Can Players like Dominic Smith Change Mets Thinking Regarding Prospect Promotions?

As we all know, the Mets and their management have preached patience for a number of years. More specifically, fans have been told about a plan in place, 3 years ago with Sandy Alderson, to change the culture of this organization. Since Sandy has taken over, he has spent the past 3 years drafting high school players, which normally means a longer road to the majors for those who do eventually pan out. As we enter the 2014 season, more then just talk about the wealth of pitching prospects, and dilemma at first base and shortstop, and thoughts on another non playoff season,

 I've decided to talk a little about the state of the Mets prospect climb up the organizational ladder. Over the years, the Mets have seemed to be the organization which really makes you earn it. Whether its about talent, maturity, money, trade value or all of the a above, it seemed as if the organization, despite whatever fan base had to say, would always simply respond with this: "He has to play his way onto this team, and force our hands". Quietly, I feel like there may be a slight culture change coming. I guess we will all have to see what happens this coming season. The Mets have lot's of decisions to make regarding their 25 man, and 40 man roster. The surplus of pitching has clogged up the entire minor league system. Who stays, who goes? Who get's traded for hitting, and who gets moved to the bullpen.

    For me, I'm really interested by the climb to the top (so to speak), of a few specific players, including last years first round pick Dominic Smith. I don't know, maybe we have other teams to thank for this possible change in philosophy regarding a prospect climb to Citi Field. It was the Pirates, during their late playoff push last year, who provided the Mets with a then (and still) 19 year old second baseman named Dilson Herrera. Normally, I feel like the Mets would have sent this kid directly to a rookie all league. However, instead kept him in the league he was already playing in, which put him with the Mets full season A-ball league in Savannah.

    Then there is THOR, also known as Noah Syndergaard. Following the trade from the Blue Jays, he had already put in over 100 innings, during his age 19 season, in their A-ball affiliate. Syndergaard now enters his age 21 season with a chance to take the mound at Citi Field by years end. Let's also not forget about the international signing from the past season. 

 Then 17 year old Amed Rosario was quietly placed, not in one of the Dominican summer leagues (DSL clubs), but was sent straight to Kingsport for the Mets rookie ball club out there. Which may not seem like a huge deal, especially considering the signing bonus this kid got. But, for Mets fans, this actually is news. Like I said, 2014 will be a big season for all the minor league prospect watching folks like myself. 

I'm extremely curious to see where some of these top prospects start the season, especially Smith. After watching recent high school draft picks of the Mets like Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, and shortstop Gavin Cecchini, having went from rookie ball, to more rookie ball (half season leagues) their first 2 years, I'm wondering if smooth hitting first baseman  Smith will jump right to full season A-ball in his second professional season. Also, If Syndergaard can crack the Mets rotation by summer of 2014, at age 21, what can that mean for some of the other young arms in the system? Im not looking for everyone to be rushed, simply to bring some change and excitement to the ball club. What I'm looking for is a quiet change in philosophy. One in which the Mets, years further away from the Madoff nightmare, are focused solely on talent, excitement and readiness, and not worried about super 2 and arbitration.