New Met - P - Jeff Stevens

Jeff Stevens

Jeffrey Allen Stevens
Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 205 lb.

Born: September 5, 1983 in Berkeley, CA (Age 28)
High School: Campolindo (Moraga, CA)
School: Loyola Marymount University
Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 6th round of the 2005 amateur draft.
Signed June 9, 2005. (All Transactions)
Debut: July 10, 2009 vs. STL 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER
Team: Cubs 2009-2011
2012 Contract Status: Pre-Arb Eligible (details)[*]
Service Time (01/2012): 0.124, Arb Eligible: 2015, Free Agent: 2018 [*], http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steveje01.shtml

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	ERA+	WHIP	H/9	HR/9	BB/9	SO/9	SO/BB
2005	21	CIN-min	Rk	4	4	.500	2.98	13	8	1	0	0	0	54.1	44	20	18	4	15	0	58	5	0	1	222		1.086	7.3	0.7	2.5	9.6	3.87
2006	22	CLE-CIN-min	A	9	7	.563	4.42	30	21	1	0	0	0	116.0	107	62	57	10	39	1	103	13	0	8	498		1.259	8.3	0.8	3.0	8.0	2.64
2007	23	CLE-min	AA,A+	6	3	.667	2.81	49	0	8	0	0	2	83.1	58	30	26	6	25	1	102	5	0	6	336		0.996	6.3	0.6	2.7	11.0	4.08
2008	24	CLE-min	AAA,AA	5	4	.556	3.24	36	0	14	0	0	6	58.1	38	22	21	5	27	0	81	2	0	1	237		1.114	5.9	0.8	4.2	12.5	3.00
2009	25	CHC-min	AAA	1	3	.250	2.03	42	0	10	0	0	2	57.2	35	15	13	1	25	4	61	2	0	5	232		1.040	5.5	0.2	3.9	9.5	2.44
2009	25	CHC	NL	1	0	1.000	7.11	11	0	2	0	0	0	12.2	14	10	10	2	8	1	9	1	0	0	59	64	1.737	9.9	1.4	5.7	6.4	1.13
2010	26	CHC-min	AAA	0	2	.000	3.16	36	0	21	0	0	10	42.2	31	16	15	3	26	0	43	0	0	3	186		1.336	6.5	0.6	5.5	9.1	1.65
2010	26	CHC	NL	0	0		6.11	18	0	3	0	0	0	17.2	21	15	12	4	10	0	15	0	0	3	84	71	1.755	10.7	2.0	5.1	7.6	1.50
2011	27	CHC-min	AA,AAA	3	0	1.000	5.26	42	0	15	0	0	2	65.0	74	38	38	6	28	2	67	2	0	12	290		1.569	10.2	0.8	3.9	9.3	2.39
2011	27	CHC	NL	0	0		5.14	4	0	1	0	0	0	7.0	4	4	4	1	7	0	4	1	0	0	31	80	1.571	5.1	1.3	9.0	5.1	0.57
3 Seasons				1	0	1.000	6.27	33	0	6	0	0	0	37.1	39	29	26	7	25	1	28	2	0	3	174	70	1.714	9.4	1.7	6.0	6.8	1.12
162 Game Avg.				2	0	1.000	6.27	68	0	12	0	0	0	77	80	60	54	14	52	2	58	4	0	6	359	70	1.714	9.4	1.7	6.0	6.8	1.12

Stevens made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs in 2005, going 4-4 with a 2.98 ERA.

Stevens started 2006 with the Single-A Dayton Dragons. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians as the player to be named later in the Brandon Phillips trade. He was assigned to Single-A Lake County Captains where he spent the remainder of the 2006 season.

In 2007, Stevens was moved to the bullpen and began the year with the Kinston Indians. He was 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA, with 37 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched for Kinston. He was promoted to Double-A Akron Aeros where he was 3-1 with a 3.17 ERA and 2 saves in 34 games.

Stevens began the 2008 campaign with the Aeros. After going 5-1 with a 2.51 ERA, he earned a promotion to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He was 0-2 with a 4.00 ERA when his season ended as a result of being named to the US Olympic Baseball Team to play in Beijing.

In December 2008, Stevens was traded from the Cleveland Indians to the Chica
go Cubs in a deal for Mark DeRosa.

On July 10, 2009 Stevens made his Major League debut for the Chicago Cubs. Stevens had a 1-2-3 MLB debut, getting Joe Thurston, Chris Duncan and Brendan Ryan in order in the 9th inning of a 8-3 loss to the Cardinals. He was optioned back to the minor leagues on August 5, 2009 when Aaron Miles was activated from the 15-day disabled list.

He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on May 30, 2011.

Stevens signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on January 4, 2012.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Stevens

2009 Scouting Report on Jeff Stevens

Of the three prospects the Cubs got in return for DeRosa, 25 year old 6′2 205lb righty reliever Jeff Stevens is by far the most equipped and ready to make an impact on the ballclub now (he was ranked #15-20 prospect in the Padres organization). Stevens is an alum of Loyola Maramount, where after three years as mainly a starting pitcher, he was taken in the 6th round of the 2005 draft by the Cincinnati Reds.

Stevens didn’t stick long as he was traded for Brandon Phillips in April of 2006 but didn’t officially become traded til halfway through the 2006 season (since he was just drafted the year prior) as a Player to be Named Later (PTBNL). Stevens has spent his last two seasons as a reliever and has really come into his own in the role switch, becoming one of the better relief prospects in baseball. After his breakout 2007 season, Stevens was sent to the Arizona Fall League and was also selected to Team USA’s World Championship team where he was filthy. To back it up, Stevens was also selected to Team USA’s Olympic squad that earned him a bronze medal; it also cost him a MLB callup as he left his ballclub in August. Jeff’s line over the past two seasons as a reliever (High A, AA, AAA) is in 85 G, he’s gone 142 1/3 IP, giving up 96 H, 11HR, 52 BB, 183 K, 2.99 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .190 BAA.

Onto Stevens’ stuff, there is no question that his four seam fastball is his best pitch as it has great life to it with regular velocity around 91-94 mph but did hit 96-98 mph this season. Stevens also throws a good change and a decent dropball to mix it up with hitters but his new developing slider is almost a staple needed to mimic his four-seam fastball. As a reliever, Stevens has absolutely no problem challenging hitters or throwing his fastball up and in. His MLB comparison is ex-Cub Bob Howry. Stevens could challenge for a MLB pen spot this season but odds are that he’ll start the year in Iowa working on developing that slider into a MLB pitch that will only make him better down the road and he could see a midseason or injury callup as he was added to the 40 man roster. Jeff profiles as a solid setup man with the potential to become a closer down the road.    

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?86128-Scouting-Report-on-Jeff-Steven

The Keeper - 7 - CF - Kirk Nieuwenhuis

7.                 Kirk Nieuwenhuis

4-28-10: - Kirk Nieuwenhuis – OF – AA – Binghamton – Kirk is off to another of his typical productive years: .313.360/.475/.835. I happen to think that he’s the top Mets outfield prospect and will get to Queens ahead of Fernando “Day-To-Day” Martinez, who I understand is once again dinged up.

5-22-10: - OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Most of the outfield prospect press has fallen on Fernando Martinez; however, Nieuwenhuis has very quietly become the top Mets prospect for that position. Kirk hit 16-HR and 71-RBI for St. Lucie last year and is hitting .301/.337/.470/.807 so far this season for Binghamton. He needs to learn some plate discipline (only 8-BB this season), but as of right now, he’s on top of the list to become a future Mets center fielder. Keep an eye on this kid. Big trade bait.

5-27-10 - Stock up: Nieuwenhuis has quietly been putting together a decent year in AA, but there just wasn’t that home run pop we got used to last season at St. Lucie. Well, that’s not true anymore. Kirk hit #7 of the young year last night, which is his third in the past five games. His slugging percentage is up to .500 and his OPS is .837. It will be interesting to see what the Mets do with him next season. They gave him a taste over Fernando Martinez at ST and I can speak firsthand about how much he enjoyed being part of the Mets locker room with the Queens boys. Martinez will obviously not be ready to play centerfield at Citi Field, but Nieuwenhuis is earning playing CF in Buffalo, over F-Mart. As I said, interesting decision coming up for the Mets.

Mack Ade - Revised Keepers - #11-20

Revised Keepers - #11-20

I continue my update.

#11 – RHSP Akeel Morris – I’m really a ‘ceilings’ guy when it comes to prospects and that’s about all Morris has at this point, but, boy does he have it. It’s going to take a few seasons for him to control what God gave him, but he’s one of the few potential SP1/2’s in the system.

#12 – RHSP Domingo Tapia – Tapia impressed a lot of people when he pitched six shutout innings on the last game of the Brooklyn Cyclones season. He also made the radar gun hit three numbers. Similar to Morris, he will begin to learn how to control his heat in 2012, probably in Savannah.

#13 – LHRP Josh Edgin – Forget ceiling when you talk about this guy. He has it right now and could make Queens by the end of the 2012 season. A big-time lefty pen dude who was just about perfect last season.

#14 – RHSP Michael Fulmer – another all-ceiling pitcher drafted out of high school Already hits 95, and has an impressive curve. Look for him to head up the Cyclones rotation.

#15 – OF Cesar Puello - Puello did not have a great season in 2011, but scouts will tell you that he still projects as the top Mets outfield prospects. He has lived so far on his 5-tool reputation, but it's going to take plate discipline for him to make it someday to Queens. The good news is his projected pop started to show last season.

#16 – SS Jordany Valdespin – "Spin" hit is first speed bump late last season when he was promoted to AAA. He will return there to get his bat working again and wait for that phone call that always comes from Queens. Yes, that will be the call saying either a shortstop or second baseman has been injured. Only then, will the world be "spun".

#17 – 3B Wilmer Flores – Flores will move over to third base this season in hopes of finding a position he can stick at. He continues to fall down on the prospect ranking lists and it’s not because of his defense. His projected power just isn’t developing and this could be a critical year for his Mets experience.

#18 – OF Matt den Dekker –  den Dekker is the obvious best candidate to someday become the Mets centerfielder, but his age is working against him. He's potentially a Golden Glover with great speed, and his power did start to develop in AA last year. 2012 is a critical year for Matt, who could easily be bypassed by younger guys if he stumbles.

#19 – LHRP Jack Leathersich – It's easy to say that the reason I ranked him this high was the 26 strikeouts he had last year for the Mets in 12.1-IP. The fact is that's exactly whey I have him ranked here. He a lefty that sits at 95. Enough said.

#20 – RHSP Logan Verrett - Verrett signed late last season, so the third-rounder never put on a Mets uniform. He's a low-90's guy, with three plus pitches. A Sunday starter at Baylor. 

Q and A with Mack and Company and… MetsBlog’s Michael G. Baron

I recently posted my interview with Mike from last year and it was still pretty spot on. He’s agreed to take some questions from the “team” over here at Mack’s Mets, so guys, fire away:

"Hey Mike this is Stephen Guilbert from Mack's Mets. There is some sense that Harvey, Wheeler, Familia, Mejia etc. will be slowed down and made to use 2012 to get the proper seasoning and experience against quality hitters. Is this still the word around the organization and if not, who do you think will see time in Flushing? Outside of the big four, which prospect has the best shot at making the team out of spring training?"


MB: I don't know what the official word is on Harvey, Wheeler and Familia, but I think it's logical to assume that neither of the three will be on the Opening Day roster, even if they have dominating Springs in big league camp. All of them need more seasoning; Wheeler has never played a game above Single-A, Harvey wasn't consistent at Double-A, and it doesn't seem like Familia has an identity yet, as good as he was last year.

Of the three, the pitcher wit the best chance of getting a cup of coffee is Harvey only because he is the most advanced of the three. I don't think there are any guarantees for him in 2012, but certainly 2013 is a realistic target for him to be on the big league roster out of camp.

In regards to Mejia, Sandy Alderson has already said he will not be ready for Opening Day. Assuming he is back at Triple-A in May or June, he will need to build his innings count up, build stamina, etc. It's not unrealistic to think Mejia can't be making an impact at the big league level in August or September, but, like Familia, it remains to be seen whether he will be a starter or a reliever going forward.

I don't know if any of their prospects will make the team out of camp mostly because all of them need to play consistently this year, and starting roles aren't currently up for grabs on the big league roster.

---------

Hello Mike, this is Charles Thompson. My question is about Brandon Nimmo. When he was first drafted, there were a lot of people who thought the Mets decided to go cheap and pick na easily signed player as opposed to one of the top college arms available. Now, that feeling seems to have changed a bit and there’s more folks who believe Nimmo is a truly special talent. What was your opinion on draft day and has that changed at all in the past 6+ months? Thanks Mike.


MB: When the Mets drafted Nimmo last June, Paul DePodesta basically said they went after the best player available to them, regardless of the position. They felt that player was Nimmo. In August, they signed him to a reported $2.1 million signing bonus. The recommended bonus for Nimmo's slot (13th overall) was $1.65 million. So, I don't know if it's fair to say the Mets took the cheapest route in their first pick.

I was generally impressed with the Mets draft strategy last June. Outside of Nimmo, they largely emphasized pitching, which has always been a signature of this organization. I liked how they took who they felt was the best overall player available to them as well. While there are no guarantees with any of their picks, that strategy going forward is encouraging.

-------

Mike, this is Frank Gray. Who was your favorite player to take a photo of , the most approachable person to photograph, and the least approachable person to photograph?

MB: By far, my favorite player to photograph is Jose Reyes. He, along with Angel Pagan are very approachable and easy to talk to. I developed a good rapport with both of those players over the last two years, and I'm looking forward to seeing them professionally with their new teams (although, as a fan, I am sad that Reyes has gone).

-----

It’s Conrad Youngren … A lot of talk about the need for a LHB 4th/5th OF. With a potential starting lineup of 4 LHB's, a SH (Torres) & 3 RHB's (Wright, Bay, Tejada), what's the fuss? Does this mean: (A) Capt. Kirk will really not be ready sometime in 2012? and (B) Juan Legares coming off a productive 2011 and AFL has no shot at the 5th OF slot?

MB: I don't think the problem is so much in their lineup as it is on their bench, and I think the problem is independent of Kirk Nieuwenhuis potential arrival this season. Currently, they have five players who hit left-handed on their 25-man roster: Andres Torres (switch-hitter), Josh Thole, Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, and Daniel Murphy - all of which are projected as starters right now. They do not have a left-handed answer on the bench, and that leaves Terry Collins in a difficult position late in games.

I don't think they're looking for someone who would start - as I said, they have 4-5 lefties already in their projected starting lineup and adding another lefty to the starting lineup would make it unbalanced. They are presumably looking for a part time, utility outfielder who hits left-handed.

------

Hey Mike, Chris Soto here... It was announced a while ago that Harvey and Den Dekker have received Spring Training invites to the club. In Harvey's case I see it as just a preview for Mets fans, however what about Den Dekker? Is there a SLIM outside shot that if he produces in ST that he'll skip AAA and head north with the club?

MB: I don't think so, for the same reasons I mentioned about the Mets pitching prospects before. Den Dekker is probably already a major league outfielder, but he struggled offensively in Double-A last year, striking out a ton in a relatively small number of at-bats. He needs to play, and he needs to continue to develop his discipline at the plate. He is an exciting young player with quick hands, good power, and speed. He just needs a little more time.

Frank Gray - Mets Fans: A Nation in Crisis...Again

Mets Fans: A Nation in Crisis...Again


The New York Mets fans are a proud people. They have to be. Their team has only won two World Series titles in 50 years and they only have one player inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. They don't have as much to hold on to as fans of other franchises. As a Mets fan I can completely understand this logic; Be proud of what you have.

They have had a long history of bad moments. A few years ago they lived the ultimate fan nightmare. Their biggest division rival played their biggest inter-league rival in the World Series. They had a tough choice to make. Support the Phillies? Support the Yankees? Don't watch TV at all for the next three weeks? These fans are acquainted with grief.

the rest...

David Groveman - Under A Microscope: Should the Mets Sign Rick Ankiel?

Raise your hand if you remember Rick Ankiel as a pitcher? Yeah... that was a while ago. In 2000 Rick Ankiel actually looked poised to join the upper ranks of young pitchers. He had over 10 wins an era around 3.50 and he had 194 Ks on the year. Then reality came crashing down and St. Louis began the process of turning their 21 year old SP into an OF. The results are intriguing.

Ankiel to again have one single season that hinted at greatness. In 2008 he hit .264 with 25 HRs and looked like a budding power CF with an arm that made people say, "Vlad who?" Since 2008 he's come back to earth but his bat does still have power and his cannon of an arm in center is a definite boon to the team he plays for.

DOES RICK ANKIEL PROVIDE ANYTHING?

1. Lefty Bat
2. Good Defense
3. Great Arm
4. Some Power
5. Slight Speed
6. OPS around .700

WHAT DOES ANDRES TORRES PROVIDE?

1. Switch Hitter
2. Sound Defense
3. Good Speed
4. Some Power
5. Leadership
6. Lead-Off Potential

At the very least a guy like Ankiel provides the Mets with options defensively and offensively. For one the Mets would have a lefty bat to platoon with Bay should he struggle, a defensive replacement for Duda in late innings and potentially a better starting player in CF than Andres Torres. Frankly, without Fernando Martinez and with Captain Kirk needing some rehab in the minors, getting Ankiel makes sense on a 1 year/minor league deal.

Now... the bigger question is... Should the Mets sign Rick Ankiel when they already have Adam Loewen who might provide the SAME thing? Again... while it wouldn't hurt the Mets to make the signing... it's not money that they need to spend and it wouldn't make up for the rest of the money they HAVEN'T spent.

New Met - P - Chuck James

Chuck James

 Position: Pitcher
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 190 lb.

Born: November 9, 1981 in Atlanta, GA (Age 30)
High School: Mableton Christian Academy (Mableton, GA)
Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round of the 2002 amateur draft.
Signed July 29, 2002. (All Transactions)
Debut: September 28, 2005
Teams (by GP): Braves/Twins 2005-2011
2012 Contract Status: Pre-Arb Eligible (details)[*]
Service Time (01/2012): 2.132 [*],  
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jamesch03.shtml

Year	Age	Tm		W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	ERA+	WHIP	H/9	HR/9	BB/9	SO/9	SO/BB
2003	21	ATL-min	Rk	2	1	.667	1.25	11	11	0	0	0	0	50.1	26	9	7	1	19	0	68	0	0	2	193		0.894	4.6	0.2	3.4	12.2	3.58
2004	22	ATL-min	A	10	5	.667	2.24	26	22	2	1	0	0	132.2	92	41	33	6	48	1	156	7	0	3	527		1.055	6.2	0.4	3.3	10.6	3.25
2005	23	ATL-min	AA,A+,AAA	13	7	.650	2.12	29	29	0	0	0	0	161.1	103	44	38	9	36	0	193	3	0	8	621		0.862	5.7	0.5	2.0	10.8	5.36
2005	23	ATL	NL	0	0		1.59	2	0	0	0	0	0	5.2	4	1	1	0	3	0	5	0	0	1	23	283	1.235	6.4	0.0	4.8	7.9	1.67
2006	24	ATL-min	AAA,A	1	0	1.000	2.60	8	7	0	0	0	0	34.2	30	10	10	3	6	0	26	0	0	1	138		1.038	7.8	0.8	1.6	6.8	4.33
2006	24	ATL	NL	11	4	.733	3.78	25	18	0	0	0	0	119.0	101	54	50	20	47	2	91	6	0	2	504	118	1.244	7.6	1.5	3.6	6.9	1.94
2007	25	ATL	NL	11	10	.524	4.24	30	30	0	0	0	0	161.1	164	77	76	32	58	5	116	1	1	1	691	103	1.376	9.1	1.8	3.2	6.5	2.00
2008	26	ATL-min	AAA	5	5	.500	2.92	16	15	1	0	0	0	86.1	76	34	28	5	39	0	74	3	0	3	373		1.332	7.9	0.5	4.1	7.7	1.90
2008	26	ATL	NL	2	5	.286	9.10	7	7	0	0	0	0	29.2	36	30	30	10	20	2	22	3	1	1	146	47	1.888	10.9	3.0	6.1	6.7	1.10
2011	29	MIN-min	AAA	3	2	.600	2.30	38	0	14	0	0	1	62.2	49	16	16	4	27	1	67	1	0	6	261		1.213	7.0	0.6	3.9	9.6	2.48
2011	29	MIN	AL	0	0		6.10	8	0	3	0	0	0	10.1	12	7	7	1	4	0	8	0	2	0	46	68	1.548	10.5	0.9	3.5	7.0	2.00
5 Seasons				24	19	.558	4.53	72	55	3	0	0	0	326.0	317	169	164	63	132	9	242	10	4	5	1410	97	1.377	8.8	1.7	3.6	6.7	1.83
162 Game Avg.				13	10	.558	4.53	39	29	2	0	0	0	175	170	90	88	34	71	5	130	5	2	3	755	97	1.377	8.8	1.7	3.6	6.7	1.83
ATL (4 yrs)				24	19	.558	4.48	64	55	0	0	0	0	315.2	305	162	157	62	128	9	234	10	2	5	1364	98	1.372	8.7	1.8	3.6	6.7	1.83
MIN (1 yr)				0	0		6.10	8	0	3	0	0	0	10.1	12	7	7	1	4	0	8	0	2	0	46	68	1.548	10.5	0.9	3.5	7.0	2.00
NL (4 yrs)			NL	24	19	.558	4.48	64	55	0	0	0	0	315.2	305	162	157	62	128	9	234	10	2	5	1364	98	1.372	8.7	1.8	3.6	6.7	1.83
AL (1 yr)			AL	0	0		6.10	8	0	3	0	0	0	10.1	12	7	7	1	4	0	8	0	2	0	46	68	1.548	10.5	0.9	3.5	7.0	2.00

Atlanta Braves

He was signed by the Braves on July 29, 2002, after he was selected in the 20th Round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. In 2003, he was named the Danville Braves' Pitcher of the Year, with a 1.25 earned run average and 68 strikeouts.

In 2004, he was named the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year, while playing for the Rome Braves, and was also named the April Player of the Month. He led the Braves minor league organization in wins. James also had the lowest ERA in his league. During May of 2004, opponents only hit .109 against him.

James began the 2005 season with the Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Later in the season, he went 9-1 with a 2.01 ERA with the AA Mississippi Braves. On September 28, 2005, he was called up to the majors and made his debut against the Colorado Rockies.


He started the 2006 season in the Atlanta bullpen, and also spent some time playing for the AAA Richmond Braves.

On June 25, 2006 James made his debut as a starter for the Atlanta Braves against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays going eight innings and allowing only one run with eight strike outs. He proceeded to win eleven of his eighteen starts with a 3.78 ERA.

James went a disappointing 11-10 while leading the league in home runs allowed with 32 in the 2007 season which also included his first disabled list stint.

As of May 18, 2008, James has spent the season up and down from Triple-A and has had 5 major league starts going 2-3 with an ERA of 8.22.He was again optioned down to Triple-A Richmond on May 16, 2008, following a rocky start against Philadelphia.
James was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves on December 12, 2008, making him a free agent.

 Washington Nationals

On January 25, 2010, James signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.

 Minnesota Twins

On December 20, 2010, James signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins. He had his contract purchased on May 28, 2011.^[2]

 New York Mets

On December 15, 2011, James signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_James