1/9/12

The Keepers - #85 - P - Mike Hebert

photo by Allan Greene
85.                    Michael Hebert

Hebert was a 7th round draft pick in 2008 (he was the second pitcher chosen that year by the Mets), who has gotten off to a slow, unspectacular start; however, progress was made in 2009.

In 2008, Hebert signed with the Mets and went on to the GCL Mets, where he went 2-2, 4.71, in nine games, three starts. Control was not his forte, walking 29 batters in 21.0 innings.

Hebert came back to the GCL Mets in 2009, and finished up: 1-3, 3.38, in seven games, five starts. More importantly, he walked only 14 batters in 29.1-IP. 

Forecast:  Let’s not forget that Hebert was drafted as an 18-year old, straight out of high school. But, let’s also not forget that, so far, this was a very bad choice for the second pitcher you’re going to draft.  I really hate 18-year old high school pitchers, especially ones that pitched to inferior competition. I’m old school. Give me the guy that pitched three years at Texas, or Clemson, or Rice any day.  That being said, Hebert may be doing baby steps, but they aren’t embarrassing. So far, in his major league career, he is 3-3. 3.68, 1.59, in 14 games, with 28 Ks in 39.1-IP. He’s also too young to buy a beer in the Piggy Wiggly down the block from my townhouse. Let’s give him two more years. Look for a well deserved promotion to a full season team in Savannah. 

9-14-10: - 2011 Forecast: - Hebert is past all the growing pains and should wind up next season with a full season team. My guess right now is he will return to the team he finished the season with, the Savannah Sand Gnats.

7-10-11: - Hebert pitched a gem yesterday for the GCL Mets, going 6.0-IP, 0-R, 1-H, 6-K in their 1-0 nightcap win against the Cardinals. This is Hebert’s fourth year in the Mets organization and, frankly, he’s back with GCL where everything  started in 2008. Mike was a 7th rounder in 2008, staright out of high school. Assorted injuries and other matters have kept him bouncing around the lower levels and I had hoped to see him pitch Savannah this season. He’s still only 20-years old.

7-24-11: - https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/1315e3490421b5fb  -    Making his first start as a Savannah Sand Gnat, RHP Michael Hebert was brilliant over six shutout innings to send the Gnats to a 4-2 victory over the Lexington Legends Sunday afternoon at Historic Grayson Stadium.  The Gnats (19-11/58-41) have won four games in a row. Hebert had made one relief appearance for Savannah in 2011 and two in 2010, but cruised in his first South Atlantic League start on Sunday.  He retired the first eight hitters he saw and then after C Roberto Pena’s single with two outs in the third, set down eight more batters in a row.  All told, he threw six innings with nine strikeouts, just two singles allowed, both to Pena, and no walks to earn his first win as a Sand Gnat. 

9-23-11: - #88 – RP Mike Hebert – Hebert is a 2008 preppy that’s beginning to find his way after four years in the system. He’s finished this season with Savannah, where he will probably start next spring. He’s still young but Rule V is lurking. ETA – TBD

12-19-11: - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/12/19/2622862/2011-mets-minor-league-season-in-review-savannah-sand-gnats  - It seems each season Savannah moves a reliever into their rotation and watches him thrive and I'd say RHP Michael Hebert is your best bet to be that guy In 2012. The '08 seventh rounder has struggled with injuries as a pro but possesses a mid-90's fb and a solid mid-70's curve and in just ten games with the Gnats posted a .202 opponent's average with nearly a K/IP. The quality of Hebert's repertoire is equal to that of guys two levels ahead of him and if he can put things together and keep an eye on that command the 21-yr old could begin to make up for lost time fast.


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