Gregory Veloz 2B S R 6-1 175 6-3-88

Veloz was signed out of the Dominican Republic and assigned to the DSL Mets. He was one of 2005’s top 10 International prospects. In 2006, Veloz hit .271 for the DSL team with an OBP of .373.

The Mets named Veloz as the winner of the 2006 Sterling Award as the best player with the DSL team.

In 2007, Veloz started out with Savannah but couldn’t get enough play time. He was sent down to Kingsport where he batted leadoff throughout the season (.271/.344/.450 in 258 at bats, 18 SBs, 18 E) and went back to Savannah to end up the season there (.171/.243/.236 in 234 at bats).

In late January 2007, Baseball America ranked Veloz as the 16th overall Mets prospect, adding:

"the ball jumps off his bat and he could hit 25 homers annually..."

In 2008, Veloz shined for Savannah and was promoted to St. Lucie before the end of the season. His combined numbers were: .278/.333/.380 in 532 at bats, 29 SB

Veloz won the Sterling Award as the the top Met player for the 2008 Savannah team.

February 2009:

2B Greg Veloz (Mack’s Mets Prospect # xx) - from Toby Hyde:
Veloz hit his way out of the SAL with a scorching performance after the All-Star Break at age 20. He brings plus big league speed to the ballpark every night. Veloz has the ability (range, hands and arm) to play MLB caliber defense at second, one of the tougher positions on the diamond to fill. 2008: Veloz hit .258/.304/.352 in 267 AB before the All-Star break but decided he’d had enough of the SAL and went out and hit .324/.388/.473 in 188 to earn his promotion to St. Lucie and the FSL. Projected 2009 Start: St. Lucie as the team’s everyday 2B.

Mack: I know there are a lot of doubts in many of the scouts that Veloz will someday make to CitiField, but he is easily the top 2B prospect in the system. I watched him mature after the all-star break in Savannah, where he batted 1st, was pitched around every game, and still hit .324. His speed is Reyes-like. I like him and I’m not afraid to rank him where I have him.