I love shining a spotlight on a guy who was not well known coming into 2019.
I'll be honest:
I don't know how the Mets ended up signing Dedniel Nunez.
Heck, I don't even know how to pronounce his name.
Do you? Most importantly, does he?
OK, enough kidding around. I did want to add, though, that his middle name is Omar, not a bad name in the Mets organization to have, and he's from the Dominican Republic and was an international signing in early 2017 and skipped over the DSL and began play with the Mets in the GCL at age 21.
Soon to turn 23, the 6'2", 180 righty didn't set the world on fire right away.
2017: 1-3, 5.24 ERA in 44.2 IP but with 46 Ks
But improved the next season for Kingsport (in a hitters' league) with low innings:
2018: 4-1, 3.79 ERA, 40.1 IP, 36 Ks
What they saw, they must have liked, because Nunez skipped Brooklyn and headed straight to Columbia in 2019.
After 4 Columbia outings, he got bumped to St Lucie for two very nice starts so far, through Thursday:
2019 so far:
3-1, 3.86 ERA, 30.1 innings, 0.89 WHIP, and 44 Ks. Just 8 walks, and BAA just .173.
Pretty outstanding.
I understand he can reach around 94. Which is solid indeed.
Maybe...just maybe...the Mets found a gem here.
I'm watching to see how he progresses. Perhaps we all should.
But before I go, please, if you know:
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE DEDNIEL?
Somebody tell me PLEASE!
God only knows we need a few gems as BVW's newly revamped ball club is in trouble big time already and his signature signing looks worse by the at bat. I love when a new veteran is signed to a big bucks contract and hear how great a club house presence he is....think again Brodie. I'm pretty sure to be a good leader you need to also play well and the right way? Sorry but my vote goes to Jeff McNeil and to think he was going to be our second baseman and for a whole lot less salary and Brodie you really saved your ass by pulling him from that Cano deal as how ugly would this season be with out him. The next month and a half could bury us like last year and then what BVW? Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteFact -
ReplyDeleteIf you begin playing DSL ball at 21, you have one of two problems...
1. you couldn't pitch good enough in the winter leagues there to impress anyone
2. you were busy delivering produce to the stores in your neighborhood
Now 23 and playing A+ ball?
Love the strikeouts... make him a reliever.
Gary - I think the Mets buried themselves on Sunday. The gravesite is filled in, and Mr Met is in the coffin but the supply of oxygen is running out and help is not on the way. RIP, Mr Met.
ReplyDeleteMack, I think # 2 is a very possible option - but we have to see a little more of Dedniel - the fact they bumped him up so fast to St Lucie is intriguing (besides the fact he's done well since arriving there). He could be a rising relief pitcher candidate if he keeps it up.
May 25th, the day to start taking unknown Dedniel Nunez seriously...recently promoted to St Lucie, his latest start tonight was 6 IP, 1 , 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K. Pitching great.
ReplyDelete