Report: Mets Prospect Cesar Puello Linked To Biogenesis; F-Mart Too
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mets outfield prospect Cesar Puello and former top farmhand Fernando Martinez are among five players whose names are listed in the records of a Florida clinic at the center of a Major League Baseball investigation into illegal drugs, ESPN reported Tuesday.
The report said Martinez, who is now with the Houston Astros, and Puello were listed along with Padres reliever Fautino De Los Santos, Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera and Oakland reliever Jordan Norberto.
Puello essentially issued a no-comment from Mets camp Wednesday, referring questions to the players' association. The 21-year-old hit .260 with four home runs, 21 RBIs and 19 stolen bases for the Florida State League's St. Lucie Mets last season.
"Because of the ongoing investigation, we have no comment," the Mets said in a statement. "We refer all questions to Major League Baseball."
Martinez won't be commenting on the report, according to the Houston Chronicle. The oft-injured outfielder known as F-Mart was once considered the Mets' top prospect. He was claimed off waivers by the Astros prior to last season.
The Biogenesis of America clinic run by Anthony Bosch in Coral Gables is now closed. The facility allegedly provided performance-enhancing substances to several players, including Alex Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera and Nelson Cruz. The players have said they didn't get illegal drugs from the clinic.
Everth Cabrera, who led the NL in stolen bases last season, and Melky Cabrera are not related.
ESPN reported that sources said the five additional names were on a list from the clinic as having gotten PEDs. The documents don't prove the players were provided drugs or used them.
Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez was previously reported as having been listed on Biogenesis documents. He denied the report. ESPN said Tuesday that two sources said Gonzalez didn't get illegal substances from Bosch or the clinic.
The names of Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli have also been listed in the clinic's records. Braun said he used Bosch as a consultant, and Cervelli denied ever receiving treatment from Biogenesis.
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