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Highly touted outfield prospect Fernando Martinez will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic starting in October.
In an injury shortened season for double-A Binghamton, Martinez batted .287 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 352 at bats.
We have received many e-mails asking why Martinez wasn’t called up on September 1st. For a couple of reasons, I am glad that he wasn’t.
If you haven’t noticed, the Mets have a surplus of outfielders right now since the return of Ryan Church. Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans, and Fernando Tatis have all been playing well, and defensive replacement Endy Chavez can flash the leather.
Second, because of this surplus, it would be more beneficial for Martinez to focus on improving his game over riding the pine in Queens. He was the one untouchable prospect that the Mets wouldn’t deal, so I agree with the idea of continuing his development so he can contribute on a full-time basis down the road.
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First we rush him, now we don’t.
He’s be a much bigger prospect if he was playing in A ball last year (a la Jason Heyward). Make up your mind, Omar.
1.) september call-ups have nothing to do with “rushing” a prospect. he wouldn’t play here, nor should he, no matter how bullish they were with him.
2.) his prospect status is immaterial, because he isn’t getting traded. hence, there is no reason to inflate his value. they care about his development, not his “prospect status.”
No, but there is the argument that rushing him stunts his growth.
Unfortunately we’ll never know.
are you saying he would be taller if he was not at AA this year?
I say trade him… weve got enough outfield depth.. SELL HIGH get another SP for next year
youre an idiot
Why.. do we really need 3 STUD OF? The way Citigroups stock is goin.. I dunno if we can count on them to sponsor the new park.. save money on breaking the bank for a new SP
Stud outfielders? I don’t think I would put Evans, Murphy, or even Church in the “stud” category. I’ve said it a million times already: he’s 19-fu***n years old. And besides, we already have starting pitching (Santana, Perez, Maine, Pelfrey, Niese)…its relief pitching we need and quite frankly I just don’t think there is a single reliever out there worth trading F-Mart for.
Niese? really? and Perez?? no guarentee hes comin back… easy with the idiot talk
The futures of Evans, Murphy and Martinez as outfielders are unclear.
Evans and Murphy were brought up as OF because we severely lacked one. They are really 1B and 3B, respectively. And Fernando Martinez, some say, might end up being a 1B.
When none are clearly going to remain as OF, there is good reason to hold onto all 3, Martinez most of all because of his ceiling.
You’re right…out of line with the idiot talk. But Im just sick of hearing “trade F-Mart” on these boards. And Perez is undoubtedly a solid pitcher. Niese…who knows. But he looks promising so far. And besides, what would you rather have: An outfield consisting of Beltran, Murphy, and Martinez (1 current and 2 potential studs, so yes 3 studs) or yet 1 more stud for the rotation only to have more NDs than wins because of our bullpen and narcyleptic(sp) offense? Like I said, focus on relief pitching to help these guys in our rotation, and build from the farm for more arms. I’d take the solid outfield any day.
vwrook…you do sound like an idiot.
No matter what turmoil Citigroup is in, they have repeatedly stated they will honor their endorsement contract.
Secondly, why in the world would we be running an organization desperately depending on an annual name rental income. ITs $20 million dollars, but it will never effect how we run our organization. That 20 million isn’t even close to the profit we pull in every year. Losing that bid would not result in us scaling back a contract, that is just outrageous. We are not a small-market team and this is not a baseball video-game…simple as that.
Perez may be a solid starting pitcher, but since he will be a free agent next year he can not be penciled in to next year’s rotation regardless of whether we’d like him back or not. There is a very real possiblity he just takes off for the highest bidder, and that bidder may not be the Mets.
And, Niese hasn’t even made a start yet this year. It’s too early to count on him. So acquiring additional starting pitching may not be a luxury as much as a necessity.
Mark my words: Oliver Perez will pitch for the New York Mets in 2009. After a season like this they’d be foolish to let him go.
So if Boras gets some pitching starved team like Texas to fork up 80million over 5 years for OP you think the Mets would match that?
Guys… I hope you are right about Perez… he has been great, but who knows.. plus.. with Bear Stearns goin Belly up… who knows what Citi would do… so once again… easy with the idiot talk haha
First of all, Texas will not be making that offer…not if they would like to keep guys like David Murphy and Josh Hamilton in that lineup. Secondly, Boras is good but he aint that good. So in a way, you got me here. If somebody offers him 17 mil a year to pitch, then no the Mets will not match that…but there are other FA pitchers around to fill the void. However, I just dont see somebody offering Ollie that kind of money.
and even IF we lost Ollie to free agency, I wouldn’t be willing to package F-Mart for another pitcher. This kid really is going to be great one day. For once, we need to trust our farm system and not get greedy like we did when we had Kazmir.
That’s a different story and I agree with you on not having to trade F-Mart to get a starter. There will be a lot of them available via free agency. But it wouldn’t shock me if Boras starts the bidding at $16m/5 years. Now I definitely don’t think he’s worth that and am not sure he would get that. But you never know. So whenever anybody says it’s a lock that OP is back next year, it’s hard for me to buy that.
It..does..not..matter..what happens to Citi group. The Mets will get paid one way or another. Either through the honored contract, which will happen no matter what, or through another corporation…IT will not have any bearing on how the Mets pursue player contracts.
I’m not saying im a psychic….I’m just making a bold prediction. Whether it bites me in the @$$ or not, we need to keep F-Mart. End of discussion.
dwright5…done deal…Fmart is going no where. READ IT HERE: FMART IS NOT BEING TRADED.
UNLESS….the name in return ends with Sizemore, Hamilton, Papelbon, Price, Chamberlin,etc…I think you get my point. And that is not my opinion, that is what Omar will do.
why…what exactly makes him so “untouchable”? Please somebody explain this to me…besides reyes, wright and santana….who is really NOT GOING ANYWHERE? please all of you that LOVE these KIDS are clueless….these are the same people who didnt want to give up humber or mulvey or gomez last year….he is a KID….remember escobar, millege etc…how is there careers?
barely started…
I’m just saying thats whats gonna happen…just being realistic.
sorrry i dont mean to be harsh here, but between everyone KNOWING how one of these kids is going to turn out and all of these people here who think wright is an “average” player or is somehow having a “bad” season because he is not in consideration for the NL MVP this year….some fans here are just clueless
I’m not saying how Fmart will play…I’m saying he isn’t going anywhere.
I started this post just to call vwrook an idiot but now I can’t remember why!
Neither Evans or Murphy should really be starting in the OF.
Murphy is a career 3B and is more likely to be a 2B candidate than a LF candidate.
Evans is a career 1B and is more likely to take over for Delgado at some point than to become a starting LF for the Mets.
I agree with Evans becoming a 1B, but I think they will stick with Murphy in LF. He has too strong of a bat to be toyed with at 2B. You’re probably right, in a sense, but I’d much rather see someone else hold down 2B until Reese Havens can make it to NY (once again, being optimistic. I know the chances of him succeeding aren’t as good as I make them out to be.)
1. We dont need a starter next yr….if we do it is much easier to sign one than trade for one (have u seen the market)
2. The mets dont want to trade him because they refused to use him for santana and refused to use him at the deadline
The mets could very well sign a pitcher like burnett …they already have johan, pelf, maine and im sure they will go with niese or parnell as a #5…so they can resign ollie or go to the FA market for a starter.
as for the field…the infield will remain the same including delgado at 1st…..church in right. beltran in center and left field could go to either fmart or a FA…I dont see evans or murph as a starting outfielder.
As for the bullpen, i see a few moves..heilman and sanchez will leave..wagner im not sure about..but smith and feliciano will stay and stokes will remain in the pen and so will ayala
i find it funny how u say that w/ such confidance…heilman and sanchez WILL leave? haha give me a break…the mets value heilman if they didnt they’d make him a starter a couple years bak wen they had the chance. They need him too much in the bullpen.
let’s hope f-mart’s health issues every year lead to a jose reyes parallel and not an alex escobar comparison.
Do NOT mention the words Alex and Escobar in the same sentence ever again. lol
or “5 tool player”
I think this is a good idea. Right now, the OF situation works – Murph and Evans are doing very well in left, and Im happy with Church and Tatis in right. In such a tight race, why mess with what works? We’ve seen what Fernando is capable of in leagues where he is far younger than the competition, but in the winter leagues, he’ll compete against players closer to his age. I’d like to see how her performs.
I agree. Let him gain knowledge and experience in the minors. We have a reliable platoon right now, and nothing bad can come out of getting the kid some quality, meaningful ABs in the Dominican this winter. What will he learn riding the pine? With Murphy, Evans, Tatis, Chavez, and now Anderson all coming off the bench this fall there really is no room for a project player. Let him grow, mature, and develop into the player he is expected to be.
Exactly, when are you going to use him? Pinch hitter? Nice, take a 19 year old kid used to playing sit him on the bench and then throw him a bat in the 7th inning of his first pennant race. LOL. He’s LH so in most cases he would be up instead of Murphy or Anderson to pinch hit, again NO room.
I wonder if the Mets will “demote” FMart to Brooklyn for the Cyclone’s playoff push. I think this would be a beneficial move both for Fernando and for Mets fans. For Fmart, the “demotion” would give him the opportunity to play important games in NYC, albeit on a lesser stage. For the fans, it would give us the opportunity to watch the kid. Thoughts?
I like the enthusiasm for the Cyclones to do well, but why set him back? I would much rather see him facing more quality pitching in the Dominican than a bunch of rookies who may be his age but lack the experience and talent F-Mart has. He will probably do amazing and would help them, but I think people are more focused on Martinez’ future, not the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Are you kidding? Brooklyn is going CRAZY for the ‘CLONES! You do realize the Cyclones have gone an impressive 20-7 in August, including 8-2 in their last 10 and are currently riding a seven-game winning streak? That has carried Brooklyn to within one game of the Batavia Muckdogs for the wild card playoff spot in the NY-Penn League!! Come on! Isn’t that exciting? No? Oh well.
Well I did not know about this “amazing” streak the Cyclones were on. That just backs my point even more. Anybody who doesn’t live anywhere near Brooklyn isn’t following how the Clones are doing….only the prospects they carry. I check every now and then to see how Davis, Holt, and Havens are doing, but really don’t look at the standings every day.
I like Perez, but I think it is pretty unlikely he comes back. He is going to get a ton of money and the Mets would be wise to take the draft picks and rebuild the farm. He is a young lefty pitcher who throws mid 90’s and will have won double digit games two years in a row…If Silva got 4 years 40, I could see Perez getting 5 years 75…this is way too much and the Mets need to stay away
I don’t think the money is too much but we may be better off getting 2 for 1. Sign Garland (3 years 36 million) and Lowe (3 years 33 million) then take Perez’s draft picks.
Johan, Pelfrey, Maine, Garland, Lowe?
You discount Perez’s proven ability to flat out dominate the Mets rivals in the East, particularly the Phillies. 5/$75 is not at all out of reach for the Wilpons, and the Mets resurgance has proved just how important quality starting pitching is. The guys you mentioned may serve as a nice backup plan, but in no way can they fill in for Perez, the stud lefthander on the good side of 30.
Very true but does having 2 above average starters for #4 and #5 make up for the production. We have gotten terrible production out of the 5 spot the last few years.
Well during the course of the regular season, you can make an argument that they can make up for Perez’s production, but you are talking about an individual game/series, like say..the playoffs, then no they do not.
In the event that Perez stays aboard, you have a 1-4 of Santana, Pelfrey, Perez, and Maine. If Neise impresses, he’ll get a shot at number 5. If not, they’ll go and bring somebody in if necessary.
I agree, it’s just still tempting because of the picks and less committment in terms of years for those other 2. They are also innings guys. Imagine a rotation with 5 guys that could pitch 200 innings. Also, who knows what we will get with Maine.
To me, the term innings guys = average type pitcher. I’d still prefer the rotation of young, dynamic pitchers, which would include a top three of Johan, Pelf, and Perez…That looks pretty good to me. Honestly, if Maine even repeats what has done this year (minus the injuries of course) that is more than fine for a #4 starter.
Pssshhht. You guys are totally forgetting about El Duque. Hello, the bunion is gone! Surgically removed! No more bunion! Comeback time! But seriously, folks, it is hard to overlook the fact that Perez has the Phillies number, not to mention the Yankees.
I like how someone on here called another poster an idiot for suggesting trading FMart. Then there were other ones who were doing the same when we did not trade him this season for Manny. Fact is he is a prospect and should be traded IF another piece can help the Mets LONG TERM.
Example, Baltimore decides they want to get something for Roberts. Enter the Mets. They trade Fmart, Parnell, Castillo and cash for Roberts. Why would Baltimore do this? Roberts will cost twice what Castillo does and will not resign after next season. They get a cheap Castillo because of the cash and 2 high prospects.
What do we need more? A consistant 2nd Baseman or another LF?
um…I’m confused, are you actually considering that deal? Or was it just an example?
While I hope you were joking, if not, I hope Omar is fired if he makes that deal.
No just something to throw out there as others have mentioned us in the race for Roberts.
I think adding Parnell would be too much but I would easily trade Fmart for Roberts. Again, it’s about the holes we do have.
Just a little more about Roberts. He is only 30. Hits for around a .300 average with close to a .380 OBP. He also has 50 SB potential. Imagine that hitting behind Reyes. That would solve the revolving door of the #2 hitter. Is that worth Fmart?
So you’re telling me that we need a 2B more than we need relief pitching? Do you watch the games? Not once have I said, “Man, if we had somebody decent at second base we would be 10 games in front right now.” The same can’t be said for our bullpen.
No I don’t think we need a 2B more. LOL, but I would not think anyone would advocate trading our best chip for a relief pitcher? That makes no sense at all. Go out and sign FRod and you solve a lot of those problems.
I think adding Fmart is WAY too much…
Trading away a value like Fmart for an average, maybe above-average 2nd baseman..no thank you.
I don’t think we are in that need of a 2nd baseman to warrent trading away one great prospect and another good one.
Whether Fmart pans out or not, his value is worth alot more than a brian roberts-esque 2nd baseman.
You’re right, Fmart shouldn’t be in any relief pitcher trade unless the name was Papelbon.
Did I say trade FMart for a reliever? No. but you make it sound as if we should trade away a future stud (who, like I said, is only 19 and way to young to be given up on) to fill a hole at 2B. That is absurd. As if all of our problems would go away with the all mighty Brian Roberts without steroids. I’m sorry, but I just think we need to TRUST our draft picks and our farm system for ONCE.
I’m confused, is this the same guy that wanted us to sign Barry Bonds?
Probably. Why? Because some people are too worried about RIGHT NOW, instead of building for success down the road. I would much rather win 2 or 3 rings within the next 10 years than win 1 next year and suck again in 5 years.
lolll
true…but its just so easy to think about the now. lol
Average 2nd baseman?
3rd in OBP
4th in BA
6th in SLG
5th in OPS
1st in steals
1st in 3B
1st in 2B
3rd in Hits.
That’s not too average at all.
What about HR and RBI..cmon real you know those are the only stats that matter!!!
LOL, well Fmart does not project to be high in those areas either. I think you know where I am coming from Dirty. The answers are never as clear as what we make them out on here to be.
lol yep..just hope for the best or beware the 1000 posts calling for omars head if its not lol.
All hail the mighty Jim Duquette. Thank god you’re not in Omar’s position.
Why? Do you think Fmart will be better than Roberts?
Answer: yes.
All the hype around fmart seems to indicate so….
Can you say at this point that is just an opinion? Roberts is one of the best 2B in the MLB. He has some pop, hits for a high average and has an unbelievable OBP. IF you think Fmart can be that in LF, how long would it take? How many of our stars would be gone by then?
I think you have too much of a crush on Brian Roberts.
How much longer can Roberts keep that type of production up? 2, 3 years? I think FMart can be in the bigs by the time he is 21, and produce solid, better than Roberts numbers for at least 7-8 years. Now you tell me, which one is better?
Everything we are saying about fmart at this point is an opinion. He is unproven talent aka a prospect. You cant expect anyone to make a ledgit case other than what scouts have said about fmart. Yes brian is a good 2b and has some pop. I guess you either on the boat to trade away unknown young talent for proven talent or willing to give that talent a chance.
OO..OO…over here! Can I answer that!!
umm…phew, my answer is um…FERNANDO!!!
Starz!! you didnt raise your hand!
I think the answer is debatable and would not be upset with Omar either way. If a prospect can land you a youngish proven veteran then you have to think about it. Again, not even saying I would. The entire thread is discussing if Fmart should be traded. The answer is yes if it fills a need with a proven veteran that can not be filled else where.
Example would you trade him for SP when the market has a lot of SP ready to be signed? Would you trade him for a closer when you could sign KRod? Can you replace his LF production with a FA?
yep. Fmart to this point has been hyped to the point that he must be included in any deal that will net us back something of good value. The only reason i see fmart being moved is as you said to fill in a big need, which i dont really see a HUGE one that would warrent fmart being moved. We dont have a designated LF for next year or years to come so i guess the plan is to fill that hole. As far as 2b we have castillo for a few years and im sure the organization is considering Argenis his successor or they can continue to work on murphy for 2b. Evans eventually people have said he will take 1b when gado is gone…
If people consider Argenis an answer for anything….. I will…. I will… I don’t even know what I would do. He is terrible. And you know as well as I do that Castillo will never be successful here. I like the guy but his tenure here is as doomed as Kazmat.
and heilman…..
I agree that Fmart could be moved in the right deal to fill a void. But I think we will have a void in LF for the next few years and that is what Fmart is being groomed as. Not a stop-gap LF, not a bottom of the lineup LF, but a very good middle of the lineup LF. He is being groomed for his offense not for his defense.
THat said, I don’t think 2nd is that much of a dire need to warrant trading a viable stud prospect for. Brian Roberts is above-average, at best, no matter what stats you throw at me, but those are stats that I think could be filled with a platoon if need be.
For better or for worse, I would like to take the gamble on Fmart as a Met.
i agree but as the saying goes ya never know what could happen….taxi in miami anyone?
FA Outfielders for 2010. This will take too much room but may be worth it. From Cot’s baseball contracts
Garret Anderson LAA Rick Ankiel STL Jason Bay BOS Marlon Byrd TEX Frank Catalanotto TEX Endy Chavez NYM Coco Crisp * BOS Carl Crawford TB Johnny Damon NYY David Dellucci CLE Jermaine Dye * CWS Ryan Freel CIN Brian Giles SD Ken Jr. CWS
Vladimir Guerrero LAA Willie Harris WAS Matt Holliday COL Geoff Jenkins * PHI Reed Johnson CHC Andruw Jones LAD Austin Kearns * WAS Hideki Matusi NYY Jason Michaels CLE Xavier Nady PIT Magglio Ordonez * DET Manny Ramirez * LAD Dave Roberts SF Gary Sheffield DET Chris Snelling PHI
So Taguchi PHI Jason Werth PHI Randy Winn SF
Dmitri Young WAS
Not to mention all the guys on this year’s market.
There’s a lot of talent in that list. I would think we could make due without Fmart if need be.
maybe…but the potential of FMart outweighs all of those players. Manny will not be in the NL in 2010. Ankiel is interesting same with Bay at that point.
Truth is…not one player there will be making what Fmart will be making in 2010…and hopefully, hopefully, the production will not be that far off.
yea but who knows how many of those guys will make it to FA. In my opinion i dont see a need that is soo great to move fmart at this point however who knows what will happen from here till then.
Also…you are falling into the Metsblog trap there…just because they are a free agent doesnt mean they will be a Met. We have fernando right now…we dont have any of those players. (except Chavez)
alot of nice names on that list tho
lol @ metsblog trap
the potential of FMart outweighs all of those players????
Man do we over hype our prospects. There’s not a scout in baseball that think Fmart will be that good.
Rick Ankiel good? Carl Crawford good? Jason Bay? Matt Holiday? Come on. I hope he is good and is an above average LF but expecting him to come in a couple of years and be among the best LF in the game is stretching it. He has done nothing to suggest that will be the case.
I agree there is no guarntee that they become FA but chances are with that list and Met money that we could get one if we wanted to. Would Fmart be cheaper, duh. A lot depends on finances and other players. Will Niese take a rotation spot? If so then there’s your money. Will Kunz become a closer? Will Murphy continue to hit and stay in LF? Will Evans (I don’t like it) be Delgado’s replacement.
It’s nice to have home grown talent but we are a large market team with pressure to win every year. We will never have a team with all homegrown talent.
Carl crawford= bad example..
Considering scouts think he could be a 25-30 hr guy and 100 rbi’s, well then he does project just like those players…and thats a conservative estimate.
the kid is 19 yrs old. he will not hit that when hes 20 or 21…but he might when hes 23 or 24 and then who knows where he goes from there.
If Fmart pans out then his value will be greater than any of those players you listed (i.e. younger, cheap)
Power develops late, everyone says that…so its pretty nice to hear that Fmart has power traits right now.
FYI–ryan howard debuted at age 26…I’d say that was a pretty good on Philly’s part to hold on to him.
Crawford is not a bad example at all. He has had one bad season. Every other year he has put up close to .300 BA, stolen bases hit for decent power and played great defense. If I could sign on right now for Fmart being Crawford I would do it.
not with all homegrown talent…def not… thats why you hold onto a potential great homegrown player and spend money elsewhere.
I understand your point. that in a deep market, theres no need to hold onto a guy like Fmart, but I dont know what it is, for better or for worse I wanna see what this kid can do as a Met. Realistic or not, I think many scouts would agree he has the potential to be great…so why not take the chance.
He has unreal talent for his age
I’d take Crawford in a heartbeat, I’m saying Fmart doesn’t project to be that kind of player. Crawford has more speed and defense. Thats why i said it was a bad example.
O yea i dont expect the mets to be full of home grown talent. If anything they should make a play for one of those guys (considering i doubt fmart will be ready by 2010) and if they net one great. Fmart while being a good prospect can net us another need in 2010..whatever that will be. All im saying is yes he has not put up stellar numbers in the minors (mostly due to injury which is a red flag but look at reyes) but hopefully he will have a less injury plagued season and we will get a better idea of what we could expect.
“If Fmart pans out then his value will be greater than any of those players you listed (i.e. younger, cheap)”
Since when did the Mets have to worry about cheap? I know it can help us in other areas but still we are the Mets. I don’t want to be the Yankee’s and import almost every player but it’s not like we don’t already have a couple of Mets studs that came from our farm system.
You’ve got the kid being a cheap Beltran and I just don’t see it yet.
If we keep him great but the kid better produce because he is going to have Gregg Jefferies type pressure on him.
He will have alot pressure..i think theres no doubt about that. The kids been hyped for years and by the time h debut’s people are gonna think he’s the second coming of christ.
He is projected as hitting for power And average and has a great arm. People think he could play RF with his arm.
My point is…he is a special talent with unreal power and already a decent eye at age 19… and I think with his potential, you have to take a chance on letting him pan out. B/c if so, he could be better than any of those F.A.’s (the added bonus would be cheap and young..not really a deciding factor)
I think we should sign Jericho Scott. He has unlimited potential and scouts around his league are so impressed that they won’t even let him play this season. He’s only 9 years old but would be ready by 2018. Maybe we could move him up to single A this season? He has great value because he has all that potential yet is so cheap that his contract would only include 18 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches per year. How can you beat that. Of course the Dbacks would offer us Webb, but could you imagine how much potential this guy has. I mean come on OMAR get on this.
the end result IMO is that his potential outweighs what we could get in return throughout his career as a Met. Omar already traded away Sizemore once, I don’t think he wants to deal another possible all-star.
I think the risk/reward is in favor of giving the kid a chance.
You see…I havent heard Fmart’s name connected to any possible deal for an ace(except Johan)…so your point is not valid.
HAHAHAHA this is soo funny
BTW whoever is considering trading Fmart is out of thier minds..Why would u consider doing that…what are u gunna do trade him and then get an aged manny in left? thats just stupid. The mets refused to trade him for johan, what makes u think they will trade him for..um….Roberts???
in conclusion, when u have a player with the hype of Fmart at the age of 19 u do not trade him!
think Jose reyes…David Wright…these guys were in this same situation, so if u trade him now for some1 like roberts and Fmart turns out to be like reyes or wright, u just lost an all star player on ur team for 15 to 20 yrs
THANK GOD UR NOT THE GM!!!
And there is a BIG difference between Brandon Webb and Brian Roberts.
Thank god he isnt the GM…I dont know what I would do if a MLB GM signed a 9 year old.
over at nyfs they were having a debate about fmart and the way the mets “rush” there prospects. i thought it was pretty cool. but basically the mets separate there real prospects from there minor lifers and make there real prospects adapt to better and faster baseball by pushing them to levels where they probably wouldnt be if they where in another organization. its not so much of playing them in a level above of where they belong but more of hving them use their athleticism and superior tools, and having them learn by playing with better competition. im a firm believer in the only way you get better is by playing with better competition. whats the point of hving fmart dominate A ball if he doesnt learn to adjust to pitchers. i really like this strategy and im surprised more clubs dnt use it.
The organizational philosophy is that NY is a tough place to play so they want to test them early and toughen them up to an insane atmosphere when they do finally make it to the bigs.
It’s hard to argue against it.
FMart will be the first player to “graduate” from this line of thinking, as he was the first guy which Omar rushed like this, and has done it since Fernando joined the org. The philosophy sounds logical to me, but then again Communism looked like a great idea on paper too. Lets see how it pans out first.
Yea…Communism was a pretty good fad.
The biggest reason this decision is made is future financial.
a) A player only has three different season’s on the ML roster where he “has options”.
b) Everyday on the MLB roster counts towards his days of ML Service Time, thus counting down to both free agency and arbitration.
So calling up a guy you have no need for in Sept, loses you one of his year’s with options and starts the clock on paying him big money. I think the Mets believe a good year in winter ball could put FMart in position to compete for a job in Spring Training. Calling him up now does not help his progress, but costs them money down the line much sooner.
I don’t think September counts. Don’t take it to the bank but I think I read that September call ups do not count as an option year.
I think you’re right on the option years (my bad) — more of an issue for the mets is MLB service time, and the arbitration clock. Hopefully they will not be looking to “option” FMart back to triple A in three years !!!
F-mart has yet to put up the numbers that would push the Mets to bringing him up. If he needs to spend more time at the Minor League level to mature it is really not a big deal. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and productive. Since the Mets have depth (Church, Murphy, Beltran, Evans etc.) they can and should keep him down until he proves himself. This depth in the OF or any position should make player development easier. If he is as good as advertised and what they think his production in the Minor Leagues will force the decision. Right now he his numbers are limited by injury and not eye popping at all.
well said…agreed.
i think perez should defenitely come back… if not they should go after a top line starter like burnett.
Johan, Burnett, Pelf, Maine, Niese/Parnell
I dont kno if i trust maine anymore to go past the 5th inningso that moght not work
I think you’re right that it would be advisable to ink a No. 2 or 3, whether or not it’s Perez. Maine certainly belongs in the rotation barring the need for some sort of surgery. Another option is to try out Heilman as a starter before casting him out for the proverbial bag o’ balls. He’s been a good sport for the organization, and it’s worth a shot. I sure wouldn’t want him to have a key bullpen role. If he’s willing to spend some time in AAA to become a starter, I’d give him the opportunity. That way, you’re throwing more numbers at the possible fifth spot, and you have some cover if you lose Perez and can’t find a ready substitute.
might*
F-Mart has Alex Ochoa written all over him.
Long live Wilmer Flores!!!!!
Flores is definitely raking but has anybody noticed that he never walks?
Because of his low IsoD, his flashy hit total actually only adds up to Reese Havens-like production.
F. Martinez, .772 OPS
R. Havens, .820 OPS
W. Flores, .842 OPS
But then again, Wilmer Flores is, like, 12 years old.
Yes… he’s 17!
I am a big believer in Fmart, but from what I heard Wilmer might be even better.
I’m beginning to get a bad feeling on F-Mart. Before anyone jumps on me, let me admit full out that it is just a feeling more than anything else.
I think I’ve lived through too many Ochoas and Escobars to believe the hype anymore. Yes, irrational and based on nothing. But there’s just a not so nice feeling I’m getting.
Wilmer Flores, however!!!!!! (Let’s trade him for Doug Brocail — I’m sure we will.)
I hear ya…but you’re suffering from a disease known as “Steve Phillips and Jim Duqutte have ruined my optimism”
LOL
whos wilmer flores
nvm i know who he is
Looks like DMurph will be playing 2B in the Arizona Fall League. Therefore, here’s my 2009 predictions:
DMurph is the starting 2B
Evans and FMart platoon in LF
Delgado’s option is picked-up
I like it on the surface…but I dont want to rush Fmart…if he’s ready then sure…all depends how he plays in winter ball and spring training.
MY personal guess would be he starts in the minors and comes up around May or June.
And what happens to Castillo and his huge, immovable contract?
put it in Shea around Dec 2008 when its blown up.
it is not huge. If he shows any life this month, it can be moved. Sadly, 6 mill is almost chump change for an everyday player now. The Mets can eat 1/2 of it, or take back another bad contract instead (for someone more useful, like a LH hitting OF).
Hey, Omar traded Mota, so anything is possible.
It’s not huge in dollars, it’s huge in years for a guy who limps around a field.
I hate this posting filter!!!
I quit. I had a moderately long but not ridiculous ost, clean as a whistle, well thought out about next year, and I can’t get it to post. Seems like Matt doesn’t actually want intelligent posts! Stick with cartoon cursing and you are fine though…
short version: Murphy at 2B, Evans and a LH guy (like a Werth, prob not FM) for LF and evans backs up 1B (Delgado). Retool BP on the fly. Rotation, OP if possible (overpay if needed). Or, Garland (maybe and). Santana, Maine, Pelfrey, and 1 of garland/OP and Meine/Parnell (or other young guy).
That, and the only real trade needed is to get a catcher, unless they feel that one of the guys in the minors is capable of being a FT starter in 2010 (and at least part time in 2009)
who is Meine?
Josh Thole had a huge leap in his game this year at St. Lucie
His next season at Binghamton will tell a big story.