Martinez Intends To Make Shea Debut This Year

At Courant.com writes about Fernando Martinez and how he is saying that we will see him at Shea Stadium this year:

Fernando Martinez was not trying to boast when he told reporters Tuesday that he planned on playing at Shea at some point this season. Just the thought of it brought a smile to his face, and Martinez, despite his incredible talent, does not seem to be a cocky player on the surface.

"This year you'll see me in New York," Martinez said.

Martinez drilled pitch after pitch onto the grassy berm beyond the wall in right field. He also shagged fly balls in center with long, effortless strides.

Martinez Is Needed To Complete Santana Deal

Joe Christensen at The Star Tribune writes about the Johan Santana rumors and gives a little insider knowledge on the situation:

After weeks of speculation that the Yankees and Red Sox were the two favorites to land Johan Santana, the Twins could wind up shipping him to the Mets.

According to people with knowledge of the discussions, the Mets have offered top pitching prospect Deolis Guerra, along with center fielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber.

The Twins like those players. They've told the Mets they'd have a done deal if New York would add prized outfield prospect Fernando Martinez.

Possible Moves for Omar

From Network Member:Tyler Florence at Mets 4 Lfe:


We have reached the slowest part of the off-season and well, there is simply nothing to write about unless the signing of Matt Clement and Josh Towers.. but that has no effect on the Mets... but I've been thinking, what smart moves could Omar make? Well, here is a few suggestions from me...

Trade for Johan Santana...

I love our prospects but we need to get an edge. I would perfer that Omar waits until he becomes a free-agent next off-season but if we can pull a trade off that doesn't include Fernando Martinez, then I'm fine with it. Although most fans would haunt Omar Minaya for years if one of those prospects backfired in our faces, just like Scott Kazmir.


Sign Freddy Garcia to an incentive-laden contract with an option for 09'...

Freddy Garcia won't be ready until near the All-Star break but we need options. Gracia seems interested and there just simply aren't any better options. Unless you count Bartolo Colon, but he isn't even touching 90 MPH in the winter leagues. If Garcia would come back to form, the fans would love Omar Minaya again.



Sign Octavio Dotel to a 1-year contract with a vesting option for 09'...

Dotel is a very good reliable reliever out of the pen, when he is healthy. The thing is, he can't stay healthy.. but when he is, he can be a Duaner Sanchez type of pitcher. We need depth in our bullpen and that is what we lacked last season. Adding Octavio to the mix would definitely help solve that problem.



Sign Kevin Mench to a 1-year deal...

The recently acquired RF Ryan Church, is a very light hitting outfielder against left-handed pitchers.. so we need a platoon partner that can absolutely mash left-handers. Kevin Mench is our man. Last season, in 156 at-bats against Left-handers, Mench hit .314 with 8 homers and 26 RBI's. Combine that with Ryan Church vs right-handers, and we have a two headed monster in RF for 2008.

Sign Jason Jennings to a 1-2 year deal...

I know most of you are totally against him but in 2006 he was very good for the Rockies... and in the first half of 2007 he was decent with a 1-4 record and 4.07 ERA in 10 games started. The reason his record is so bad is because the Houston Astros offense was anemic all of last season... but he did blow up in the second half of the season, but thats the risk that your going to have to take.


I think all of these moves would be smart, but some would be risky. Either way I still believe that Mike Pelfrey should start for a full season in Flushing. If one of these starters were to be signed, we would just simply put Orlando Hernandez in the bullpen and keep Pelfrey as our #5. In my opinion, Kevin Mench would be a very smart signing for the Mets, and we should wait for Santana to be a free-agent at the end of the season... but if Omar pulls the trigger, I'll be fine with that too, just as long as we still have Fernando Martinez.

F-Mart The Best Of Them All

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

Keith Law at his show Scouts, Inc. answered some baseball questions, several were regarding the Mets and the Jahan Santana situation. For a full transcript visit Law's site at ESPN (Insider access necessary). It's pleasant to see the tide turn on some of our prospects, it was just a month ago we didn't have a package to compete for Santana and our prospects were considered second rate. Law is very high on Fernando Martinez, so much so that he considers him a bigger prospect then Hughes or Ellsbury and wouldn't trade him for a rental player, even if his name was Santana.

The way the Red Sox and Yankees have been approaching Santana I wonder if they're just trying to block each other and if he went out of league that would satisfy their needs. Both teams have very high pay rolls already and may not want to take on Santana's next contract, meanwhile the Mets have been financially conservative (in comparison). Matt Cerrone at Metsblog had two posts today one on Peter Gammon and the other Jon Heyman both were positive in regards to the Mets chances.

If the Twins need a lead-off hitting center fielder I think Gomez and Martinez are both comparable to Ellsbury and while Hughes is one of the best young pitchers around, the Mets are willing to give up quantity, and the quality isn't that far from Hughes. Three prospects and Heilman or four prospects is alot to lose but Santana is well worth it.

Jay, (Minneapolis, MN): Hey Klaw, how would you rank the Twins organization? How much better could their farm be if they pull the trigger on either the Sox, Mets or Yanks deal?

SportsNation Keith Law: Any of those proposed deals would be a huge upgrade. Their system is thin right now - no bats, not many arms. They've promoted a lot of guys and recent drafts haven't been that productive.

What Do the A's Want for Dan Haren?

from MetsLifer.com

According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Oakland Athletics have made it clear what they want from the Mets if they want to get Dan Haren.

According to Stark, Billy Beane has said that it will take Carlos Gomez and top minor league prospect, Fernando Martinez, to secure Dan Haren in a trade.

I found it a little surprising that Beane wouldn't require a pitcher in return since it appears he's wholesaling his entire starting rotation. If the Mets made this deal they'd in essence would give up their entire outfield of youth (Milledge, Gomez, Martinez).

Long term what this means is that they'll need to make a deal next year to replace Moises Alou, and if Ryan Church has a bad season and bats .230 we might need to replace him as well. I'm hopeful about Church, but I'm cautious to give up both Martinez and Gomez. I'd much rather package in a pitcher or two instead of one of them.

If the A's offer is legit it's not an unreasonable one, and you have to ask yourself is it easier to replace young outfielders or a young starting pitcher?

Still there's much left to be decided and we just have to sit and wait for the cards to be dealt.

Fernando Martinez on Top 50 Prospects

At MiLB.com they released their Top 50 Prospects and list Fernando Martinez 17:

Despite playing less than half a Minor League season, Martinez is still highly regarded by scouts around baseball. The Mets sent him to the Arizona Fall League in 2006, where he became the youngest player ever to participate there, and continued to push him aggressively by making the 18-year-old the youngest player in the Double-A Eastern League in 2007.

When healthy, Martinez has tremendous potential with the bat. He should eventually hit for both average and power from a corner outfield spot. He has the ability to play decent defense and isn't a bad runner, but all his skills are still on the raw side. Assuming he's healthy in 2008, Martinez should be able to continue his quick ascent to New York. Starting the year back in Double-A might be the way to go, but even if he begins there, it's unlikely he'll finish the season at the same level.

Could Haren Be Traded To The Mets?

Matthew Pouliot at Rotoworld writes about the off season trade candidates and where he thinks they will end up. The one that caught my eye was Dan Haren to the Mets for Lastings Milledge, Fernando Martinez and Aaron Heilman:

Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, Rich Harden (Athletics) - If the A's decide to rebuild, they'll trade at least one and probably two starters, with Chad Gaudin also a possibility to go. Haren, the AL ERA leader for much of last year, would command the highest price tag. He'll earn just $16.25 million over the next three seasons. Blanton is arbitration eligible for the first time and is under control for three more years. It's likely that he'll make $3.5 million-$4 million next year. Harden is set to earn $4.5 million in 2008. There's a 2009 option on his contract worth $7 million, but if he gets hurt again, that can be declined and he'd have to settle for less in arbitration. He'll then be a free agent after 2009. Since he's pitched just 72 innings the last two years, Harden is the best bet to stay.

Possibilities

1)Haren to Mets for OF Lastings Milledge, OF Fernando Martinez & RHP Aaron Heilman
2)Haren to Dodgers for OF Matt Kemp, 3B Andy LaRoche & RHP James McDonald 3)Haren to D'Backs for 1B Conor Jackson, OF Carlos Gonzalez & RHP Dustin Nippert
4)Blanton to Mets for OF Lastings Milledge & RHP Aaron Heilman
5)Blanton to Dodgers for OF Matt Kemp
6)Blanton to Phillies for 2B Adrian Cardenas, LHP J.A. Happ & RHP Joe Bisenius
7)Harden to Red Sox for INF Jed Lowrie, RHP Michael Bowden & LHP Hunter Jones

Prediction - Haren traded to Mets, Others stay

To view the entire report use thislink (Rotoworld)

Who Would You Trade?

No one is untradeable. Ok, Derek Jeter and David Wright are untradeable. But then again the Mets traded Tom Seaver who was the face of this franchise in those horrid early years.

This offseason I am confident the trade rumors will be buzzing like an angry wasps' nest. Names will be dropped like your Dick Vitale at the Final Four. But of all the Mets I believe three names will be mentioned the most this offseason: Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez, and Lasting Milledge.

Why? Two words: "youth" & "upside." At this point none of them have really proven what kind of big league talent they will become. Martinez is the equivalent of an 8th grader scouting college basketball scholarships. If he turns out to be good, you got him for a prayer. If he doesn't no sleep lost. Gomez has shown signs of brilliance amidst a streak of immaturity. And Milledge? Well, is he a young Gary Sheffield or a future Bernard Gilkey?

No one has a crystal ball so the real question is who are you willing to trade at this point?

My first inkling is to trade Martinez. The kid's got talent for sure, but he's a good 2-3 years away from even being a regular at the major league level. If a team is willing to give up good, young talent that is already big league tested for a potential wonder boy, that's fine with me. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

That brings me to Carlos Gomez, whom I am enamored with. The way he tracks down fly balls reminds me of Andruw Jones when he feels like playing. The question is if he's just a pinch runner and hired glove, or will he be able to consistently hit some day. Again he's very young, but I don't think we can judge Gomez accurately just yet. He was thrown into the lineup this year straight from Double A last year. His build shows he has the potential for some pop and that kind of speed and glove are a wonderful thing to have in your back pocket.

And then there was Milledge. The often coveted blue chip prospect has now shown baseball what he can do at least for half a season. The kid was our best hitter with runners in scoring position for 3 months and seemed to get on base at just the right time. And I don't know about you but I was surprised at how well he played in the field this year. Milledge made some impressive plays at clutch moments. The kid has potential and unless there's a package for a top pitching prospect like Johann Santana or Josh Beckett, I'd hold onto Milledge.

So there you have it. This novice wants to hold on Milledge & Gomez, and gamble with Martinez. Although none of these guys are untradeable. Starting pitching is a luxury in this league. Just ask Tom Glavine.

Turning the Mets Upside Down

This is going to be THE critical off-season for the Mets' under Omar Minaya's short stay as General Manager, one that will determine where the franchise is poised towards for the next few years. Willie is the manager for the forseeable future, nothing I can say will change that, so rather than continuing to debate his obvious short-comings and merits, we are instead going to move forward towards, hopefully, a more successful 2008 season, the last in our beloved (and loathed) Shea Stadium (and namesake). However, that doesn't mean that we can't suggest somebroad, sweeping and potentially controversial changes to the team and the staff for this off-season. Without further ado, here is what we propose: (with apologies to John Delcos, as this was written yesterday and only posted today.)

1.) Once Joe Torre is fired by the Yankees, bring him in as Willie's bench coach. He wants to stay in New York, and he's got a tight relationship with Willie, one of his "pupils," so this might work, and what a positive PR stroke to shove it back at Boss Steinbrenner. Torre could be a positive influence on Willie, and although they are both more laid-back in nature, having Torre around should strengthen some of the areas where Randolph is supposedly already strong, and allow him a cool-hand who has been through the fire for the past 12 seasons and help him not just keep control of the often-fractured clubhouse but also potentially entice some of Torre's soon-to-be former players over from the "dark side."

2.) Sign Aaron Rowand, NOT Andruw Jones! Move Beltran to right, and add this sparkplug to a lineup that needs Rowand's type of hustle. Hmmm, what other outfielder played for both the Mets and Phils, was a dirty-uniform type full of piss and vinegar? Can you say LENNY DYKSTRA? We seem to need better chemistry on this team (read - GAMERS) and perhaps having him at the top of the order allows Reyes to move down in the order and add an entirely new dimension to the line-up. He would also cost a lot less than Jones, and is at least coming off of a career year, rather than a career-hurting year. He'd cost around the price of Gary Matthews, Jr., somewhere around 10 mil per for about 3 years. His signing allows us to move on to ...

3.) Trade Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman, Philip Humber, Mike Carp and Kevin Mulvey, plus a HUGE bag of cash, to the Twins for Johan Santana and a prospect (any decent prospect). Santana would be situated atop the rotation for the next 7-8 years, complimenting Maine and Perez to make up a hell of a base. Add Pedro, and we have a great rotation. This allows us to...

4.) Decline bringing back Tom Glavine, saving around $11 mil or so, and move O-Hern into long relief. There won't be a lot of middle relievers on the market, and with the proposed departure of Heilman, this could allow both O-Hern and Pelfrey to move into middle relief, spelling the fifth starter or Pedro, if he has to take any extra days off.

5.) With an entirely new front office, the Pirates will probably be loathe to trade any of their few existing, talented players, but a deal MIGHT be possible if we were to eat a large contract of theirs, say someone like Jack Wilson, who could be a role player for us in the event we don't re-sign Luis Castillo and with the retirement of Jeff Conine about to be formalized. Package Wilson with pitcher Tom Gorzelanny in exchange for cash, Jon Niese, A-Hern, Adam Bostick and Jose Coronado. We can also eat another Pirates' contract if need be.

6.) Since the Tigers are going to exercise their option on I-Rod, we can slap the Yanks' again, and reunite Torre with Jorge Posada and re-sign the top back-up catcher in the bigs, Ramon Castro. This combo should keep us going until Mr. Pena is ready to step up to the majors. PLD wont' come back, although this would be my first choice, and Mr. Piazza seems relegated to the A.L., so Posada makes a lot of sense, especially coming off of another great season!

7.) As we discussed back in July, we recommend bringing back Moises Alou, re-signing Endy Chavez, and leaving Carlos Gomez in AAA for seasoning. Imagine an outfield of Beltran, Rowand and Alou, with Chavez and Anderson backing them up - not bad at all! Gomez needs a full year of seasoning, as we forget how young he still is and there is no substitution for playing regularly at a high level. Gomez will be the eventual replacement for Alou, in 2009, which would leave us with 3 fantastic fielders and a LOT of speed out there.

8.) Fernando Martinez MUST spend the entire season (if healthy) at first base. He is a potential hitting star, still SO young, and there is a dearth of good first-sackers out there right now. Delgado is not going anywhere next season, as the Mets' won't be able to easily unload his contract, and he will have something to prove, which usually works out well for both sides (except, of course when it doesn't...). His hitting will get him to the majors- if we can make him into an adequate first baseman, imagine THAT infield for the next 7-10 years with Wright, Reyes and Gotay/Castillo (at least for next season). Martinez could possibly be ready by mid-2009, if he stays healthy and keeps progressing as he has.

9.) With a solid rotation, a set starting line-up and support in the clubhouse for Willie, that leaves the bench and bullpen. The bench is nearly set, with Wilson, Castro, Anderson, Chavez and Gotay, and there is no one better at Omar than finding bench support. As far as the bullpen, the first thing change has to be the subtraction of Mr. Mota. Add O-Hern and Pelfrey to Wagner, Feliciano, Smith and Schoeneweis, and you are one arm away from a much more reliable pen. With the money saved from not resigning Glavine, there should be one arm out there for Omar to pry away from a non-contending team. Bullpen help is tricky, and again, without knowing who might be available, it's hard for us to even speculate about who it could be.

10.) The team lacked fire last season - and the additions of Posada, Santana and Rowand would certainly spark this team on their way to the World Series. Wright should be more consistent; Reyes shouldn't disappear in crunch-time again; Perez and Maine are just coming into their own; Pedro will be a more top-flight Pedro this season, good for another 15 wins or so; Beltran, in spite of the fickleness of our fans, is a true gamer and with a stronger line-up, wouldn't have to feel as though he had to play regardless of how hurt he might have been; and finally, Smith and Feliciano, with a lighter workload in the first half and increased inning production from the starters, won't burn out so quickly in the season. There's no reason why this team can't win it all next season - as long as they don't get in their own way!

Let us know what YOU think the Mets should do next season! It's a LONG time until pitchers and catchers report- I am counting the days until Spring Training! Back tomorrow!

**PS - NO MORE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVERS, PLEASE!!!!

F-Mart May Be Out For Season

Brian Heyman at Lower Hudson Online writes about Fernando Martinez and his wrist injury:

Fernando Martinez, the Mets' highly regarded 18-year-old outfield prospect at Double-A Binghamton, has suffered a hamate injury in his hand and is probably out for the season. Minaya wasn't sure if he will need surgery. Martinez batted .271 with four homers and 21 RBI in 60 games

Analyzing Fernando Martinez

Marc Hulet at Baseball Analysts, writes about Fernando Martinez and asks if he's going to be a star or a bust (thanks to Mets Blog for the link):

At 18 years of age, you have to be really, really impressed that Martinez is holding his own in Double-A, even if some people feel he hasn't truly impressed. Personally, for me, there not a lot to dislike, although his walks are a little low and his strikeouts are a little high - especially for the modest power displayed in 2007.

But you have to keep going back to the age. You also have to look at the park factors for his home park in Binghamton and realize that it significantly retarded power numbers (0.54) between 2004-2006, according to Baseball Think Factory.

If young prospects show the ability to hit for average with some semblance of patience and a good batting eye - be ecstatic, even if some scouts are less than enthralled with Martinez' season and expect him to be move out of centerfield. Reports say he has a willingness to hit to all fields and has solid strike-zone awareness for his age. Keep in mind this kid is also just learning to speak English and is adjusting to life in North America on the fly.

Martinez To Play In Futures Games

Melissa Martinez at The Raw Feed, writes about Fernando Martinez and his selection to the Futures All-Star Game:

Binghamton Mets outfielder Fernando Martinez, one of the top prospects in the New York Mets’ organization, has been chosen to participate in the 2007 All-Star Futures Game.

In 58 games with Binghamton, Martinez is hitting .269 with four homers, 21 RBI and 31 runs scored. The youngest player in the Eastern League this season, the 18-year-old is playing just his second season of professional baseball since being signed by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic in July, 2005. Baseball America rates Martinez as the top prospect in the Mets’ system, behind only former B-Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey.

The Mets 2008 Outfield

We already know that in 2008, Shawn Green and Moises Alou will no longer be patrolling the outfield. We also know that pretty much the Mets 2008 outfield will be comprised of a 20 year old (Fernando Martinez), a 31 year old (Carlos Beltran) and a 23 year old (Carlos Gomez). What we don’t know is, how are they going to react to the Majors.

Carlos Gomez has already been brought up to take the fourth outfielder’s job, now that Endy Chavez has taken Moises Alou’s place for the time being. In 6 games and 15 at bats, Gomez is hitting .333, has 2 RBI’s and a stolen base.

It seems as though, Gomez has taken to the Majors, almost, as well as one could hope. He shows great plate discipline for a young hitter and is supposed to be faster than Jose Reyes. If Carlos stays up in the Majors for another two or three weeks and doesn’t show any signs of weak spots in his offense, I personally think he should bat behind Reyes as the number two hitter. That would be on nerve racking one, two punch in the top of the order.

Fernando Martinez is a mystery though. He’s risen through the Farm System at about a level a year. Currently, he’s playing for the Mets Double-A team (Binghamton Mets) and still doing a phenomenal job. Just coming back from an injury, Fernando Martinez is hitting .292, with 2 HR, 9RBI’s and 3 stolen bases.

Respected as one of the youngest and one of the most talented outfield prospects in the Minors, Martinez will more than likely make a splash with the Mets if he gets the call to take Right Field in 2008.

I hope Beltran is getting ready to be the veteran outfielder and teach these kids a thing or two next season.

As many fans are, I’m a huge fan of the Farm System and was almost devastated when the Mets traded away numerous prospects. For some reason the Jacobs deal hit me hard. Let’s just hope that Omar won’t (I know he won’t, just want to reiterate) trade away the future for the present.

Minor League Tracker: Fernando Martinez

At Rotoworld, they write about Fernando Martinez and how he's doing in Double-A:

Double-A Binghamton's Fernando Martinez went 3-for-5 and hit his second homer Wednesday.

Martinez is batting .371 this month, giving him a .299/.369/.417 line in 127 at-bats. For an 18-year-old in Double-A, that's outstanding.

Fernando Martinez #11

Chris Kline, Matt Eddy, Adam Foster and Josh Leventhal at the Baseball America Prospects list, place Mets Outfield prospect, Fernando Martinez, at number 11 of the hottest prospects playing right now:

After a .261/.329/.362 April, Martinez, 18, found his stroke in the EL, going 12-for-25 (.480) with four multi-hit games and four doubles last week.

Minor League Tracker: Fernando Martinez

Toby Hyde at Shea Baseball, writes about Fernando Martinez and how he's progressing in Double A:

Fernando Martinez (.302/.375/.419) was 2-4 with a double and a pair of runs batted in. It was his fourth straight game with a double.

Minor League Tracker: Fernando Martinez

At Rotoworld, they write about Fernando Martinez in Double A:

Double-A Binghamton's Fernando Martinez went 5-for-7 with a pair of doubles in a doubleheader Thursday.

With eight hits in his last 12 at-bats, the 18-year-old Martinez is now sporting a .293/.363/.402 line in 82 at-bats. He could remain streaky as the youngest player in the Eastern League.

Gomez And Martinez

Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, writes about Mets prospects Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez and how they are making waves in Spring Training:

Imagine a 6-foot-4 outfielder who is faster than Jose Reyes.

The Mets have him.

Now imagine an 18-year-old outfielder whose pure hitting ability is reminiscent of a young Manny Ramirez.

The Mets have him, too.

Mets officials like to debate which Dominican native will become a better player — Carlos Gomez, 21, or Fernando Martinez, 18.

Gomez is taller and faster, Martinez the more advanced hitter. Both could be with the Mets by the time they open their new ballpark in 2009, flanking center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Martinez On The Rise

Michael Saflino writes about Fernando Martinez and how he is developing faster than many have thought:

"Martinez doesn't look or carry himself like a teenager and had no trouble against Double-A and Triple-A pitchers in the AFL," Law wrote recently on ESPN.com. "Plus glove in center as well."

Sickels says Martinez projects right now as a regular, and possibly a star. "There is still enough uncertainty about Martinez to keep him out of that very elite category. I rank Martinez at number 17, so you can see that I do like him a lot. He was very impressive to watch in the AFL." The numbers for Martinez in the AFL as well as in the Minors last year don't pop out at you. But there's more there than meets the eye; far more when you adjust for Martinez's age.

In A-ball last year, Martinez sparkled with a .333 average and .505 slugging percentage (.388 average on balls in play). Once promoted to St. Lucie, Martinez hit just .193, but he had five homers and 11 extra-base hits in his 119 at bats. His isolated power (slugging percentage minus batting average) was a sparkling .194. Also note that Martinez's average on balls in play (not including homers) was just .198, about 110 points below average. So, he seems to have hit in tough luck after his promotion.

Then, in the AFL, he started out 1-for-18 but then finished 21-for-69 (.304) against some of the better pitching prospects in baseball, most considerably older and with experience at higher levels of the Minor Leagues. Martinez's prospects as a future center fielder appear uncertain. Law thinks he can handle the position, but Sickels has his doubts.

"(He's a) corner outfield in the long run," says Sickels, who also maintains a blog on MinorLeagueBall.com. "A lot of scouts think he will lose speed as he gets older, hurting his range. He has enough arm strength and accuracy to play right field."

It might seem silly to worry about center field with Carlos Beltran still more than capable and not yet 30. But when Beltran's current contract expires in November 2011, Martinez will still be only 22.

Baseball America says that Martinez right now is the best hitter for average and for power in the organization. So, where might he hit in the lineup?

"Given his age I think he projects minimum 20-homer power, and possibly 30-35," Sickels says.

"We need to get more data to be sure. He needs to improve his plate discipline, but given his age and his performance so far I am optimistic about his chances to fully develop his talent."

How old is Fernando martinez?

Kyle at Mets Prospects writes about Fernando Martinez and the problem with his age:

I recently found out Fernando Martinez's true age. Accoriding to MiLB.com the young prospect who was the youngest player to play in the Arizona Fall League Martinez is actually 20 years old. It lists Fernando Martinez as being born on December 10, 1986. Wow! This is a shock. Though this often happends with guys from the Latin American Countries. This is really huge. Martinez is projected to be in the majors in 2010. That would mean he would be 23. This does change my perception of Fernando. This also increases the Value of Carlos Gomez, the other Mets Prospect Outfielder who is now 1 year older and will probably arive in the Majors in 2008.