Andrew Percoco - St. Lucie Mets Opening Week Recap

 

                 It was so wonderful to have minor league baseball return after having to sit out in 2020.  Opening Day was on Tuesday evening, May 4^th, and did not disappoint.  Pete Crow-Armstrong, the 19 year old 1^st round draft pick center fielder for the New York Mets made his professional debut and got off to a roaring start. 

                Crow-Armstrong finished his debut going 2 for 5 with a double over the left fielder’s head, scored 2 runs and knocked in 2 RBI.  His batting stance is very similar to Francisco Lindor’s and has lightning speed.  Francisco Alvarez, also 19 and one of the Mets’ top prospects as well in the catcher’s spot, got 4 hits.  Overall, the St. Lucie Mets got 18 hits and won easily 13-3. 

Branden Fryman, another prospect playing in this game, is the son of ex major leaguer Travis Fryman, who played 13 seasons in the big leagues. He got 2 hits in the game as well.

Clover Park is such a beautiful place to see a ballgame.  They also have a number of promotions this season, including the Silver Slugger program.  Anyone 55 years of age or older may attend 10 Tuesday evening games, as well as 5 Wednesday day games, along with a free hot dog voucher for each game, a mask, a T-shirt, and other perks for just $30.  There are also Dollar Night promotions every Thursday game, in which beer, soda, hot dogs and popcorn are all just $1.  Weekends are Kids Club days and fireworks are on Saturday nights.

On Wednesday night, they lost 6-5 in 10 innings, however Crow-Armstrong reached base 5 times which included 4 walks. Fryman and Crow-Armstrong got 2 hits each in a 9-0 blowout on Thursday night. The Mets then won 7-4 on Friday night.  Alvarez and Fryman both hit their first home runs for the season, and they both have started the season red hot at the plate. 

Saturday night produced the Mets’ third win in a row, and the star of the night was Matt Dyer, their 4^th round catcher draft pick.  Dyer went 3-3 with a home run.  On Sunday, the Mets lost 7-5 however Crow-Armstrong got 3 hits with 2 RBI and Alvarez got 1 hit with a double and 3 walks.  They have an off day on Monday and then go on the road to Daytona to play the Tortugas on Tuesday evening.

The St. Lucie Mets finished their first week with a 4-2 record, with Alvarez, Crow-Armstrong and Dyer leading the way. 

I don’t think Alvarez will be with this team too long.  He is so strong and built like Mike Piazza.  I can definitely envision him being promoted to High-A Brooklyn later this year.  I can also say the same for Crow-Armstrong.  The New York Mets have James McCann for 4 years behind the plate, however if Alvarez progresses quickly I believe he could become their starting catcher in 3 years.  The Mets also don’t have a bonafide center fielder, and Crow-Armstrong could also be on the fast track to man that position in 3 years.  

It will be a fun season to watch these players grow.