Mets option impressive Martinez to Buffalo
New York Mets' Fernando Martinez swings at a pitch by Boston Red Sox's John Lackey in the third inning of a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla. (March 17, 2010) Credit: AP
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - One decision the Mets didn't have to make this spring was whether to keep Fernando Martinez on the major-league roster. But at least the 21-year-old outfielder re-established his value as someone they'd like to consider a part of their future.
Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday morning, ending a successful spring training. He hit .383 (18-for-47) with three home runs and 11 RBIs. "I thought he had a great spring," general manager Omar Minaya said. "He showed us what he's able to do."
Minaya said Martinez will mainly man the corner outfield spots at Buffalo but will also play centerfield. If any injury strikes the big-league club, Martinez could be the first outfielder recalled.
"We would not hesitate to call him up," Minaya said. "I think he's shown that here in camp. But in the ideal world what I'd like to see is the guys that are here in the major leagues to perform and let him get as many at-bats as possible in Triple-A. He's only 21 years old. I think he needs numbers of at-bats, playing every day. But we're encouraged by what we saw in camp."
Extra bases
As the race for the final bullpen spots go down to the wire, Nelson Figueroa helped his case with three scoreless innings in the Mets' 6-3 exhibition win over the Marlins. Jenrry Mejia allowed three unearned runs in two innings and lefthanders Hisanori Takahashi and Raul Valdes each pitched a scoreless inning. Manager Jerry Manuel said of Mejia: "Do I see a way that he does not make the team? Not today."
