Fernando Martinez and Daniel Herrera have both been put on waivers, a source told Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Earlier today, Rubin said he expected either Martinez, Herrera, RHP Armando Rodriguez, RHP D.J. Carrasco, RHP Jeremy Hefner, RHP Chris Schwinden, IF Josh Satin and IF Justin Turner could be cut and put on waivers.
Martinez hit .260 with eight HR and 30 RBI in 223 at-bats at Triple-A Buffalo, while batting .227 in 11 games with the Mets.
According to Rubin, Herrera can declare free agency rather than report to the minors if he clears waivers.
Vinny Cartiglia: It’s amazing just how far the Fernando Martinez star has fallen. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that he was being rumored as a trade chip for
Manny Ramirez… and now he is on waivers.
Matthew Cerrone: It is incredible. I mean, he was mentioned in deals involving
Roy Halladay, Ramirez and countless others. The thing is, he just can’t stay healthy. And now with arthritis at 23 years old, and still having never played more than 90 games in a professional season, despite being at it for six years, it’s understandable the team would try to pass him through waivers…
Brian Erni: I think Carrasco should be among the duo removed from the roster. D.J. has a guaranteed contract for 2012 and should easily get by waivers, though I’m not sure the Mets would mind if he did get claimed by another team. Last week’s news that the Mets are looking outside the organization for a swing man (something Carrasco ideally would be suited for) leads me to believe the club soured on him after his disastrous 2011, where he pitched to a 6.02 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP over 49.1 innings.
Matthew Cerrone: Herrera, Schwinden, Satin and Turner all might have roles on the big-league club and so I see now way any of these men will be cut. I agree with Brian about Carrasco, which leaves one other player. Now, the previous front office was super high on Rodriguez, but I have not heard his name mentioned much of late. He was protected from the Rule 5 Draft last winter and got some looks in spring training games last year. He strikes guys out and pitched well in winter ball and it’s hard to see him being cut. However, he’s just 23 years old… so, perhaps he gets through unscathed.
