Mets Look To Venezuela For The Next Big Thing

In July of 2005, the Mets signed outfielder, Fernando Martinez out of the Dominican Republic for roughly $1.4 million. At the time the signing was seen as a pivotal move in making the Mets a winning franchise following the acquisitions of Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran.

Almost four years later, Fernando has finally broken into the big leagues. While he is off to a slow start (.180 average., 1 HR and 8 RBI) in 89 at-bats. However, his play has improved as of late and it makes it look more and more like the signing will be a success.

Today is the first day of the international free agent signing period and the Mets have signed LHP Juan Urbina. Urbina, who is the son of the troubled former MLB pitcher Ugueth Urbina, is only 16 years of age.

The team appears to be very committed to him as they have rewarded him with a large signing bonus worth around $1.2 million.

Similarly to Fernando Martinez, Urbina has a great deal of upside and the potential to be the Mets’ next top homegrown star, following in the footsteps of Jose Reyes, David Wright and Mike Pelfrey.

According to Baseball America, Urbina’s fastball hovers in the upper 80s (88-89 mph to be exact), while topping out at 91 mph.

The move signifies Omar Minaya’s desire to rebuild an otherwise weak farm system following the trades to acquire both Johan Santana and J.J. Putz.

If successful Urbina could find himself in the starting rotation within the next three years or so as Oliver Perez’s contract runs following the 2011 season and John Maine is eligible for free agency come 2012.