In-depth defensive evaluations on Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger, more

Projecting defense is one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to scouting prospects. Defensive tools like frame, sprint speed, arm strength, and lateral mobility are good indications of the type of defender a prospect may become. But as prospects get older and closer to the big leagues, their defensive tools start to matter less and their actual defensive ability starts to matter more. How do we measure defensive ability? The only publicly available defensive stats for the minor leagues are errors and fielding percentage which are not very useful given that they largely do not account for range (arguably the most important defensive factor). As such, the eye test is still the forefront method of evaluating a prospect's defense even in this new analytical era of scouting.

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the defensive homes of a few Blue Jays prospects that have spent significant time at Triple-A Buffalo. These players include Orelvis Martinez, Addison Barger, Damiano Palmegiani, and Leo Jimenez. In the below evaluations, each prospect's defensive tape will be considered as well as the eyewitness accounts of other scouts. From there, a consensus on what position a prospect fits best and their projected defensive ability at that position will be reached.

First, let's dive in to Orelvis Martinez and how he performed all around the infield last year.