Sand Gnats add one of league's best pitchers
Published on July 29, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The only pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter in the World Baseball Classic will now join the Sand Gnats starting rotation. San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Shairon Martis, 19, was acquired by the Washington Nationals late Friday in exchange for Major League lefty Mike Stanton. He is expected to join the Gnats active roster Monday.
Martis, a native of Curacao, is 6-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 15 starts for the first-place Augusta GreenJackets this season. Over his last six starts he has a 5-0 record with a 1.99 ERA.
On March 10, Martis threw a seven-inning no-hitter for the Netherlands as they beat Panama 10-0 in the World Baseball Classic. The game was ended early due to the 10-run mercy rule.
This is the first of what is expected to be many moves to improve the pitching in the Nationals' minor league system. New team president Stan Kasten has stated he's trying to duplicate the Braves success by added as many good young pitchers as possible.
"We like Martis a lot. ... We like his arm," Washington Nationals General Manager Bowden told MLB.com. "He throws 91-95 miles per hour. We like his delivery. He is only 19 years old. He has a high ceiling. It's a building for the future."
Entering 2006, Baseball America listed Martis as the Giants' 28th best prospect. He is 12-8 with a 2.59 ERA in 40 career games. He and the Gnats will face his former mates in Augusta in a four game series starting August 15.
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