The Keepers - #24 - OF - Alonzo Harris

24. Alonzo Harris – OF –

Harris was one of the best baseball players to ever come out of the Mississippi High School system. In 2007, for McComb High School, he batted .540 with 25 singles, 11 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 60 runs scored. He signed a scholarship to play baseball with Southwest Mississippi College before he was drafted. He was selected The Daily Leader (local newspaper) ”Mr. Baseball” and Most Valuable Player on the 2007 All-Area Dream Team. Harris stole seven bases in the Mississippi Class 5A/4A All-Star Game in June. At McComb, Harris played a variety of positions from shortstop, second base, outfield, and pitcher. Harris is runs a consistent 4.4 forty yard dash, and has been time as fast as a 6.5 in the 60-yard dash. He also starred at quarterback for the McComb football team. He rushed for over 1,000 yards.
The Mets drafted Harris in the 39th round of the 2007 draft. He signed with the Mets just before the deadline and was assigned to the Instructional camp in Florida. The Mets have Harris penciled to start as a second baseman/outfielder in the minor leagues. 2008 was a great first year for Harris. He played for the GCL Mets, hitting .308/.379/.510/.889 in 104 at bats, which included 5 HRs.

In September, Toby Hyde wrote: Some within the Mets were surprised that Harris signed for a very small bonus out of McComb (MS) HS, but the fleet Harris was a pleasant surprise all around in 2008. He has plus-plus speed, and started to drive the ball late in the season. After one extra base hit, a double in 41 July AB, he clubbed nine XBH in 51 August AB, a month when he hit .294/.410/.627.

In 2009, Harris disappointingly didn’t get assigned to a full season team and played for Kingsport (253 at bats, .273/.321/.447/.768… 10-HR, 39-RBI, 59-K, 17-BB, 15-SB. I like any Mets minor league that hits at least 10 home runs a season. I had heard early on that he was held back in ST due to an injury but never confirmed that.

Anyway, he bumped to to Savannah for the end of the season and got in 25 at bats

Forecast: Harris will come back to Savannah in the spring and should anchor a pretty decent young outfield. I like this kis and I look for a 15-HR, 60-RBI, .280 season from the 20 year old.