Tom Brennan – MINOR LEAGUE UPDATE - MIDDLE IF TOP 10
What sort of middle infielders are lurking in the inner
recesses of the Mets minors? A fine
question. I' m so glad you asked.
First, I'll broaden the
question a bit. Since the Mets seem to shift some of those guys around
between SS, 2B, and 3B, let's focus on those 3 spots, not just SS and 2B.
There are no boppers in
the bunch, other than Dilson Herrera, who I hesitated to put in the list
because he is already in the majors, although perhaps not permanently yet.
So he is my #1 in here.
As there are only limited spots on the Mets at SS, 2B, and 3B at any point in time (3 position starters and a utility guy), only so many chances for the top 10 guys in the Mets minors.
(I’m sticking above rookie ball - sorry, Milton
Ramos - but you’ll be in here soon enough).
THERE ARE FOUR
AAA GUYS IN MY TOP 10:
Dilson Herrera - one of the youngest of this bunch, Dilson is
awesome and projected to be a major league player of moderate to All Star
caliber. He is well known to Macks Mets readers, so 'nuff said.
Except to add ZERO errors in his 20 AAA games.
Matt Reynolds - I think Wilmer Flores is going to hold onto SS,
and within a few months, Dilson may replace Daniel Murphy (although Dilson's
broken digit may well keep Murphy here all season), so I see Matt Reynolds as a
utility call up, replacing Ruben Tejada by July. Matt is at .299/.365/.442
after a terrific spring training. Just 4 errors in 37 games.
Danny Muno has a .279/.344/.360 line in 25 AAA games to go with his 1
for 6 cup of coffee with the Mets earlier this year. The switch hitter
will have to do better to be seen in Queens before September. No errors for
Danny with Vegas this year.
Wilfredo Tovar is a guy often overlooked, who is at
.287/.324/.426 in 29 AAA, with just 2 errors.
AA HAS TWO GUYS:
Gavin Cecchini is at .287/.351/.436, but the youngster has 9
errors. Still, given his age and production in AA, he is a top 10 guy.
L. J. Mazzilli is almost through his 50 game suspension. He
was terrific last year in A and AA, HITTING .301/.361/.440 with 11 homers. Too
good to not include in here, despite his ongoing suspension.
HIGH A: TWO TOP 10 FELLAS IN THIS GROUP
Amed Rosario at 19 is doing fine, with 12 extra base hits, and
a .268/.308/.377 line. 5 errors is a real improvement for him. Hope he
has some down-the-road homer power in that bat. No HRs in 143 at bats is
something for rabid Rosario fans to keep in mind.
Jeff McNeil (PICTURED ABOVE) is hitting a powerless .339, with a .397 on base
%. 5 errors and 4 of 5 steals. Hit the weight room, Jeff, you have
talent.
A BALL: 2 MORE GUYS TO ROUND OUT MY TOP 10
Luis Guillorme is a young, slick fielding SS who has 5 errors in
32 games, and is hitting a fine .317/.390 on base, but just 1 of his 38 hits is
for extra bases. Let's see if/how Luis addresses that aspect, but he's
been solid since the day he first played for the Mets in 2013.
Eudor Garcia - the young 3B was promoted only recently to the
Gnats, but in 11 games, he is .298/.313/.447. A reputed stick man has hit the
ground running.
GUYS ON THE CUSP:
Several guys were on the cusp. Who, and why left
off, briefly follows:
Older guys: Josh Rodriguez doing great, but he's
30. Jairo Perez and T J Rivera hit
great, but are older, and in Rivera's case lacks power. Dustin Lawley could explode at any
time, but isn't even approaching Zach Lutz production, so he is not in my top
10.
Phil Evans missed too much time this
year to show whether he ought to be in the top 10. His career so far says no. But he is young still. He needs to show otherwise.
Jonathan Johnson is doing very well in Savannah, but he is older (26) and
it is only Savannah, but keep it up, JJ. Lastly, Jean Rodriguez, a slight 22 year old, is a little old for A ball
and doing good but not great.
That's my take, folks.
Lots of solid guys. But....remove Dilson Herrera and I'd still trade all
of them in one package for Kris Bryant or Addison Russell. And the Cubs would never do it.
6 comments:
Kirk designated for assignment. Could be claimed. Seems unlikely.
I don't see Matt Reynolds as a Met, long term. He may get a Citi Field audition, at some point, but more as a showcase for trade than a part of the future. He's below average, defensively, with little range. Projects much more as a second baseman/inf backup and I think the Mets would rank both Herrera and Muno ahead of him. I definitely do not see him displacing Tejada. I know Mets fans can't stand Tejada, but he's the best fielding shortstop in the organization above AA. Tovar is comparable--and brings some speed to the game--but isn't enough of an upgrade as a fielder to make up the difference with the bat (.287 at Vegas translates to about ,187 in the majors...maybe).
Guillorme. That's the guy. Know why he has 5 errors? Because he gets to balls that Tejada, Flores, Cecchini, Reynolds, et. al. wouldn't even attempt.
I read something the other day that stated if the Mets send Syndergaard to the minors for three more weeks they gain an extra year of control.
If that is true should the Mets send him down when Gee is ready.
This would also give Gee the opportunity to increase his trade value.
I am in favor of this. It might give the Mets an extra year of having great starting pitching.
Sending Thor down could be seen as a move to again put finances ahead of success. Id be surprised if they go there.
Stubby, great points. If Guillorme is another Rey Ordonez he could be ouf future SS.
Congrats to Ceciliani on his hit in his first major league at bat, BTW.
You really could say who are second baseman will be for the next 5-6 years. Can't say that about shortstop. We don't know if Reynolds or Flores can hack it long term. You mention Cecchini, Rosario, and Luis Gullimore. I've been following them as you have Thomas. I'm confident something good will shake out of that trio!
Bob, Cecchini hit a double and homer yesterday. Like to See the power.
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