Mack's Mets: February 2013

2/28/13

Steal Of Home - 2013 New York Mets Consensus Top 38 Prospects

Rank	Player	Total	Change
1	Zack Wheeler	238	1
2	Travis d’Arnaud	229	R.A. Dickey Trade
3	Noah Syndergaard	217	R.A. Dickey Trade
4	Wilmer Flores	185	5
5	Brandon Nimmo	171	-2
6	Gavin Cecchini	165	1st Rd Draft
7	Michael Fulmer	155	3
8	Jeurys Familia	152	-4
9	Domingo Tapia	148	4
10	Rafael Montero	139	13

for the entire list... http://stealofhome.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/2013-new-york-mets-consensus-top-38-prospects/

Rotations Projections (Updated v4.0)

Rotations Projections:

AAA-Las Vegas

1. Zack Wheeler (23) – RHP – one of the top 10 prospects in baseball – A rating – 92-96, 98 with sink…curve, changeup… ETA: 2013 rotation

2. Jenrry Mejia (23) – RHP – 5/yr minor league stats: 16-14, 2.95, 1.21 – has had control issues + Mets converted to relief for one year – TJS – only 6-0, mid-90s, CUwith sink – ETA: 2014 rotation or trade

4. Darin Gorski (25) – LHP – 88-90 FB, + 10-6 curve, being considered for LOOGY beause of his cross body deliveries to lefties. 4-yr pro stats: 29-23, 3.68, 1.23. ETA: 2014 pen or AAAA

AA-Binghamton

1. Rafael Montero (22) – RHP – Highest ceiling in organization – minor league career stats: 15-8, 2.42, 1.01, 175-IP, 156-K, 32-BB – mid 90s FB, up to 98, excellent command and secondary pitchers. Conservative ETA: 2015 Rotation

2. Cory Mazzoni (23) – RHP – 2^nd Rd. 2011 - 2-yr pro: 12-7, 3.70, 1.30, 88-92, 95 FB, curve…relies on control, lack of height projects him eventually to pen. ETA: Trade

4. Tyler Pill (23) – RHP – 4^th Rd 2011 – excellent pro stats so far: 10-5, 2.43, 1.16, 122-IP, 115-K, 25-BB – low-90s FB, deceptive delivery, late release, curve, change, slider - ETA: Trade

A+ - St. Lucie

1. Noah Syndergaard (20) – RHP – top 50 prospect in baseball – projected SP2 – 3-yr pro stats: 13-8, 2.35, 1.09, 103,2-IP, 122-K – 92-94 FB, + curve – 6-7, 200 – ETA: 2015 Mets Rotation

2. Domingo Tapia (21) – RHP – UDFA –incredible velocity, sits at 98, hits 100 consistently, 97-slider – needs to work on control – ETA: trade or 2016 Mets closer

A – Savannah

1. Rainy Lara (22) – UDFA -2012 Brooklyn: 8-3, 2.91, 0.96, 77-K, 68.0-IP - + CU, curve, low-90 FB – old for level being pitched – ETA:: trade

2. Gabriel Ynoa (20) – UDFA – 2012 Brooklyn: 5-2, 2.23, 0.93, 76.2-IP, 64-K, 10-BB – ¾ slot, 89-92 FB, 76-83 slider, 89-90 CU – ETA: 2016 Rotation or trade

LTJ Editorial - Could a ‘Zack Attack’ be on the Horizon?

“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Date: 2-27-13
E-Mail: NYLuis7@gmail.com
Twitter/Instagram: @Slayerdemise

“Could a ‘Zack Attack’ be on the horizon?”

Back around late July, lots of diehard NY Mets fans were somewhat bittersweet after hearing the Mets were trading Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants. Some feel he was a tremendous asset to the team while others saw injury plagued seasons and not much impact towards the end. Say what you want about Beltran, he was mostly successful in his tenure here, even though in that infamous ‘06 game everything ended on a strike. Regardless, that trade may have very well shaped up a brighter future for our Mets.

Zack Wheeler, the 6’4 top pitching prospect for the past couple of years, finally debuted in Spring Training a few days ago. Throwing for six straight outs in two scoreless innings, he left much to the anticipation if he is indeed our next big thing. After personally watching the highlights, I was very impressed. Granted, it’s Spring Training, his first appearance, excitement is in the air and maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. However, it may be the start of something special. Honestly, can you blame me? Lately we start off decent, pick up some momentum, then for some bizarre reason after the MLB All-Star Weekend, everything starts getting weird. People get injured, we lose close games, get some random blowouts and we’re out of the Playoffs race with games left that won’t mean anything really since it’s all over. Perhaps what this organization needs is indeed a “Zack Attack”. Someone who is going to be a force to reckon with that will make people across the league start to see we’re really just a few pieces away from something special. This time around, hopefully it starts with our pitcher.

With his zip-line fastballs, curveball, slider, and change-up pitches in his arsenal, maybe he’ll be that big piece we need to really start separating ourselves from our past and progress to a more positive future. Every season I always look forward to some new memories, some victories, and usually heartache. It’s taken a few years, but Terry Collins has started to see what is possible. Through him so far, we’ve become more respectable, even I see and feel the difference. He’s brought in new players, developed what we have, and started to make strides into building a solid foundation. Look at how impressive P Matt Harvey was last year, mainly because it was done right. Collins didn’t rush Harvey to the mound, he waited until it was the right time and unleashed him to the masses. Look at him now, a starter in our pitching rotation and already making a name for himself.

Could a “Zack Attack” come sooner than we think? Unfortunately, P Johan Santana has some shoulder fatigue issues that has concerned the Mets. For the most part, he should be fine to open the season come April but you never know. Hopefully Santana is healthy to start, otherwise, I see them giving Marcum that opportunity. In that scenario, Wheeler would most likely get a spot in that rotation. Some say it would be great to have him in there to start but I severely disagree. When I saw Wheeler debut a few days ago in Spring Training, I was impressed but it is way……. way too soon to bring him up. I’d rather him get as much experience as possible because in that start he had, he seemed a bit overanxious to throw pitches. It wasn’t until he was spoken to and calmed down that he was focused and let the nervousness go away after each strike.

In a perfect world, he’ll be called up when it’s the right time and not anytime sooner. I will say though, I’m extremely excited for what Wheeler will eventually bring to our beloved Mets. He seems like he is that injection of pure young talent at our starting rotation that would be tremendous to have. Someone who will bring some natural positive energy not just to our rotation but to our team. We’ll see how this all pans out but one day, just one day maybe, we might see some “Zack Attacks” in the month of October…….

MM's Top 25- #8 RHP Jenrry Mejia

A poll of our Mack Mets writers was conducted to compile a site wide Mets Organizational Top 25 Prospects. All statistical information is provided by Baseball-Reference.com. Scouting reports may include information from outside sources such as Baseball America.

A full listing of our Top 25 Prospects is on the right hand side of our website.Without further ado....The Mack's Mets #8 organizational prospect is......

#8 RHP Jenrry Mejia
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 205 lb
Acquired: 2007 international signing, Dominican Republic

2012: (AAA) 4-4, 3.59 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 5.3 K/9, 1.317 WHIP
2011: Injured- Tommy John Surgery
2010: (MLB) 0-4, 4.62 ERA, 4.6 BB/9, 5.1 K/9, 1.692 WHIP
2009: (A+/AA) 4-6, 3.14 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 8.7 K/9, 1.310 WHIP
2008: (R/SS-A) 5-2, 2.89 ERA, 3.3 BB/9, 8.4 K/9, 1.074 WHIP

Ok...so TECHNICALLY Mejia is no longer a rookie thus amongst most people no longer a prospect. However, we at Mack's Mets realize that he still has growth potential and thus we should consider him a prospect. Mejia is a perfect example of how dicking around with a prospect can ruin his future. Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya rushed him from short season to the majors after only a whopping 33 total games (166.1 innings) pitched stateside. Not only did it result in him flopping in the majors as a reliever but it also hurt his arm causing him to have Tommy John Surgery and missing the 2011 season. Despite all of this, Mejia still has some excellent tools that should make for a quality middle of the rotation starter. His two-seam fastball is still one of the best in the system with hard downward movement that results in a ton of groundballs. Due to his spot on 40 man roster, he should be the first name called up in case of injury to any of the MLB starters.

Anticipated Assignment: (AAA) Las Vegas starting rotation
ETA: Mid-May when Santana hits the 15 day DL for a "dead arm"

2-28-13 – K/9, Collin Cowgill, Fangraphs Mets Prospect List, Jon Niese

2012 League Average - 7.6-K/9

Matt Harvey – 10.62

Johan Santana – 8.54

Dillon Gee – 7.96

Shaun Marcus – 7.91

Jon Niese – 7.33

--------------------------

Jack Leathersich – 14.25

Noah Syndergaard – 10.59

Rafael Montero – 9.95

Zack Wheeler – 9.08

For now, P Jenrry Mejia will remain a starter and a possible SP5 replacement if Johan Santana doesn’t start the season in Queens. He’ll pitch again in four days.

Alex Panteliodis - threw 22/32 for strikes today in my bull pen, feeling good

Eric Goeddel, who was hit in the face during a STEP drill, might be on his way to surgery. The assumption is he will now start the season on, at least, the 7-day DL.

Ed Leyro

Collin Cowgill has played 423 games in the minor leagues, which is approximately three full seasons worth of games. In that time, he has an impressive .291/.371/.470 slash line. Cowgill has amassed 100 doubles, 22 triples, 51 homers and 80 stolen bases since he played his first professional game in 2008. He has also been an exceptional defensive outfielder, racking up 44 assists while committing only 18 errors in five minor league seasons.

I’m going to say one more time (and what John Strubel said earlier this week)… play the players in 2013 that you plan to be part of the 2014 and beyond team. That being said, right now, Cowgill, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Lucas Duda would be my outfield until something better comes along. IMO, the mistake here would be to impede the growth of the kids and play guys like Marlon Byrd, regardless of how much gas is still in his tank. I want the kids to play and only be replaced by other kids (Matt den Dekker) or new acquisitions (George Springer).

Fangraphs:

First of all, I have nothing but respect for Fangraphs, but one must remember, like all sites (including mine), all posts are one writer’s opinion. In this case, it is Marc Hulet.

1. P Zack Wheeler

2. C Travis d’Arnaud

3. P Noah Syndergaard

4. 2B Wilmer Flores

5. P Rafael Montero

6. P Michael Fulmer

7. P Jeurys Familia

8. P Luis Mateo

9. P Domingo Tapia

10. OF Brandon Nimmo

11. SS Gavin Cecchini

12. P Cory Mazzoni

13. P Jacon deGrom

14. C Kevin Plawecki

15. P Jack Leathersich

All the usual suspects are here, minus Matt den Dekker. Familia would be far lower on my current list, Plawecki (IMO) still needs to earn himself this high, and props to Mazzoni and ‘Leather’ for getting some much deserved recognition.

Jon Niese

"It's not just talent. When you're a kid, you think it's just throwing hard with control. Until I got up here, I had no clue. Nothing you learn in the Minor Leagues or anywhere else really prepares you for the big leagues. It's a challenge, but I enjoy it. You have to execute, and you have to figure out what [batters] can handle that you throw and adjust, and then you have to beat them to the next adjustment -- stay a step ahead of them. You find out that's not always easy, but you learn. I'm getting there. When you first come up, you don't know what to expect. You can't be comfortable when that's the case. But there is a certain certainty you develop. And when your mind is clear, it's easier to pitch. I feel like I am getting there."

I like to pass on the quotes from some of the players, including the guys in Queens. This comes from a nice article by Marty Noble, that you can link to above.

2/27/13

TTF - Top 50 high school prospects

1. Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (GA)
Plus/plus bat speed, plus speed (6.42/60), plus arm (98 mph), power to all fields and a very high character make the 6’-1”, 200-pound right-hander number-one on my list. He hit .424 with 24 home runs and stole 14 bases over 114 at-bats as a junior. Draws comps to Mike Trout for his style of play. Has hit three home runs in his first two games of the season.

2. Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (GA)
At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, the left-hander already has a major league body. A true five-tool talent, his plus speed, plus arm and instincts should allow him to stick at center field. Great bat speed allows him to hit the ball all over the field and the power potential is huge. Like best friend Frazier, he has a great make up and high understanding of the game.

3. Jonathan Denney, C, Yukon HS (OK)
At 6’-2” and 205 pounds, the right-hander has some of the best power in the draft, and his defense is good enough to keep him behind the plate. Has been one of the most impressive prep players over the last year and, in a draft loaded with prep catchers, has very few holes on either side of the plate.

4. Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, Serra HS (CA)
In my opinion, Smith is the best pure hitter in the draft. Over his 77-game high school career, he is hitting .568 with 14 home runs, 126 RBI, 29 stolen bases and has fanned just 13 times. He recently went 10-for-13 with four walks and two stolen bases at the MLK Tournament sponsored by Perfect Game, garnering MVP honors. The 6’-1”, 190-pound left-hander has an incredible batting eye and more power should come as he matures. If he can stick at a corner outfield position, his value goes way up.

5. Trey Ball, LHP/OF, New Castle Chrysler HS (TX)
At 6’-6”, the southpaw hits the low/mid 90s with an easy delivery and there is still room for more. He adds a low-80s slider and change-up but both are still inconsistent at times. A great athlete, his future should be on the mound despite his potential on offense.

Read more at http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2013-mlb-draft-top-50-high-school-prospects/29585/#vhgZkyzZ5CC2Ap9S.99

FLASH (UPDATE): Prospect RHP Erik Goeddel Injured During Drill

News emerged late afternoon that right handed pitcher Erik Goeddel was struck on the left side of his face by a baseball during a drill in the Mets STEP program. Mets officials stated that Goeddel may need surgery which could possibly derail his 2013 season.

Mets fans will remember that 2 years ago another prospect, Sean Ratliff, was struck in the face by a line drive foul ball that required multiple facial surgeries and ended his career when he couldn't recover his vision.

Best of Luck to Goeddel and here's to hoping for a quick and easy recovery if surgery is needed.

Mack Ade - ‏@JohnMackinAde

@cam_maron - how is Erik Goeddel? Surgery?

Cam Maron‏ - @cam_maron

he's doing all right, I'm not sure about surgery or anything

Alex Panteliodis: Mack, he is in really good spirits. don't think surgery is needed..."

Fangraphs - Top 15 Mets Prospects

Zack Wheeler (P)

Age	G	GS	IP	H	HR	K/9	BB/9	ERA	FIP
22	25	25	149.0	115	4	8.94	3.56	3.26	2.99

Organizations have to make bold moves at times when trying to win championships and the Mets’ top prospect list has benefited from that, both with the R.A. Dickey trade with Toronto, as well as the deal that saw veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran head to the San Francisco Giants, an organization that has won the World Series in two of the past three seasons. That latter trade netted Wheeler, a pitcher with the upside of a No. 1 or 2 starter.

The right-hander has plus fastball velocity that sits in the mid-90s and touches the upper 90s. He also flashes a plus curveball, a solid slider and a changeup that should become at least average. When asked about Wheeler’s stuff, a talent evaluator had very good things to say about his fastball-curveball combo, “They’re going to generate a lot of swings and misses,” he said. Wheeler has an easy delivery and get a solid downward plane on his offerings with at least average command and control. The contact I spoke with said the pitching prospects biggest needs are to improve his changeup, continue to become more efficient and learn when/how to properly use his weapons.

Wheeler, 22, spent the majority of 2012 in double-A before receiving six late-season starts in triple-A where he performed quite well. He’ll return to triple-A but will face a stiffer test while pitching in the offense-boosting Pacific Coast League. The Georgia native is almost ready to assume a permanent role in the big league rotation and that could come as soon as mid-to-late 2013. Wheeler and Matt Harvey could form a tantalizing one-two punch for years to come at the top of the starting rotation.

Additional Notes

As I stated Monday, I love what Wheeler brings to the rotation. Over the years he has simplified the moving parts in his mechanics and features arguable the best fastball in the minors. Add in a slider, curveball and changeup that are all average or better and the you’ve got the second or third best starter in the minors. Mets fans will never bad mouth Carlos Beltran again after they witness Wheeler’s greatness this summer. (JD Sussman)

#2 Travis D’Arnaud (C)

Age	PA	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA
23	303	93	21	16	19	59	1	.333	.380	.595	.415

The young catcher entered 2012 as the Jays’ top prospect and he did nothing to change the lofty status, although a knee injury ended his season prematurely in June. Had he not been injured, d’Arnaud likely would have made his big league debut last year when MLB incumbent J.P. Arencibia suffered a fracture in his hand. After the season, Toronto shocked the industry by acquiring NL Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey but it cost them the talented catching prospect

d’Arnaud has the potential to be both an above-average hitter and fielder. He has enough power to predict 15 home runs in his prime and he could hit for a decent average, thanks to his good bat speed and short stroke. Behind the plate, the California native shows an above-average arm that helps him control the running game and he’s at least average in every area, including blocking, receiving and game calling. One talent evaluator said the prospect was close to being ready for the big leagues and the trade to New York gives him a much clearer path to a big league job — especially after both Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas were included in the Dickey deal.

When I saw d’Arnaud play I was a little surprised by his lack of energy on the field – both on offense and defense. With that said, he showed good athleticism sliding to his right to block a wild pitch and also while fielding a ball out in front of home plate. In speaking with the New York organization, I was told that — in a perfect world — d’Arnaud would be allowed to gain a little more seasoning at the triple-A level before assuming the full-time gig at the big league level, but a strong spring could force the club’s hand.

Additional Notes

The Mets top prospect is a strong, sturdily build right handed hitter with considerable upside. In a perfect world, d’Arnaud projects make numerous all-star games on the back of plus power and defense. But, it’s hard to say that will happen. Injuries have cost him valuable experience and hindered his development making is future more uncertain than most top prospects. (JD Sussman)

#3 Noah Syndergaard (P)

Age	G	GS	IP	H	HR	K/9	BB/9	ERA	FIP
19	27	19	103.2	80	3	10.59	2.69	2.60	2.21

Syndergaard has come a long way since being considered a “signability pick” during the 2010 draft. A late bloomer in high school, the tall Texan’s velocity now sits in the mid-to-upper 90s and can touch triple-digits. He also possesses above-average control for both his age and experience level. Those attributes made him attractive to New York and he was an impressive addition to the organization during the R.A. Dickey trade that also netted the organization its No. 2 prospect in catcher Travis d’Arnaud.

The issue with the right-hander, though, is his secondary stuff. Both his curveball and changeup currently grade out as below average and questions remain about their future potential. A talent evaluator asked about Syndergaard’s secondary stuff commented, “The curveball has come a long, long way… it is, at times, average,” He also stated that the young pitcher is toying with a slider and referred the changeup as “OK.” If the secondary pitches don’t improve then Syndergaard could develop into a shut-down, high-leverage reliever who could dominate on the strength of his ground-ball-inducing fastball.

When I saw him pitch in May it looked like he was getting out in front of the curveball and dragging his arm behind him — making it almost impossible for him to throw it for strikes. He also was not doing a good job of holding base runners. The tall Texan should move up to the Florida State League in 2013 and could eventually join a dominate, hard-throwing young staff with the likes of Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler.

Additional Notes

Two weeks ago we had a great discussion about Syndergaard. He works off a two pitches, a big fastball that will make him a ground-ball machine at higher levels and an above average change. It will be interesting to see how the Mets handle the young right hander after the Blue Jays were cautious. (JD Sussman)

for the entire list... http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/new-york-mets-top-15-prospects-2012-13/

Rotations Projections (updated v3.0)

Rotations Projections:

AAA-Las Vegas

1. Zack Wheeler (23) – RHP – one of the top 10 prospects in baseball – A rating – 92-96, 98 with sink…curve, changeup… ETA: 2013 rotation

4. Darin Gorski (25) – LHP – 88-90 FB, + 10-6 curve, being considered for LOOGY beause of his cross body deliveries to lefties. 4-yr pro stats: 29-23, 3.68, 1.23. ETA: 2014 pen or AAAA

AA-Binghamton

2. Cory Mazzoni (23) – RHP – 2011 2^nd Rd. NC State - 2-yr pro: 12-7, 3.70, 1.30, 88-92, 95 FB, curve…relies on control, lack of height projects him eventually to pen. ETA: Trade

A+ - St. Lucie

1. Noah Syndergaard (20) – RHP – top 50 prospect in baseball – projected SP2 – 3-yr pro stats: 13-8, 2.35, 1.09, 103,2-IP, 122-K – 92-94 FB, + curve – 6-7, 200 – ETA: 2015 Mets Rotation

A – Savannah

1. Rainy Lara (22) – UDFA -2012 Brooklyn: 8-3, 2.91, 0.96, 77-K, 68.0-IP - + CU, curve, low-90 FB – old for level being pitched – ETA:: trade

2. Gabriel Ynoa (20) – UDFA – 2012 Brooklyn: 5-2, 2.23, 0.93, 76.2-IP, 64-K, 10-BB – ¾ slot, 89-92 FB, 76-83 slider, 89-90 CU – ETA: 2016 Rotation or trade

Jonathon Niese: Under-appreciated and Under the Radar

Phillibuster

"Niese had a good 2012, but he's likelier to pitch closer to his career ERA (4.06) than last year's - still not bad, but #4-5 range on most teams."

Braves2013Champs

"mets need to be knocked out? what the crap neise sucks who do the mets think he is? bahahahaha"

Brandon Hodge

"Why are people acting like Niese is a good pitcher?"

The above are some highly intelligent quotes from commenters on various non team committed blogs such as ESPN and MLBTradeRumors. We can see that for some odd reason, Jonathon Niese doesn't exactly have a good reputation with the public. The same types of comments can even be found amongst some cynical Mets fans as well. However despite the belief, "The Nose," as he is called over at Amazin Avenue, was much better then people give him credit for. Here is his stat line from 2012.

2012: 13-9 record, 3.40 ERA, 190.1 IP, 174 H, 72 ER, 22 HR, 51 BB (2 IBB), 155 K

SABR: 1.172 WHIP, 8.2 H/9, 1.0 HR/9, 2.3 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 3.2 WAR, 73% QS, GB/FB ratio .97

Amongst left handed starters only 10 MLB pitchers had better ERA's then Niese:

(Clayton Kershaw, David Price, Gio Gonzalez, Chris Sale, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Matt Harrison, Wade Miley, Madison Bumgarner, and CC Sabathia)

Only 9 of them were worth more wins then Niese .
(Madison Bumgarner produced a 1.8 WAR)

Only 3 of them gave up fewer walks.
(Lee, Miley, and Sabathia)

And Only 3 of them produced a higher quality start percentage.

(Price, Hamels, and Kershaw)

He may not be a premier left hander but Jonathon Niese is absolutely amongst the second tier of him. To make his case even better, he will pitch in 2013 at only 26 years old which means he may still be due for some progression. It will not be outside the realm of possibility to see him win 15+ games this season.

MM's Top 25- #9 RHP Luis Mateo

A poll of our Mack Mets writers was conducted to compile a site wide Mets Organizational Top 25 Prospects. All statistical information is provided by Baseball-Reference.com. Scouting reports may include information from outside sources such as Baseball America.

A full listing of our Top 25 Prospects is on the right hand side of our website.Without further ado....The Mack's Mets #9 organizational prospect is......

#9 RHP Luis Mateo
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6' 3" Weight: 185 lb
Acquired: 2011 international signing, Dominican Republic

2012: (SS-A) 4-5, 2.45 ERA, 1.1 BB/9, 10.4 K/9, 0.900 WHIP

He first signed with San Francisco, but his contract was voided after bone chips were found in his elbow. Then he caught on with the San Diego Padres a few months but had that contract voided because he lied about his age. Finally the Mets jumped in and signed him and he has shown nothing but great ability and potential. He led the NY-Penn League in K/9 with the help of his mid 90's fastball, that can be dialed up to up to 97 MPH when needed, and a high 80's slider with good movement. His change-up currently lags behind his other two offerings which could change his future into a late inning reliever but without a full season year under his belt yet there is no reason to make the change now. He'll start in Savannah but don't expect him to stay there past June. At his REAL age of 23 he's going to have to get going or risk hitting the development wall.

Anticipated Assignment: (A) Savannah starting rotation.

Matthew Silva - The Duda Does Not Abide

When talking about the Mets outfield situation, there are so many uncertainties to account for. Unfortunately, Lucas Duda has become one of them.

After striking out in six of his seven at-bats, Lucas Duda will sit out of spring training games in an effort to get in more work on his new swing. Duda has removed the toe-tap from his approach in an effort to quiet his hands and remove any hint of a hitch. Or as Walter Sobchak might say, "Forget about the f%@#-ing toe!"

Terry Collins chalked the slow start up to Duda not having enough swings under his belt due to his recent wrist surgery. Right now, The Duda does not abide. Collins said, "He and I had a long talk today, and he's just not ready to play due to the wrist injury. He had just not been able to get the reps in the cage that he normally does to feel comfortable. And, as you guys know, I'm not here to embarrass anybody. So when he's ready to play, we're going to get him back in there."

I, the royal we, understand that it is only two games in spring training, but if we're going to get excited about hopeful bright spots like Collin Cowgill and Greg Burke, then we have to show some sort of concern for a player that seems to be moving backwards.

Duda, as scary as it sounds, is the elder statesman in the outfield. He needs to represent a constant. He is supposed to be the effective power bat that is forgiven for all of his defensive inefficiencies and as well all know there are many. But in order for us to forgive, we need him to hit. He can't have his strikes and gutters, ups and downs. Or else, this team will truly struggle.

We can only hope that he finds himself in the batting cage or he hits a groove that apparently he hasn't been able to find. Relax, Lucas.

Be less Duda and more His Dudeness, or Duder, or El Duderino. Get your timing back, because the Mets just went through a whole season of Jason Bay trying to find himself at the plate and we don't want you to be that guy, Duder. Eat the bat. Don't let the bat eat you.

2-27-13 – Wilmer Flores, Some Projected Player Placements, Brandon Nimmo, Tuesday High/Low lights

Hey Mack, how you been feeling? I've been thinking about this since Wilmer Flores has started off so well! With so much inter-league a DH will be needed plus giving David-Ike-Murph time off, there will be plenty of at-bats for him. Maybe he can be on the same plane as Wheeler and D'Arnaud? – Steve Wilson

Hey Steve. Other than feeling old every morning, I’m doing well lately (where’s your son going to play our favorite sport once it heats up?).

The thing everyone has to remember about spring training… most the hits made by minor leaguers after the 5^th inning are off of minor league pitchers from other organizations.

Regarding Flores, the first thing he has to do this year is find himself a position. His execution on two double plays Monday night is a good start. He will never qualify as a good utility candidate because he was marginal at third and really sucked at short. No, it’s his bat that will get him to the majors and it would have to be at second base.

I think he will eat up the lack of air in Las Vegas. Look for a minimum of 15-HRs by the halfway point of the season and I wouldn’t be surprised he isn’t part of a package to an American League team for an outfielder.

I did some snooping around and there are some names that I’m pretty confident of leaking out at this point. It looks like Las Vegas will be a very talented team. Some names already assigned are: SPs Zack Wheeler and Jenrry Mejia (Mejia could stay north if Santana isn’t ready), RPs Brad Holt, Craig Hansen, Ryan Fraser, and Armando Rodriguez, 1B Josh Satin, 2B Wilmer Flores, 3B Zach Lutz, C Travis d’Arnaud, and OF Matt den Dekker. Look for SPs Rafael Montero and Cory Mazzoni and CF Cory Vaughn in Binghamton… four members of the St. Lucie rotation will be Noah Syndergaard, Michael Fulmer, Domingo Tapia, and Hansel Robles… and OF Brandon Nimmo will head to Savannah.

Brandon Nimmo

"It turned out well. I trimmed fat, got rid of some body fat. I'm around the same weight as last year, around 185, but I'm a lot stronger. I was working on mobility. It was a really productive off-season. I went there and worked with a great group of guys in professional baseball. We pushed each other. It was all about getting more flexible and stronger. I can't have my back and legs getting tired. I worked a lot on my legs. We did dead lifts and one leg split squats. I wanted to train this year with that mindset. And my legs are a lot stronger. The Mets told me after instructional league that they were happy with my progress. My focus this spring is to be healthy and to just make sure I'm ready. I trust the Mets. I feel good about everything. And I'm going to have fun and let it play out."

It sounds like Nimmo is ready to play for a full season club. I can’t get anyone to confirm it; however, five or six people I know feel Nimmo will come here to Savannah. We’re just going to have to wait and see.

I'm very excited to possibly have the opportunity to watch him this season.

Tuesday high/low lights –

This is not much of a team out on the field for this game.

P Jenrry Mejia did a lot Tuesday to prove he needs to spend some more time in Las Vegas. In his defense, I’m not sure it was a wise decision to pitch him almost right off the plane. Please… Dads and coaches out there… if you want to completely ruin a great arm do what Jerry Manuel did to this loyal kid.

There aren’t many times that minor league players come out of nowhere and win a major league job, and we might be witnessing this with P Cory Mazzoni. There doesn’t seem to be any hesitation in using him this spring and, so far, he’s close to perfect. We all know he’s a starter, but are we witnessing a member of the 2013 Queens pen in the making?

P Hansel Robles is another one that’s getting an awful lot of mound time early this ST. I understand he will jump from Brooklyn to St. Lucie this season, but it almost seems like he’s in a major league pen groove right now. Weird. Then, things started to unravel when he gave up a home run to Giancarlo Stanton. Two batters later, Matt Downs went yard. I don’t have Robles on my possible pen list and I’m keeping him off it. He’s just not ready.

Nice eighth inning, featuring key singles by Josh Satin and Wilfredo Tovar and a sacrifice fly by Travis d’Arnaud, his first Met RBI.

Pages

2/28/13

2/27/13