Sand Gnats to Hold Job Fair Tuesday, March 4

Sand Gnats to Hold Job Fair Tuesday, March 45:30 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center

Savannah, GA – The Savannah Sand Gnats will hold their annual job fair on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30 pm at the Savannah Civic Center. The job fair will take place on the 2nd floor in the Bryan Room. The Savannah Civic Center is located at 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, Ga., 31401.

The Gnats are looking for employees committed to offering quality customer service in a fun and unique environment during the 2014 Savannah Sand Gnats baseball season. The Sand Gnats employ 150-200 game day staffers over the course of the season and will be hiring for the following positions:

• Concessions
• Box Office Staff
• Security
• Ushers
• Kids' Zone
• Promotional Staff
• On-field Emcee
• Merchandise Store
• Official Score Stringer (pitch by pitch scoring for web use, applicant must have experience with baseball statistics & scoring)
• Manual Scoreboard Operator
• Fan Assistance Center
• Bat Boys (Must be at least 14 years old to apply)

"Our game day staff is a critical component of an exciting, interactive game day experience," said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. "The job fair is a great way to connect our team to the high quality applicants in Savannah, and to continue our focus to put our fans first."

Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed on site. In order to expedite the process, employee applications are available for download at Sandgnats.com. For more information please contact the Sand Gnat front office at 912-351-9150 or visit Sandgnats.com

Draft 14 - A Quick Look - RHP - Scott Blewett - Charles W Baker (NY) HS

    Scott Blewett

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 22. Scott Blewett – RHP, Charles W Baker (NY) HS - 6’6, 210 RHP came out sitting 91-93 and touched 94. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

8-6-13 - Top pitchers - East Coast Professional Showcase, Syracuse, NY -  5. Sean Blewett, RHP, C.W. Baker HS (NY): A local kid from just outside of Syracuse, Blewett is going to make scouts travel back to New York next spring. At 6-foot-6, there's projection here, and he hit up to 93 mph during his outing. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130806&content_id=56048786&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 41.Scott Blewitt – RHP, Charles W Baker  (NY)  HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-28-13 - There are dozens of future big leaguers playing in Perfect Game's 16th annual World Wood Bat Association World Championship. Of the roughly 1,700 players on the 85 teams, perhaps none looks more like a big leaguer than RHP Scott Blewett. He won't turn 18 until April, but Blewett (Baker High, Baldwinsville, N.Y.) already is a sturdy 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds. The Syracuse Sports Zone right-hander has a sound delivery, especially for a teenager with such a big frame, and the ball comes out of his hand well. Blewett opened the game by firing 91-94 mph fastballs and touched 96 one time in the first inning. Even when the St. John's recruit dipped to the upper 80s in the latter half of his outing, he still was able to get outs thanks to the riding life on the pitch. http://ht.ly/qeYJz

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 7. Scott Blewett, RHP, Syracuse Sports Zone (Baker High, Baldwinsville, N.Y./St. John's) -  Looks like a big leaguer at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds and already can reach 96 mph with riding life on his fastball. http://ht.ly/qi5No

11-21-13 - Nathan Rode ‏@NathanRode  - Yes he is, at No. 9. RT @DLaBrier Is RHP Scott Blewett the NY rep? Thanks…   Mack Ade ‏@JohnMackinAde  - @NathanRode - wow... Blewett is shooting up the rankings…  Nathan Rode ‏@NathanRode  - @JohnMackinAde Yes he is. Looked good at Area Codes. Very good outing at Jupiter.

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 14 Scott Blewett RHP R/R 6-6 220 Baker HS, Baldwinsville, N.Y. St. Johns http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

   11-27-13 – Big League Futures Top 25 Poll –  24 Scott Blewett    RHP Charles W Baker (NY) http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/11/26/mlb-draft-top-25-prospects-poll/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 18. Scott Blewett, RHP, Baker HS (NY) - I’ll be honest, I didn’t know a lot about Blewett before Perfect Game’s WWBW held in Jupiter in October. The 6’-6” right-hander impressed everyone with a sound delivery and a fastball that touched 97 mph. His curveball is still developing but looks like a potential plus pitch down the line. Had a great showing in tournaments and I probably still have him ranked low. Committed to St. Johns. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  28- RHP Scott Blewett Baker HS (St. John’s Commit) The kid from New York would definitely be a working project for any club that takes him. But, the 6’6 righty also is easy to like because he does not have the wear on his arm that a kid from a baseball rich state typically has. He has plenty of power in his arm and has touched 96 while his off speed stuff continues to mature. (Out of 1st round-Yankees selection soon after) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 27. Atlanta Braves — Sean Blewett, RHP, Baker HS (NY) - The 6’-6” right-hander was extremely impressive during the fall, hitting 97 mph and showing a sound delivery at the perfect Game WWBW in Jupiter, Florida. His curveball is still developing but he shows a good feel for it and it could be a plus pitch. With his size and arm strength, his upside is sky high and a strong senior season could propel him higher. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

Draft 14 - Carlos Rodon, Keith Weisenberg, Jacob Gatewood, Tate Blackman

1-16-14 - Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB - Still think Carlos Rodon 1-1 w/higher ceiling, but Tanaka if you wanted immediate impact. @thebronxempire: if Tanaka had to go into #mlbdraft . . .

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 59. Cincinnati Reds — Keith Weisenberg, RHP, Osceola HS (FL) - The 6′-4” right-hander was sitting 91-96 mph with his fastball in Jupiter and was able to maintain velocity into the fourth inning, showing good stamina. His size suggest there is still room for added projection and velocity. He also features a tailing change-up that still needs some refining but he shows a good feel for it. Committed to Stanford. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -   25- SS Jacob Gatewood Clovis HS (USC Commit) 9/25/95- Solidly built kid who stands at 6’5 but still has the frame of a SS. Right now, he has easy power and scouts dream on what that power becomes as he fills out.  He has a plus arm and is athletic so a move to 3B or RF has to be considered. (Rays @ 23) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 99 Tate Blackman 2B/3B R/R 6-0 188 Lake Brantley, Longwood, Fla. Mississippi http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Highlights - Mets Vs. Nats - ST Game #1 - 2-28-14

This is just some random thoughts on today’s game which I will immediately post once it’s over.

Well, you had to love Rafael Montero’s first inning. The first two outs came on only two pitches and the third batter, Ryan Zimmerman, ws called out on strikes.

The Mets first hitter in the first inning, OF, Chris Young, got the first hit of the pre-season, with a lead-off single. It was followed by fly outs by Ruben Tejada and Curtis Granderson and Ike Davis being called out on strikes.

Montero’s second inning… Adam LaRoche called out on strikes, Ian Desmond Flies out to center, Wilson Ramos grounds out.

Six up, six down for Montero… he’s done and I’m sure we’ll read a lot about these two dominant innings. It’s sure going to be hard to hold this guy back.

Jake deGrom took over the mound… a quick third inning that included two more strikeouts… the no-hitter continues (lol)…

Travis d’Arnaud starts his 2014 pre-season with a double to left field.He’s stranded after Juan Lagares and  Young strike out (A.J. Cole) and Tejada lines out to third.

DeGrom goes 1-2-3 in his second inning, including his third and fourth strikeout. No hits in four innings.

DeGrom was extremely impressive and this should do wonders for any discussions the Mets have had with any of the teams with an extra shortstop.

Josh Satin singled in the 4^th for the third Mets hit. Lucas Duda follows with a ground rule double (watch out for Duda!)… but Wilmer Flores grounds out or the third out.

Erik Goeddel pitched the 5^th inning and gave up the first run of the game on a Wilson Ramos double.

In the fifth, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Lagares had back-to-back singles… followed by a 2-run scoring double by… wait for it… Cesar Puello. And then, Ike Davis hits an enormous homer to right field.

           (Hello Pittsburgh… )

Miquel Socolovich replaced Goeddel (9.00) on the mound. He looked shaky.

Interesting… Wilredo Tovar had a throwing error in the 6^th… but Socolovich got out of the inning with a strikeout.

Lagares had his second hit in the 6^th…

Adam Kolarek pitched the 7^th… who had a rough inning, giving up two runs, one earned.

Tovar singled in the 7^th and was pinch run by Omar Quintanilla (??)

Gonzalez Germen pitched the 8^th… everything went to hell real quick for GG with back-to-back doubles by Matt Skole, and Zach Walters… which tied up the game, 4-4…  Germen then picked off Walters for the 2^nd out… and got out of the inning giving up only one run (9.00).

Matt Clark pinch hit for Duda and singled in the 8^th… but Anthony Recker struck out to end the inning.

Jeff Walters to pitch… of course… the 9^th… choppy inning… game up single followed by wild pitch… then gave up a triple… and the tied game… (I know it’s just ST game one, but this is how you learn if pitchers like Walters and Kolarek are ready for this level)… inning ends down 5-4.

Matt den Dekker lines out, Andrew Brown grounds out, and Zach Lutz was called out on strikes.

Mets lose 5-4

FANGRAPHS - Top 10 Boston Red Sox Prospects

#1 Xander Bogaerts | 70/MLB (3B/SS) 

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Age	PA	BB%	K%	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA	wRC+	Off	Def	WAR
20	50	10.0 %	26.0 %	.250	.320	.364	.304	86	-0.4	0.2	0.2

The Year in Review: Bogaerts combined for an .865 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A in 2013. That performance led to a big league call-up at the age of 20. The young hitter held his own in 18 big league games and then produced a .412 on-base percentage in 12 playoff games.

The Scouting Report: The 21-year-old Aruba native has an advanced approach to hitting for his age. He generates good pop thanks to his quick bat but he still has more power to grow into as he matures as a hitter. He has a solid approach at the plate and a developing eye that should allow him to hit for a high average; he should also produce a strong on-base percentage. Bogaerts has shown the ability to handle both positions on the left side of the infield and has a solid arm for either shortstop or third base.

The Year Ahead: Although the Stephen Drew saga has yet to come to a conclusion, Bogaerts is the favorite to start at shortstop in 2014. It would be a wise move because the rookie has a strong shot at out-performing the veteran — despite his inexperience.

The Career Outlook: Bogaerts gave flashes of his potential during his 2013 call-up and could be a perennial all-star at either shortstop or third base for years to come in Boston.

#2 Jackie Bradley | 60/MLB (OF) 

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Age	PA	BB%	K%	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA	wRC+	Off	Def	WAR
23	107	9.3 %	29.0 %	.189	.280	.337	.279	69	-3.0	-2.3	-0.2

The Year in Review: Bradley was a surprise addition to Boston’s opening day roster in 2013 but failed to stick. He rode the shuttle between The Show and Triple-A numerous times throughout the season and appeared in a total of 37 games with the Sox. In 80 Triple-A games, he produced an .842 OPS.

The Scouting Report: Bradley’s greatest asset is his above-average defense in center field, which comes from excellent reads, good range and a solid arm. At the plate, he shows a patient approach and isn’t afraid to work the count. He doesn’t have plus power but it could be average or a tick above. He should hit at the top of a big league lineup, although he lacks impact speed.

The Year Ahead: With Jacoby Ellsbury heading to the rival New York Yankees, Bradley has a clear shot at a permanent starting gig with Boston and he’s much more prepared for the job coming into 2014 than he was in ’13.

The Career Outlook: Bradley doesn’t have a “wow” factor but he should be an above-average defensive outfielder who produces a strong on-base percentage and some pop at the plate.

#3 Garin Cecchini | 60/AA (3B) 

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Age	PA	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA
22	640	164	37	7	111	100	26	.316	.442	.455	.416

The Year in Review: Cecchini just keeps on hitting. The third base prospect opened 2013 in High-A ball and hit .350 with a 1.016 OPS in 63 games to earn a promotion to Double-A. There, he just missed hitting .300 but produced an .825 OPS thanks to 51 walks in 66 games.

The Scouting Report: Cecchini will probably never be your prototypical slugging third baseman but he has a chance to be a special hitter with the bat, nonetheless. He utilizes the entire field and has excellent bat control as well as a strong eye; that allowed him to walk more than he struck out in 2013. He has a chance to be a solid but unspectacular fielder with modest range and a solid arm.

The Year Ahead: If the young player performs well in spring training he could earn an opening day assignment to Triple-A after performing well in 66 Double-A games in 2013. However, with the presence of a young Will Middlebrooks in Boston, there isn’t a need to aggressively push Cecchini.

The Career Outlook: Cecchini produces an outstanding on-base percentage thanks to his ability to coax walks while also producing a strong batting average. That should allow him to be a solid third base option despite the lack of prototypical power output.

 http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-top-10-prospects-boston-red-sox/ 

Ernest Dove - Will Mets Prosper or Prepare in 2014?

Before the offseason could even begin, Mets fans were already left with the lasting knowledge that 2014 would be absent of Harvey Day's. However, ownership then went out during this offseason and shelled out $20mil to acquire a 40+ year old replacement in Bartolo Colon. After playing musical chairs in the 2013 outfield, ownership paid out over $20mil for Curtis Granderson and Chris Young to spend their 2014 seasons patrolling Citi Field. Then, as they've done the past 3 years, the Mets began loading up on minor league contract guys. So what is to come of the 2014 season? 

 If the Mets were truly 'packing it in' for one more year, they would have simply stuck to the cheap route by signing and ultimately going with Dice K and Lannon to compete with Mejia for the available two rotations spots. They could have also simply made more efforts to convince all fans that Lucas Duds was the second coming of Jack Lalanne with his diet, and attending of 'fat camp', and could join EY Jr and Lagares in the outfield. So, again I ask. Will the Mets prosper, and make a run at the playoffs (or at least be over .500)? Or will Sandy Alderson continue to earn his money (and a nice extension) by continuing to prepare this franchise for 2015 and beyond? Maybe he really is a genius. 

 Maybe management is ready to cash in on their recent drafts, trades, signings and player development. Starting with: Chris Young.... Say what you want about the $7+mil figure. He is still a veteran with recent history of belting homers and speed, and above average defense. If Chris Young has a bit of a comeback season, he may help that middle of the lineup create enough runs to finally get the Mets back to respectability. If he falls, he was only a one year deal, and management can simply begin the process of getting the fanbase excited early on about the coming arrival of César Puello. Or maybe we get a bit of both worlds, with Young exceeding expectations, Mets looking on the outside in, but still having a good year, and Alderson pulls off a trade for a teams top 10 prospect by trading Young. Bartolo Colon..... 

May continue his charge through the fountain of youth. If he simply holds up, he may help bring the Mets to the playoffs. If he flops, this team has PLENTY of young arms to call up, and have us all keep dreaming about an exciting 2015 anyway........ Also........ best of both worlds........ See last sentence regarding Chris Young. d'Arnoud/Syndergaard....... 

This may be the year that d'Arnoud, along with the Mets, have been waiting for. A healthy season from the leagues top catching prospect. Best case scenario is the Mets having a new star catcher, and yet another ace coming up this summer. Either way, look for both of these youngsters to help the Mets either prosper in 2014, or continue their development into 2015. 

One way or another, I see a different team taking the field in 2014. David Wright is still as confident as ever, and remains not only the face of the franchise, but possibly the new face of the league. David Wright has the character and makeup to support this teams success, or further preparation, without getting misquoted or get caught tweeting negativity about the direction of this team (yeah, I still think he doesn't even have a twitter account). With actual games about to start. And with the continued drama of rumors surrounding Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada and that Drew guy, this team remain a different kind of question for me. Call it my glass half full philosophy. So, what do you think? Is this team contenders? Are they preparing? ...........Or am I crazy, and just waiting like the rest of us to get this damn season started, and find out then?

Craig Mitchell -- Gays in the Outfield

The sports world seems to be quite divided on Michael Sam coming out of the closet.  My take; a total brave and ballsy move on his part.  Sam showed the NFL and the world in general that he is a young man of high courage and integrity.  I’m not saying that because he’s gay. I’m saying that because he came out before he got paid, before he got drafted.  Unfortunately, the consensus is that this is going to hurt his draft position and future earnings greatly.  That is not only quite possible, but quite probable. That’s why I admire him for doing it. Sam in essence said. This is who I am, this is what you get. I have to admire that.  He’s an athlete being true to himself and to his future team and fans upfront.  There had to be a first. That’s him.  But he’s not the first gay NFL player. He’s the first to be honest about it before or during his career.  Jerry Smith and Esera Tuaolo predate Sam as does I suspect  dozens, if not more, closeted players in pro sports right now and countless more over the NFL’s history.  It had to happen sometime. But Sam will be the first openly gay NFL player. The thing is gays have already played in every sport and probably hold records and stand in their respective Halls of Fame.   But fear of rejection, ridicule and their livelihood and legacy has prevented them from being “out.” Even in retirement.

Major League Baseball has had its share of gay ballplayers.  Nary have any come out, and the one that comes to mind came out after his career ended. I’m talking about Glenn Burke specifically.

That’s about it. The pickings are pretty thin. What should that tell you? There’s only been one gay player in baseball history? Hardly, there are and have been and will be gay baseball players. Gay baseball players are terrified that being true to themselves about who they are would be a disaster and most certainly cause rejection from their owners, teammates and fans. On top of that it would seriously open themselves for ridicule, bullying and a serious reduction in their earnings.

Gay rumors have abounded over the years. Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax, Mike Piazza, Art Shamsky, Gerald Williams and Clint Hurdle have all heard the whispers and the rumors (none of which were substantiated). Piazza being the latest was forced to call a press conference to dispel the rumors. Sad but true, but it’s a serious matter.  A gay player in the locker room would just be pandemonium.  A pair of homosexual eyes scanning his naked or undressing team mates body? That would be scandalous, a violation of the man code. Unheard of!  The gay player wouldn’t be able to control himself. That’s just a cauldron for trouble.  Well guess what? It has happened. It is probably happening right now, this year and in the future.  According to studies, approximately ten percent of the adult population is homosexual. On opening day there will be 750 players on the rosters of the MLB’s 30 teams.  Using that same equation that would mean there are possibly up to 75 gay players statistically currently in baseball. It’s not that exact, let’s drop it to say 1/5 of the world wide average and say 2 percent. That would be 15 players on major league rosters across MLB. That’s not counting managers, coaching staffs, clubhouse staff or even reporters and press.  There are gay men and women in the locker room every day. The world hasn’t ended and it won’t end anytime soon, at least for that reason.  

How do I know?  I’ve lived it. I’m gay and I have been in locker rooms dozens of times. Now, despite what players, the media and fans say, the least sexy place on the planet is a professional sports locker room before or after a game. Sure there are naked bodies and showers and all that, but there are smells, twenty five players, five to ten coaches and depending on the night, up to thirty to thirty five reporters crammed into a small space in an effort to get sound and stories about the game.  Not only is it not sexy, if you are gay, like me, it’s terrifying.  I just wanted to do my job. I didn’t want to catch a peek at Howard Johnson, or Gregg Jefferies or Rick Cerone, I wanted to get some interesting sound and get my butt home. Did my bosses know I was gay? No. I wasn’t “out” then. Like in baseball and football there is just as much prejudice about gay sportscasters from other sportscasters, or at least there was back then.  Now, actually I worked for some really good people at The Talking Yellow Book and Sports phone, but I believe there might have been some trepidation on their part about sending me to games…..just ….you know….in case something happened.  Well, nothing ever happened, nor will it EVER happen.

The locker room is not a shy place. It’s a place where the players are at home. It’s their domain.  I’ve seen Gregg Jefferies whine in the center of the clubhouse naked, I had Bobby Bonilla get Jay Horowitz to toss me out for asking an innocent question, I had Tim Bogar recognize me from an episode of Ricki Lake and perhaps the strangest thing I ever saw was Darryl Strawberry vying for attention by standing off to the side of a group of reporters talking to Frank Viola buck naked and leaning on a bat about three feet to the right of  where Viola and the swarm stood.  No apparent reason comes to mind aside for a grab for attention. No idea. I didn’t care. I got my sound and I bolted, keeping my eyes navel high or above the whole time.  About this same time that I was all “Business” women reporters were just being accepted into the locker room. I’m sure there were some complaints from players and coaches and most certainly from other reporters, but I wasn’t aware of any.  Women reporters were subject to the same sights, smells and spectacles that we all were.  Every woman I worked with was business-like and professional.  I actually sympathized. Being a woman held and probably still holds pitfalls in a locker room that a closeted gay man like me (at the time) wouldn’t be subjected too.  But, every woman I stood near and next too was oblivious, I call it “Professionally oblivious.” Susan Waldman was one of those women, totally professional and efficient.  She was just there to do a job.  Yet, I heard the rumors and the stories the men reporters said about her behind her back. It’s never easy to blaze new trails.

That’s what Michael Sam wants. That’s what any gay player wants, the opportunity to play the game and do their job, without fear.  They are doing it right now, but in secret, terrified of discovery and living a life of lies in order to play ball, in order to be accepted.  That’s all going to change. Thanks to Michael Sam. Sam had the guts and the bravery to open that door and walk through.  Little by little he will be followed. He already is. As of this writing Jason Collins just took the court last night as the first openly gay player in the NBA. (Collins actually beat Sam to the punch, but Sam came out before his pro career even got started.)  Baseball will have its first too. It’s just a matter of time.  Over the weekend I watched “42” again. I love that movie. It’s absolutely incredible what Jackie Robinson went through breaking into MLB. The teasing, the bean balls, the threats, some of his team mates organizing a petition to get Jackie off the team, some of them refusing to shower with Robinson.   I thought about Michael Sam, and then thought about when the time comes that baseball has an “out” player. What will he go through? I’d like to believe that it won’t be as bad because we have grown as a society in 67 years. Still, it will be a long road to hoe.  The longest journey starts with the first steps, out and proud steps. Whoever this man will be, he will not be a gay ballplayer. He will be a ballplayer who happens to be gay. Just I am a Met fan, actor, comedian and retired sports reporter, who happens to be gay.

MM's Top 25- #7 RHSP Jacob DeGrom

#7 RHSP Jacob DeGrom (LR: #7)
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6' 4" Weight: 185 lb
Age: 26
Acquired: 2010 Rule 4 draft, 9th Round, Stetson University

2013: (A+/AA/AAA) 7-7, 4.51 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 1.449 WHIP
2012: (A/A+) 9-3, 2.43 ERA, 1.6 BB/9, 7.8 K/9, 0.997 WHIP
2011: DNP (Tommy John Surgery)
2010: (R) 1-1, 5.19 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 7.6 K/9, 1.577 WHIP

Evaluating a player who has made such rapid movement within the system can be difficult. In DeGrom's case its extremely hard due to the fact that he's basically gone from 1 season of pitching in college to AAA Las Vegas in only two seasons. Technically speaking, DeGrom should still be raw. However, he has shown plus command at every level and even kept his BB/9 rate under 3.0 in Las Vegas which is extremely difficult to do.

The only knock on DeGrom is that his velocity is only slight above average. His repertoire includes a 92-94 MPH fastball, as well as an average slider and change-up. What makes him a standout is the movement and control that he has for that fastball. It possesses so much movement that, even at that velocity, it still grades out as a plus pitch. He can pretty much spot it anywhere. 

DeGrom has not been listed as a starter yet for any specific Spring Training Game as of 2/24 but if he does get a start we'll be keeping a close eye on it. If he can improve the break on his secondary pitches and add a tick or two more to that fastball, he can end up being a breakout candidate for the MLB team. However, considering he was advanced so quickly last year, it's probably best if he starts 2014 in AAA.

Anticipated Assignment: (AAA) Las Vegas starting rotation.
Ceiling: #3/#4 MLB Rotation Starter
Floor: Medium Leverage Middle Innings Reliever

Morning Report – 2-28-14 – Organizational Ranking, Injuries, Arm Slot, 90 Wins, Arizona, Intrasquad Game

Coming Up –

          10 am – Christopher Soto - MM's Top 25-  #7 RHSP Jacob DeGrom

          12 noon – Craig Mitchell -- Gays in the Outfield

            2 pm - Ernest Dove - Will Mets Prosper or Prepare in 2014?

            4 pm – FANGRAPHS - Top 10 Boston Red Sox Prospects

            6 pm – Carlos Rodon, Keith Weisenberg, Jacob Gatewood, Tate Blackman

            8 pm - A Quick Look - RHP - Scott Blewett - Charles W Baker (NY) HS

BP - 2014 Organizational Rankings

8. New York Mets

Farm System Ranking in 2013: 10

2014 Top Ten Prospects: Link

State of the System: Solid blend of pitching and positional talent, ranging from high-risk/high-reward types at the lower levels to safer high-floor prospects nearing the major-league level.

Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard (11)

Breakout Candidates for 2014: Amed Rosario and Marcos Molina

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

Must-See Affiliate: Short-Season Brooklyn

Prospects to See There: Amed Rosario, Marcos Molina, Casey Meisner, Chris Flexen, Champ Stuart

Farm System Trajectory for 2015: Steady. The Mets will likely graduate four of the top five prospects in their system, but the helium from low-level talents like Rosario, Molina, and Meisner could keep the system holding strong in the top 10 in the game, despite the graduations.

          http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22906#.Uw3lAyBV0Iw.twitter

Arm Slot –

Some pitchers select their arm slot because it allows for more accuracy and/or movement even if it doesn’t allow for optimal velocity. This a choice each pitcher and pitching coach has to make. A lot of MLB organizations will take some of their pitchers and get them to throw with different arm slots that aren’t as common in order to increase their effectiveness and become a specialist out of the bullpen. These are pitchers that have enough ability to play professional baseball but are maybe lacking a bit of velocity or skill to make it as a “normal” thrower. http://www.canadianbaseballnetwork.com/articles/top-arm-slot-faster-dangerous/

          Mack – Interesting article for you pitchers out there

So, Sandy Alderson told the team in a closed door meeting that he things the team can win 90 game. Then, Fred Wilpon chimed in ‘you better win 90 games’.

(ya know, the ‘f’ on my computer is starting stick and everytime I type Wilpon’s  first name, it first comes out ‘Red’…  what do you think?  Red Wilpon? Sounds like a porn star.)

Was this some attempt at humor? I wasn’t in the room, so what was the reaction from the players? Was their laughter or a reaction like those last remaining members of the Stark family while they were being killed on The Game Of Thrones?

I’m going to write this off as just another bad joke and move on from here. I just can’t imagine that Wilpon has any George Steinbrenner in him.

Kevin Towers on needs –

“For us, it would have to be the right deal,” Towers said. “Our biggest needs in our system are catching. If it’s the right, top-notch catching prospect. Someone we could have right behind Miggy. More of an upper-level guy. Maybe a top, upper-end starter. We have a lot of bullpen depth, infielders. Maybe an outfielder, but probably more catching and Double-A, Triple-A type starter.” http://www.azcentral.com/insiders/nickpiecoro/2014/02/26/shortstop-showdown-starters-in-australia-other-stuff/

Mack – This, to me translates as either Chris Owings or Didi Gregorius for either Kevin Plawecki or Rafael Montero.

Well, Montero is going nowhere and deGrom, Mazzoni, Lara, Bowman, or Robles aren’t enough yet.

That would leave Plawecki…  your call.

Remember… you have to give to get.

Highlights from Adam Rubin re: Intrasquad Game -

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis helped Dillon Gee out by throwing out Kevin Plawecki out at the plate attempting to score from second base.

• Danny Muno, a middle infielder who played at Double-A Binghamton last season, went 2-for-3 with a homer, walk and stolen base.

• Jenrry Mejia opened his outing with two walks, but rallied by striking out Wilmer Flores and coaxing a double play from Andrew Brown. Mejia then struck out three while allowing a single to Matt Clark in his second inning of work.

• Daisuke Matsuzaka, the probable fifth starter, was hurt by a Flores throwing error on a rundown. Dice-K was charged with two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk in two innings.

• Carlos Torres, being stretched out for a spot-starter/long-relief role, tossed two perfect innings. He struck out three.

• Noah Syndergaard struck out five and flashed a wicked curveball, but surrendered a run in his second inning of work on a curveball up in the zone that Wilfredo Tovar took to right field to plate Cory Vaughn. Syndergaard and Jeurys Familia (two scoreless innings) both sat at 96-97 mph with their fastballs. Familia also struck out five.

• Brown homered against Joel Carreño.

• Terry Collins said he was impressed by left-hander Steven Matz, who tossed a scoreless inning with one strikeout. "Lights-out stuff," Collins said.

• Jose Valverde tossed a scoreless inning. - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/81715/intrasquad-recap-1-year-later-gee-better

Mack – It’s not a coincidence that most of the highlight reel features pitching. The Mets are going to have a hard time deciding which 12-13 pitchers break camp as part of the 25-man, which are sent to Vegas, and which are cut loose for other teams to scoop up.

          Lots of pitching here.