Mack and Company with Kevin Goldstein

Thank you for visiting with us. I'm David Rubin. Kevin. what is the one thing that Sandy Alderson and Company can do this draft season to truly bring their minor league system up to par with the top tier teams? Is it a type of draft-style? Increase in international signings? Different focus?

Kevin:  Well, unfortunately, we're entering a new age when it comes to player acquisition under the new collective bargaining agreement. The Mets seemed to be finally making some gains when it came to drafting, but that's not as easy to due under the new spending rules, which are even more restrictive when it comes to international talent. There is going to be a much greater focus on pure scouting, as teams can no longer spend away mistakes. Every team will have to adjust to this, not only the Mets, and it could  take a few years to develop the right strategies in both areas.

Morning Kevin, this is David Groveman.

1.What would be the bigger surprise? Darin Gorski repeating his enigmatically awesome 2011... or Reese Havens being 100% healthy for an entire season?

Kevin: Wow. That's a fun question. The thing with Gorski is, he could keep putting up big numbers, because he's left-handed and throws strikes, but even if he does move up to Double-A and continue to succeed, it's not going to really change who he is as a prospect. Havens is obviously frustrating, especially when the Mets second base situation is such a mess. He'd already be established there without all of the injuries.

2. When you look at Brandon Nimmo what do you see him becoming in the3-6 years he'll be dwelling in the minors?

Kevin: That's the thing about Nimmo. He's a piece of dough right now, and there are a lot of directions he could go. The bat is on the bat, but he might become a guy with power, and he might not. His speed might stick, and it might not. You are betting that he's going to hit for average, and you're kind of guessing as to what he's going to do around that.

3.Who plays where (positionally) in 2012: Jefry Marte, Wilmer Flores and Aderlin Rodriguez

Kevin: I'd guess they don't necessary move yet, but Flores is the most likely to. He's a really awful shortstop, and just doesn't belong there, while you hope the other two can figure something out at third.

Hey Kevin, this is Christopher Soto.

What is the overall consensus about the 2012 draft eligible class? Is it a deep class? Top-Heavy? Weak? Which positions are deep/weak in overall depth/top talent.

Kevin: Right now, I don't see it as especially strong or weak, more middle of the pack. I like the high school class better than the college one, and there are a lot of really intriguing up-the-middle athletes.

Kevin, my name is Conrad Youngren and I approve this question :) How will the new "slot" restrictions/penalties affect draft strategy? Will it affect HS prospects disproportionally?

Kevin: Like I said in the first question, we really don't know how teams are going to adjust to these new rules. I've spoken to many of them, and they all have different answers. I do think it will mean more players going to college with the hope of improving their draft status, and I do think it will mean several players opt for other sports that can provide full scholarships like football and basketball. Neither of those are good for baseball.