Tom
Brennan: MAJORING ON THE MINORS:ST LUCIE METS SEASON PREVIEW
The St Lucie Mets had
a lot in common in 2014 with their big brother counterparts in Las Vegas, Binghamton, and
Savannah: all winning a real lot.
Will the 2015 version
of the St Lucie Mets be better or worse? I'd say not only better – but downright fascinating too.
Why fascinating? Well, promoted essentially straight from
rookie level Brooklyn, right past Savannah, are 4 top prospects of great
interest: the NY Penn League's top starter, Marcos Molina, first round hitting machine Michael Conforto, SS whiz Amed
Rosario, and slugging 3B Jhoan Urena.
Joining them and
poised to show he's got the goods, 2013 first rounder Dominic Smith at 1B – let’s see some power now that you've left
Savannah Graveyard, where long shots go to die. Add in a fine 2B: Jeff McNeil. Plus Matt
Oberste, Phil Evans and Yeixon Ruiz round out a talented bunch.
Let's not overlook
blazing Champ Stuart, who might be
the next Mookie Wilson – except faster.
Joining them are Cruz missile Victor
Cruzado, plus Maikis de la Cruz and Kyle Johnson. An intriguing outfield. Although I think Kyle got boosted to Vegas to replace the injured Puello.
Starters are looking
good for St Lucie: besides Molina, add fine starters named Robert Gsellman, Miller
Diaz, and Logan Taylor, and a few others, and St Lucie’s starters ought to
improve upon the 2014 contingent.
Catching at this
point seems to be the weak link on this team offensively, but maybe that will
change. Adrian Abreu, Jeff Glenn, and Colton Plaia make up the trio of
mask-wearing marauders.
Shift to the pen, and
we have what should be the Florida State League's version of Mariano Rivera in Akeel Morris, whose 2014 in Savannah
was totally beyond sensational. Other
pen arms are collectively fine, too – Robert
Coles, Tim Peterson, fine lefty Kelly Secrest, to name a few.
This team looks very strong in the infield, outfield, starters and
relievers.
So, I believe St Lucie is real strong again in 2015, with
perhaps a few growing pains early. But they will delight those who care to follow them.
4 comments:
Drafted before yesterday's game, my closing comment "But they will delight those who care to follow them" proved to be right on the $$ in last nite's opener.
Wow - this squad looks super strong and will be fun to watch all around. I know the names in the OF but they don't see be to be as touted as the Infielders or Pitchers. Nice write up Tom
With the exception of Conforto whom I'm hoping will rake against this level.
Hey, Bob - OF Champ Stuart has great raw skills and could blossom. Of course, folks said the same about Puello. I'm anxious to watch. He could steal 50 or more this year.
Post a Comment