Of the dozen or so players throughout the farm system that could develop into something special at the back end of the Mets bullpen, here are five names you may not know that have a good chance at this point. As before, this is in no particular order.
the next few years.
ween both stops. He posted 76 strikeouts to 23 walks in 66 innings.
Dale Thayer: Thayer was called up twice this season to the Mets. While there, he under-performed. He posted a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings. He was much more dominant in Buffalo,
however. In AAA, he had a 2.66 ERA with 21 saves in 54 games overall. He had 66 strikeouts to just 15 walks or a four to one clip.
That ratio was certainly good enough to earn him a spot in the Mets bullpen for next year. If he is like Nick Evans and just needs playing time to warm up, he could solidify that position for
the next few years.
Rhiner Cruz: In just 38 games at Binghamton, Cruz posted seven saves. His 4.14 ERA is not an indication of a lack of talent in the role, but rather simply a period of adjustment to a higher level of competition. He had a 2.77 ERA in St Lucie.
If he continues to show improvement and adjust to better hitters, he could develop into that 9th inning option in Queens for years to come. At just 25, he's still young and he's still in need of time to mature as a pitcher. Cruz could be on pace for a 2013 siting at Citi Field. It all depends on how he develops.
Josh Edgin: Edgin was promoted during the season from Savannah to St Lucie. Between both teams, he totaled 27 saves (16 in Savannah and 11 in St Lucie). He posted a 1.50 ERA bet-
ween both stops. He posted 76 strikeouts to 23 walks in 66 innings.That three to one ratio is exactly what teams look for in a dominant closer. As he continues to hone his skills, he could develop into what the Mets have needed for so long. He has the potential to be in Queens by 2013 if he continues his current pace.
Jack Leathersich: This man is young (21) and raw. He has pitched nine games at Brooklyn and has one save to show for it. His 0.71 ERA was a good start for a young career. The team sees him as a viable option down the road. He may move up the system quickly and we could see him in 2014 if all goes well for him.
Ryan Fraser: Of all these options, Fraser may have the farthest road to get to the Mets. He pitched in Savannah this season, mostly as a starter. He posted not so great numbers, but in the minors, it's not really about the numbers. His 3.58 ERA is deceiving. As is his 7-9 record and his 90 strikeouts in 138.1 innings.
He does have one save this year. The team has started to learn where he is most useful. As he settles into the role of closer in the minors, he will only get better. He could reach the Mets by 2014 or 2015 at the latest.
9 comments:
Can't say I have an ounce of faith in Thayer being much more than a mediocre middle reliever. I think on your list Edgin and Lethersich both have the most talent so it isn't without potential. I agree with Alderson that there isn't a GOOD in-house solution for closer.
Fraser was a reliever before thisn year and had a wonderful year coming out of the pen in 2010 for Brooklyn.
He was made a starter in 2011 to get more innings in and strengthen an arm that hadn't started in years.
Mejia and Holt will wind up in the ML pen together with one serving as closer.
You may be right, Michael.
The Mets fired their minor league pitching coordiator for the second year in a row and it will interesting to see who is named, and what he does with Holt.
Holt was a one pitcher future closer when Rick Waits completely fucked with his head.
We'll see.
If Holt can just stop walking people, he may just be a great guy to hope for in that role. Early round pick, so he's got the skills. He dominated Brooklyn at the same time Mejia was there and had a much better season. If that Brad shows up this year, look out.
Brad had no trouble throwing strikes in school, Brooklyn (2008:72.1-IP, 96-K) and his first stint in Lucy (2009: 43.1-IP, 54-K, 13-BB).
Then, they tried to add pitches, and change his mechanics.
At this point he frankly has lost the confidence needed to make it.
Holt's talent is still there, he just needs to figure out how to fix the problem. I'm hoping next year he's at Buffalo and reclaims his place in the upper echelon of prospects. A Mejia-Holt combo has the potential to be downright NASTY.
Ive been friends with Dale since 8th grade so my opinion is very biased. Dale needs to pitch on a regular basis to be effective, throwing him out the once every 5 days is not going to turn out well. Everytime Dale has been given a chance in the majors he has been set up to fail. He is a closer, he loves the pressure. I know the 3 losses he took this year look bad but if u look at each game individually its not like he got rocked in them, he easily could of got out of those innings but just did not get the bounces to go his way.
I am soooo happy that someone like "boob" wrote in.
This is what I've been trying to get Mets fans to understand.
Yes, the minors is a place you can hone your skills, but it is also a place where coaches can fuck up your shit.
The same thing can be said for Rhiner Cruz. Rhiner is a closer. So is Thayer. And yet, coaches continue to place guys like this in the wrong situation.
Let Dale come to camp and compete for the closer position. He already proved he can dominate as a AAA closer.
If you don't want him as a closer, let him go play somewhere else so he can come in the 9th inning and kick your ass.
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