Morning Report – August 21st – Kurtis Horne, Cyclone Allstar Starters, Amed Rosario, Bullpen

 Another of Sandy Alderson’s high ceiling high school pitchers is off to a good professional start. 18-year old Kurtis Horne, the 6-5 lefty out of Sooke, British Columbia, Canada, has now pitched in six GCL Mets games, giving up only one earned run in 7.0-IP (1.29, 1.14). Horne actually just turned 18 two weeks ago, so he wil pitch most of next season at 18 also. Another ‘no rush, high ceiling’ late round pick (31^st), my guess is you’ll see him in Kingsport next season. So far, so good.

We talk all the time about the ‘can’t miss’ starters that came through Brooklyn, six of which started for the All-Star team in the season they played for the Cyclones. They, and their fate are/were:

            2014 – Marcos Molina –

2013 – Miller Diaz – good record this year in Savannah (13-G, 11-ST, 6-1, 2.25), but injuries have slowed down his progress

2012 – Luis Mateo – the 24-year old has spent most of the year on the disabled list. Still working out on the back mounds in Port St. Lucie.

2010 – Yohan Almonte – pitched fairly well for Savannah in 2011, but then pitched poorly in 2012 and is now out of baseball… at 22 years old

2009 – Mark Cohoon – went 7-1, 1.30 for Savannah in 2010 and was bumped straight to Binghamton at all-start break. Career went downhill from then and he left baseball after the 2013 season… at 25-years old.

2005 – Bobby Parnell – converted to, first a reliever in 2009, and then the Mets closer in 2013.

The expected Amed Rosario promotion from Brooklyn to Savannah falls in line with the normal procedures; however, heads were turned and questions were raised why Alfredo Reyes (GCL: .236) was promoted from the GCL Mets to Brooklyn over Luis Guillorme (K-Port - .281) and Milton Ramos (GCL .243). The Mets signed Reyes in 2010 with a $200K bonus. A scout report at the time: “The New York Mets signed Reyes after watching him develop into an athletic shortstop who can make the difficult plays on defense look routine.  Reyes showed gap power and an ability to control the strike zone at the plate.  His wiry-athletic frame allows him to project well at the SS position.” The 20-year old Reyes hit .316 last season in 212 at-bats for the DSL Mets.

Thomas Brennan pointed out earlier this month the depth of middle infield talent in the organization and one would expect a pretty decent shortstop to be developed here. My guess is that Dilson Herrera has first dibs at replacing Daniel Murphy on second base, beginning in 2016, but it will first be interesting to see if he takes on a summer stint playing shortstop.

 Rotographs on Mets bullpen –

Jenrry Mejia‘s woes continued in today’s game against the Cubs. Mejia entered in the ninth inning with the Mets down 2-1 and allowed two runs off of a Javier Baez homer. Mejia has dealt with a calf issue previously and will need surgery on a hernia in the offseason and it’s clearly affected his performance of late. As of this writing, Terry Collins hasn’t said anything about Mejia’s role moving forward but Jeurys Familia should be owned in all league’s, check your wire immediately.  It’s also worth noting that with knowledge of all these ailments, Collins had Mejia pitch the fourth time in five games, probably not the smartest decision by his manager. A few weeks ago I felt safe assuming Mejia as the Mets closer on opening day 2015 but there is a real chance Familia takes the role this year, muddling Mejia’s chances next year along with Bobby Parnell who should be back from TJ surgery. Also of note, Vic Black recorded two outs in today’s game, lowering his ERA to 2.01. Although he profiles as a potential closer, he’s still behind Familia in the pecking order but that may be the best for his future health on the Mets.

Mack – The season is over and there is no reason to be pitching Jenrry Mejia at this point. Put him on the DL and let him have him surgery early so there is more time for healing.

He can easily be replaced for the remainder of the year (as closer) by Familia and Gonzales Germen can take over Jeurys' past slot in the rotation (joining Black as the 7-8-9 guys).

And, by the way, don’t make the assumption that the Mets are going to offer arbitration-3 money (est. $4.5mil) to a pitcher that may not be ready until mid-season (Bobby Parnell).

I am sure none of the Mets are 100% into these games anymore. I’m thrilled with what the pen did this year and I look for it to only get better next year with possible additions like Zack Thornton, Jack Leathersich, and Logan Verrett.

Donation Drive (drive end 8-30) –

            Received so far – $275.00

            Goal - $1,400.00 - $1,125.00 to go

Paypal account:  macksmets@gmail.com

God Bless you for your consideration.