Should the Mets Trade Fernando Martinez?
Written by Matt Ryan   
Monday, 04 January 2010 10:07

In the aftermath of the Jason Bay signing, Fernando Martinez has been lost in the shuffle.  The once great "teenage hitting machine" has yet to play a full season in the minors, and looked completely overmatched during his brief stint with the Mets.  That being said, F-Mart posted a respectable .290/.337/.540 line as a 20 year old in AAA last season.  He also hit 8 homeruns in just 176 at-bats, which is particularly impressive given his age and previous lack of power.  So there is not doubt that the talent is still there and scouts value his talent.  I'm sure his trade value has dipped due to health concerns, but he is still a top 50 prospect with loads of potential.  Don't believe me?  Look at other players age 20 seasons:

Player Age Level G AVG HR OBP SLG
Fernando Martinez 20 AAA/AA 86 .287 8 .337 .540
David Wright 20 A+ 133 .270 15 .369 .459
Manny Ramirez 20 A+ 81 .278 13 .375 .502
Matt Holliday 20 A+ 123 .274 7 .335 .389
Barry Bonds 20 A 71 .299 13 .383 .547

Based on this table, I'm not ready to give up on Fernando Martinez.  I've followed the kid closely since he turned pro at age 16, and last year he finally began to shown glimpses of his potential.  The problem is, the Mets now have 3 quality outfielders all under contract through at least 2011.  And with such glaring needs at other positions, Fernando Martinez might be more valuable to the Mets as a trade chip.

Best case scenario, I think the Mets should hold on to Martinez and let him start the year in AAA.  Hopefully he can stay healthy and accumulate trade value.  Then the Mets could package him in a deadline deal to acquire an elite starting pitcher.  Of course, this is all speculation, but that would be my plan if I were the GM of the Mets.  Who knows? Maybe an injury will force Fernando back to New York.  Maybe he will struggle in the minors.  It remains to be seen.  But I think the kid still has a ton of value, and I think the Mets should cash in now that the outfield is set.



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Comments (7)Add Comment
Really? Trade away the prospects we have left?
written by Anthony from MetsTalk.com, January 04, 2010
I don't know why you'd want to get rid of F-Mart, considering how you just pointed out his potential. The Mets farm system isn't exactly chock-full of major league talented players, so I think they need to hold onto what they have, not trade them away for a short-term solution. Should they try and trade away Josh Thole too?
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written by Matt Ryan, January 04, 2010
Fair point Anthony, but I'm not suggesting the Mets should just firesale their prospects. I just think that the Mets are pretty much set with OF right now, and the oldest player (Bay) is just 31. So I just don't see where F-mart fits into the long term plan. The Mets farm system isn't great, but with Ike Davis, Jenrry Mejia, Brad Holt, Wilmer Flores, Ruben Tejada, Thole, Niewenhius, etc. there is definitely talent.
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written by team2beatmike, January 04, 2010
the Lastings Millege fiasco shouldn't cause panic and firesale -- but it shouldn't be forgotten in this F-Mart example either.
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written by will.H, January 04, 2010
if f-mart could recreate the milwaukee-worm again.. i'll pay half his salary just to see him 18 times per year.
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written by Benny B, January 05, 2010
The only way you trade F-Mart is if you can bring in a player of the caliber of Carlos Zambrano. Otherwise, no way. His trade value is low to begin with. And remember, Francour is no lock to be our Right Fielder past this year. Another year in AAA to see if he can remain healthy is the prudent thing to do.
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written by will.H, January 06, 2010
cubs might want more than fmart for Zambrano. And im not sure how much Carlos makes.. but you also have to add up all the gatorade machines he'll abuse.
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written by Joe1774, January 15, 2010
Cubs are in win now mode so they probably wouldn't trade Z straight up. On the other hand Zambrano has an awful contract and it probably would not take as much as you think, there was a rumor of Luis Castillo in a deal for Z.

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