Prospect Bio: SP Eric Niesen

Eric Niesen RP L L 6-0 192 9-4-85 Wake Forest University

Niesen was rated the top left-handed high school pitcher in Michigan by Baseball America.

Niesen was effective at Wake Forest, both as a starter and in relief. His 2007 record was 6-5, leading the team in ERA (3.00) and Ks (83 in 84 IP). Included in those numbers were 23 relief appearances, where he went 3-2, 1.80 and limited opposing Bas to .173. In3-2, with a 4.68 ERA. 2006, he went

The Mets drafted Niesen in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft. He was signed and immediately assigned to the Brooklyn Cyclones (under terms of the contract, the Mets will own the rights to Niesen for three years and can renew the pact each year. The organization will pay the remainder of his college costs under a scholarship plan. He has about a year and a half of college remaining).

The Mets will use him as a reliever and will concentrate on improving his breaking ball in 2007. He is a powerful lefty who throws in the mid-90s from a low ¾ arm slot.
A 2007 scouting report:

Fastball: Since moving into the bullpen, Niesen's fastball has been a plus, touching the mid-90s.

Slider: Some like his slider, but others grade it as below-average.

Changeup: Niesen's change is a below-average pitch.

Control: His command is below-average as well.

Physical Description: Niesen is a small lefty with a low three-quarters arm angle and fits a Dan Reichert-type body mold.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Plus velocity on his fastball with an interesting arm angle.

Weaknesses: None of his other pitches grade out average or above.

Summary: Niesen has found success since moving into Wake Forest's bullpen earlier in the season. His fastball has picked up a few notches, and he throws it with a three-quarter arm angle. That being said, he lacks deception for a lefty reliever and his other pitches lag behind the fastball.

Niesen got bumped to St. Lucie near the end of the 2007 season and posted stats of 0-0. 0.00 in 1 appearance.

In November 2007, Scouts.com listed Niesen as the 15th top Mets prospect.

Niesen disappointed in 2008, going 6-12, 4.64 for St. Lucie.



Mack - It's hard to predict where Eric will start 2009... there's a log jam at both the B-Mets and Lucy, and I think he will return to A+ ball to improve on last season.