This report says that the Mets placed former No. 1 prospect Fernando Martinez on waivers. Martinez is 23 years old and can play RF and CF. Only three or four years ago, he was a top 10 prospect (at age 19 or 20) in all of baseball. He was the Mets' No.1 prospect for most of his time in the Mets' organization. He continued to be among the Mets' top 5 prospects last year. Fernando Martinez's stock has fallen like a rock because he has yet to meet the sky high expectations placed upon him. Yes, he could be a bust, but he is only 23 years old and he still has the raw ability to hit for power, throw out baserunners, and run with dominating speed.

Just for fun: some YouTube video of F-Mart.....HR in VWL; HR against Sam LeCure in AAA; Opposite field HR in AAA; walk off grand slam in AAA; 2010 spring training HR.

I strongly recommend that the Astros claim him off waivers. I don't know who would be removed from the 40 man roster, but surely we can find someone who isn't worth blocking this project. It's high risk/reward. acquisition. He may turn out to be a bust. But, it's always possible that a change of scenery could put him back on course to be the next Cesar Cedeno. (Ironically, the Astros wanted to trade Lidge for F-Mart instead of Bourn, but the Mets wouldn't budge.) That's my recommendation for the day.

Edit addition: After reading another article, apparently F-Mart had some knee injuries which may have hurt his speed. So that may be a downside. But I still think he is worth looking at in spring training.