3/4/14

MM's Top 25- #5 C/1B Kevin Plawecki

#5 C Kevin Plawecki (LR: #9)
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 205 lb
Age: 23
Acquired: 2012 Rule 5 Draft, 1st Round Supplemental, Purdue University

2013: (A/A+) .305/.390/.448, 8 HR, 80 RBI, 1 SB (100%), 42 BB, 53 K, 29% RTO
2012: (SS-A) .250/.345/.384, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 0 SB (0%), 25 BB, 24 K, 32% RTO

Can you believe that an organization that was so thin at the catching throughout the entire system (so much so that Josh Thole was our best bet for the future) suddenly is full of promise? 

Kevin Plawecki, aka "the Pummeling Pole" on Amazin Avenue, turned in an excellent 2013 season. Combining a strong hit tool with gap to gap power, a propensity to drive in runs, and average defense behind the dish will guarantee you a job as at least a back-up catcher in the majors. As an added bonus, Plawecki also (very quietly) spent time at 1B for the Port St. Lucie team and grades out as a nicely above average defensive player there as well. 

Plawecki provides the "back-up plan" that the organization sorely needs in case Travis d'Arnaud flops. An interview between Paul DePodesta and MILB.com shows that the Mets brass has been extremely pleased with both his offensive AND defensive developments last season and value him as a Top 100 prospect in the game. Scouts so far have only 2 knacks on Plawecki. A) "his footwork," and B) "his game-calling". Both are very fixable things and I expect him to turn in a very strong season with an aggressive assignment for 2014.


Anticipated Assignment: (AA) Binghamton starting catcher.
Ceiling: MLB starting Catcher, 1 or 2 All-Star seasons
Floor: MLB back-up Catcher

6 comments:

Mack Ade said...

I haven't talked to him about it, but it is my guess that Mike Piazza loves this guy.

He's a Piazza kind of guy, who still needs to develop his power potential, but I know in my heart that he could be slotted into a major league lineup right now and never skip a beat behind the plate.

The Mets are very blessed to have two legitimate ace catching prospects. This will pay out in the future in any number of ways.

David L. Whitman said...

The Mets with an embarrassment of riches behind the dish, who'd have thunk it two springs ago. I like Plawecki's sturdy build over the rather slight (by catcher standards) d'Arnaud. This is the season d'Arnaud has the chance to put those durability issues behind him. The big "if" though is what happens if d'Araund gets hurt or really struggles in 2013. Would we see Plawecki in Citi Field by July?

Anonymous said...

@D Whit

I doubt it.....For 2014 I think Centeno would get the first crack if d'Arnaud is injured for any significant amount of time.

Mack Ade said...

I think Plawecki will br major league ready by 2015, but it will take Centeno to determine if he's next in the pecking order...

Centeno may be the best defensive catcher in the system and he can't be counted out

Tom Brennan said...

Mets NEVER had this sort of catching riches before...Plawecki is the Reyes dividend, fortunately a worthwhile one. My guess is if d'Arnaud went down on Memorial Day, he could step in and figure a way to hit .240 already

Bob Sugar said...

He is one of our best trade chips for the next Shortstop in Mets history.