SS Wilmer Flores - The
20-yr old Flores drops nine spots on this list -- and right out of the top ten
-- for the simple reason that he didn't hit enough in 2011. Though I suppose
that warrants a bit more discussion. Specifically, it has become clear by now
that his defensive home will not be shortstop. This puts additional pressure on
his bat to improve a lot in order to play to a position where more offense is
expected, be that third base, left field, etc.* However, not only did he not
improve a lot, he didn't really improve at all, which isn't really good even if
he wasn't moving to left field. As you can see, he didn't regress -- at least
not when you figure he played a full season at Hi-A instead of a half season in
2010. Instead he just looked like the same guy as 2010, which isn't ideal from
any young player that hasn't yet reached his peak, let alone someone that needs
to improve quite a bit. Now he's shown some things this winter -- namely much
better plate discipline -- with his club in the VWL. But I've found that the
more stock you place in winter league stats, the more you're going to find
yourself disappointed. At this point there's too much good talent at the top of
this system to continue to put such high hopes in the 'age vs level' prospects.
That may have flown with guys like FMart and Gomez back when the system was
weaker but not now. Especially lacking any plus-plus tool, now Flores needs to
hit to earn his place. And to this point he's shown that he's an un-athletic,
rather slow player who can indeed make good contact but shows average at best
power, a stagnating hit tool and may be able to handle third, if we're lucky
(according to some scouts). In other words, a trumped up Danny Valencia. http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/2/6/2768128/2012-amazin-avenue-mets-top-50-prospect-15-11
Changing the subject a bit, former New York Mets pitcher Bill Pulsipher has been named the
pitching coach for the Winnipeg Goldeneyes in the independent American
Association. Now 38, Pulsipher spent the last two seasons pitching for the
Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League. While several American
Association teams will visit New Jersey this season for interleague games with
the Newark Bears or the New Jersey Jackals, Winnipeg is not among them. (Hat
tip to Corey Mansfield’s Atlantic League blog for spotting the story.) http://randombaseballstuff.com/2012/02/09/mets-farm-system-rank-bill-pulsiphers-new-job-panini-americas-new-baseball-card-licensing-deal/
2-9-12 - amazinavenue. - OF Juan
Lagares - Let’s discuss the most divisive prospect in the system. The 22-yr
old Lagares blossomed in 2011, opening eyes with an excellent performance where
he batted nearly .340 in Hi-A and then topping it with a downright incredible
showing in his Double-A debut where he batted .370 in 38 games. And if that
wasn’t enough he went on to post very solid totals out in the prospect-studded
Arizona Fall League. In short, it was an excellent season. And even shorter, it
was unsustainable. That’s because, as we
all know, it is unlikely Lagares will match the .439 BABIP he posted in
Binghamton. Or even the .379 he put up in St. Lucie. His sparkling average is
in line for serious regression come 2012. And it doesn’t help that he’s never
been known for his patient approach. But here’s why I buy in: First off, you
don’t just bat .370 at Double-A, the level that most believe makes a big
leaguer. No it wasn’t even 40 games, but then again you don’t just bat .340 at
Hi-A. There was clearly luck involved but let’s not also pretend that scouting
reports about an emerging hit tool don’t exist. Or that they didn’t exist even
back in the days – before years of injuries and underperformance – that this
kid was a very highly thought of IFA. Thanks to a rush job on par with FMart or
Ruben Tejada as well as nagging injuries his skills haven’t had the chance to
shine through. But now that he’s finally catching up to his context the highly
athletic outfielder is either finally unleashing his excellent offensive
ability or he’s getting very lucky. I’m going with the former. Now he doesn’t
possess a ton of home run power and his speed is good but not great so his
ceiling certainly isn’t through the roof. But I can still see a 15/20 athlete
who can bat between .280-300 and capably handle center on most days, in the
mold of the Cardinals’ Jon Jay.
2-10-12 - http://seedlingstostars.com/2012/02/10/s2s-2012-team-prospect-lists-new-york-mets/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Catcher: Juan Centeno. Centeno is a classic short, stocky, catch-and-throw
backstop with contact ability. He hit .318 in High-A at age 21 while gunning
down 39% of basestealers and striking out just 22 times in 52 games, but he
also drew just 12 walks and posted an .064 ISO. He could make for a good backup
catcher. Grade: C+
Josh
Lewin will be introduced soon as the Mets’ new radio announcer on
WFAN, replacing Wayne Hagin, who had a four-year run as Howie Rose’s partner.
Hagin replaced Tom McCarthy in 2008. Lewin was a Texas Rangers TV announcer from 2002 to 2010, when
his contract was not renewed. He has also called games for the Tigers, the
Cubs, the Orioles and Fox Sports. He is a co-host of a sports-talk radio show
in Dallas and is the San Diego Chargers’ radio play-by-play announcer. http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/
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