1/31/12

Mack Ade - Revised Keepers - #11-20


Revised Keepers - #11-20

I continue my update.

#11 – RHSP Akeel Morris – I’m really a ‘ceilings’ guy when it comes to prospects and that’s about all Morris has at this point, but, boy does he have it. It’s going to take a few seasons for him to control what God gave him, but he’s one of the few potential SP1/2’s in the system.


#12 – RHSP Domingo Tapia – Tapia impressed a lot of people when he pitched six shutout innings on the last game of the Brooklyn Cyclones season. He also made the radar gun hit three numbers. Similar to Morris, he will begin to learn how to control his heat in 2012, probably in Savannah.

#13 – LHRP Josh Edgin – Forget ceiling when you talk about this guy. He has it right now and could make Queens by the end of the 2012 season. A big-time lefty pen dude who was just about perfect last season.

#14 – RHSP Michael Fulmer – another all-ceiling pitcher drafted out of high school Already hits 95, and has an impressive curve. Look for him to head up the Cyclones rotation.



#15 – OF Cesar Puello - Puello did not have a great season in 2011, but scouts will tell you that he still projects as the top Mets outfield prospects. He has lived so far on his 5-tool reputation, but it's going to take plate discipline for him to make it someday to Queens. The good news is his projected pop started to show last season.

#16 – SS Jordany Valdespin – "Spin" hit is first speed bump late last season when he was promoted to AAA. He will return there to get his bat working again and wait for that phone call that always comes from Queens. Yes, that will be the call saying either a shortstop or second baseman has been injured. Only then, will the world be "spun".


#17 – 3B Wilmer Flores – Flores will move over to third base this season in hopes of finding a position he can stick at. He continues to fall down on the prospect ranking lists and it’s not because of his defense. His projected power just isn’t developing and this could be a critical year for his Mets experience.

#18 – OF Matt den Dekker –  den Dekker is the obvious best candidate to someday become the Mets centerfielder, but his age is working against him. He's potentially a Golden Glover with great speed, and his power did start to develop in AA last year. 2012 is a critical year for Matt, who could easily be bypassed by younger guys if he stumbles.

#19 – LHRP Jack Leathersich – It's easy to say that the reason I ranked him this high was the 26 strikeouts he had last year for the Mets in 12.1-IP. The fact is that's exactly whey I have him ranked here. He a lefty that sits at 95. Enough said.

#20 – RHSP Logan Verrett - Verrett signed late last season, so the third-rounder never put on a Mets uniform. He's a low-90's guy, with three plus pitches. A Sunday starter at Baylor. 

Q and A with Mack and Company and… MetsBlog’s Michael G. Baron


I recently posted my interview with Mike from last year and it was still pretty spot on. He’s agreed to take some questions from the “team” over here at Mack’s Mets, so guys, fire away:





"Hey Mike this is Stephen Guilbert from Mack's Mets. There is some sense that Harvey, Wheeler, Familia, Mejia etc. will be slowed down and made to use 2012 to get the proper seasoning and experience against quality hitters. Is this still the word around the organization and if not, who do you think will see time in Flushing? Outside of the big four, which prospect has the best shot at making the team out of spring training?"


MB: I don't know what the official word is on Harvey, Wheeler and Familia, but I think it's logical to assume that neither of the three will be on the Opening Day roster, even if they have dominating Springs in big league camp. All of them need more seasoning; Wheeler has never played a game above Single-A, Harvey wasn't consistent at Double-A, and it doesn't seem like Familia has an identity yet, as good as he was last year.

Of the three, the pitcher wit the best chance of getting a cup of coffee is Harvey only because he is the most advanced of the three. I don't think there are any guarantees for him in 2012, but certainly 2013 is a realistic target for him to be on the big league roster out of camp.

In regards to Mejia, Sandy Alderson has already said he will not be ready for Opening Day. Assuming he is back at Triple-A in May or June, he will need to build his innings count up, build stamina, etc. It's not unrealistic to think Mejia can't be making an impact at the big league level in August or September, but, like Familia, it remains to be seen whether he will be a starter or a reliever going forward.

I don't know if any of their prospects will make the team out of camp mostly because all of them need to play consistently this year, and starting roles aren't currently up for grabs on the big league roster.

---------

Hello Mike, this is Charles Thompson. My question is about Brandon Nimmo. When he was first drafted, there were a lot of people who thought the Mets decided to go cheap and pick na easily signed player as opposed to one of the top college arms available. Now, that feeling seems to have changed a bit and there’s more folks who believe Nimmo is a truly special talent. What was your opinion on draft day and has that changed at all in the past 6+ months? Thanks Mike.


MB: When the Mets drafted Nimmo last June, Paul DePodesta basically said they went after the best player available to them, regardless of the position. They felt that player was Nimmo. In August, they signed him to a reported $2.1 million signing bonus. The recommended bonus for Nimmo's slot (13th overall) was $1.65 million. So, I don't know if it's fair to say the Mets took the cheapest route in their first pick.

I was generally impressed with the Mets draft strategy last June. Outside of Nimmo, they largely emphasized pitching, which has always been a signature of this organization. I liked how they took who they felt was the best overall player available to them as well. While there are no guarantees with any of their picks, that strategy going forward is encouraging.

-------

Mike, this is Frank Gray. Who was your favorite player to take a photo of , the most approachable person to photograph, and the least approachable person to photograph?

MB: By far, my favorite player to photograph is Jose Reyes. He, along with Angel Pagan are very approachable and easy to talk to. I developed a good rapport with both of those players over the last two years, and I'm looking forward to seeing them professionally with their new teams (although, as a fan, I am sad that Reyes has gone).

-----

It’s Conrad Youngren … A lot of talk about the need for a LHB 4th/5th OF. With a potential starting lineup of 4 LHB's, a SH (Torres) & 3 RHB's (Wright, Bay, Tejada), what's the fuss? Does this mean: (A) Capt. Kirk will really not be ready sometime in 2012? and (B) Juan Legares coming off a productive 2011 and AFL has no shot at the 5th OF slot?

MB: I don't think the problem is so much in their lineup as it is on their bench, and I think the problem is independent of Kirk Nieuwenhuis potential arrival this season. Currently, they have five players who hit left-handed on their 25-man roster: Andres Torres (switch-hitter), Josh Thole, Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, and Daniel Murphy - all of which are projected as starters right now. They do not have a left-handed answer on the bench, and that leaves Terry Collins in a difficult position late in games.

I don't think they're looking for someone who would start - as I said, they have 4-5 lefties already in their projected starting lineup and adding another lefty to the starting lineup would make it unbalanced. They are presumably looking for a part time, utility outfielder who hits left-handed.

------

Hey Mike, Chris Soto here... It was announced a while ago that Harvey and Den Dekker have received Spring Training invites to the club. In Harvey's case I see it as just a preview for Mets fans, however what about Den Dekker? Is there a SLIM outside shot that if he produces in ST that he'll skip AAA and head north with the club?

MB: I don't think so, for the same reasons I mentioned about the Mets pitching prospects before. Den Dekker is probably already a major league outfielder, but he struggled offensively in Double-A last year, striking out a ton in a relatively small number of at-bats. He needs to play, and he needs to continue to develop his discipline at the plate. He is an exciting young player with quick hands, good power, and speed. He just needs a little more time.

Frank Gray - Mets Fans: A Nation in Crisis...Again

Mets Fans: A Nation in Crisis...Again


The New York Mets fans are a proud people. They have to be. Their team has only won two World Series titles in 50 years and they only have one player inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. They don't have as much to hold on to as fans of other franchises. As a Mets fan I can completely understand this logic; Be proud of what you have.

They have had a long history of bad moments. A few years ago they lived the ultimate fan nightmare. Their biggest division rival played their biggest inter-league rival in the World Series. They had a tough choice to make. Support the Phillies? Support the Yankees? Don't watch TV at all for the next three weeks? These fans are acquainted with grief.

the rest...

New Met - P - Chuck James


Chuck James

Born: November 9, 1981 in Atlanta, GA (Age 30)
High School: Mableton Christian Academy (Mableton, GA)
Drafted
by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round of the 2002 amateur draft.
Signed July 29, 2002. (All Transactions)
Debut: September 28, 2005
Teams (by GP): Braves/Twins 2005-2011
2012 Contract Status: Pre-Arb Eligible (details)[*]
Service Time (01/2012): 2.132 [*],  
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jamesch03.shtml


YearAgeTm
WLW-L%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBFERA+WHIPH/9HR/9BB/9SO/9SO/BB
200523ATLNL001.592000005.24110305001232831.2356.40.04.87.91.67
200624ATLNL114.7333.7825180000119.0101545020472916025041181.2447.61.53.66.91.94
200725ATLNL1110.5244.2430300000161.11647776325851161116911031.3769.11.83.26.52.00
200826ATLNL25.2869.1077000029.23630301020222311146471.88810.93.06.16.71.10
201129MINAL006.1080300010.11277140802046681.54810.50.93.57.02.00
5 Seasons2419.5584.5372553000326.031716916463132924210451410971.3778.81.73.66.71.83
162 Game Avg.1310.5584.5339292000175170908834715130523755971.3778.81.73.66.71.83
ATL (4 yrs)2419.5584.4864550000315.230516215762128923410251364981.3728.71.83.66.71.83
MIN (1 yr)006.1080300010.11277140802046681.54810.50.93.57.02.00
NL (4 yrs)NL2419.5584.4864550000315.230516215762128923410251364981.3728.71.83.66.71.83
AL (1 yr)AL006.1080300010.11277140802046681.54810.50.93.57.02.00


Atlanta Braves

He was signed by the Braves on July 29, 2002, after he was selected in the 20th Round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. In 2003, he was named the Danville Braves' Pitcher of the Year, with a 1.25 earned run average and 68 strikeouts.

In 2004, he was named the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year, while playing for the Rome Braves, and was also named the April Player of the Month. He led the Braves minor league organization in wins. James also had the lowest ERA in his league. During May of 2004, opponents only hit .109 against him.

James began the 2005 season with the Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Later in the season, he went 9-1 with a 2.01 ERA with the AA Mississippi Braves. On September 28, 2005, he was called up to the majors and made his debut against the Colorado Rockies.


He started the 2006 season in the Atlanta bullpen, and also spent some time playing for the AAA Richmond Braves.

On June 25, 2006 James made his debut as a starter for the Atlanta Braves against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays going eight innings and allowing only one run with eight strike outs. He proceeded to win eleven of his eighteen starts with a 3.78 ERA.

James went a disappointing 11-10 while leading the league in home runs allowed with 32 in the 2007 season which also included his first disabled list stint.

As of May 18, 2008, James has spent the season up and down from Triple-A and has had 5 major league starts going 2-3 with an ERA of 8.22.He was again optioned down to Triple-A Richmond on May 16, 2008, following a rocky start against Philadelphia.
James was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves on December 12, 2008, making him a free agent.





 Washington Nationals

On January 25, 2010, James signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.

 Minnesota Twins

On December 20, 2010, James signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins. He had his contract purchased on May 28, 2011.[2]

 New York Mets

On December 15, 2011, James signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_James







The Keepers - #2 - RHSP - Matt Harvey


2.             SP 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…

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. 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.

the rest is below...

1/30/12

A Year Ago Today - Role Of Ownership

Role of Ownership

We’re less than two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting and the only thing we seem to all be reading about is the possibility of the Mets taking on a new minority owner.

I counted 147 posts on my twitter account yesterday about the Mets, and 101 were on the ownership topic.

As some of you know, I was a 20% minority owner in a company. I also was the President, until my “partners” wanted to expand on the company in the troublesome 1980’s and I voted against it due to our already large debt owed to the banks. They met without me (their right), voted me out as President, and told me to take a hike while still retaining a personal guarantee against the debt. A year later, they sold the company for seven figures less than we owed and I got stuck with my portion of the bill. Trust me, it ain’t that special.

Is ownership that important to you, the fan?

Ask yourself a few questions:

1. How many names do you know that own either a team in the MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL?

2. How many of them meddle in the day-to-day operation of their teams?

3. And, regarding those that meddle, how many times have they won a championship in their respective league?

Companies run best when ownership hires an excellent leader, and then let’s that person build the company with excellent divisional managers, who then… you get the picture.

The best example I worked for in this category was The Hearst Corporation. William Randolph Hearst actually set up a Board of Directors that had no family members. Each division head reported to him and the board and that divisional head had 100% say in the day-to-day operation of that division. I worked one floor below the President of Hearst Broadcasting as the General Sales Manager of their Pittsburgh radio stations. I met the President on my interview, each year’s Christmas lunch, and a five-minute exit-interview a few years later. My boss, the General Manager of the radio stations, met with him daily. I met with the GM daily. That’s how it’s supposed to work.

Some businesses have family problems. The New York Giants were a perfect example of this. Fifty per cent of the team was owned by the late Wellington Mara, while the other half was owned by his nephew, Tim Mara. They hated each other. In fact, they didn’t even talk to each other. But, both were smart enough to hire a competent General Manager, George Young, and then let him do their job. Young hired Bill Parcells and the rest is history.

I really don’t care who owns the rest, I care who runs it.

The fans own the Green Bay Packers, but they don’t pick the players. A Japanese company owns the Seattle Mariners, but they don’t serve goiza in the dugout.

A company takes on a minority partner because they either need additional operating monies, or a competent operator that demands a piece of the action. The company that hired me was operating into the grave. I got my piece to run their company and they never told me how to that. We became highly profitable, sold part of the company off to retire all the old debt, and then began to buy new additions into the company. We were then hit with the recession, and went south. Their solution was to buy more and run up more debt, while, at the same time, refinance the debt we then had over our head. I didn’t like the idea. So goes my ownership days.

Let the Wilpons work out their own problems. None directly relate to field operations. New money will come in, old contracts will run out at the end of 2011, and 2012 will begin a new chapter in New York baseball.

Just root for the team. They need your support.

New Met - SS - Omar Quintanila

Omar Quintanilla











 

Positions: Second Baseman, Shortstop and Third Baseman
Bats: Left, Throws: Right
Height: 5' 9", Weight: 190 lb.
Born: October 24, 1981 in El Paso, TX (Age 30)
High School: Socorro (El Paso, TX)
School: University of Texas at Austin
Drafted
by the Oakland Athletics in the 1st round (33rd pick) of the 2003 amateur draft.
Signed July 13, 2003. (All Transactions)
Debut: July 31, 2005
Teams (by GP): Rockies/Rangers 2005-2011
2012 Contract Status: 1st-Year Arb Eligible (details)[*]
Service Time (01/2012): 3.043 [*], Agents: Marc Kligman [*]
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintom01.shtml

He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. In 2003, he played for Low-A Vancouver and High-A Modesto, batting .358 in 40 games. He started 2004 with Modesto as the A's 7th ranked prospect and after hitting .315 received a late-season promotion to Double-A Midland. He began 2005 with Midland as the A's 8th ranked prospect and on July 15, he was traded along with outfielder Eric Byrnes to the Colorado Rockies for pitchers Joe Kennedy and Jay Witasick. The Rockies assigned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs and promoted him to the majors in late July. He made his debut on July 31 and went 1-3. In each of the next three seasons, Quintanilla began the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs and was promoted to the majors at least once each season. In limited at-bats, he had his highest batting average in 2008 at .238.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced August 11, 2010, that Quintanilla had received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Methylhexaneamine, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Quintanilla signed with the Texas Rangers after the season and in July 2011, he had his contract purchased by Texas after hitting .298 in 51 games with Triple-A Round Rock. On August 1, he was outrighted to back to Round Rock and elected free agency. Overall with the Rangers, he hit .045 in 11 games, with two RBI. If you play MLB 2K8 for some reason he is listed as a lefty. This is an extreme inconvenience as he plays second base, and many runners end up safe because he cannot position himself correctly. The lefty listing may have something to do with the auto accident he was involved in at the beginning of the 2007 season. He suffered major bruising to his right hand and a fracture of his pinky finger. He switched to left to further pursue his baseball career.

On January 3, 2012, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Quintanilla

  • Minors


  • Game Logs [+]
  • Splits [+]
  • HR Log
  • vs. Pitcher

  • YearAgeTmLgGPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSOPS+TBGDPHBPSHSFIBBPosAwards
    200523COLNL391431281628110721915.219.270.242.5123031306006/4
    200624COLNL1138343611031139.176.243.265.50826910101/64
    200725COLNL277570616400500515.229.280.286.5664320300004/6
    200826COLNL812342102850170215001546.238.288.348.63560733081346
    200927COLNL586958710200200827.172.273.207.480241200300465
    201129TEXAL1123223101020009.045.045.136.182-55300100/456
    6 Seasons227582522631112532343240121.213.268.284.552401481001914
    162 Game Avg.1624153734579182124212986.213.268.284.55240106701413
    COL (5 yrs)216559500601102522323240112.220.277.290.567441451001814
    TEX (1 yr)1123223101020009.045.045.136.182-55300100
    NL (5 yrs)216559500601102522323240112.220.277.290.567441451001814
    AL (1 yr)1123223101020009.045.045.136.182-55300100

    http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintom01.shtml