10.28.2015 Winter League Results: Rafters Shut Out, Carrillo Ejected and Suspended?, Bad Day for Mets Prospects In Venezuela

Arizona Fall League
- Glendale Desert Dogs 4 - 5 Scottsdale Scorpions
- Mesa Solar Sox 11 - 10 Surprise Saguaros
- Salt River Rafters 0 - 2 Peoria Javelinas

• 1B Dominic Smith: 0 for 4, K
• SS Jeff McNeil: 0 for 2
• RHP Mickey Jannis: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, Loss(0-1) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 4 - 3 Yaquis de Obregon
- Mayos de Navojoa 2 - 4 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Venados de Mazatlan 3 - 4 Caneros de los Mochis
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 5 - 6 Aguilas de Mexicali

Side Note: I received an update on C Xorge Carrillo. During the Oct. 25th game, a bench clearing altercation occurred and Carrillo was one of 4 players ejected from the game. I am assuming a suspension came with it as he has not started a game since the altercation.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Leones del Caracas 5 - 6 Tiburones de La Guaira

• C Albert Cordero: 0 for 4, BB, 2 K
• RHP Jose Celas: 0.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, Blown Save

- Navegantes del Magallanes 8 - 6 Bravos de Margarita

• RHP Zach Thornton: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, Hold(7) 

- Caribes de Anzoategui 2 - 3 Tigres de Aragua

• RF Travis Taijeron: 0 for 3, BB, 2 K

Dominican Winter League
- Estrellas de Oriente 2 - 1 Tigres del Licey
- Gigantes del Cibao 12 - 4 Toros del Este
- Leones del Escogido 4 - 3 Aguilas Cibaenas



Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League
Side Note: Regular Season begins Thursday, October 30th.
Side Note #2: LHP Adam Kolarek is listed on the Gigantes de Carolina roster. However the Mets released Kolarek earlier this month and he is now a part of the Orioles organization. Thus we will not track his stats.

2014 Winter Leagues: 12/14/2014 Results

Venezuelan Winter League

- Tiburones de La Guaira 8 - 6 Cardenales de Lara

- Tigres de Aragua 0 - 7 Navegantes del Magallanes

- Caribes de Anzoategui 9 - 3 Leones del Caracas

- Bravos de Margarita 9 - 14 Aguilas del Zulia

• SS Wilmer Flores: 4 for 5, 2 R, HR(3), 2 RBI(9), K, Fielding Error(4)

Mexican Pacific League

- Yaquis de Obregon 3 - 4 Aguilas de Mexicali
- Caneros de los Mochis 4 - 5 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Charros de Jalisco 5 - 2 Mayos de Navojoa
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 1 - 4 Venados de Mazatlan


 Dominican Winter League

- Aguilas Cibaenas 7 - 5 Tigres del Licey
- Estrellas de Oriente 10 - 3 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 5 - 4 Toros del Este

• CF Cesar Puello: 1 for 3, 2 R, HR(2), RBI(6), BB, K, SB(5), Fielding Error(1)

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

- Senadores de San Juan 2 - 4 Cangrejeros de Santurce
- Indios de Mayaguez 1 - 5 Gigantes de Carolina

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 4, Throwing Error(3)
• LHP Adam Kolarek: 1.1 IP, 1 K, Hold(1)

Position Battles Worth Watching: 13 Pitchers, 3 Bullpen Spots

One of the largest fights this Spring Training, as it is every season, will be for the final spots within the bullpen. This year only 4 guys are really guaranteed spots going into the season; RH Bobby Parnell, RH Victor Black, RH Carlos Torres, and LH Scott Rice. That leaves 3 spots left in a normal 7 man bullpen. Let's break this battle into two separate sections and assume that the team will carry 2 lefties this year.

Battle to be the 2nd Lefty

Favorites- Josh Edgin

Guys w/ a Chance- (none)

Longshots- Adam Kolarek

This is more of a minor ST battle that probably won't be a fight at all. While Josh Edgin is the incumbent and most likely winner, he was heavily criticized last season for his atrocious start. In 11 April appearances, Edgin held a 9.64 ERA and allowed a .325/.386/.525 batting line in mostly low leverage situations. Even worse, after being sent down to both AA and AAA, Edgin did not improve posting ERA's of 7.88 and 5.91 respectively. Edgin also suffered a season ending injury in August 

Adam Kolarek, meanwhile, had a career best year for the Binghamton Mets making appearances in 44 games and posting a 1.71 ERA and holding lefties to a .214 AVG and only 3 extra base hits all season. His low 90's fastball has a two plane break away from lefties which induces plenty of weak contact. He combines it  with an advanced change-up and a newly added slider which makes him just as effective against righties as well.

While Kolarek has looked good, Edgin has looked good in bursts at the MLB level and is on the 40 man roster. The team is almost certain to give Edgin at least one more chance while Kolarek gets some work in at AAA but he'll give Edgin a run for his money this ST. Don't be surprised if you start to hear his name more often if Edgin gets off to another rough start.

Royal Rumble over Last Two Spots

Favorites- Jeurys Familia, Gonzalez Germen

Guys w/ a Chance- Ryan Reid, Joel Carreno, Miguel Socolovich, Kyle Farnsworth

Longshots- Jeff Walters, Chasen Bradford, John Church, Cory Mazzoni, Logan Verrett, Jack Leathersich

Both Familia and Germen are expected to be major players in the bullpen this season but they may receive some stiff competition from recent minor league contracts signings in Reid, Farnsworth, Carreno, and Socolovich. 

The 29 yr old Reid had a career year in AAA last year and earned an 11 inning cup of coffee at the MLB level where he performed well in all but 1 of his appearances. 

The former Blue Jay, Joel Carreno, brings eye popping K rates into the competition thanks to a plus slider that's extremely tough on righties. In 2013 he held righties to a .101 AVG while striking out 41% of them. 

Lastly, there's the journeyman, Miguel Socolovich. The 27 yr old Venezuelan spent time in Boston, Chicago, Baltimore, and most recently in Japan for 2013. He didn't rack up many innings there (11.1) but he only allow 1 ER in his short time there.

The rest of the guys are longshots to make the team but, with chance to showcase their abilities, good performances could lead to potential promotions to the MLB level in case of injuries or ineffective by the other guys. Walters should be the 1st in line though since he is on the 40 man roster already. 

Mets: Adam Kolarek, Jon Niese, Jason Bay, Gary Carter

1-11-12 -  MMO  48.  Adam Kolarek (LHP) Kolarek was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the 11th round of the 2010 draft. A 6’3″ lefty Kolarek put together a fabulous year coming out of the pen for the Sand Gnats. In 52.2 IP, he went 7-0 with a 2.22 ERA, and 5 saves, with an opponents batting average of .214, and a WHIP of 1.14. Kolarek throws a 90-94 mph four-seamer, a change-up, slider, and is working on a sinker, which he details in a recent interview with MMO: “I mainly throw a 4-seam fastball but I am really working on my 2-seam this offseason because I really believe that it will help me moving forward. I would say my change-up is my second best pitch because I feel comfortable throwing it in just about any count or any situation. When I throw a real good one it will have some tailing movement into a lefty or away from a righty. Finally, I feel like I made a lot of progress with my slider last year and I want to continue to build off of that. I would mainly use it when I was ahead in the count and was trying to get a strike out or ground ball, but I really want to get to the point this year where I can use my slider when I’m behind in the count in a typical fastball situation.” With lefties like Kolarek, Josh Edgin, Jack Leathersich, Robert Carson, and Ham Bennett in the pipe-line, there is some lefty relief help on the horizon with Carson most likely being the first to arrive, his ETA 2012. Adam Kolarek video

Jon Niese has had both physical and mental breakdowns in each of the last two years which have unquestionably hindered his development, and hurt the team in the process. While he’s still relatively young, I’ve found that pattern very concerning; injuries aside, he’s been two totally different pitchers before and after the All-Star break in his career. He has said this winter his focus is on getting through an entire 162 game season and prove he has the stamina to give the team more length, but he’s now 25, and like I said yesterday, the time is now for him. In fact, Niese is the one I expect more out of in terms of growth, maturity, and proving his problems are behind him simply because he’s the youngest of the team’s starters and has shown at times he “can” be a top-of-the-rotation starter http://www.metsblog.com/2012/01/15/jon-niese-his-physical-mental-breakdowns-2012/

Generally speaking, if a Major League hitter is in his 30s and not using performance-enhancing drugs, his skills are unlikely to drastically improve after they’ve drastically declined. Since Jason Bay turned 33 last September and PED use is prohibited in Bud Selig’s baseball company, it’s hard for me to expect Jason Bay to return to the form that earned him a 4-year, $66M contract. At the same time, it’s hard for me to accept the idea that Bay is a sub-.250 hitter who will be lucky to hit 15 homers over a full season of play. But, that’s my emotions thinking; from his days in Pittsburgh, I’ve loved Bay’s approach to the game and always enjoyed watching him play. I’ve had similar, irrational feelings for other Mets in the twilight of their careers, such as the aforementioned Ventura and Green, Mo Vaughn, Jeromy Burnitz, and Willie Montanez — as much as my eyes were telling me those players were finished, my heart was hoping my eyes weren’t seeing clearly. http://www.metstoday.com/7377/11-12-offseason/2011-analysis-jason-bay/

The Kid rallied again Sunday night. Just as he has done at the 25 previous events he has hosted, Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter welcomed more than 150 friends with hugs and smiles at a kick-off dinner for his 26th annual charity golf tournament. He made them laugh, too - with an assist from his wife, Sandy. Carter was seven minutes into his welcoming remarks at the Ironhorse Country Club when Sandy nudged him and whispered, "Let's eat!" "That's my wife and she knows that I talk too much, so that's it for me,' Carter said as the crowd broke into laughter. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/2104334.html

The Keepers: - #85 - RP - Adam Kolarek

                   85.   Adam Kolarek RP

5-10-11: - RP Adam Kolarek was promoted from extended camp and joined Lucy for Tuesday’s game. Kolarek was an 11th round pick last year by the Mets and pitched both for K-Port (5-G, 3.86) and Brooklyn (17-G, 2.89, 30-K, 28.0-IP).

8-9-11: - Stock Up – SP Adam Kolarek – Kolarek is starting for the Sand Gnats this week. The 22-yr. old 6-3 right hander has pitched in 42 professional games over the past two seasons, but only one has been as a starter. That was two outings ago when he struck out seven in 5.0-IP. He does have 87-Ks in 78.2 professional innings, so obviously the thought process here is to try him as a starter.

83 – RP Adam Kolarek – Kolarek has been a real pleasant surprise this year. The 6-3 LHP started slow in Kingsport (7.36), but has been spot on (7-0, 2.09, 20-G, 53-K, 17-BB, 51.2-IP) for Savannah. I have him back in Savannah next spring and probably moving on to St. Lucie at the break, but if Brant Rustich doesn’t come back, don’t be surprised if he’s not in the Lucy pen in April. ETA: - TBD

Mets Q and A: - Wally Murphy on The Sand Gnats

Mack: - Welcome Wally. No one has seen more from this team this year than you have. First question is really simply. Name the one player, and why, that is definitely going to be a star in the pros for the New York Mets?


Wally: - That is a good question. There are several players on the team this year that could play for the Mets in the future. The player I think will advance to the top is Josh Edgin, who pitched great in relief for the Gnats the first half-he was (1-0), ERA under 1, with 16 saves. His fast ball was 90 plus and had a great curve ball. I think he could pitch relief or come in the game to get a left handed batter out.


Mack: - I agree. I think Josh might make Queens by the beginning of 2013. Let's talk about Aderlin Rodriquez. Sadly, you've watch a lot of Mets prospects kick the ball around the infield in the last couple of years. We all know A-Rod can hit the ball out of the park, but is he as bad a fielder as the stats say?


Wally: - Aderlin Rodriquez has made lots of errors at third this season. He has a great throwing arm to first and has made a bunch of super plays at third. He is only 19 so they may keep working with him at third. Maybe he will play first base in the future.


Mack: - Regarding the rotation, is there one pitcher that stood out this season from the rest?


Wally: - I was impressed with Angel Cuan pitching well this season leading the team with 10 wins. Not overpowering, his fast ball is 85-86 range, but has good breaking pitches, moves the ball in and out and up and down in the strike zone. I would call him a "crafty" pitcher. Hope he does well in St. Lucie next year.


Mack: - You've watched this team for years now... a little word association. Cory Vaughn or Matt den Dekker?


Wally: - Both play very good defense in the outfield. Slight edge in hitting goes to Den Dekker.


Mack: - Better bat... Aderlin Rodriguez or Josh Satin


Wally: - Josh Satin has hit for good average (.300) at all of his stops. Aderlin Rodriquez has more power (17) home runs, but is hitting around 220. The upside for Rodriquez is that he is only 19 years old, and has time to improve his average and be a more consistent hitter to go with his pop.


Mack: - Wally, your thought on "DC". He didn't have the year everyone expected....


Wally: - The injury slowed down Darrell Ceciliani and he has been hitting better the second half (.260's). He is a tremendous center fielder and it seems like he runs down every ball hit to left-center, center, and right center. Only 4 errors for the year. Good speed leading the team in stolen bases with 25. I look for him to hit for a higher average next year.


Mack: - Wally, any other thoughts on any of the other players this season?


Wally: - Albert Cordero has improved his hitting and made adjustments to lead the Gnats in hitting (around .280) the second half. Gnats pitching has been strong, Angel Cuan (10-3), Adam Kolarek (7-0), Chase Huchingson (7-2), Taylor Whitenton (5-4), closer Hamilton Bennett (2-0) with 14 saves. The entire pitching staff has pitched well leading the SAL with the lowest team ERA.

Stock: Adam Kolarek, Maikis De La Cruz, Michael Fisher, Jordany Valdespin, John Church

8-9-11: - Stock Up – SP Adam Kolarek – Kolarek is starting for the Sand Gnats this week. The 22-yr. old 6-3 right hander has pitched in 42 professional games over the past two seasons, but only one has been as a starter. That was two outings ago when he struck out seven in 5.0-IP. He does have 87-Ks in 78.2 professional innings, so obviously the thought process here is to try him as a starter.


8-10-11: - Stock Up - Maikis De La Cruz is one of the DSL players that was singled out recently by Paul DePodesta in an interview with ESPN. Last night, he went 204, with a double and four runs batted in. The 20-year old has been switched around between the two DSL teams (something that was done with most of the every day players), but it really didn’t slow him down. He has hit .300+ with both teams. He also has 31 stolen bases.


8-10-11: - Stock Up -  Michael Fisher is sort of the forgotton Mets infielder. Sort of the other Jacob Turner. He really doesn’t do that much wrong but he’s blocked every way from Sunday. Last night, for Binghamton, he went 3-4, 2-doubles, 4-RBIs, and raised his yearly line to: .300/.336/.500/.836. He’s 26-years old and, sadly, stuck.


8-10-11 – Stock Up – Jordany Valdespin – it’s obvious that the promotion of Ruben Tejada got this ball rolling, but Valdespin earned this one on his own. He hit .297/.341/.483/.824 in AA, with 15-HR and 51-RBIs. The problem is he also had 29 errors which the Mets aren’t used to with their middle infielders. Still, kudos to Jordy.


8-10-11: - Stock Up – John Church - Church pitched a 7-inning complete game in the back end of a Lucy doubleheader, giving up only one run and five hits. John has been making the conversion from a successful 2010 as a reliever for the Sand Gnats and you can't do better than complete a game.