10/11/09

The Keepers - #59 - SP - Eric Niesen




59. Eric Niesen – SP – A+/AA –

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.

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.

In 2009, Neisen pitched both for the St. Lucie team (3-4, 3.28 in 11 starts) and Binghamton (4-7, 4.66, in 6 starts. He especially was strong in his last ten starts for the B-Mets, going 4-3, 3.67.
Combined for the year, he went 7-11, 4.09, 134-K, 57-BB, 140.2-IP.

Forecast: Niesen was the brightest “prospect” SPthat came out of St. Lucie in 2008. His strong finish at the AA level should get him into the Buffalo rotation, with his two old Lucy buddies, Mike Antonini and Dillon Gee.

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