F-Mart Heading To The Mariners?

An article by Hojo's Mojo    38 Comments

Update 2:15 AM

Adam Rubin writes:

Two sources — one with ties to the organization, one formerly with the organization — indicated the Seattle Mariners are the team involved in dialogue with the Mets.

One of the sources indicated that 21-year-old outfielder Fernando Martinez, who was one of the two players scratched from the Bisons’ lineup, could be headed to Seattle if a deal materializes.

One name being mentioned a lot on Twitter is Chone Figgins.

According to Andy Martino of the Daily News, there are indications that the Mets are either working on a trade or preparing two prospects for a callup, but the team offered no confirmation of either.

Earlier this evening, the Daily News reported that infielder Ruben Tejada and outfielder Fernando Martinez were late scratches from Triple-A Buffalo’s game Friday night. Both were in the original lineup, but were later scratched about five minutes before game time, signaling that they are either involved in a trade or being promoted to the major leagues.

After the game, Omar Minaya spoke with reporters, but when asked to comment on Martinez and Tejada, he skirted the question and replied,

“I’m not going to comment on that. I have nothing to say about that right now. We’ll see.”

If Tejada and F-Mart are indeed on their way to another team, I hope it’s not some desperate attempt to appease fans who were disappointed that the Mets did nothing before the deadline.

Martinez, one of the organization’s top outfield prospects for most of the past half-decade, was batting .255 with 12 homers in 68 games for the Bisons. Tejada, who spent significant time with the Mets earlier this season, was hitting .280 in 65 Triple-A games.

I’m a little concerned because the only players that would be available now are only those that would have had to pass through waivers. Usually, desirable, quality players never make it through the waiver process.

Most of the players that do pass waivers or are claimed are either overpaid players, problem players, and players who desperately need a change of scenery.

One other option could be that the Mets are getting ready to release two players from their 25 man roster.

Luis Castillo?  Oliver Perez? Jeff Francoeur?

Something is definitely up, and I have no idea what that could be, but I do hope that it’s a good move for the Mets and that the team is better off for it.