilton) make enough noise with their bats, look for Tampa Bay to move Aubrey Huff to first and Tino to the bench. Martinez could conceivably be the worst AL first base option available among projected Opening Day starters.

Martinez did roughly what was expected of his last season – 21 homers, 75 RBI, .262/.337/.438. Below average numbers for a first baseman, to be sure, but enough to get him at least 450 more at-bats next year. Martinez actually improved his batting eye a bit, taking 58 walks against 71 strikeouts, and at 35, there’s no reason to think he’s completely washed up. Expect a slight decline from last season’s totals, but he’ll still contribute in NL leagues in 2003.