May
14
2011

Is F-Mart Still A Viable Prospect?

An article by John Delcos

Fernando Martinez is 22, still young enough in the sport where he’s graded most on potential. However, the past few years have been rough on his body and he’s lost more games due to injury than anybody his age should have the right to.

At one time Martinez was part of a group of three Mets outfielders who were going to race their way to stardom. Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez and Martinez were three raw talents blessed with speed, quickness and the potential – there’s that word again – for power.

They represented a bright future for the Mets, young, athletic and talented. They would be something to see, and teams were always rebuffed when they called. Reportedly, the Mets said no to Manny Ramirez for the cost of Milledge.

However, the opportunities given Milledge and Gomez – especially the former – didn’t pan the the Mets relented and Milledge was sent to Washington for Brian Schneider and Ryan Church, and Gomez was part of the package that brought in Johan Santana.

With Santana’s injury, there’s nothing left to show for the trade. Once one of the top prospects in the majors, Martinez isn’t even one of the top five Mets’ prospects. Times have changed.

Martinez, called up Friday night as a patch in the Mets’ outfield, hit a two-run, pinch homer to remind us once again what all the fuss was about. But, did he show us a glimpse into the future or into what was supposed to be?

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

15 Comments + Add Comment

Mr North Jersey May 14, 2011 at 12:12 pm

In 5 yrs FMart has never played at least 100 games in a season.

I just can’t consider him as part of the future until I can see him play a full season. At worse at least 100 games.
- SFloridaMetsFan May 14, 2011 at 12:19 pm
  
  Did you say that about Reyes too?
  - Mr North Jersey May 14, 2011 at 12:29 pm
    
    Why would I?
    
    Reyes didn’t have the same issue coming up in the farm.
    
    2000: 49 Games/Minors
    2001: 108 Games/Minors
    2002: 134 Games/Minors
    2003: 42 Games/Minors 69 Games/Majors 111 Games Total
    2004: 10 Games/Minors 53 Games/Majors 63 Games Total
    2005: 161 Games/Majors
    2006: 153 Games/Majors
    2007: 160 Games/Majors
    2008: 159 Games/Majors
    
    http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reyesjo01.shtml
    - Clayton Collier May 14, 2011 at 1:02 pm
      
      Apparently Omar was talking to the Blue Jays back in 09 about a package for Halladay but he killed all talks once F-Mart was mentioned.
      
      I hope it was worth it.
      
      I just hope we can get F-Mart’s value up enough to flip him for a good starter.
      - SFloridaMetsFan May 14, 2011 at 1:29 pm
        
        I remember that. Another wonderful Omar move…Gah!
  - Mr North Jersey May 14, 2011 at 12:34 pm
    
    Maybe you SFloridaMetsFan think FMart is on pace with Reyes as far as playing time is concerned but I don’t share your opinion.
    
    I stand by my earlier statement. I personally can’t think of FMart as part of the future until I can see him play a full season. At worse at least 100 games.
    
    If others feel otherwise that’s fine I just don’t.
    - SFloridaMetsFan May 14, 2011 at 12:54 pm
      
      I’m not arguing with you. You’re definitely entitled to your opinion and I respect it. I just don’t agree with you. I think he can be a big part of our future. I just can’t write off a kid with so much potential at age 22.
      - Mr North Jersey May 14, 2011 at 1:06 pm
        
        Fair enough
        
        SFloridaMetsFan May 14, 2011 at 2:35 pm
        
        Yeah man. I’m not like some people that bash a person for their opinion. You made an opinion and backed it with some facts. Just wish more people did that. =)
        
        XtreemIcon May 14, 2011 at 2:37 pm
        
        Amen. Facts, people. It goes a very long way.
Pete May 14, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Some guys bodies mature slower than others, none of his past injuries were permanent, they were all of the “nagging” variety. His talent is extraordinary. Whenever and wherever he has played he has absolutely raked with power. If FMart puts together a decent season this year and stays in the lineup, he is the number one candidate to take over for Beltran when he finally moves on. Next years outfield could very well be: Bay in LF, FMart in RF with Pagan battling Captain Kirk for CF with the loser being the 4th outfielder.
Brandon Butler May 14, 2011 at 12:59 pm

WF-Mart really added to his potential, but i don’t know if he will still be a valuable prospect. When F-Mart DOES go back to Buffalo, he needs to continue to be in the lineup every single day. I did agree with Terry Collins statements about how being in the lineup in Buffalo everyday helped out F-Mart.
Metsie May 14, 2011 at 1:10 pm

He is not a bust yet if thats what the opposite of Prospect is….

He is still young but if he hasn’t showed he belongs in the Majors in the next two years he will not be the guy they have touted all this time.

He Jacked one out last night and if he has a good run up here then That makes trading Beltran that much easier to do.

So right now Yes F-Mart is still a viable prospect. One who still has to get past that last hurdle and show in the MLB!

He didn’t really get a good shot last year and My worry is he won’t get one this year either unless he is going to play CF.
XtreemIcon May 14, 2011 at 2:38 pm

You can’t make the concrete decision that a 22-year-old is or isn’t a potential anything. He’s only 22.
Alan May 15, 2011 at 9:43 am

I am a bit surprised that F- Mart has shown some good bat speed and patience since his recall. I for one have felt that he was never going to be a major league hitter as he has looked totally over matched in the past.

Maybe he has also matured and is no longer thinking about the label he was stuck with as being a 5 tool player…..All that hype did him no good for sure!

If he is healthy…maybe he can still be a part of this team’s future!

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	28	.600	-
Nationals	34	35	.493	7.5
Phillies	34	37	.479	8.5
Mets	25	40	.385	14.5
Marlins	22	47	.319	19.5

Last updated: 06/18/2013

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