11/4/09

The Keepers - #35 - OF - Cesar Puello




35. Cesar Puello – OF – Rookie – 19/yrs.

Puello signed as an international free agent in 2007. He passed on Latin ball and came straight to the GCL Mets in 2008: .305/.350/.364 in 151 at bats.

In September 2008, Baseball America listed the top 20 prospects coming out of the GCL league, and Puello was ranked 12th.

In September, Toby Hyde wrote: RF Cesar Puello – .305/.350/.364 – 6 2B, 1 HR, 5 BB, 32 K, 13/18 SB – 151 AB, 40 G - I was a little surprised when I first saw Puello. He’s not built like the typical 17-year-old baseball player from the Domincan Republic. Nope, he’s got some strength and size in his chest and arms. He hasn’t turned that muscular frame into power yet, but he was just 17. Instead, he showed a really nice feel for the barrel of the bat which he was able to translate into line drives into both gaps. He didn’t use his lower half much for power, but when he integrates that into his swing, he will start driving the ball more.

February 2009: - Toby Hyde on his # 17 – OF Cesar Puello (#5 on Mack’s Mets Prospect List): Puello was impressive in his professional debut as a 17-year old in the GCL, showing a nice swing that produced line drives to the big part of the park. He’s strong across his upper body and has solid batspeed, but wasn’t yet driving the ball consistently in games in July. That will come as he learns to use his strength. He has the range and arm to handle right. 2008: Puello’s OPS increased in every month from .537 in June to .605 in July and .867 in August. In August, he hit .357/.410/.457, walking three times and getting plunked four times in 70 AB. Projected 2009 Start: Savannah

February 2009: MYOB on: - Cesar Puello OF - Only a $400,000 sign out of the DR. He likes to chase breaking pitches and doesn’t have one stellar tool, except his arm, which is a tick above average. Cesar hit .305 but stole 30 bases. His 5 to 32 walk to K ratio still needs some improvement.

In 2009, Puello played exclusively for Kingsport, a far lower level than originally projected. He hit .296/.373/.423/.796 in 196 at bats, hitting 5-HR and only 23-RBI. His BA and OBP were 15th in the league.

Forecast:

As much as the Brooklyn fans would love to see him, Puello is ready to jump to a full season team and will join the Savannah Sand Gnats in the spring of 2010. Hopefully, he will begin to develop more pop in his bat.

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