8/7/14

MMs Top 25: #22 IF Daniel Muno



#22 IF Daniel Muno (LR#27)
Bats: S Throws: R
Height: 5 11" Weight: 190 lb
Age: 25
Acquired: 2011 Rule 4 Draft, 8th round, California State University- Fresno 

2014: (AAA) .258/.373/.417, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 7 SB (58%), 50 BB, 65 K
2013: (AA) .249/.384/.379, 9 HR, 67 RBI, 15 SB (58%), 92 BB, 97 K
2012: (A+) .280/.387/.412, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 19 SB (86%), 50 BB, 53 K
2011: (SS-A) .355/.466/.514, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 9 SB (29%), 43 BB, 39 K


     In what will be his final appearance on the Top Prospect list, Daniel Muno has finally broken out of the "Not Quite" listing and into the Top 25. Each time we evaluate Muno, nothing is new. He is still the same player today as he was when he started his career in Brooklyn.

     His whole game is centered around probably one of the most advanced pair of eyes in professional baseball. Despite his average hovering around the .250 areas, his career BB rate is an astounding 15.2% and his career minor league OBP is .396. To put that into perspective, only 4 MLB players have higher BB rate right now (Adam Dunn, Carlos Santana, Jose Bautista, and Mike Napoli) and only 5 have higher OBP %.  In fact, amongst active Mets right now, Muno would best the highest OBP on the team by 38 points (Lucas Duda- .358 OBP).

     While his eyes are easily his greatest tool, he possesses plenty other weapons. He added 15 lbs of muscle this off-season, which has translated into more home run power, as he's already topped his career high in 200 fewer plate appearances. He also has a fair amount of speed and is capable enough to steal 15 bags per season. Lastly, he's pretty solid defensively at 2B, SS, and 3B with smooth fluid movements and good range. The only thing holding him back from being the Mets starting SS is the fact that his arm is below average there.

     In the end, when I look at Muno, I can't help but to see St. Louis Cardinal 2B/3B and lead-off hitter Matt Carpenter. He has pretty much the same tools as him and Carp has been worth 3.6 Wins above Replacement so far this season and regularly tops 100+ runs scored. Muno is Rule 5 eligible this off-season so look for him to be added to the 40 man roster with a chance for a September call-up this season.

Ceiling: Matt Carpenter. Lead-off starting 2B.
Floor: Justin Turner. Super utility guy who gets 100 games/season

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have always liked Muno, but was never sure if he was an everyday regular. if his hit tool improved a little bit and kept the pop, he would be a very nice MI or UI. by the way, I think he is a switch hitter, with the only pronounced difference in HR. everything else is nearly identical

Tom Brennan said...

Hey Chris
I have always been impressed with Danny and like the way you slot him, as far as career high and low end projection. One thing to note is he always seems to figure out how to get better. If he were still in Vegas next year, my bet is it would be a monster year.

His timing is bad, what with Herrera, Flores, and Reynolds (and even TJ Rivera, who seems to be the 2014 version of Jeff Keppinger) competing in middle infield with him for a shot at getting on the Mets' 25 man roster. But his combination of scrappiness, sharp batter's eye, and pop will get him to the bigs somewhere pretty soon, and possibly productively and for a long time.

Mack Ade said...

I don't share you guy's enthusiasm about Muno. Yes, he's had a very good minor league career but I've never considered him prospect material.

Thomas, you are right about the glut of possible UT infielders that could come out of this system in the next couple of years.

"Prospect" wise, I only see Herrera at this position.

Tom Brennan said...

It will be interesting to see Muno's upside, but Herrera looks exceptional, perhaps a future all star. I wonder if his listed 150 weight is real. .550 slug % in AA and just 150 pounds? That might make him pound for pound the best hitter in the organization,.

Tom Morris said...

Chris,

Just ran across your comments on Danny Muno. Been talking to Tom Brennan and been trying to get more info. Like Carp, Danny can play all of the infield positions accomplished at all.Found out he played some games at Fresno State in center field. Mike Batsole, 2 time NCAA coach of the year is great source. Want to hear more about this guy. Thanks

Tom Morris