Marte searching for stroke in winter ball

12/16/2005
Andy Marte continues to work on finding his offensive rhythm with Azucareros in the Dominican Winter League.
Through Thursday, the highly-touted third-base prospect acquired from Atlanta in the Edgar Renteria trade was batting .234 in 33 games with two homers and nine RBIs. The right-handed batter is trying to cut down on his strikeouts, having fanned 18 times in 111 at-bats. The Red Sox believe Marte likely will begin the season with Triple-A Pawtucket but could make his Boston debut later in 2006.
Utility infielder Alejandro Machado, who made his debut in Boston in September, is getting plenty of work at shortstop for Caracas in the Venezuelan League. In 32 games, the switch-hitter is batting .256 with one homer and 16 RBIs. He also is struggling with strikeouts, with 20 in 129 at-bats.
Infielder Raul Nieves is hitting .246 in 20 games for the Ponce Lions of the Puerto Rican Winter League. The switch-hitter, who turns 27 on New Year's Day, was drafted as a shortstop but has played 14 of his 22 games so far this winter at third base, making only two errors.
On the pitching front, lefty reliever Mike Bumatay has been dominant in 27 appearances for Aragua in the Venezuelan League. He has allowed just one earned run in 11 1/3 innings (0.79 ERA), facing 44 batters and allowing just four hits. He has fanned 12 while walking six.
Another reliever enjoying success in Venezuela is right-hander Edgar Martinez. In 11 1/3 innings for Occidente Pastora, Martinez has allowed just three runs -- two earned -- compiling a 1.59 ERA. He has lost his only decision.
Right-hander Luis Mendoza has appeared in 17 games as a reliever for Navajoa in the Mexican League, earning a win in his only decision. Mendoza has an 8.35 ERA and batters are hitting .304 against him.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/