Prospect Watch: Mets' Prospect Martinez Gets the Call

OF Fernando Martinez, the top prospect in the Mets farm system was called up Tuesday. Martinez will take the spot of Ryan Church, who went on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain.

Mets General Manager Omar Minaya said that Martinez would not be called up unless he would see regular at bats, so expect Martinez be inserted into the lower part of the Mets line-up immediately.

Martinez, 20 years old, started 2009 at AAA, and hit quite well. Before being called up, Martinez was hitting .294-.341-.544 with 7 HR and 28 RBI in 160 at bats for AAA Buffalo.

In 2008, Martinez was the youngest player in AA baseball (he was 19), and more than held his own. He hit .287-.340-432 with 8 HR, 43 RBI, 48 runs scored in 352 at bats. Baseball America ranked him the 30th best prospect in all of baseball in their “2009 Top 100 Prospects” rankings.

Martinez is still very young, and may struggle while adjusting to major league pitching. However, he is going to see consistent at bats, so he has the opportunity to be a useful fantasy player immediately.

In standard leagues 10 teams or smaller, Martinez is worth simply watching for now. In leagues 12 teams or larger, Martinez is worth a speculative add. If by some chance he’s still available in a keeper league, he’s definitely someone to grab immediately.

Scout C.P. Staley