No one represents the failed expectations of the Omar Minaya era more than Fernando Martinez. As a 16 year old he wowed the organization during a batting practice session at Citi Field. From that day on he was routinely ranked #1 on all organization prospect lists. Many thought he would join David Wright and Jose Reyes as a homegrown offensive cornerstone.

Five years and numerous injuries later Fernando Martinez is no longer, as Brian Costa wrote for the Wall Street Journal, a prodigy. This isn’t a surprise to me as I often questioned the praise for Martinez, who never showed the results his famous talents promised. Thus far, his best minor league season came in 2008 when he played 90 games, hit .292, with 8 homers and 43 RBI. I remember watching Martinez in Binghamton over the course of a weekend. Despite having a pleasant conversation with him in the locker room, I came away unimpressed with his play on the field. Yes, he was a great kid, unspoiled by the praise of being a top prospect, but he just didn’t appear to translate any of his tools into the game.

Many will point out Martinez is just 22 years old this spring. By that age David Wright was already driving in 100 runs while starting at third base for the team. Jose Reyes was leading off and stealing 60 bases for the Mets. To say the former Mets top prospect is not in their class is an understatement. I’ve been told it takes 2,000 minor league plate appearances for a player to develop his trade. Going into 2011 Martinez has 1,507 so a full season will put him at that mark.

Does he have a future with the big league club? He may get a chance as it’s a sure bet that Carlos Beltran will need some time off this summer due to his balky knees. However, its’ no sure bet Martinez will be the first call up with outfielders like Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Jason Pridie in the mix. For all the hype, Martinez has yet to produce a season like Duda or Nieuwenhuis did in 2010. As a matter of fact, he’s yet to produce a minor league season like former failed prospect Lastings Milledge. To be fair injuries has played a huge part in this, but even in a small sample the numbers don’t lie.

He’s off to a great start this spring, going 5 for 8 with a homer and two RBI in five games. Before last season I questioned if his career was at a crossroads. I don’t think anyone would argue that today. Personally, I might see if a good deal comes up where I trade him along with the contract of a Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez. Perhaps his best value will be ridding the team of two of Minaya’s worst investments.

Again, Martinez is just 22 years old. Maybe he is a victim of the failed philosophy of Tony Bernazard, who rushed prospects a level too quick. Maybe he isn’t as good as everyone thought. I haven’t even mentioned he has arthritis in his knees. Whatever the case may be this truly is his last stand. I questioned it last year, but this year I have no doubt.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Fernando Martinez, New York Mets