8-1-10: - Lutz was having a great year before he wound up on the disabled list. Well, he’s been back for five games and now has five home runs in that span, which included two on Sunday. Lutz is one of those secondary prospects we always talk about when we discuss the Mets minor league system. He has a lifetime .285 professional BA going into this year, and showed the first sign of power last season for St. Lucie (11-HR, 62-RBI). This season, he had 14-HR in 170-Abs and currently has a .612 slugging percentage and 1.028OPS at the AA level. What all this means is the Mets may wind up with a hell of a third base prospect in 2012, esecpailly if he aces AAA next season.
Old Lutz stuff:
Lutz was the D3ielderBaseball.com National Player of the Year. He also was named PAC Player of the Year andpart of the All-PAC 1st team. His stats in his last year for Alvernia were .454/.541/.858, 12 HRs and 58 RBIs in 40 games.
The Mets drafted Lutz in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. He was signed and played the 2007 season for Brooklyn (1 game, 2 at bats).
9-9-9 From http://www.hardballtimes.com/ : - Lutz, the Mets fifth round pick in 2007 out of Alvernia College, is able to smoke the ball. He got off to an okay start for St. Lucie, then took off the rest of the year. The right-handed 23 year-old hit .284/.381/.441 and maintained a solid eye with a walk rate of 12.3%. In a brief call-up to Binghamton, Lutz hit .207/.324/.241 (14.7% walk rate) in eight games. He's a polished hitter who has a great eye; however, he needs to hit for more power if he wants to be a starting third baseman in the major leagues because his defense isn't good enough to make up for it.
Lutz played the entire 2008 season for Brooklyn, going .333/.442/.514/.956 in 72 at bats. This included 4 doubles, 3 HRs, and 12 RBIs in 24 games.
- In 2009, Lutz mastered A+ ball, going .284/.381/.441/.822, with 11-HR and 62-RBI in 356-AB and 99-G. He was ranked second in the league in OPS, and seventh in slugging percentage.
He had a cup of coffee at the end of the season for Binghamton, where he will play 2010.
1-1-10: - I have never met anyone in the Mets organization that isn’t high on this kid. Lutz’s pro career spans three years at three levels and he has a combined .438 slugging percentage and an .823 OPS. The srtange part is the lack of press he has been getting. If we assume he hits at the same pace in Binghamton this upcoming season, and he plays the season at 24 years old, and he plays 3B, where the hell does he go? I expect to start seeing him play second base soon.
2-10-10 - Zach Lutz – nothing wrong here, either… Lutz is showing the minor league brass that they just might have three major league third basemen in their organization… hit .284/.381/.441/822 for Lucy this year and will join most of his 2009 teammates with the B-Mets this season. Remember this name.
4-22-10: - Stock Up: We talked yesterday about the fact that the Mets have solved their first base problems for the next 5+ years. It’s also true that they don’t need a new third baseman during that same period, but the fact remains that there is a new one developing down on the farm and we might see him branching out to a new position someday to hopefully make this team both as the backup to David Wright, and a quality power utility bat.
5-10-10: - Stock Up: Lutz is one of those minor leaguers that doesn’t seem to get any press, but just goes out and does his job every night. And, don’t be fooled by that baby face… the kid’s got some real power! Lutz was a 5th round pick in 2007 and has produced well in Brooklyn (2008: .333/.442/.514/.956) and St. Lucie (2009: 11-HR, 62-RBI, .822-OPS). The soon-to-be 24-year old (June 3) continues to develop power and currently leads the Eastern League in both home runs (8) but also the best HR-AB ratio (13.13). ETA: 2011
5-24-10: - Stock Up: Lutz is one of those minor leaguers that doesn’t seem to get any press, but just goes out and does his job every night. And, don’t be fooled by that baby face… the kid’s got some real power! Lutz was a 5th round pick in 2007 and has produced well in Brooklyn (2008: .333/.442/.514/.956) and St. Lucie (2009: 11-HR, 62-RBI, .822-OPS). The soon-to-be 24-year old (June 3) continues to develop power and currently leads the Eastern League in both home runs (8) but also the best HR-AB ratio (13.13).
5-26-10: - 3B Zach Lutz placed on 7-day Disabled List retroactive to May 21 with a left foot fracture.
7-13 from: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/7/13/1565273/mid-term-farm-system-review-part - What does Zack Lutz have in common with Fernando Martinez & Reese Havens? That's right, he can't stay on the field either; Lutz has been out since May 20 with a fractured left foot. In 2007 it was a broken foot on opening night, in '08 it was a whole mixed bag including a back strain, a quad injury and an ankle injury, in 2009 he had a month-long case of food poisoning. And to make matters worse, he's probably been passed on the Mets 3B prospect totem pole by the 2010 dynamo that is Eric Campbell. Many people consider health/durability a skill and clearly Lutz doesn't possess it which is a shame because when he's on the field the kid can clearly hit. He's always had excellent contact skills and good power but in the first month+ of 2010 he seemed to take a step forward, blasting eight homers in just over 30 games, on pace to crush his career high of 11 bombs in '09. At the Double-A level, this definitely portends well for his ability to cut it in the bigs. He's also always had very strong plate discipline leading to high on-base averages, it's his defense that needs work and has probably suffered most from his various DL stints. Lutz definitely resembles a solid, if unspectacular, major league piece but to seal the deal he'll have to stay on the field and a big second half like he had in '09 certainly wouldn't hurt.
7-17-10: - it’s not that Zach Lutz did anything special on Saturday. What he did was simply play. Lutz was on his way to a great season with Binghamton (8-HR, 17-RBI, .896-OPS in 126-AB), when he broke his ankle. No one expected him back this quick, but, you know Zach. Anyway, he did go 1-3 for the GCL Mets on his first rehab day and we expect him back in the B-Mets lineup this time next week.
7-23-10 – The Mets top third base prospect is now rehabbing with the GCL Mets and got back into gear on Friday. He belted a 2-run homer, knocked in a total of four runs, and went 3-5 in their win. I’m sure he will be returning Binghamton sometime next week, if not sooner. The most important thing about his return is it comes just when the Mets need another trading pawn to hopefully pull off a pitching deal before the deadline.
8-1-10: Den Dekker (boy, this name is going to get annoying… I'm thinking a future headline, like: den Dekker done did it...") went 0-3 Sunday for the GCL Mets, so one has to wonder why he made the “stock up” list. Simple… he signed and this was the first professional game that he started.
Draft news on Deckker:
2-8-10 from http://www.pnrscouting.com/ : - mock drafted 171st
5-5-10 from: - link - Florida senior centerfielder Matt den Dekker (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) headlined the 11th installment of the CB360 Primetime Performers Weekly Honor Roll. The veteran den Dekker continued to lead the young Gators squad during weekend action on April 30-May 2, as Florida (#7 at the time in the CB360 Composite National Rankings) posted its first series sweep of LSU (CNR #13) since the 1996 season. The 6-1, 210-pound lefthanded hitter swung a hot bat throughtout the series – going 8-for-13 (.615) over the course of the three games while totaling 5 RBI and 5 runs scored (plus a home run and 3-of-3 on stolen bases). Widely regarded as one of the nation’s elite centerfielders, the speedy den Dekker flashed those defensive skills to further help Florida double up LSU in total runs, 28-14, during the three-game series (7-3/8-5/13-6).
5-28 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/28/1491102/for-your-consideration-college#storyjump - OF, Florida: Speedy center fielder for the Gators. Has shown a consistent knowledge of the strike zone and getting on base. Struggles with breaking balls. Adequate power for position. Concerns with the bat is main concern.
6-8-10: - http://www.prospectjunkies.com/ - The Mets took one of the best draft eligible seniors in the draft in, Matt den Dekker of Florida. An unsigned 16th round pick from 2009 after a disappointing junior year, den Dekker will come cheap to the Mets and provide a nice return on their investment.
6-8 from: - http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/MLB_Draft - 152. New York Mets - Matt DenDekker, OF, Florida - The senior doesn't hit for much power, but he plays a terrific center field and he took on the leadership role this year for the Gators. He makes good contact and can steal bases. He profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder in the bigs.
6-8 fr. Mack: Round 5 - #152 overall – OF Matt den Dekker – First of all, this is one of the top defensive outfielders in the NCAA. His arm is okay but his overall play in thefield is first team defensive. Secondly, den Dekker is a speedster on the basepaths that projects out as a 20-25 steal per season guy. Had a real bad junior year which cost him being drafted anywhere decently last year. Bounced back this season by leading the Gators in hitting (.355). This season: 12th in the SEC in batting average, 10th in hits, and 6th in steals. You’re ont going to find much pop here my guess he has excellent potential to become a major league utility outfielder. - Projection: First of all, this was an excellent 5th round pick. den Dekker was projected by most of the experts as going earlier, based on his talent, not whether or not he can be signed. Draft Rating: “A”
6-10 from: - http://www.prospectjunkies.com/ / - The Mets took one of the best draft eligible seniors in the draft in, Matt den Dekker of Florida. An unsigned 16th round pick from 2009 after a disappointing junior year, den Dekker will come cheap to the Mets and provide a nice return on their investment.
6-14-10 from: - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516247/new-york-mets-draft-review -
5) Matt dan Dekker, OF, University of Florida: Best attributes are defense and speed. Sometimes shows power, but hitting track record is inconsistent. Profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder.
6-22-10: - The Mets selected Gator center fielder Matt den Dekker in the fifth round. A lefty with plus speed and some power potential, den Dekker has always intrigued scouts. But the production has always been a little short. As a senior, den Dekker should be one of the easiest players to sign in the draft who still has some upside
8-1-10: - We first jumped on the A-Rod bandwagon when Omar Minaya told all of us in ST that he was “another Jenrry Mejia”. I made sure he was the first player I hunted out at the Savannah Sand Gnats press luncheon the day before the season started and I’ve been keeping an eye on him since. Last night, he did well again… 7.0-IP, 0-R, 4-H, 7-K, 1-BB… seasonall he’s: 21-G, 6-6, 113-1-IP, 3.18, 1.11, 102-K, 39-BB. He’sthis season at 22-years old and I expect him to anchor the St. Lucie rotation come next spring. #10 on “The Keepers” list.
Rodriguez was a much heralded international signee in 2007.
Rodriguez began his pro career in 2007, by impressing at the DSL Mets (2-2, 3.46 in 11 games, 2 starts). He also had 29 Ks in 26.0 IP. He returned to the DSL Mets for the 2008 season, going 4-4, 2.63, 0.97 in 15 games, 13 starts.
In 2009, Rodriguez spent time between Kingsport (3-1, 2.96, 9 starts, 36-K, 45.2-IP) and Savannah (2-1, 2.16, 3 starts, 1-CG, 24-K, 16.2-IP).
His combined 2009 stats were: 5-2, 2.74, 12 starts, 1-CG, 60-K, 29-BB, 62,1-IP.
In September 2009, Rodriguez was ranked as the 40th top Mets prospect by The Hardball Times.
1-1-10 Forecast: Like other players in the DSL or VSL system, there is very little press on them. Rodriquez is slowly moving up the chain without much fanfair. There is a good chance he will return to Savannah for the 2010 seaso, but I’m sure he’ll end the year in Florida, with St. Lucie. Keep an eye on him. One of many talented young relievers currently in the system.
7-5-10 from Sand Gnats press release: - Armando Rodriguez is scheduled to make his team-leading 17th start for Savannah. Since May 1, Rodriguez is 4-2 with a 2.18 ERA (14 ER/57.2 IP) and has allowed opponents to hit just .190 (39 H/205 AB). For the year, Rodriguez’s opponents' batting average of .205 is the second-best in the SAL. Rodriguez struck out a season-high nine batters in his last start in Greenville in a game in which he held the Drive to one run in seven innings that Savannah lost 2-1. The Gnats are 9-7 when Rodriguez throws and have supported him with 4.75 runs per game, the third-most among Savannah starters
7-16-10 from: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/7/16/1572497/mets-farm-system-mid-term-review - •Armando Rodriguez has a 3.03 ERA, striking out 87 in 95 innings while walking 34. He's not quite as impressive as the other pitchers on the staff. He also has an extreme flyball rate, like Gorski. At 22, I don't think he has much projection left despite a slight frame, and he's only throwing 90-92 with average at best secondary offerings, so earlier reports of his ceiling as Mejia-esque are probably unfounded. But wait and see. Stock is holding.
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