F-Mart Injured After One Game

According to ESPN-NY, Fernando Martinez experienced knee discomfort in his first game with Escogido of the Dominican League and could possibly be shut down for the remainder of the winter.

Martinez had gone 1-for-3 with 2 RBI, but reportedly had issues with the same knee that ended his 2010 season after 71 games. It is assumed that the Mets will make the decision as to whether he will continue playing or rest until the spring.

However, there is good news coming out of Escogido. Second baseman Justin Turner also made his winter league debut and came out of it healthy. He had one hit in four at-bats.

Speaking of second base and the winter leagues, Daniel Murphy has been “very serviceable” at the position, according to a scout quoted by Adam Rubin (also on ESPN-NY). Per the scout:

“He was very serviceable. He made all the plays but one. He had a routine groundball go through his legs. But it was no big deal. He turned a couple of double plays. He moved to his left and his right. He moved better to the first base side, which would be to his left. And his throwing was good. It was accurate. His arm action is a little long from second. If he could tighten that up, it might serve him a little better. It’s almost like an outfield thrower’s arm. A catcher brings it up short and tight to his ear; you want to have a little shorter arm action. But he’s working hard.”

However, Rubin has also just reported that Murphy will need “five consecutive days resting” due to “tired legs” after playing in all 28 of his team’s games. That has me mildly concerned. Let’s hope he truly is fatigued and not suffering some kind of a relapse with his injured knee. I for one would like to see a Turner – Murphy battle at second base in the spring.