San Marcos — Texas State has a problem.

Well, it’s not so much of a problem as it’s a good recruiting tool.

It seems as if the Bobcats develop their shortstops too quickly. Just when Texas State feels it has a shortstop for the long haul, he gets drafted in the MLB First-Year Players Draft and then bolts for the opportunity to play on the big stage.

It happened in 2005 with Dominic Ramos, continued in 2008 with Thomas Field and two years later it’s Jason Martinson’s turn.

Martinson, who just wrapped up his junior season with the Bobcats, was selected by the Washington Nationals with the first pick in the fifth round of the draft.

“I had an idea I would be picked between the third and eighth rounds from talking with some scouts, but I didn’t know exactly when,” Martinson said. “This is amazing though. It feels as if a lot of pressure and weight has been lifted off my chest.”

Martinson had to sweat out the process though, as 24 shortstops were selected before him. Out of the 24, 17 were high school seniors.

“A lot of guys on MLBNetwork were talking about teams preferring college guys over high school kids because of experience, so I didn’t know what was happening,” Martinson said. “I just had to sit tight and know my time was coming soon.”

Martinson waited even longer after Washington, one of the teams he spoke to before the draft (along with Minnesota), picked Rice shortstop Rick Hague with the first pick of the third round.

“That kind of worried me to be honest,” Martinson said, “but when they called me, they said they plan on moving him to third.”

Now that Martinson was drafted, he has a decision to make. Either return to Texas State for his senior season or forgo his final collegiate season and sign a professional contact.

If Martinson signs, he can expect to receive a signing bonus of anywhere between $107,000 to $210,000 (according to 2006 figures). Should he return to the Bobcats, Martinson could finish his education but chance his draft positioning in 2011.

“I’d love to start my professional career, but I wouldn’t have any problems coming back,” Martinson said. “It’s going to be a really tough decision.”

Martinson put himself into position to be the 22nd Texas State player drafted in the last 10 years with a tremendous junior season at the plate. He batted .321 with 55 RBIs and set a school record with a 23-game hitting streak.

In the field, Martinson showed great range yet left a lot to be desired. He committed 21 errors, including five in a 6-2 loss against Nicholls State.

“He could be a nice (player) if he calms his hands down a bit,” Mack Ade, a New York Mets draft insider, said. “The consensus now seems to be that Martinson might make for a solid four corners utility player in the pros and that has some value.”

Whatever the case may be for Martinson, he would still be the second-highest draft pick from Texas State in the last 10 years. Blake Williams, who pitched for the Bobcats from 1998-2000, was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 24th overall pick of the 2000 MLB First-Year Players Draft.

Martinson was the first of two players selected in the draft who were recruited by Texas State. Dustin Fitzgerald, a pitcher from Hill Junior College, was picked in the 19th round by the Chicago Cubs.

“This just speaks volumes about the caliber of athletes we want at Texas State and the work ethic they have once they get here,” Bobcats head coach Ty Harrington said. “Jason worked hard to make himself a prospect and whatever his decision may be, he has a home here at Texas State.”