This is ridiculous. As Gary Cohen put it today “Ramon Martinez is not a big league shortstop”. He couldn’t be any more right. Martinez made another two errors in the field, and this is supposed to be the reason he’s playing over Tatis, is his defense?!? He has limited range, a weak arm, and an even weaker bat.
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt reported during the game that the Mets considered three other players, SS’s Jose Coronado and Ruben Tejeda, and utility man Jonathan Malo. While none of these guys will ever light the world on fire with their bat, Tejada and Coronado would both be a huge upgrade over Martinez defensively, and being that he only has one hit so far as a Met I believe it’s a no brainer.
I’d love to give Reese Havens a shot, but I know that it is much too early to call upon the young SS. Havens has posted impressive homer and RBI numbers, 7 and 25, but a poor batting average at .241 at AA this season.
The bottom line is, Martinez’s career is winding down and as much of a professional he might be, there has got to be a better option for the Mets down on the farm until Jose Reyes gets back.
Pete Lappin (3)
