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Buzz: Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee

by Matthew Cerrone on May 18th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes the Padres plan to build around Adrian Gonzalez, not trade him.

However, Sherman sees Nationals 1B Nick Johnson, O’s 1B Aubrey Huff and Indians infielder Mark DeRosa as the most likely players to be acquired by the Mets if Omar Minaya looks to make a trade.

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com believes the Indians are not looking to trade RHP Cliff Lee or C-1B Victor Martinez.

However, according to Rosenthal, “They would gauge interest only if they fell completely out of contention.”

Rosenthal believes the Indians will want an elite pitching prospect, like Braves RHP Tommy Hanson, as the centerpiece of a trade for either Lee or Martinez.

man, martinez would be a great fit…  i’m guessing he would cost the top package, i.e., Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese, if not more

The 30–year-old, switch-hitting Martinez is batting .401 in 39 games for the Indians this season, with seven home runs, 12 doubles and 26 RBI.

He has played 19 games at first base this season, 21 at catcher.

Martinez, who will $5.7 million this season, has a $7 million option in his contract for in 2010, after which he is eligible for free agency.