Tom Brennan - TOP 25 METS' PROSPECTS: # 18 PAUL SEWALD

Paul Sewald - alas, Paul is not a fireballer, but what Paul is, is "darned effective."

The 6'3" righty reliever was outstanding in his career all the way through AA in 2015, with a career ERA below 2.00, more than a K per inning, and almost no blown saved.  If there was an Effectiveness Rating, through 2015, Paul would have rated A+.

Then came Vegas in 2016.  Even in Vegas though, he pitched really well, having a 3.29 ERA on a team which had a far, far higher team ERA.

My guess is if he had pitched in the pitching-friendly AAA International League instead, his ERA would have been under 2.00 yet again.  Over the past several years, no Mets minors reliever has done as well as Paul, to my recollection.  Akeel Morris had his stretches, as did Dario Alvarez, before both were traded, but Paul's stretch of reliever excellence lasted longer than either of those two.

Sewald was not put on the 40 man roster, and then wasn't taken in the Rule 5 draft, so there have to be some reservations as to his future success at the major league level, but he is a non-roster invitee to the Mets' major league camp this spring.

Turning 27 this spring, the former 10th round selection obviously needs to make a great impression against big league hitters.  He always has excelled, why can't he do well this spring?

I'd personally very much like to see Paul latch on at the big league level and have a successful career.  Maybe this year, Mr. Sewald, maybe this year.