Getting to know Chris Martin

By: Chad Raines

In Yankees general manager Brian Cashman’s attempt in stocking up the bullpen depth with multiple arms, the Yankees went out and acquired Chris Martin from the Colorado Rockies on Jan. 13 for cash. The 6 foot 7 and 3/4 inch right-hander will look to compete for a roster spot in spring training through the use of his mid-90’s four-seam and two-seam fastball, cutter, slider, and a “work in progress” changeup.

(photo via usa.today)

Martin pitched to a 2.25 ERA in 42 games in 2013 with the Boston Red Sox affiliates, the Portland Sea Dogs (AA) and the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA). Martin then posted a 4.39 ERA with an incredibly 12.2 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Martin’s short stint with the Rockies big league team in May and June yielded a 6.89 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 15.2 innings pitched in which Martin showed flashes of becoming a solid MLB reliever.

We were lucky enough to contact Chris Martin in conducting an interview with him. Martin seems to be a good guy with an even better sense of humor. Here’s the interview we completed with him, enjoy!

1.      Question: “What team did you grow up liking and who was your favorite pitcher/player?”

Martin: “I grew up in Texas so that's pretty easy Nolan Ryan without a doubt. He pitched with no fear; he knew he was better than the guy standing in the box.”

2.      Question: “I see you have chronicles 15:7 in your (twitter) bio. Could you tell how you apply this verse as an athlete?”

Martin: “I have that on there just as a reminder of how hard I had to work to get where I am now. So I don't ever take this game or life for granted.”

3.      Question: “What was your initial reaction upon hearing the Yankees had acquired you?”

Martin: “I have to shave my beard nooooo!!”

4.      Question: “Has the club given you any indication on what your role is going to be in the upcoming season?”

Martin: “No they haven't that's probably going to be left up to me and my performance this spring.”

5.      Question: “What are your thoughts on competing for a big league spot this spring? How do you plan to compete for one?”

Martin: “I just want to come in and make a good impression and control what I can control and that's pitching. I'm confident in my offseason preparation to be ready to compete this spring.”

6.      Question: “Is there anything in particular that you need to work on/improve on this spring in competing for a big league spot?”

Martin: “Yeah there are always things you can do to better yourself. I've been working really hard on getting a feel for a change up. It's looking good in bullpens just the real test is putting a hitter up there.”

7.      Question: “What is your mentality as a pitcher? Throw strikes? Pitch to contact? Miss bats?”

Martin: “I think that's everyone's idea when they pitch. But I’m a guy that likes to get ahead and stay aggressive. It's always nice when you get a hitter to get himself out early in the count.”

8.      Question: “How do you use your height at 6'7 3/4" to your advantage on the hill?”

Martin: “I feel like my height gives me a huge advantage. Guys aren't used to the ball coming from that high up and at the kind of angle I can produce. That's why I like to stay aggressive.”

9.      Question: “What is the most exciting thing about being a Yankee?”

Martin: “Just being a part of one of the most historic franchises in the history of sports is going to be pretty cool. Also the passion that the fans bring is going to make it a lot of fun to go out play every day.”

As we are just one month away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, players are in the home stretch of their offseason workouts. Martin seems ready to dawn the spring training uniform and pinstripe pants in the highly anticipated competition for spots in the Yankees bullpen. With all that in mind, Martin looks to make the jump onto the 25-man roster come Opening Day. Chris, we at the BBB wish you the best of luck in the spring and throughout 2015 and look forward to seeing you in Pinstripes this season!

Follow our newest Yankee, Chris Martin on twitter @StartyMarty31

Follow me on twitter @Chad_Rain

@RealYanksFans also contributed with several questions for this interview

All stats courtesy of baseball-reference.com and fangraphs.com.