Victor

Martinez

A deal with Martinez could be complicated by the likelihood that he’ll be near the borderline for super-two arbitration eligibility next winter. If the Indians think he will be eligible for arbitration, they could give him a deal similar to the four-year, $9.5 million pact C.C. Sabathia received two years ago. $8 million would be more realistic if he’s not going to be eligible for arbitration until after 2006.

He is looking every bit the top hitting prospect he has been at every rung of the minor league ladder. Martinez is already one of the American League’s best catchers, and he is only going to get better.

The Indians would like to sign Martinez to a four- or five-year contract, but they’ve yet to put an offer on the table that appeals to agent Alan Nero. Martinez should be able to do better in negotiations next winter if he has another season like his 2004.

Martinez is on a tear, raising his average nearly 50 points over the last nine games. If he stays hot, the Indians could call him up before the end of the month.

Wedge said during the winter that he could see Martinez playing 30 games at first base this season, but that changed once he decided not to platoon Ben Broussard and Travis Hafner. If Martinez plays up to his ability, he’ll probably see some time at DH while he’s not catching. It’s just not likely to happen during April.

''September is not a good time to evaluate players,’' GM Mark Shapiro said. ''I think you need to see a guy in August and September for a truer read.’' That said, Shapiro doesn’t intend to take a look at fellow prospects Jeremy Guthrie until next season, or Alex Escobar until at least September.

''We might want to give certain guys more of a true test than you get in September,’' Wedge said, adding that Martinez’s ''hitting has picked up, and his catching is improving.’'

Martinez can DH against lefties to give him a day off from catching. He shouldn’t be used over Travis Hafner against righties.

He will likely not play in this afternoon’s series finale against the Blue Jays. Martinez will be re-evaluated tomorrow.

''The way the doctor explained it, Victor rolled the ankle so badly, two bones rubbed against one another, and he has a bone bruise plus the sprain,’' manager Eric Wedge said. It looks like Josh Bard will act as Cleveland’s top catcher for the rest of the month.