NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco-Hernando Community College once again has tapped into the Land O'Lakes pipeline for a third baseman.
Trae Martin signed a full athletic scholarship worth about $2,200 last week as the heir apparent to Victor Roldan, the former Gator who last month signed with Florida Southern after becoming PHCC's all-time hits leader (133).
PHCC coach Steve Winterling, who is considering Martin and shortstop Lee Cruz as Roldan's replacement, said Martin "has good arm strength and showed good signs at a (recent) workout."
"I just try to feed (Winterling) good players," Land O'Lakes coach Calvin Baisley said.
Martin, a Times all-Pasco County first-teamer, played third and was a relief pitcher this season. He had four saves and did not allow a run in four appearances.
"I really thought he was going to be one of our top pitchers," Baisley said. "That was our plan, to have him as a starter. But his arm really didn't like it. It was just sore, so I figured what's wrong with having a good closer."
"Physically, as he gets stronger, I think he'll be a good ballplayer," said Winterling, who suggested a weight-training program for Martin.
Martin, who also played soccer at Land O'Lakes, was one of four Gators who hit better than .300 this season. He had eight RBIs in the Class 4A, District 8 tournament and hit a three-run home run in Land O'Lakes' 8-4 victory against Ridgewood in the final. "I don't even think he's touched his potential yet," Baisley said. "I think he can get better." Martin, who this season led the county with 29 RBIs, is Land O'Lakes' fourth signee, joining pitcher Ryan Nalls (Eckerd), second baseman Michael Garcia (Shelton State CC, Ala.) and outfielder Brandon Vari (Lake Sumter CC).
