Welcome home, Tino.
The Devil Rays are expected to roll out the red carpet for former University of Tampa star Tino Martinez at a news conference today announcing a trade with St. Louis that will bring Martinez home.
The Rays and Cardinals have talked for more than two weeks ironing out the final details on a deal that sends Martinez to the Rays for a minor-league prospect. Right-handed pitcher Jason Standridge and outfielder Jonny Gomes are potential candidates to be shipped to the Cardinals.
Financial details have taken time to work out. Martinez, who turns 36 in December, is to be paid $7.5 million next season. A club option for 2005 calls for $8 million in salary or a $1 million buyout. The Cardinals have agreed to absorb some $6 million of Martinez's salary for next season, while Tampa will be responsible for $1.5 million and the option-buyout for 2005.
The deal allows Martinez to take over at first base for Travis Lee, unrestricted free agent after he and the Rays declined to exercise a mutual option for $2.5 million.
Last season, Martinez batted .273 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs during an injury-plagued season.
Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune,11/21/03
According to a report in the Tampa Tribune, the two teams have spoken for more than two weeks about a potential deal. Martinez would go to Tampa Bay in exchange for a minor league prospect, likely righthanded pitcher Jason Standridge or outfielder Jonny Gomes.
It would be a return home for Martinez, who was a star high school player in Tampa and then had an incredible collegiate career with the University of Tampa.
A two-time All-Star, Martinez would also be reunited with Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella. Martinez played for Piniella in Seattle from 1993-95.
Martinez, who turns 36 on December 7, is entering his 15th major league season. This past season he hit .273 with 15 homers and 69 RBI. His home run total was the lowest since 1991 and his final RBI numbers were the fewest since 1994.
The Devil Rays have been in the market for a first baseman since Travis Lee and the team mutually declined an option for 2004.
Despite the fact that Martinez is due $7.5 million next season, the Devil Rays may be responsible for paying only a portion of the money with the rest being picked up by the Cardinals. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Cardinals will absorb $6 million of Martinez' salary for next season. Martinez also has a team option for 2005 at $8 million or a $1 million buyout.
During his career, Martinez has hit 299 homers, while driving in 1,146 runs and compiling a .273 batting average. He spent the first six years of his career in Seattle before playing for the Yankees from 1996-2001. He earned four World Series rings with New York. Martinez then signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2002 season.
WTEV
