Swimmer asked: Who from our farm system will play a significant role on our team in 2010?

Mack: Well, two for sure.

OF Fernando Martinez will be the starting, full time, left fielder for the 2010 Mets, at least until he goes on the DL again. No, seriously, none of F-Mart’s injuries have been major and I expect the Mets to rest him in the off-season and not send him to winter ball. He’s ready and it’s his time.

SP Jonathan Niese will become the SP5 in the 2010 Mets rotation, regardless of how well or bad he does the remainder of this year.

The Mets are determined to operate a less-costly operation, especially since attendance is off 22% this year. Yes, the Mets will try and make a couple of splashes in the free agent market (especially SP2), but don’t be surprise if they don’t follow the lead of the Yankees in developing players rather than trading top prospects.

I think you might see some new kids in the 2010 pen… LHP Adam Bostick really deserves a chance after the way he has pitched this year, and Eddie Kunz might get another shot. I also think that Tobi Stoner could be the first of his class to make it to Queens, also in the pen.
Other longer shots include 1B Ike Harris, C Josh Thole, SP Brad Holt, RD Roy Merrick, and SS Ruben Tejada, though I don’t expect any of them until after the 2010 ASG or 2011.

The interesting part of this could be Tejada. Yes, he’s only 20-years old, but that’s the same age Reyes was when he had 274 at bats for the 2003 Mets. 2011 is Reyes’ option year in his contract and the Mets can opt out for 500K; however, don’t be surprised if they don’t trade Reyes before the July 31st 2010 trade deadline, for 3-4 prospects. Tejada is batting .280 at AA… Ryes batted .282 at AA when he was 19… and remember, Wilmer Flores is not projected to be a shortstop. No, the future Mets shortstop will either be Reyes or Tejada.

Regarding Davis, as most of you know, I wasn’t a fan of this pick and it sure looked like I was correct last year; however, I may be wrong here. Age isn’t a problem since he turned 22 in March. His 222 at bats for Lucy this year produced seven homers and stats of .288/.376/.486/.862. But, it’s what he has done with his first 142 AA at bats that’s really impressive: 8-HR, .310/.391/.549/.940. I would be much happier if the Mets gave him one more year to mature, but, what he does in August for the B-Mets, and the Mets in September may determine his immediate future.

Matt asked: Why is it that both Bostick and McNabb don't get a call-up? Both are having outstanding season this year. You'd think they would get a call? Is it because the big club's pitching in those areas is just too solid to give them an opportunity?

Mack: I don't know, especially Bostick. I expected him to come up when they called up Dessens and Takahashi. Obviously, they must be happy with what they have this season becuase both of the guys you mentioned deserve a phone call.