Morning Report – October 23 – Zack Wheeler, Brandon Nimmo, Erik Goeddel, Amed Rosario,

Everybody is going to start grading Mets players this time of the year who we’ll use the ones on this site and add some thoughts:

Zack Wheeler, starter - It can be hard to live up to the mantle of being a stud, can’t-miss prospect.  Wheeler found that out this year when he had a 3.54 ERA and struck out 187 batters in 185 1/3 innings — and was called a disappointment. Many fans, and media, probably feel Jacob deGrom has already passed him as a prospect. But Wheeler is still developing into a nice top of the rotation starter.  Grade: B  http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/mlb/2014/09/30/mets-2014-report-card/

Zack Wheeler. It was quite a last two-thirds of the season for Wheeler. He showed why he was worthy of the hype, actualizing the potential that made people think he was a front-line starter. Wheeler blossomed into an ace, continuing his linear path from the minors into the Mets' rotation, where he'll likely be the No. 2 (or maybe even No. 1) starter next season.  http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2014/10/mets_7_best_things_about_their_2014_season.html

Mack – I still have only one problem here before I anoint him either the SP1 or SP2 pitcher in the Mets Dream Rotation.

Wheeler has to produce much better control early on so he can pitch deeper into each game he starts. 

Brandon Nimmo is the marquee Mets prospect to watch in the AFL this year. He had a breakout year in 2014, especially when it comes to his power. Nimmo started to figure out Double-A towards the end of the season, and a trip to the AFL is meant to further accelerate his development. With a good month in Arizona, he could start next in Triple-A and have a good chance to make his MLB debut in 2015, possibly by mid-summer if all goes well. - http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2014/10/07/arizona-fall-league-preview-for-new-york-mets-prospects/#slide_3

Erik Goeddel - Goeddel got a September call-up with the Mets, and put up a 2.70 ERA in 6.2 innings, with opposing hitters batting .136 against him. That's a small sample size from September so there's not much to go on, but Goeddel is worth keeping around. He won't play a pivotal role in the bullpen, but he throws hard and flashes above-average secondary pitches. Even if he's just minor league depth, Goeddel is worth keeping around. http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2014/10/10/determining-fate-for-each-member-of-new-york-mets-bullpen-in-2015/#slide_25

Mack – Goeddel is a handful of Mets minor league starters that have no place to go other than out of the system or into the Mets pen. Frankly, I have no idea what Sandy Alderson is going to do with the likes of Goeddel, Logan Verrett, Matt Bowman, and Corey Mazzoni. Right now, he can’t even find a roster spot for Jon Niese or Dillon Gee. The promotion of Goeddel this past September caught me off guard because I was hoping to see Jack Leathersich.

The Lottery Ticket: Amed Rosario, SS: Just 18, Rosario showed improvement during his second pro season. He’s toolsy and has a chance to be a solid player both at the plate and in the field but he needs to get stronger. He has the frame to add significant pop once he puts on some added muscle, although he’ll likely never be a power hitter. http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/a-minor-league-review-of-2014-marlins-mets-nationals/

Mack – The Mets will probably have three talented shortstops (Rosario, Luis Guillorme, Milton Ramos) that won’t open the 2015 season for a full season team. The good news for all of them is there’s nothing but blue sky ahead of them for growth in the system.