Tom Brennan - METS PROSPECTS # 6 THRU # 10

OK, so I passed on infallible, indisputable truths on Friday - namely, that Peter Alonso, Andres Gimenez, David Peterson, Ronny Mauricio, and David Kay are the Mets' # 1 thru # 5 prospects, respectively.

But let's not waste time - who are the equally indisputable # 6 thru # 10 Mets prospects?  

Hint: 5 guys who are highly unlikely to make the Queens club in 2019.

# 6 Mark Vientos IF

He reminds me of Wilmer Flores, just with more power, better fielding, and somewhat better speed.  He hit great as a 17 year old second rounder in 2017, ditto as an 18 year old in 2018, and why the heck should 2019 be different?  

I expect a GREAT season from MV Hammer in 2019...like 35 doubles, 20-25 HRs, 85 RBIs and .285 in A ball.  Future starting MLB infielder IMO.

# 7 Tom Szapucki LHSP

The blazing lefty reluctantly cooled his pits in 2018 following Tommy John surgery, but he sure looked dazzling prior thereto.  He is my third lefty fireballer in my top 7 prospects.

# 7 is a high rating given that recovery from TJS is not always 100%, but I am assuming he will return fine like my # 5 pick David Kay. Possible 2021 rotation dude, or a high-powered, late inning lefty reliever.

# 8  Desmond Lindsay  OF

I oughta be committed for having Lindsay (with the appropriate initials "DL") as high as my # 8 Mets prospect.  

But I am going to believe real hard that he'll stay healthy for a change in 2019 and show us what his high degree of athleticism and improved swing will do to propel him as arguably the Mets' best minor league outfielder.   A break-through season could have him in Queens by 2020.

Just keep him far away from the careening Juan Lagares and we should be all right.


# 9  Francisco Alvarez  C

Still 17 for 2019, this big bucks ($2.9 mil) bonus baby catcher is reputed to have a booming bat.  Let's see if he can be Peter Alonso bat-wise, while wearing the tools of ignorance, this year.  

Hey, Francisco, Wilson Ramos is only signed for 2 years, so if you're considered to be THAT good, why not be our 18 year old catcher in Queens in 2020?

OK, OK, that is greedy and unrealistic...I can wait until 2021 when you are 19 to be the Mets starting catcher.  (Mack just passed me my meds). 

OK, OK, but you better get to the Mets at age 20 by 2022, Francisco.   

The DSL is likely his starting point, given his lack of age, but he could follow # 4 prospect Ronny Mauricio's 2018 steps and debut in the GCL, too.

Anyway, Alvarez was Baseball America's No. 9 international prospect last summer, signed for $2.9 mil; they described him as "one of the strongest players in the class, (with) a stout, blocky frame, although he moves surprising well...for his size...(his) swing starts with a small toe tap and he generates big raw power with an aggressive hack."  Works for me.


# 10  Simeon Woods-Richardson RHSP

The 2018, 17 year old uber-athletic second rounder had a heck of a minor league debut over limited innings, showing superior velocity and stuff.  

You all know me by now - I am not at all greedy - I don't expect him to pitch in Queens younger than Doc Gooden did - but I can dream of him showing up like Doc at age 19.  

Much more likely he shows up at age 20 or 21 in 2021 or 2022.  Maybe he can be a top-of-rotation pitcher.  

Hopefully he gets to Queens in less time than it takes to pronounce his lengthy name.


Yep - a very promising 6 thru 10 - let's hope that prospect promise turns into top tier big league performance in a few years for all 5 of them.

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