2008 Clones Recap

2008 Clones Recap:


3B Zack Lutz (#17 Mack prospect)

Boy, how would you like to be a Mets minor league 3Bman with David Wright’s contract staring in your face, and Wilmer Flores crawling up your ass? Well, it didn’t seem to bother Lutz who put up a great season in Brooklyn. Depending on where Flores is sent, Zack will play 2009 in either A-full or Lucy.


LF Sean Ratliff

Ratliff did not have the best freshman year in professional baseball, and shouldn’t expect much more than making the staff in Savannah (or where the Mets affiliate full-A) next season. Showed some power (7 HRs) but struck out 1/3 of the time.


1B Ike Davis (#12 Mack Prospect)

Simply a miserable year for the 1st round draft pick. Basically no power, lots of Ks, and minimal amount of walks. Some of this can be written off to a pitcher’s park in Coney Island, but Davis needs to step it up next spring to prove the value of the pick. Look for him in Lucy.


2B Joshua Satin (#40 Mack Prospect)

Satin had a decent freshman year and almost hit an .800 OPS. I expect him in A ball with an infield of Flores and Marte.


DH Reese Havens (#21 Mack prospect)

Now, here’s a guy that proved nothing this year. Arrived with all the fanfair, and rumors he would be converted to a catch, and went out and played exclusively as a DH due to nagging injuries. Add to that the fact that he didn’t even hit that well (only 11 RBIs) and what do you do with him in the spring? I say repeat the Clones.


OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (#56 Mack prospect)

Kirk didn’t come to the Clones with any fanfare, but he just might turn out to be outfielder to come out of this year’s crew. Definitely a promotion to full-A.


RP James Fuller

One of a shit-load of very good relief pitchers that broke their cherry at the Coney this year. Didn’t get enough work, but still should make the full-A squad next spring.


RP Stephen Clyne

The Mets moved Clyne too quick this year, starting him out at Lucy. He settled down and had a great year for the Clones and will most probably start the 2009 season for Savannah


RP Jimmy Johnson

Johnson was an unheralded 28th round draft pick in this year’s draft, and quietly put together a steller season for the Clones. He’s a college guy and will turn 25 next year, so I expect him to move a little faster than most rookies. Watch for him at Lucy.


RP Roy Merritt (#43 Mack prospect)

Merrit also started out slowly at Lucy, but excelled for the Clones. He too turns 25 next year (in September) and will probably jump straight to Lucy in the spring.


SP Brad Holt (#13 Mack Prospect)

I have Holt as the #3 top Mets SP prospect behind Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell. I know he’s just starting out but he simply was a man among boys with the Clones this year. Holt will go straight to Lucy in the spring.


SP Scott Shaw (#41 Mack prospect)

It’s not that Shaw had a bad season this year, it’s just I can’t figure out where he’s going to pitch next year. There are so many low-level starting pitchers that have earned a bump up, I’m not sure there’s any room for Shaw with Savannah. And, he definitely didn’t earn a shot at Lucy.


P Chris Schwinden (#42 Mack prospect)

The Mets are still trying to figure out whether Schwinden is a starter or a reliever, which doesn’t help that his ERA is great in both roles (hint: he did finish the season as a starter). He will play most of next season at 22-years old, so it’s a toss up whether he goes to Lucy or Savannah.

SP Jenrry Mejia (#33 Mack prospect)

This may be one of those special pitchers. Mejia pitched well for both the GCL Mets and the Clons this year, at the age of 18. He has 97 mph speed, coupled with a bunch of nastiness, making him an instant fan favorite. He’s too young to rush and there’s quite a logjam ahead of him. Watch for him to start in Savannah next year.