1/26/12

Mets: Nick Carr, Jon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Jason Isringhausen, Jeff Francis


1-23-12 - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/1/23/2693134/2012-amazin-avenue-top-50-mets-prospects  #44) RHP Nick Carr - Carr placed no. 41 on this list last season and around the end of April he looked like a lock to make a big move forward in 2012. Armed with the high-90's heat that has always made him dangerous, he finally looked to be turning the corner as his command was straightening out and he'd dominated the competition in the FSL. That's when the injury bug returned and curtailed his season. He continued to miss bats upon returning but his control reverted back to 4+ BB/9 levels and he now once again resembles quite a question mark moving forward. As always he has the stuff to move extremely fast -- I'm talking Citi Field by September fast -- but he's got to stay healthy and improve the command, despite a violent delivery which works against him on both fronts.

Jonathon Niese, Mets, ADP: 218.75 - For some, Niese's appearance in a piece like this will elicit sleeper-list fatigue, while others will see it as an opportunity. Indeed, Niese has been a preseason breakout candidate a couple years running now, and those who've invested (hopefully not too heavily) have yet to be rewarded. However, the lefty's 2011 peripherals suggest that this could finally be The Year. Last season, Niese flirted with periphs befitting a bona fide No. 3 fantasy starter: 7.89 K/9, 2.52 BB/9, 51.5% GB rate. Just for kicks, compare those to Ricky Romero's: 7.12 K/9, 3.20 BB/9, 54.7% GB rate. Niese bested Romero in two of those three categories, which, as Meatloaf tells us, ain't bad. http://www.rotoauthority.com/

1-26-12: - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/index.jsp?partnerId=aw-6182194846943667814-996  - Scouting report: Zack Wheeler can run his heavy fastball into the mid-90s consistently. His main breaking ball is a curve that has improved to the point of being another potentially plus pitch. His changeup has continued to develop well and gives Wheeler another option. He’s struggled with command in the past, though his walk rate plummeted in the second half of last year, especially after the trade. A fingernail problem he had in 2010 seems to be a thing of the past.

It doesn’t appear there is going to be room in the Mets’ retooled bullpen for Jason Isringhausen. Isringhausen, 39, made an unexpected return to the majors — and his former team — a year ago when the right-hander showed up at spring training to get some work in to see if he could still pitch. The Mets’ new regime was impressed — and in dire need of help in the bullpen — and Isringhausen came at the bargain-basement price of $500,000. It was a salary he said he wouldn’t be willing to play for again.  http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/no_room_for_izzy_in_mets_bullpen_Y6Mdd0iJcVtkzPyhmIH9wJ#ixzz1kY8YZobn

You just can’t make this stuff up — yet another high-profile free-agent has refused to take the Mets’ money. The latest is former 17-game winner and 16-game loser Jeff Francis, who opted instead to accept an invitation to spring training and minor league dealoffered by the Cincinnati Reds. It was a wild, wheel-and-deal day for the Reds, who also picked up former Met Wilson Valdez in a trade with the Phillies. As reported in various outlets, the Mets had been keeping a close eye on Francis, perhaps fearing he might pickpocket an employee. In any case, I’m a little sad they weren’t able to bring him into the fold — anyone with the guts to wear a Vancouver Canucks hat around Denver has to have some moxie and would add interest to the team. http://www.metstoday.com/7398/11-12-offseason/jeff-francis-also-forsakes-flushing/

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