20-year old lefty swinging outfielder Fernando Martinez was the Mets’ #1 prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. He started this season in AAA ball where he played in 45 games and was 51 for 176 (.290 avg, .877 OPS) with 24 runs scored, 8 homers and 28 RBIs. When the Mets suffered a rash of injuries they called up Martinez and gave him his first taste of the majors. He played in 29 games for the Mets this season and he was 16 for 91 (.176 avg, .517 OPS) with 11 runs scored, 1 homer, 8 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Martinez’ season ended with an injury which was the fate of many Mets players in this lost season. But, Martinez will be on the New York Mets for good as early as 2010.

Veteran utilityman Alex Cora is proving that his best days are behind him. He has played in 69 games for the Mets this season and he is 52 for 219 (.237 avg, .602 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 12 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. The Mets really needed Cora to step up with Jose Reyes down to injury but it just hasn’t happened to this point. Even though this is a lost season for the Mets due to widespread injuries they should still consider making a move for a shortstop as it’s getting hard to watch Cora play out there.

Paul LoDuca has a decent batting average (.274) but he has not been too productive as he has only scored 33 runs, hit 5 homers and drove in 24 runs in 277 first half atbats. Ramon Castro might start to steal some of LoDuca’s atbats if he doesn’t start swinging the bat better. Jose Valentin has been hurt alot but that doesn’t excuse his .243 average this season. He also needs to get his power swing back as he only has 3 homers and 17 RBIs in 152 atbats this season. Carlos Delgado still has power as evidenced by his 14 homers and 49 RBIs this season but he needs to improve his .242 batting average on the year. Julio Franco (.200 avg) and David Newhan (.218 avg) both need to hit better in the 2nd half if they are going to get their atbats.

Julio Franco has looked a little overmatched at the plate so far this season as his bat appears to be slowing. Pitchers are taking advantage of that by attacking Franco will fastballs. In Franco’s defense, it’s hard to stay sharp when you don’t get to play very often. In 21 games so far this season, Franco is 5 for 27 (.185 avg, .599 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 homer and 5 RBIs. Franco has also whiffed 10 times already this season.

If Paul LoDuca is going to continue to bat 2nd in the Mets lineup he will need to start hitting the baseball better. In 14 games so far this season, LoDuca is only 14 for 58 (.241 avg, .618 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 1 homer and 6 RBIs. He’s a much better hitter than he’s shown so far this season and I expect him to snap out of his funk soon for the Mets.