Q & A : Miracle's Dustin Martin

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

When the Minnesota Twins traded veteran second baseman Luis Castillo to the New York Mets on July 30, the transaction made an immediate impact on the Fort Myers Miracle.

As part of the deal, minor-league outfielder Dustin Martin packed his bags across the state in Port St. Lucie, where he had been playing for the St. Lucie Mets, who, like the Miracle, are a Class A, Florida State League team.

Since then, Martin has hit .333, with three home runs and nine RBI, in his first 13 games for the Miracle.

Martin, who is 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, played at Sam Houston State University and is from Burnet, Texas. The New York Mets drafted him in the 26th round in 2006. He hit .287, with five homers and 52 RBI, earlier this season with St. Lucie.

Martin, 23, talked to The News-Press about the trade and his goals.

Where were you when you found out you had been traded?

I was taking BP (batting practice) with the Mets. My manager came up and said, hey, ‘Take it easy. You’re not in the lineup tonight.’ I was like, ‘Oh, what could be going on?’ He told me the trade line is tomorrow and that was his best guess. Something might be happening. I started watching ESPN. The bottom line came up, and my name was there. I’m sure they had to make the deal final before they could tell me about it.

What are your thoughts on the trade?

It’s good for my career. I know the Twins like to promote from within. There was definitely some mixed emotions. All of my teammates were congratulating me. I was pretty excited about it.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

I like to think I can hit for some power and also hit for average. I like to use the speed in my game.

How far away do you feel you are from playing in the big leagues?

A couple of days. I don’t know. I’ve heard a year to two years. If that’s the case, that would be awesome. Every level I’ve been to, I have to learn some things to be able to compete.

Was it awkward at all joining the Miracle after you had played against them with the Mets?

No, it’s not awkward at all. It’s a business-like environment. The guys have been very cool. I think playing against them helped me to come in and contribute. It helped me recognize the names and faces.

What are your goals for the rest of this season?

I just want to hit .300. I want to put up some RBI and score some more runs. I want to make the playoffs. I want to help the team get a ring.