31
2009
Fernando Martinez Heads Mets Top 10 Prospects

Check out the Mets Top 10 Prospects as compiled by Marc Hulet of FanGraphs, who did an excellent job of providing a detailed analysis on each player complete with statistical data as well.
Fernando Martinez tops his list and he writes the following about him,
Although some have already, it is far too early to give up on Martinez. Just 21 years old, the Dominican outfielder just needs to have a healthy season. When he did get on the field in ‘09, he hit .290/.337/.540 with an ISO of .250 as a 20 year old in triple-A. That is pretty darn impressive. He reached his ‘08 total in home runs in about half the at-bats. Martinez actually had a career-high OPS of .877 in ‘09. He also kept his strikeout rate below 20% at 18.8%, but it would be nice to see more patience at the plate (5.9% walk rate). At the MLB level, he was over-matched and hit just .176/.242/.275 in 95 at-bats. With a career line against southpaws of .237/.308/.392, he has some work to do against lefties. Despite that, he still has a chance to be a very good player.
I’ve soured on F-Mart a little this past season, but mostly because of my frustration with his constant trips to the disabled list. Hulet is right of course, and we should all be more patient with someone so young and so gifted. Maybe everything will break right for Martinez in 2010, and we can finally see his tremendous talent applied over a full season.
Check out FanGraphs for more analysis on the rest of the top ten that includes 1B Ike Davis, RHP Jenrry Mejia, SS Wilmer Flores, LHP Jonathan Niese, RHP Brad Holt, IF Ruben Tejada, C Josh Thole, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis and RHP Jeurys Familia in that order.
About the Author: Rob Johnson
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An article by Hojo's Mojo



I hate those new stat breakdowns. They tell me NOTHING.
The way we always did it is the best:
AB – R – H – D – T – HR – RBI – AVG – BB – K – SB
That’s the format I liked the most. That tells you the story and you can figure out any percentage you want just by looking at that. The new way gives you the info going backwards to forward
Amen to that!
Wow, this guy is only 20 years old.. 21? Either way, with bay patrolling left he can develop nicely in the minors without being rush. He can be our cf in 2012 once beltran is gone. The problem is that our prospect r mostly rush trough the minors n they don’t develop as they should. Utley came to the bigs when he was 24 almost 25. How did that work out for the phillies!? Lets hope everyone is healthy in 2010 and to all mets fans: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Let the kid develop. He’s been playing at a much higher level than his young body is able to handle. He’s got to get into the gym and really just grow up and completely fill out. Once he does that, he’ll be able to handle the rigors of the game much better. Remember, Reyes had many injuries issues as well when he was younger, he’s gotten much better as he filled out as well.
Another great idea by the Bernzard regime, have them play above their skill level and this will make them progress better. Show me someone in Mets system that this has panned out for? Give F-Mart time and 500 at bats this year and pray for health and he could be part of OF in 2012 and be another home grown player to play for Mets. We have been hard on him cause of his injuries not remembering how young he is and how Bernazard pushed him thru Mets minor league system.
He really should spend the whole season in AAA. What’s interesting is that if it weren’t for injuries to the MLB team, he would have been down in AAA for most of the year.
I think it is true that we have to give him some more time to develop and grow. Not every player can come straight to the majors and be the next David Wright. So, hopefully he grows into the prospect he is suppose to be and hopefully we made the right move to not trade him away.