Mack Ade – Developing Shortstops Prospects

We’re using the same “best player available” logic here.

This position is blocked in Flushing for the next couple of years; however, this isn’t as etched in stone as 3B or C. Someone could beat Ruben Tejada out of his job or move him to second, so we need to keep an eye on some of these guys this season:

T.J. Rivera – Rivera was a NDFA local boy out of Troy University/Bronx. Has definitely been a pleasant surprise with a 2-year .316-BA from K-Port to St. Lucie (2012 – 255-AB, .306). Either Brandon Hicks or Omar Quintanilla will play Las Vegas, leaving Binghamton wide open for Rivera. I think he projects out more to being a quality AAAA player and wouldn’t make or break a trade.

Phillip Evans – Evans was a big time 2011 prospect that sent signs out that was going to college. The Mets drafted him in the 15^th round and offered him big over-slot money which he agreed to. Scouts already had him projected to move to 2B and now they have him winding up in a utility role. Hit .252 for Brooklyn last year as a 19-year old so there is time to wait here. He should play Savannah this year but there is tremendous pressure to send Gavin Cecchini there. Neither is ready for St. Lucie. This should be interesting.

Remember, you can’t include a prospect in a trade unless he plays every day and produces good stats. Duh!

Gavin Cecchini – Here’s that Cecchini guy. The Mets took a lot of heat from bloggers for passing on OF Courtney Hawkins and picking Cecchini. He had to play last year for a very bad Kingsport team and held his own: .246/.311/.330/.641, 191-AB, 43-K, 18-BB. He finished the season with Brooklyn which is where the 19-year old will probably go back to. I don’t think the Mets look to this guy as a trade maker and I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t project him taking over short in Queens around 2016.

Leon Canelon – A former 2010 UDFA prospect, Canelon hit .302 for DSL in his second pro season. Also, only nine errors which is real good at this level. I’ve been told he is everything people have said about him. We’ll just have to wait and see when he gets here.

Ahmed Rosario – Signed with the Mets this off-season for a $1.7mil bonus. Projects as a true shortstop with a big bat. Years away.

Alfredo Reyes – signed Reyes in 2010 for a $200K bonus.Hit .232 for DSL-2 last year (237-AB) after .191 in 2011. Years off, if ever.