Friday, August 19, 2011

Martinez returns to his roots

Former MVP signs with Dirtbags

14 seasons ago, The Bigs saw its first blockbuster trade as the Fargo Dirtbags traded Luis Martinez, Del Lopez and James Morton to the Milwaukee Manic Maulers for Javier Henriquez. Since that trade, the players involved have combined to earn 17 All-Star appearances, 7 Silver Sluggers, 2 Gold Gloves, 7 Cy Youngs, 1 MVP and 2 World Series rings. Henriquez and Martinez, the headliners of the deal, became the two best players at their position in their prime. Now, on the downside of their careers, they will be teammates.

Martinez agreed to terms on a three-year $12 million deal with Fargo and will serve as their starting left fielder this season. Ironically enough, the Dirtbags declined the option of Lopez, who had served the team in a part-time role the past two seasons, to make room for Martinez on their roster. Despite playing in five World Series, Martinez has yet to win one. The future Hall of Famer missed his only chance as his Milwaukee Manic Maulers went on to win the World Series in season 4 while Martinez was sidelined for the season with nerve irritation in his forearm.

Martinez will now join forces with the man he was once traded for in the biggest blockbuster in The Bigs' history to try and capture that elusive World Series ring.

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