Los Angeles Angels forgotten man Jefry Marte

The Los Angeles Angels made a bunch of moves last off-season to acquire players that were left unprotected and virtually unwanted in hopes of finding a few gems. They did find one in utility man Jefry Marte.

So as the Los Angeles Angels have gone through this off-season trying to plug holes a man that has been virtually forgotten is Jefry Marte.  Marte found time at first and third base in 2016, as well as left field.  With the Angels weak in left field, many thought that Marte would get the first shot to win the left field job in 2017.  Well think again.

The Angels seemed to be very pleased with Jefry Marte’s progress in left field when the 2016 season ended.  After all Marte had finished the season with a .249 average hitting 15 homers and driving in 44 runs in less than half a season.  Pretty good numbers compared to the production from the past 2.5 seasons that the Angels had gotten out of the left field position.

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However, when the Angels went to the Winter meetings, general manager Billy Eppler’s top priority seemed to be finding an every day left fielder. Eppler worked out a trade with Detroit to acquire Cameron Maybin.  Then a few weeks later he signed outfielder Ben Revere who is said to be the fourth outfielder now.

So again my question is where does that leave Marte.  Most likely as a jack of all trades utitlity infielder who can also play left field.  At the start of the season Marte will most likely get a chance to be the every day designated hitter until Albert Pujols’ surgically repaired heel is ready to go.  However, after that Marte will be right back where he started from when he came to the Angels last season which is trying to earn a place at the table.

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With all the injuries the Angels had last season, Marte could prove to be very valuable as a injury replacement for someone who goes on the DL, but I think Marte deserves a shot to play every day, but I am not the manager so I guess my cries in defense of Marte will go unheard at least for now. Good luck Jefry we are behind you.