Mike Jacobs, Johan Santana, Top 10 Prospects, Robbie Shields... and Jose Reyes

Mike Jacobs:

With the Mets waiting to see if Rod Barajas is willing to sign a minor-league contract, the team has told first baseman Mike Jacobs he could be used as an emercengy catcher. MLB.com reports "Omar Minaya has told Jacobs that an ability to catch would enhance his chance to win a position on the 25-man Opening Day roster. " "I told [Fernando] Tatis the same thing," Minaya said. "We could have two emergency catchers so Jerry [Manuel] wouldn't have his hands tied late in a game." Jacobs was a catcher in the Mets organization before moving to first base in 2005. He was traded to the Marlins and spent last season with the Royals.

"Hey, I'll do it," Jacobs said of catching.- link

Johan Santana:

Santana began throwing off a mound during the Mets’ three-day minicamp at the end of January and has spent much of the offseason working out at Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

“I’m able to let it go,” said Santana, who went 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 25 starts last year. “I am able to throw my fastball with no problems and throw my breaking balls and my change-up without feeling that sharp pain in the back of my elbow now. I am able to throw all my pitches pain free, so that’s a big plus for me.” - link

Mets Top 10 Prospects:

Ranked 19th. New York Mets - The Mets' ability to scout international talent has saved their farm system. They have a nice mix of talent from different places on the diamond, but very little depth beyond the top 10.

Jenrry Mejia SP / 2. Fernando Martinez OF / 3. Wilmer Flores SS / 4. Ike Davis 1B / 5. Reese Havens SS/3B/2B / 6. Jonathon Niese SP / 7. Jeurys Familia SP / 8. Ruben Tejada SS/2B / 9. Brad Holt SP/RP / 10. Josh Thole C - link

Robbie Shields:

SS, Florida Southern, #103 Overall: Shields was fairly new to the prospect scene, having only gained national prominence after a good short stint on the Cape before his junior year. He showed good overall tools, though none rated as plus. Unfortunately, he went down with Tommy John surgery following signing. Following players selected: Jake Marisnick, Josh Prince, Kyrell Hudson. Signing bonus: $315,000. - link

Jose Reyes:

In Jerry Manuel's initial spring training press conference, the Mets manager today revealed plans to bat Jose Reyes third in the lineup, at least until Carlos Beltran returns from knee surgery.

"Reyes, in my opinion, has evolved," Manuel said. "I could really stretch our lineup out if [Reyes] is able to handle that spot."

Manuel can envision batting Angel Pagan leadoff with Luis Castillo or Daniel Murphy second and Reyes in the third spot, followed by Jason Bay, David Wright and Jeff Francoeur. - link