6-11-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/722354-2012-mlb-mock-draft-early-predictions-for-next-years-top-10-picks#/articles/722354-2012-mlb-mock-draft-early-predictions-for-next-years-top-10-picks/page/10 - (Victor) Roache is the top power hitter in college baseball and finished as the NCAA home run king for the 2011 season, ending the regular season with 30 long-balls in just 60 games! He also finished tied for the national RBI lead with 83. In a season where the sport's major power hitters were supposed to be affected negatively by the new BBCOR bats, Roache flourished, out-homering almost 200 teams—by himself. Roache was a sought-after guy back in 2009, when the Tigers took a chance on him in the 25th-round, but he wisely turned down their offer to attend college and refine his relatively raw skills. The decision has served him well, as Roach has not only improved his hitting ability (including his prowess against breaking balls), but also learned to play two positions—first base and the outfield—where he spent the majority of this year for GS. The White Sox happen to have a couple of holes in their roster, especially with Paul Konerko getting up there in age. They could use a franchise-type guy at first-base to plug that hole, and Roache offers as much power as anyone in this class, so I can think of no better replacement 6-15-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/06/15/ncbwa-college-baseball-all-american-teams - NCBWA Division I All-America Team - FIRST TEAM - OF *Victor Roache, Georgia Southern, So. .326 62 230 58 75 10-2-30 84 37 42 3/7
6-21-11: - http://v2.capecodbaseball.org/news/week/index.html?article_id=1210 - Cotuit’s Victor Roache (Georgia Southern) has slugged his way to being named this summer’s first Player of the Week. Roache filled up the stat sheet this week, batting .421 while hitting two home runs and driving in seven. Roache’s week was punctuated by a 2-2 performance against Bourne, where he walked twice, homered, and drove in three. Roache is a sophomore at Georgia Southern. His summer totals to date are impressive, batting .379 with four doubles and nine runs batted in, to go along with the two homers that he hit this week. The right fielder/designated hitter is as disciplined as hitters come; he has more walks (nine) than strikeouts (six) this season.
Ranked #49 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
College: Baylor University Position: First Baseman Bats/Throws: L/R Height/Weight: 6'0" / 195 lbs Thick and well built; large shoulders; thick thighs Controlled short path to the ball, uses lower half well Patient approach, occasionally to his detriment; called out on strikes by taking back-to-back borderline curve balls on outside corner Turned on pitch well to hit Jungmann fastball up over plate out to right-center field Misplayed ground ball early in game, did a good job blocking it with body, but hands looked a bit suspect throughout the night Had trouble adjusting to Milner's breaking balls, but did manage to double over right fielder's head off a LHR's breaking ball All balls in play were pulled in these two games
4) Richie Shaffer
6-14-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=392:college-baseball-weekend-04-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 - Player: Richie Shaffer College: Clemson University Position: First Base Bats/Throws: R/R Height/Weight: 6'3" / 205 lbs. Lifts leg slightly; quiet swing, extends arms well Took pitches on outer half; was a bit too passive on those pitches; looked for something inside he could drive Turned and crushed an inside fastball over the fence; announcer said it was into a strong headlong wind Great job of stretching for an off target throw (high and to the left of first base) while holding the bag
Ranked #57 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
6-20-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - Clemson SO 1B Richie Shaffer .333/.459/.613 – 47 BB/50 K – 222 AB - It was incredibly difficult to leave Shaffer off the big boy list, but tough decisions sometimes come with the job. If we were to smartly ignore the artificial restraints that such a list presents, however, we could focus less on the list itself and more on Shaffer the good defender with plus to plus-plus raw power and a plus throwing arm capable of hitting the low-90s from the mound. We could also talk about his outstanding sophomore year – who couldn’t love a sophomore who slugged over .600 while going up against the likes of Virginia, North Carolina, Miami and Florida State? – as well as his above-average defense, solid athleticism, pro frame speedy recovery from a broken hamate bone.
Height/Weight: 6'0" / 220 lbs. Short path to the ball Good piece of hitting, going the other way with 2 strikes Turns on inside fastball that caught too much of the plate, HR to left field
Ranked #188 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
5-22-11: - http://www.wrdw.com/sports/headlines/USCs_Walker_named_to__122423709.html - South Carolina sophomore first baseman Christian Walker has been selected to the 22-man roster for the 2011 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, it was announced on Sunday evening. It is the 11th time in school history for a player to be selected to the collegiate team and it is the second straight season a Gamecock has been on the team as Jackie Bradley Jr. played for the Red, White & Blue last year. Walker is in the midst of a strong sophomore campaign as he leads the Gamecocks with a .358 batting average (78-for-218) as well as a team-high nine HR and 57 RBI. His .573 slugging percentage also tops the squad. Walker is one of two Gamecocks this year to start all 56 games. His 57 RBI are second highest in the SEC. He is also third in the league in hits (78), fourth in runs scored (53), fifth in slugging percentage, home runs and total bases (125) and ninth in batting average. In addition, Walker hit .316 (37-for-117) in 30 SEC games and had eight doubles, a pair of homers and 24 RBI vs. conference teams.
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/9 - The South Carolina 2012 draft class kicks off with 1B/3B Christian Walker. After a stellar freshman campaign that saw him earn Freshman First-Team honors from Baseball America, Walker took up the offensive burden left when Jackie Bradley Jr. started the season terribly and then was lost with an injury for most of the season. Walker had an incredible offensive year, leading the Gamecocks with a .359 average, 60 runs, 18 doubles, ten home runs, 60 RBI and a .560 slugging percentage. In addition to his light-tower power, he is also an incredible athlete. In addition to third base, he also played first and catcher in high-school. He was clocked in the low 80s off the mound at a few Perfect Game showcases and he has good enough range to handle either first or third as a pro.
6-28-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/postseason/college-world-series/2011/2612014.html - The Hero: Christian Walker was not in the starting lineup South Carolina coach Ray Tanner turned in about an hour before game time because of a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, which was diagnosed Monday morning. But he got treatment from South Carolina doctors before the game, hit three home runs in batting practice and found his way into the final starting lineup. He proceeded to go 2-for-5 with a double, a single and the game-winning run in the 11th
6) Jayce Boyd
4-3-11: - Jayce Boyd - I also caught a mid-week game between Florida State and Jacksonville that allowed me to watch a pair of potential 2012 first-round picks in FSU’s Jayce Boyd and Jacksonville’s Adam Brett Walker. I caught Boyd several times last year, and he looks pretty much the same this year. He has a great approach at the plate with a level, line-drive swing. He reminds me a little of a young Edgar Martinez, prior to Martinez bulking up, with long, wiry strong limbs. Most of his power is gap-to-gap, but there is some good extension and bat speed to his swing that will lead to his fair share of homers. He would serve himself well if he could continue to play third base or even a corner outfield spot. He drilled a hanging curveball to left-centerfield in this contest for a double, something he seems to do every time I watch him play. He is somewhat of a ‘tweener since he doesn’t have the ideal power potential for first and may not have the lateral movement necessary for third. http://www.5tooltalk.com/2011-notes-2-26-11.html
6-13-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5880 Player of the game: OF Jayce Boyd, Florida State – The Seminoles needed solid offensive production to stay alive on Sunday and got just that from Boyd and others. Boyd had a huge day at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, home run, five runs scored and three RBIs. It’s also worth noting shortstop Justin Gonzalez finished the contest with two hits and six RBIs, while Stuart Tapley slammed a pair of home runs and finished the afternoon with five RBIs.
6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - Florida State SO 1B Jayce Boyd .339/.423/.519 – 36 BB/30 K – 233 AB - Despite the change in bats, Boyd put up a nearly identical stat line in 2011 (2010 numbers: .341/.413/.528 – 28 BB/36 K – 214 AB) with the biggest exception being his improved plate discipline. The most difficult players to project – for me, anyway – are the prospects who are destined for bat-first positions (i.e. first base and corner outfield) because the margin for error is so slight. Boyd has a bat I believe in. Watching him hit reminds you of the difference between a good power hitter and a good hitter who hits for power. Boyd is squarely in the latter category; his plus raw power and outstanding collegiate production are byproducts of his special hit tool. I’d caution against thinking that his likely inability to stick at third base at the next level equates to below-average athleticism and negative defensive value. Yeah, it’s true that he may be too stiff to man the hot corner professionally, but his solid athleticism, soft hands, and great baseball instincts make him a plus defender at first base.
7) Adam Brett Walker
6-15-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/06/15/ncbwa-college-baseball-all-american-teams - NCBWA Division I All-America Team - SECOND TEAM - 1B *Adam Brett Walker, Jacksonville, So. .411 61 241 65 99 23-2-13 75 34 63 14/14
6-24-11: - http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110624/SPORTS/110629919/-1/rss43 - When Adam Brett Walker stands up to the plate, extending his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame to full size in his Hyannis Harbor Hawks uniform, you can just imagine the pitcher taking an extra breath and the third baseman unconsciously taking a step back before the pitch. The ardent followers among them know the right-handed swinging Walker was a Golden Spikes Award and a Dick Howser Award semifinalist, has been named to numerous second team All-American squads and was the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year. Early as it may be, there is speculation he could move into the first round of next year's draft. All this after the Jacksonville University sophomore from Milwaukee hit .411 with 23 doubles, 13 homers, 75 RBIs, 99 hits, 165 total bases and a .685 slugging percentage this spring. The hits, RBIs and total bases are school records
8) Matt Conway
6-20-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - Wake Forest SO 1B Matt Conway .272/.361/.451 – 27 BB/31 K – 195 AB - Conway has the size (6-7, 250 pounds), plus raw power, and solid approach to hitting that help make him Wake Forest’s best prospect since Allan Dykstra in 2008. He also dabbles on the mound for the Demon Deacons; that’s both a terrifying thought for an opposing batter (not sure I’d be feeling 6-7, 250 pound lefty heat coming at me…) and a feat worth noting to highlight Conway’s better than you’d think athleticism and arm strength.
Ranked #46 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
Ranked #132 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
Ranked #143 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
6-28-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - I can’t see any catcher in the 2012 draft class overtaking Zunino for the top spot. The Florida catcher is a big league catcher defensively already, and his bat should make him one of the better hitting catchers in pro ball before long. No mention of Zunino and this year’s College World Series without providing this unbelievable clip:
Tarran Senay:
6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - North Carolina State SO OF Tarran Senay .271/.401/.388 – 26 BB/38 K – 0/1 SB – 129 AB - Senay is probably the least toolsy of the outfielders listed, so the “bat or bust” risk factor typified by future first basemen/left fielders is magnified. Injuries knocked his numbers down in 2011 (check his freshman season line: .304/.456/.571 – 28 BB/29 K – 112 AB), but the plus raw power keeps him squarely on the 2012 draft map.
6-28-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/27/matt-fultz-2012-draft-profile - When I look at catching prospects, I see two different groups. The ones who will be sticking behind the plate in the future and the ones who are waiting to move to a different position. Matt Fultz’s present and future are at catcher. Fultz is a left-handed power bat. He has very good bat speed. His swing is short and he consistently makes hard contact. Fultz looks natural behind the plate. He moves well and frames pitches well. Fultz has sub 2 second pop times. He has a good arm and does a good job shutting down the opponent’s running game.
Tyler Naquin:
6-30-11 - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/06/30/team-usa-defeats-new-bedford-7-5 - Tyler Naquin (Texas A&M) hit two home runs and drove in five to lead the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team to a 7-5 win over New Bedford Wednesday night at Paul Walsh Field. Naquin’s home runs were the first of the summer for the Collegiate National Team, which finished its tour of the New England Collegiate Baseball League Wednesday. Team USA is 5-1 as it heads to play in Gastonia, N.C., on Thursday. Naquin, who led off the Team USA lineup as the team’s starting right fielder, tallied his first shot, a three-run home run, by lining a pitch over the right field fence off New Bedford starter Blaine O’Brian in the second inning. It drove in David Lyon (Kent State) and Michael Lorenzen (Cal State Fullerton) and gave Team USA a 3-0 lead.
RHP Ryan Fraser (4-5, 3.74) vs. RHP Aaron Northcraft (2-4, 3.29)
State Mutual Stadium, Rome, GA
Radio: News/Talk 630 and sandgnats.com
Tonight: The first-half champion Gnats, winners of five games in a row, try to finish a four-game sweep of the Rome Braves, in Rome, GA. The Gnats finish their seven-game road trip with three games in Augusta before returning home for an Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular on Monday, July 4.
Yesterday: The Gnats scored a run in the eighth inning and two more in the ninth to beat Rome 5-2. Starter Yohan Almonte took a shutout into the seventh, but gave up two home runs in the inning. He earned his third win of the year, while giving up just three hits in seven innings, tying a season-high for most innings pitched by a Gnat this year.
Now Pitching: RHP Ryan Fraser is scheduled to make his 12th Savannah start tonight. Fraser has given up five runs in five innings in each of his last two starts. Last year with short-season Brookly, Fraser struck out 39 batters in 31.1 innings pitched, a rate of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. This year, he’s fanned 45 in 77 innings, a rate 5.3 K/9. Fraser pitched exclusively out of the bullpen for short-season Brooklyn in 2010. With the Cyclones last year, he was 3-3 with a 1.44 ERA and 12 saves in 31.1 IP. He struck out 39, walked 20 and yielded just 16 hits. The Mets drafted Fraser in the 16th round of the 2010 draft out of Memphis. The Rays originally drafted Fraser out of Walker Valley HS in the 49th round in 2006, but he chose to attend Gulf Coast Community College and then Memphis. At Memphis, he led the Tigers with 93 strikeouts and 92 IP in 2010 on his way to three C-USA Pitcher of the Week honors and a Second Team All C-USA selection. In the classroom, he was a member of the C-USA All-Academic Team in 2010 and ran a 4.0 grade point average in high school. The Gnats are 5-6 when Fraser starts, and have supported him with 3.00 runs per game (33 runs/11 games), the lowest mark of any Savannah starter.
Never Give Up: Yesterday, the Gnats scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, a common happening recently. The Gnats have taken the lead in the fifth inning or later in every single one of their six second-half wins. For the year, the Gnats have outscored their opponents 51-28 in the eighth inning, their most prolific offensive output in any frame.
First Again: The Gnats are alone in first place for the first time in the second half. Savannah leads Asheville by one game for first.
Bennett’s Brilliance: Hamilton Bennett has converted four straight save opportunities for the Gnats and has not allowed a run in five appearances. Bennett has not allowed a hit to any of the first batters he has seen in his 17 appearances.
Cordero Turns the Corner: C Albert Cordero was 2-4 in his last game on Tuesday has turned his season around. After a .182/.193/.218 line in 16 games in May, Cordero is up to .293/.354/.379 in June. His walk totals by month: April – 0, May – 1 and June – 4.
Thursday Drafts: The Gnats are 5-6 on Thursday, 2-3 at home and 3-3 on the road. Thursday is the only day of the week on which the Gnats’ have a losing record.
Strong Arms: The Gnats have the SAL’s best ERA (3.27), 35 hundredths of a run better than second-place Lakewood. The Gnats have have allowed the fewest hits (593), nine fewer than second-best Hickory. Savannah is fourth in the SAL in strikeouts (618) and owns the second-best WHIP (1.21) in the SAL, one one-hundredth behind League-leading West Virginia.
Vs. Rome: The Gnats are 12-3 against Rome this year, 6-1 at home and 6-1 on the road. Savannah was 14-9 against Rome a year ago, 9-2 on the road and 5-7 in Rome. Combined, the Gnats are 26-12 in the last two years against the Braves. from team press release
JUNE 30, 2011 –The New York Mets today announced that they have selected the contract of Buffalo Bisons OF FERNANDO MARTINEZ. He will fill the roster spot that opened when the Mets placed OF Willie Harris on the paternity leave list for the birth of his child. Martinez has played 45 games with the Bisons this season and hit .266 (42-158) with six doubles, six home runs, 23RBI and 21 runs scored. He has made 33 starts in right field for the Bisons and six as the club’s designated hitter this season. For Martinez, this will be his second stint with New York this season. The outfielder was with the Mets from May 12-29.
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 the field is first team defensive. Secondly, den Dekker is a speedster on the base paths 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 not 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”
6-22-10: - 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
8-12-10: - Matt den Dekker is off to a good start in Savannah. The Sand Gnats don’t get too many early round draft picks. They’re usually sent directly to Brooklyn; however the Cyclones has a trio in the outfield that are leading their team to the playoffs and den Dekker’s late signing caused a change in plans. Mets fans got their first glimpse of Matt when he was showing off with circus catches in the CWS this year. He’s always been touted as a great defensive centerfielder, but his bat has been alive in Savannah as well. It’s early on, but his combined stats for the GCL Mets and Gnats are: .323/.400/.419/.819. You might remember my original analysis of his pick. Here’s what I wrote on June 8th: 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 the field is first team defensive. Secondly, den Dekker is a speedster on the base paths 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 not 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” The Mets have five interesting lower-level outfield prospects in there system… den Dekker, Cory Vaughn, Darrell Ceciliani, Pedro Zapata, and Cesar Puello. All represent limited pop, but lots of speed, gap hitting, and excellent defense. It will be interesting which one of these rises to the top in 2013.
11-23-10: - OF Matt den Dekker – 23/yrs. old - I started out thinking that den Dekker would be higher up the chain than this, but the fact is he played 2010 way above his projected ability. This isn’t saying he’s overrated. It is; however correct to say that guys like Darrell Ceciliani, Cesar Puello, and Cory Vaughn, are, prospect wise, more qualified to be on this list first. Either way, D.D. will move on to Lucy to play in an all-star outfield which will eventually answer the question, who gets center, he or Darrell? 2011: St. Lucie 2012: Binghamton
3-30-11 – 2011 Forecast: - den Dekker only did one thing wrong in 2010 and that was refuse to correspond with me J The good news is he is an excellent defensive center fielder and can spray all over the field. The bad news is he’s much smaller than I had hoped he was and probably will never produce the kind of pop you want out of a center fielder. He’ll most likely play the entire 2011 season for St. Lucie, unless he is pushed by Darrell Cecilliani.
5-10-11: - Stock Up – CF Matt den Dekker – Dekker got the kinks out last year with the GCL Mets and went on to hitting .346 for Savannah in 104-Abs. He’s now 119-Abs into A+ ball and he’s hitting .336, so I guess we should start looking for a possible bump to offensive-less Binghamton. The important number here is the increase in his slugging percentage (.471 to .538), which include his first home run of his pro career. Dekker is one of those new, non-pop, outfielders that offer you spray to all fields, speed, and excellent defense. This could possibly play well in Citifield as a 2 hitter and CFer in 2013.
5-16-11: - The general consensus of Mets experts all agree that CF Matt den Dekker will most probably get bumped to the B-Mets once the first half of the season is over. He proved last year he could hit at the A-level (.346), and he is currently 9th in the FSL in hitting with a .331 BA. den Dekker is also the top Mets defensive outfield prospect in the system and 23 of his 48 hits this season are extra base. Based on his current performance, and the lack of others I have had ranked higher in my “Keepers” series, I’ve moved him from 27th to 22nd.
6-15-11: - http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110615&content_id=20523328&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb - The speedy 23-year-old lefty is now trying to get on the fast track to the Majors, and he seems headed in just that direction. As good as Den Dekker is defensively, his work at the plate with St. Lucie can't be overshadowed. Den Dekker won consecutive Florida State League Player of the Week honors in late April, going 26-for-55 over the 14-day span and hitting in 13 straight games. He hasn't been able to match that .376 average for the first month, but he still has some impressive offensive stats. Through 62 games, Den Dekker is hitting .304 with 32 extra-base hits, including six homers and a league-best eight triples. He also has 49 runs scored, 34 RBIs and 11 steals.
6-30-11: - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/6/30/2251774/minor-league-notes-june-30th-2011#storyjump - Another 2010 draftee expected to advance quickly is New York Mets outfield prospect Matt Den Dekker, selected in the fifth round last year from the University of Florida. He was a senior and is already 23, so it is wise for the Mets to be aggressive about promoting him if his performance warrants. It was warranted following his .296/.362/.494 first half for St. Lucie in the High-A Florida State League, and he moved up to Double-A Binghamton 10 days ago. The results there are much less impressive: .194/.256/.278 in 36 at-bats, with 14 strikeouts, but the sample is small, of course. Den Dekker is an exceptional defensive outfielder with above average speed. He has some pop in his bat, but his hitting approach is inconsistent and he has problems with pitch recognition which Double-A pitchers have been able to expose in the early going.
6-29-11: - http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/zurcher_chad00.html - With the 2011 NCAA Baseball season complete, University of Memphis infielder Chad Zurcher has officially claimed the NCAA batting title with his .443 batting average. "We are extremely proud of Chad and this is another honor in a long line of awards for him," head coach Daron Schoenrock said. "He is going to go down as what we feel is one of the most decorated and celebrated players in Tiger baseball history. This is an award that nobody votes on or can play favorites on since it is based strictly on production. He definitely deserves this honor." The Knoxville, Tenn., native also led the nation with a .547 on-base percentage. Drafted by the New York Mets in the MLB Draft in early June, Zurcher has since begun his pro career with the Kingsport Mets.
Nick Evans only needed one hit to continue his recent hot streak Wednesday. He didn't settle for that. Evans went 5-for-5 with a double and a run scored to extend his hitting streak to 19 games in Triple-A Buffalo's 7-5 win over Lehigh Valley. Evans, who appeared in two games with New York this year after hitting .306 in 20 games last year, is batting .513 (38-for-74) with three homers and 15 RBIs during his run. It's the longest streak this season in the International League, matching the mark of Columbus' Luis Valbuena, whose streak came to an end June 9. Louisville's Juan Francisco also had a 19-game streak, although it began in 2010.- http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110629&content_id=21181928&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&tcid=tw_share
Cost of Reyes:
For the Mets, we’ll start here: Six years, $126 million. Slightly higher average value than (Carl) Crawford, one less year, a nod to a legs-driven player. For the Mets, it means a $10 million raise over Reyes’ current deal, offset nicely by the disappearance of $36.5 million worth of Luis Castillo/Oliver Perez/Carlos Beltran -- and nearly matching the $11.5 million the Mets are paying Frankie Rodriguez this year (we’ll put K-Rod’s $17 million vesting issue in that vacuum, for now). That’s a cool $21 million a year, which still only would place him fourth (behind A-Rod, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and Johan Santana) on the yearly salary scale of New York baseball players. If that’s not enough? Well, that’s more motivation for the Mets to find viable ownership again so they can play varsity ball again - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/27949/mets-morning-briefing-6-30-11
Justin Verlander:
Verlander said he didn't recall meeting anyone from the Mets in 2004. But he knew New York was a potential landing spot for him. "I remember my agent calling me right before the draft and saying, 'The Mets want you bad,'" he said. So did the Tigers, though. Detroit considered taking two other pitchers, Jeff Niemann and Jered Weaver, along with shortstop Stephen Drew. But Greg Smith, the Tigers' scouting director at the time, was convinced Verlander was the best prospect, even though the San Diego Padres showed little interest in taking him with the first pick. - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/27949/mets-morning-briefing-6-30-11
North Carolina – 6-4, 230 - … was 3rd round pick by the Angels out of high school and turned down a $1mil offer. Low-90s fastball that touches 95. Excellent curveball… average changeup… comes from ¾ arm slot… changeup 78-81… breaking ball 76-79… works quickly from stretch… 2009: 7-2, 5.35, 78K, 70.2 IP… BA ranks him as the #1 sophomore of the 2009 season…
10. Matt Harvey – North Carolina – 6-4, 230 - … was 3rd round pick by the Angels out of high school and turned down a $1mil offer. Low-90s fastball that touches 95. Excellent curveball… average changeup… comes from ¾ arm slot… changeup 78-81… breaking ball 76-79… works quickly from stretch… 2009: 7-2, 5.35, 78K, 70.2 IP… BA ranks him as the #1 sophomore of the 2009 season…
7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/ : - A first round talent out of high school in 2007, Harvey slipped to the fourth round due to bonus demands. While his time at North Carolina has been a bit rocky, Harvey still has good stuff and struck out 81 batters in 75 innings last spring. Harvey’s fastball sits in the low 90’s with some sink, and is complimented by a potentially plus breaking ball and changeup. If Harvey can show some improved command this spring, he walked 11.9% of batters last spring, he still has as much upside as any pitcher in this class.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/ : put on some weight this year and arm angle dropped a bit, most fb were very straight during CWS, velocity still solid abv ave range 89-94 will touch 95-96 on occasion. Must work with finger pressure and get more movement on his fb for 2010. Solid slide piece when on top. Control is solid as well.
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/ : Harvey turned down $1 million from the Angels as a third-round pick out of high school, and the Connecticut product is pitching in his second straight CWS with the Tar Heels. He'll become the undisputed staff ace next year when White and senior Adam Warren (a fourth-round pick of the Yankees this year) move on, using a low-90s fastball that reaches 95 at times and a true hammer curveball that is his best pitch. Harvey can lose control of the strike zone due to a long arm action and some effort in his delivery, so he's not a finished product. But he was the best pitching prospect in the Cape last summer and may be again in 2009.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/ : - Mock Draft Version 2 - #15 pick overall - Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina - North Carolina seems to breed first round pitching and out comes another. Harvey has been higher on other boards and even my previous one but a shaky 5.40 ERA last year will need to be improved on. Stats do not tell the whole story as this is a polished righty with a chance to be a quality big league starter.
11-2 from http://www.perfectgame.com/ : - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 8- RHP Matt Harvey (5th RHP on list)
11-3 from http://www.mlbresource.com/ : 3rd Mock draft – #16 - Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina - Harvey gives the Cubs an experienced big game pitcher that comes from a school known for developing quality pitchers. Harvey could go even higher than this. (8th RHP on list)
11-17 from http://www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com/ : - 13. Chicago White Sox- Matt Harvey, RHP, UNC - Harvey was viewed as a top 5 pick, if not the top pick in the draft for quite some time. That was before Harper entered the draft, and before Harvey has a disapointing season at UNC. If Harvey bounces back to form, he could find himself near the top of the draft again. (6th RHP picked)
11-18 from http://www.macksmets.blogspot.com/ : - 8. RHP Matt Harvey – a weak draft means lots of right hand pitchers taken early and Harvey will be one of the first ones grabbed. (4th RHP on list)
11-23 from http://www.deepleagues.com/ : - #19 - Detroit Tigers Matt Harvey (P, North Carolina) (8th RHP on list)
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – http://www.jjscouting.com/ - 13. Chicago White Sox- Matt Harvey, RHP, UNC - Harvey was viewed as a top 5 pick, if not the top pick in the draft for quite some time. That was before Harper entered the draft, and before Harvey has a disappointing season at UNC. If Harvey bounces back to form, he could find himself near the top of the draft again.
1-1-9 from http://www.draftsite.com/ : - mock draft: - #55 NY Mets Matt Harvey RHP University of North Carolina 6'4" 225 R,R
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com/ : - #28 Los Angeles Dodgers: RHSP Matt Harvey – North Carolina - After Harvey’s hot start last season, I wrote the following on March 1, 2009:
[W]hat is the likelihood, if it exists at all, that Matt Harvey reaches the same level of hype other elite college pitchers (Strasburg, Price, and Prior, to name a few) had heading into his draft year? Uhh, I’m going to have to go out on a limb here and say that the likelihood isn’t all that good. Controversial answer, I know. It’s probably weird having Matt Harvey in the first round at this point, but, if anything, I actually feel weird about having him this low. A really, really good rule to follow when tracking draft prospects is to remember that once a player shows you a skill, it is his to own. There are obvious exceptions to this, major injuries being the most obvious, but good players just don’t plain forget how to do good things on the field. Elite prospects who don’t sign out of high school tend not to drop too far after three years of college, even if those three years are so-so. The most recent reports on Harvey have been largely positive: 90-93 sitting velocity with fastball, 94-95 peak velocity, plus 77-80 CB, and a solid sinking low-80s change. The biggest problem with Harvey’s game seems to be his bizarre velocity inconsistency with his fastball. One day you’ll see him pitching in the mid-90s, the next he’ll be down to maxing out at 86 (86!), and then he’ll be back up to sitting 88-90, but still not hitting 96 like before…until the next time out when he suddenly has regained those lost 10 MPH on the fastball. What the heck is that? It’s not even a start-to-start phenomenom, either; Harvey has experienced sudden velocities dips and gains in-game as well. I have no idea what to make of Harvey. If the right scouting director sees him on the right day, he’ll go high. If not, he’ll be lumped in with the rest of the college guys who project as relievers hoping to get a spot in the first five rounds. I like the idea of the Dodgers taking Harvey one pick before the Angels, the team that couldn’t get him signed back in 2007. I wonder what Harvey’s career would have looked like so far if he would have signed out of high school. He’s a prime candidate for an Alternate Reality Crystal Ball…
3-10 from XMLBScout/perfectgame.com : - Also in regards to Matt Harvey, his delivery is cleaner than last summer yes and last spring, yes, but still the same kid with a much better breaking ball. He might be best suited as a closer in the big leagues also John Smoltz or Steve Bedrosian, I don't think he has 5 plus inning in him every 4 days and be consistent, but who knows once he's in pro ball. Top 50 guy for sure.
3-16 from http://www.prospectjunkies.com/: - Matt Harvey - RHP - UNC. 5IP 7H 3ER 4BB 3K (W). Line looks closer to the 09 Harvey in a NC win v. Duke.:
3-24 from: http://pnrscouting.com/articles_stockwatch_2010class_10onthrerise_03232010.html - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Matt Harvey, RHP, Univ. of North Carolina (#56 on PnR Preseason Top 300): After strong reports came out of fall practice in Chapel Hill, PnR was comfortable placing Harvey comfortably in the second round for our preseason rankings -- his pure stuff is special and easily worthy of 1st round consideration if he's performing at his best. Consistency has been the issue throughout Harvey's time at UNC, but if the first month of the 2010 is any indication of things to come he may have finally shaken that monkey off of his back. Harvey has posted a fine line of 5 GS, 32 IP, 20 H, 7 ER, 14 BB and 37 SO while showing potential front-end stuff, including a low- to mid-90s fastball, a potential plus breaking ball and a change-up he has been throwing with increasing success. Harvey can continue to win over supporters the more consistency he shows, and could be a 1st round -- maybe early 1st round -- selection come June.
4-7 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com/2010/04/2010-draft-preview-matt-harvey-rising-kyle-blair-falling/#more - Matt Harvey, UNC, RHP: The North Carolina product has improved his deliver which has resulted in high velocity in his fastball, up to 97 so far this season. Although he continues to struggle with his command, he continues to induce almost 80% of balls put in play on the ground. He seems likely to be a first round draft pick.
4-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=4361060202 - Also in regards to Matt Harvey, his delivery is cleaner than last summer yes and last spring, yes, but still the same kid with a much better breaking ball. He might be best suited as a closer in the big leagues also John Smoltz or Steve Bedrosian, I don't think he has 5 plus inning in him every 4 days and be consistent, but who knows once he's in pro ball. Top 50 guy for sure.
4-19 from: - http://www.baseballrumormill.com/ - Harvey has bounced back from two awful years in college to reestablish himself as a prospect for this year's draft, with a significant and unexpected increase in velocity this spring and an improved delivery. One major change in Harvey's performance this year is in his ability to get groundballs, as he's getting on top of his fastball and driving many of them down at or below the bottom of the zone.
4-19 from: - http://www.pnrscouting.com/rankings_2010_midseason_pitcher.html - Matt Harvey, Junior, Univ. of North Carolina and Brandon Workman, Junior, Univ. of Texas jumped into the back-end of the Top 10, Harvey all the way from a preseason ranking of #27. Each has struggled some with his command (Harvey to a greater extent than Workman), but have enjoyed a successful first half to the year and project as legit 1st Round talents.
4-20 from: - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/20/1433135/interesting-college-pitchers-for - RHP, University of North Carolina - An unsigned third round pick in the 2007 draft, Harvey has been erratic in college, outstanding at times but hampered by command issues. At his best, the 6-4, 225 pounder features a mid-90s fastball, a nasty curve, and a solid changeup. However, problems with his mechanics were an issue last summer in the Cape Cod League, costing him velocity and control. He's been much better this spring, with a 2.59 ERA and a 60/26 K/BB in 59 innings, with 44 hits allowed, showing a more consistent delivery and better stuff (96-98), though his control still wobbles on occasion. Harvey is a definite wild card on draft day. Depending on his bonus demands and late May performance, he could go anywhere from 15 to 40.
4-24 from: - http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/baseball/news;_ylt=AjpEcNS8dq_g39RRWsAapfgMwLYF?slug=kr-friday042410 - He also was one of the biggest question marks before the season. Harvey, who turned down big-time money out of high school to attend North Carolina, had a fabulous freshman campaign that ended with a 2.79 ERA. But as a sophomore last season, the right-hander certainly left something to be desired with a 5.40 ERA. Numerous meltdowns last season led to a plethora of question marks about Harvey’s ability to be the Tar Heels’ staff ace this spring. Consider those questions answered, though. Harvey is having a sensational campaign for the Tar Heels. And after striking out 15 batters and allowing just three runs on six hits in a complete game performance against Clemson on Friday, his numbers became even more impressive. Harvey has a 2.65 ERA in 68 innings of work. He also has struck out 75 and walked 27 and is limiting opposing teams to a .202 batting average in 10 starts.
4-26 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/04/26/acc-baseball-weekly-honors - North Carolina’s Matt Harvey received ACC Pitcher of the Week honors. Harvey (5-2) threw his first career complete-game with a six hitter with a career-best 15 strikeouts to lead North Carolina over No. 20 Clemson 5-3 Friday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Harvey struck out the side three times, including six punch-outs in a row in the sixth and seventh innings, and now has fanned the side nine different times this season. The junior caught nine Clemson batters looking at a called third strike and fell just four strikeouts shy of the single-game school record of 19. Harvey eclipsed his previous career-high of 13 strikeouts and now has posted four double-digit strikeout games this season. Harvey, a junior from Mystic, Conn., was also named a National Pitcher of the Week by Collegiate Baseball.
4-28 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board - Matt Harvey has been known to draftniks for a long time. Heralded as neck-and-neck with Rick Porcello out of high school by some, Harvey has been up-and-down during his time at the University of North Carolina. Fortunately for Harvey, this spring has mostly been up. Control has been a problem at times during his collegiate career but this spring he’s walked 9.8% of the batters, a number that will need to come down as a professional but it’s not a terrible figure. Harvey’s mediocre control is offset by a lot of strikeouts, 28.3% of batters this spring including 15 in his last outing versus a very good Clemson squad. Harvey’s fastball has shown impressive velocity, touching 96-97 MPH late in starts and excellent sink, 69% of his batted ball outs have come on the ground. In high school, Harvey’s main breaking ball was a plus curveball; in college he’s spent more time toying with a slider that flashes plus but is still inconsistent. While he may not go as high as some though he deserved out of high school, Harvey still looks like a solid first round pick.
5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board - Matt Harvey has been known to draftniks for a long time. Heralded as neck-and-neck with Rick Porcello out of high school by some, Harvey has been up-and-down during his time at the University of North Carolina. Fortunately for Harvey, this spring has mostly been up. Control has been a problem at times during his collegiate career but this spring he’s walked 9.8% of the batters, a number that will need to come down as a professional but it’s not a terrible figure. Harvey’s mediocre control is offset by a lot of strikeouts, 28.3% of batters this spring including 15 in his last outing versus a very good Clemson squad. Harvey’s fastball has shown impressive velocity, touching 96-97 MPH late in starts and excellent sink, 69% of his batted ball outs have come on the ground. In high school, Harvey’s main breaking ball was a plus curveball; in college he’s spent more time toying with a slider that flashes plus but is still inconsistent. While he may not go as high as some though he deserved out of high school, Harvey still looks like a solid first round pick.
5-17 from: - http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/MLB_Draft/entry/view/66255/stock_watch_harvey_up,_colon_down#page_break - On the season, Harvey is 6-3 with a 2.72 ERA, striking out 86 in 82 innings pitched. The 30 walks is still a concern, and some scouts believe Harvey might find more success as a power reliever, with velocity that sits easily in the 96-97 mph range. His slider has progressed from a hard curve he used to throw and is considered above average. Those two pitches alone, along with a clean delivery and strong arm have people thinking Harvey could pitch fast if he were drafted as late-inning reliever, eventually moving into a closer's role. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, he fits the bill.
From: - http://www.scoutingbook.com/players/p2682 - The seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft, Matt Harvey is a tall righthander from Mystic, Connecticut who pitched his college ball at UNC, where a few tweaks to his high-school delivery paid off with extra cheese on his fastball. He can dial that smooth, easy heat up to 98mph and has a propensity for throwing ground balls. His command is spotty, but nothing out of the norm for such a young, high-upside arm. He should move quickly through a pitching-poor Mets system.
From: http://www.baseballrumormill.com/ : - "With a good arm, nice and easy delivery, projectable frame and the possibility to have a three-pitch mix (right now, the changeup lags behind the other two). He'll need some refinement with his delivery, but has a very high ceiling."
From Keith Law: - Harvey has bounced back from two awful years in college to reestablish himself as a prospect for this year's draft, with a significant and unexpected increase in velocity this spring and an improved delivery. He's touched 97 in several starts and will hold 95-96 for 30-40 pitches at the start of a game, then working at 91-94 through the 100 pitch mark. His best off speed pitch is a 79-84 mph changeup with some downward fade, but his curveball, his best off speed pitch in high school, is below average now and very inconsistent. Harvey drives his fastball down in the zone, getting groundballs at an impressive rate, but overall doesn't command the ball, and in many ways he's the same pitcher he was the last two years, but with more velocity. His arm is looser and much cleaner in the back than it had been prior to this year, although he still lands awkwardly and stiffly and the way he drifts off the rubber isn't helping him land consistently. Ultimately, his best role may be in the pen, where he won't have to deal with losing velocity (and could easily sit 95-97), he can work with just two pitches, and the lack of command could be mitigated by the quality of his stuff. If he's drafted as a starter, some player development staff will have a fair amount of work to do to get him to reach his potential in that role.
From John Manuel: - The Mets get more talent one spot behind the Diamondbacks, taking North Carolina right-hander Matt Harvey. The Nutmeg State product fits the Mets profile. Rudy Terrasas, the Mets' scouting director, likes his pitchers big, physical and throwing hard, and that's what Harvey does. He also has the power slider and improved control to be a front-of-the-rotation starter if it all comes together. Harvey's the best pitcher the Mets have drafted since Mike Pelfrey in 2005.
From: http://www.rotoworld.com/ : - "Harvey probably would have been a first-round pick in 2007 if not for some big-time bonus demands. He rejected an offer from the Angels and went to North Carolina, where he struggled for two years before pushing his stock back up this season. Harvey can throw in the mid-90s, but his curveball comes and goes. The Mets figure to keep him in the rotation, but he’s more likely to make it in the majors as a short reliever than as a starter."
From: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/7/15 ... harvey-rhp - Matt Harvey is a top-level right-handed starting pitcher from the University of North Carolina. Harvey attended high school at Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut, near the Rhode Island border. He was teammates with fellow 2010 draft prospect Jesse Hahn, though Harvey has been on the national stage far longer. He was known as one of the top arms for the 2007 draft for quite awhile before the draft even rolled around, and it was surprising when he fell all the way to the third round, where the Angels made a run at signing him, only to fail at doing so. He headed to North Carolina thanks to adviser Scott Boras, and after a rocky couple of years to start there, he’s really started fulfilling his potential this spring. Scouts still point to his awful mechanics last year, but he’s improved so much that it seems to be a dead issue, and he projects as a number two starter if things come together exactly right. His fastball is an easy plus pitch, getting some plus-plus grades, as he sits 92-95 most nights and can pump it up to 97, and he holds velocity deep into games, even when asked to throw absurd numbers of pitches. His breaking ball is a potential plus slider, which is distinctly different from the curveball he threw as a prep, which has gone by the wayside. His changeup is only a fringe-average pitch, but he gets by with his two plus pitches with ease. Even with Scott Boras still as his adviser, he’s expected to go in the top twenty picks, and he should command something around $2 million.
3-5-11: - Up: - Harvey finally pitched for the Mets, on Saturday, against the Italian team that is being coached by Mike Piazza. Word from the camp was he sat in the 92-93 range and pitched a scoreless inning. Welcome to the team, Matt.
3-22-11: - Up: - SP Matt Harvey – pitched Tuesday in minor league game, throwing 76-curve, 86-mph slider and fastball up to 98… this is why you draft a quality pitcher with your first round pick, regardless of what the bonus has to be. There are only some many of these studs available every draft and you just know the Mets already have plans for him hitting Queens by all-star weekend 2012.
4-7-11 - Matt Harvey started a little rocky… walking two and giving up a single in the first. Saved his own ass with terrific pickoff throw to Flores to take down runner at second. An even stranger second inning… three singles, no runs, and three strikeouts. He moved his strikeout total to six after three innings. He left after five… no runs and nine strikeouts. What more can I say?
5-4-11: - Matt Harvey had given up only four earned runs all season and all of them came in his last outing against the same team he pitched again tonight. The organization needed a boost and Harvey game through. 9-Ks in 6.1-IP and ERA lowered to 1.10.
5-10-11: - Well, it looks like those of you that wanted Matt Harvey to pitch in Binghamton are going to have to wait for some more turns. Nothing seemed to work… batter hit by pitch, two homers, one a grand slam, and a fastball that only hit 93. It just was a bad outing from a very good pitcher. 3.2-IP, 7-H, 8-ER.
5-27-11: - Okay, Friday night was Harvey’s 10th start in A+ and the league has seen enough. He put up seven more shutout innings while striking out ten and it’s time for him to join his pitching bud, Jeurys Familia, in Binghamton. These two guys, plus a fully healed Jenrry Mejia, represent the future of the Mets beginning in 2013. Some still have their doubts, while others think they could see Queens next year. I really believe at this point that both these guys are for real, but neither should be rushed in 2012. Let them finish 2011 in Binghamton. Bring them to camp with the big boys in 2012, and start them off in Buffalo on opening day. Mejia should be pitching there by June and the Binghamton staff will feature Greg Peavey, Matt Barnes, and Josh Osich. Familia didn’t have as great a night as Harvey (3-ER in 5.0-IP, 7-K), but the strikeouts are still there, and his AA ERA is still 2.25. That comes to 10 starts in A+/AA, 60.1-IP, 12-ER, and 57-K while only 17-BB. I have no problem with these numbers.
6-3-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2011/2611874.html Harvey threw seven scoreless innings against Dunedin on Friday while allowing just three hits and establishing a career high with 10 strikeouts. He followed that with nine-strikeout effort against Clearwater. That's all in a week's work for Harvey, who in 59 innings has struck out 71 batters to rank third in the Florida State League. His sparkling 3.6-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio has dispelled concerns (at least initially) about spotty command that dogged him in college. Harvey's performance, along with that of Double-A flame-thrower Jeurys Familia, has been a boon to a Mets system that lost top prospect Jenrry Mejia to Tommy John surgery in May
6-26-11: - I can’t begin to remember how many times we have written about the difficulty of going from A+ to AA. There are very few bad baseball players at this level and, in order for a pitcher to excel here, he must pitch, not throw. Matt Harvey got his first lesson yesterday: 4.2-IP, 9-H, 4-ER, 4-K, 2-BB, 7.71. Hey, it’s only one game and, frankly, every future start needs a couple of these to keep them honest.
6-27-11: - http://www.metstoday.com/6605/mets-minors/all-about-matt-harvey - Sandy Alderson has already stated that his administration will try not to rush prospects through the minor league system into the majors after seeing the failed cases of Scott Kazmir and Fernando Martinez, for example. Regardless, since Harvey was a high 1st-round pick, we shouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Mets uniform and in the starting rotation by July of 2012. This kid is a real keeper and he is going to be a successful MLB pitcher hopefully with the Mets. He has top-of-the-rotation stuff and will be up there in the Mets rotation with Johan Santana when the Met ace returns from injury. (editor: I do not agree with this).
Ozga was drafted ny the Mets in the 41st round of the 2009 draft.
7-8-10: - I know the last thing that Mets fans think they need right now is a new first base prospect, but trust me, no one is safe in the baseball world. The Yankees are considering trading Jesus Montero for Cliff Lee which makes one realize that there surely is a price out there for Ike Davis. I’m sure he’s not going anywhere, but it’s nice to know that they Mets seem to striking gold right now is Savannah with Travis Ozga. Ozga is a 41st round 2009 draft pick that played a little for the GCL Mets last season, and hit a little less than that: .194/.279/.226/.505. Frankly, I didn’t think he’d be back this season, what with Alex Gregory, Jeff Flagg, Eddie Lora, Luke Stewart, Alexander Sanchez, and Marinus Vernooij in the system; but I was wrong again, and Ozga reported to Kingsport… for one game. Savannah was looking for someone to spell Gregory, and the obvious move would have been to bring back Flagg, who was banished to Brooklyn after a slow start in April. Flagg has put his game together and I guess Mets brass like what they see in Coney Island… so up comes Ozga to Savannah. So far, this looks like a killer move. Ozga’s stats for the season for the Gnats are: .371/.425/.514/.939, with only 6-Ks and 4-BB.
10-7-10: - 2011 Forecast: - It's far too early to project out Ozga, and we really need to see him for another season to see what the Mets have here. Logic says he will move on the St. Lucie come the spring of 2011 and I hope they keep him there for the entire season.
6-28-11: - Ozga was promoted today to Binghamton from St. Lucie. He fills the slot that Jon Malo left open earlier when he went up to Buffalo. Malo is one of your super-AAAA players that bounces around where needed. The assumption here is that 3B Zach Lutz’s recovery from his beaning continues to be slow (failed tests yesterday saying he had headaches). But why promote a first baseman when Allan Dykstra (.255) is already there? Ozga (.288 in 80-AB, 0-HR) has been a backup to Stefan Welsh (.262 in 229-AB, 9-HR) so, frankly, I have to assume he was “promoted” for play time there… ???
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 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 Savannah for the end of the season and got in 25 at bats
1-1-10: Forecast: Harris will come back to Savannah in the spring and should anchor a pretty decent young outfield. I like this kid and I look for a 15-HR, 60-RBI, .280 season from the 20 year old.
6-28-11: - Harris tweeted on Tuesday: Pro_zo Alonzo Harris Jr. –“ i wish i knew what plan they got for m”e........#headstartingtohanglow – Let’s see if we can help him out here… Harris is only 21-years old and is in his 4th season in the Mets organization. He had a fair amount of prospect talk early on after being drafted in the 39th round in 2007. Hit well (.308) and played the entire season in 2008 with the GCL Mets. Conservatively bumped to K-Port in 2009 (.273) where he showed promising pop (10-HR). Once again, promoted to the next level, Savannah, in 2010, where he stumbled (.224). He was also 2nd on the team last year in errors (21) as a second baseman, so the Mets decided to play him more in the outfield this year. Problem with this is Darrell Ceciliani and Cory Vaughn were promoted from Brooklyn (with all that bonus money hanging off them) so “Zo” lost more “Mo”. Now, he’s hit .321 in his last ten games (.264 overall) as he repeats Savannah, watching his playmates get sent to the airport. Normally, I would tell him to just keep hitting above .300, but how has that helped either Josh Satin or Juan Lagares? Conclusion: He’ll finish the year in Savannah. There’s no one ready behind him in the outfield so he should play every day. Frankly, I’d put him back on second and give him another shot there.
Josh Satin, Jordany Valdespin, and Jeurys Familia have been selected to represent the Binghamton Mets at the 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, New Hampshire on July 13.
The trio will join twenty-two others on the Eastern Division All-Star roster. The group looks to make up for their 10-3 loss in last year’s contest to the Western Division All-Stars.
Infielder Josh Satin makes his third straight trip to an All-Star Game. The California native was selected to the South Atlantic League All-Star Game when he played with the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low-A) in 2009. He earned the Most Valuable Player award in the Florida State League All-Star Game last year while a member of the St. Lucie Mets (High-A). Satin went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the contest.
Through 76 games this season, Satin is seventh in the league with a .314 batting average, tied for third with 22 doubles, and tied for fourth with 48 RBI. The infielder became the first Binghamton Met in the franchise’s 20-year history to hit for the cycle when he performed the feat against the Bowie Baysox on June 24 this year.
Infielder Jordany Valdespin appears in his first professional All-Star Game. The native of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic has hit .283 with eight home runs in 68 games this season. A member of the New York Mets’ 40-man roster, Valdespin leads the team and is tied for third in the Eastern League with 22 stolen bases.
Ranked as the 25th best prospect in the Mets’ system by Baseball America, Valdespin is currently playing in his 4th season of pro baseball. The middle infielder hit .432 during a nine-game hitting streak in May, tied for the longest streak for any B-Met this year.
Starting pitcher Jeurys Familia has made eight starts for the B-Mets, going 0-2 with a 3.35 ERA in his first taste of Double-A action. The right-hander’s ratio of 10.1 strike outs per nine innings pitched leads all active B-Met pitchers.
The Dominican hurler was named the 13th best prospect in the Mets’ system entering the 2011 season. He received the Sterling Organizational Pitcher of the Year award in 2009 and was named to the World Team in the All-Star Futures Game last year.
If Alderson agrees that Jose Reyes is a special case and he can justify overpaying for him, here is a contract proposal that might work. Offer Reyes a 30 year deal paying him 7 million dollars per year, that is a guaranteed 210 million dollars. They can call it a 12 year deal with an 18 year personal services contract if that is more palatable to the union and the league. - http://blog.nj.com/mets/2011/06/post_11.html
No Calls for Jose:
Buster Olney of ESPN.com hears that no team has called the Mets about the availability of Jose Reyes. Of course, the important word here is "yet." The Mets have indicated that trading Reyes isn't a foregone conclusion, but the better he plays, the higher his price tag will be this winter. While a trade would be unpopular among most Mets' fans, Sandy Alderson wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't listen to offers in the coming weeks. - http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/mlb/baseball?r=1
Metszilla on Jose:
Olney’s source apparently points out that Jose’s play may be pricing him out of a potential future with New York, but it may also be serving to remind interested GM’s just how much it will take to bring him over to their club this season. Lately, be it Reyes or Beltran or K-Rod, it seems that every time a report pops up involving a potential trade partner a subsequent statement is issued denying interest. Who really knows what to believe, but rest assured, only winning and a sustained run at the wildcard will keep other clubs from calling, or at the very least, keep the Mets from answering the phone - http://www.metszilla.com/2011/06/29/olney-no-team-has-called-the-mets-about-availability-of-jose-reyes-yet/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Metszilla+%28Metszilla%29
Metsmerized Take on Reyes:
So – Mets officials here’s your assignment – re-sign this player and treat him well. He has few peers playing these days, and he is filling the seats in your building. A player like Jose comes along once in a blue moon – here’s your chance to keep him here where he belongs. But will this newly revamped regime ,that features three executives whose lives will be portrayed in a new feature film entitled Moneyball, let the game’s most exciting and dynamic player walk at the end of the season because of money? That will be the $64,000 dollar question. Here is a word of warning for them… If you can’t make the deal, just close the doors – all the excitement and fun will be gone with him wherever he goes… And so will the majority of the fans who are the only thing keeping this team financially afloat right now - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/06/jose-reyes-ty-cobb-and-the-64000-dollar-question.html
My Take Today on Reyes:
Look… the current mash unit, which is led by Reyes, is leading the league in runs being generated. They scored a thousand runs last night. Reyes batted 1.000. And the team is above .500 in the hunt for the playoffs. The team has a big suitcase of moolah on the way and fans are returning to the turnstyle. There is absolutely no way in hell, Sandy & Company, Omar & Company, or The 1910 Fruitcake Company will trade away the one player in major league baseball that is currently tilting the field in his direction. It would be organizational suicide.
