GaryMrMets
10-29-2006, 04:31 PM
http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets/archives/2006/10/post_12.php
October 29, 2006
Spotlight On: Mets Prospect Fernando Martinez
Mets centerfield prospect Fernando Martinez really wowed me yesterday. And I'm not talking about his 0-for-4, one-RBI performance in Mesa's 5-3 win against Phoenix in the Arizona Fall League, which dropped his average to .196.
The 18-year-old Martinez, the youngest player in the Arizona Fall League (second-youngest on his team is Twins prospect David Winfree at 21 years, 2 months), spoke to me very well in English before the game. I'd definitely encourage you to listen to the audio. [mp3]
When Martinez signed a $1.4 million contract with the Mets last summer out of the Dominican Republic, he said he barely spoke any English at all, so this is really a major accomplishment at such a young age. (He only turned 18 on Oct. 10.)
By the way, one scout raved about Martinez yesterday, praising his approach at the plate.
Martinez joined Mike Pelfrey in Friday night's Arizona Fall League all-star game, where Daily News photographer Ron Antonelli took some photos in addition to yesterday's game.
Martinez hopes to be at Double-A Binghamton in 2007, which Gary Carter is slated to manage if he doesn't get the Rockies hitting coach job.
He hit .333 in 45 games with low-A Hagerstown and .193 in 30 games with high-A St. Lucie during the '06 regular season, his first full year in professional baseball.
http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets/archives/2056951432-fernando1.gif
http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets/archives/2561307759-fernando3.gif
October 29, 2006
Spotlight On: Mets Prospect Fernando Martinez
Mets centerfield prospect Fernando Martinez really wowed me yesterday. And I'm not talking about his 0-for-4, one-RBI performance in Mesa's 5-3 win against Phoenix in the Arizona Fall League, which dropped his average to .196.
The 18-year-old Martinez, the youngest player in the Arizona Fall League (second-youngest on his team is Twins prospect David Winfree at 21 years, 2 months), spoke to me very well in English before the game. I'd definitely encourage you to listen to the audio. [mp3]
When Martinez signed a $1.4 million contract with the Mets last summer out of the Dominican Republic, he said he barely spoke any English at all, so this is really a major accomplishment at such a young age. (He only turned 18 on Oct. 10.)
By the way, one scout raved about Martinez yesterday, praising his approach at the plate.
Martinez joined Mike Pelfrey in Friday night's Arizona Fall League all-star game, where Daily News photographer Ron Antonelli took some photos in addition to yesterday's game.
Martinez hopes to be at Double-A Binghamton in 2007, which Gary Carter is slated to manage if he doesn't get the Rockies hitting coach job.
He hit .333 in 45 games with low-A Hagerstown and .193 in 30 games with high-A St. Lucie during the '06 regular season, his first full year in professional baseball.
http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets/archives/2056951432-fernando1.gif
http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets/archives/2561307759-fernando3.gif