11/17/11

Cutnpaste: - Reese Havens, Josh Thole, 2012 Pen, Omar, Brian Schneider


10-25-11: - http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2011/10/25/2011-top-20-new-york-mets-prospects - 2011 Top 20 New York Mets Prospects -  10.Reese Havens, 2nd (High Class A, AA): Going all the way back to his college career, Havens has shown quality pop and the ability to get on base at a glove-first position. The second baseman unfortunately underwhelmed in the power department this year while his strikeout rate rose and his injury troubles continued. If he can show consistent health next year in his age 25 season, it’s likely that Havens will be a consistent offensive performer. If not, it’s highly possible that his power will not fully show itself and the strikeout troubles will continue, severely limiting his value.

Thole has already had a few pitchers jaw about his pitch calling and you don’t need binoculars to see how miscast he looks behind the plate. His instincts are lacking and his offensive game leaves much to be desired. On a team that will have too many dead outs in their lineup in 2012, Thole is the worst one because he can’t field his position at a satisfactory level. When an opposing batter makes it to first base, they start drooling when Thole is behind the plate – even those who run as slow as John Olerud. Thole is a huge problem for the rotation, and for a team that is going to find themselves struggling to score runs and protect leads next season. http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/11/2011-player-review-josh-thole-c.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MetsMerizedOnline-GetMetsmerized-NewYorkMets+%28Mets+Merized+Online%29

Jenrry Mejia could be among those future options, but probably not until 2013, as he recovers from last season’s Tommy John surgery. Alderson said the Mets are in much better position from a bullpen standpoint than they were last year at this time. The general manager likes the fact the Mets have lefties Tim Byrdak and Danny Herrera under contract and potential pieces in Acosta, Parnell and Pedro Beato. Lefty Robert Carson has made a strong impression in the Arizona Fall League and likely will be added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and Alderson also views rookie Josh Stinson as a potential candidate for the bullpen.  http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/alderson_eyeing_closers_VIbIsKW9ygaZumtNQWsItO#ixzz1dx7CBR56

I had completely forgotten that former New York Mets General Manager Omar Minaya is still on the team’s payroll through the end of next season. New York Times reporter David Waldstein jogged my memory when he mentioned this little detail in a blog post yesterday. Fortunately, it seems like Minaya might be employed soon by the Toronto Blue Jays or another major league team. Of course, Minaya’s influence on the Mets will linger until at least 2013, thanks to the contracts he gave to Jason Bay and Johan Santana http://randombaseballstuff.com/2011/11/17/did-you-know-omar-minaya-is-still-on-the-new-york-mets-payroll

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the Phillies have re-signed catcher Brian Schneider, pending a physical. No word on the contract details. Schneider, who turns 35 later this month, batted just .176/.246/.256 with two homers and a .502 OPS over 139 plate appearances last season, but will serve as Carlos Ruiz's backup again in 2012.  http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/345417/baseball-headlines?r=1

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