Closer Elbows, Matt Harvey, Juan Urbina, Cory Mazzoni, Brandon Webb

There does now seem to be some trepidation about signing Brian Wilson. I’m sure Sandy Alderson’s first concern is whether or not his surgically repaired elbow (2^nd TJS) is 100% and will stand up over the length of his contract. Let’s face it, Alderson’s record on this issue is 0-1 what with Frank Francisco still mending after a piss-pour season. Francisco won’t be back until earliest May and wouldn’t it just be wonderful if the Mets signed the Beard and he was sitting in the stands next to him for at least a month? No, I’d hold off here and make sure I felt he was fully healed, but I would also deal with the whole image thing before a pen hit the paper. I’m pretty big on team unity and clubhouse acceptance and, from the looks of it, Wilson needs at least a barber to make my team.

I got a glimpse of RHSP Matt Harvey on SNY and read about him on a story written by Peter Botte . At first, it was hard to read the first paragraph:  “Matt Harvey stands at the forefront of the Mets’ future alongside fellow starting pitcher Zack Wheeler and catcher Travis d’Arnaud, the key prospect acquired in the R.A. Dickey trade earlier this winter.” When was the last time you read a paragraph about the Mets future that didn’t have either David Wright or Jose Reyes in it? He’s reporting to camp around a week early which is great. What isn’t was the undefined fact that he may also be shut down early in 2013 due to innings pitched. For whatever reasons I can’t seem to understand, baby arms aren’t like the ones I grew up with and last year’s benching of Stephen Strasburg has proven this game is being played different these days. The future of this team is the ‘on paper’ 2015 rotation of Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard, Jon Niese, and Dillon Gee. That’s where this team’s heading and it will take that long to get there.

Today’s twit with P Juan Urbina:

Mack Ade ‏@JohnMackinAde - @JuanUrbina51 - Juan, good morning... it's Mack in Savannah... how's the arm and welcome home to your Dad

Juan Urbina‏ @JuanUrbina51 - @JohnMackinAde everthing good Mack . My arm is healthy thanks god and I keep working in get my arm stronger and my body too .

Mack Ade‏ @JohnMackinAde - @JuanUrbina51 - just hang in there... family is first, then comes baseball.... hopefully we can have lunch in Savannah this year

          Good stuff from Toby Hyde yesterday, especially what he said about P Cory Mazzoni:

Mazzoni, pitching the way he did in 2012, does not miss enough bats to be a Major League starting pitcher. He’s not real big – listed at 6’1″ and 190lbs, and has not shown an ability to hold his stuff in a starting role. Generally speaking, in 2012, he would work 91-92 with his fastball most of his start. He might show better velocity earlier, or in a big spot, crank it up to 94 or 95. (I heard he reached 96 against a rehabbing big leaguer.) In short outings out of the bullpen, he should be able to find that plus velocity more consistently. His secondary pitches – a slider and a changeup that mimics a split-finger – are fine if unexceptional. Mazzoni could well be in the Mets’ bullpen as soon as mid-late 2013

                

            All of these great, young arms are not going to have a starting slot in Queens and some need to look to the pen as their road to the majors. It’s either that or become part of a package for a right hand hitting outfielder.

          Latest Mets target:

                P Brandon Webb:

          Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 3", Weight: 230 lb.

         Born: May 9, 1979 in Ashland, KY (Age 33)
High School: Ashland HS (Ashland, KY)
School: University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 8th round of the 2000 amateur draft.
Signed June 6, 2000. (All Transactions)
Debut: April 22, 2003
Team: Diamondbacks 2003-2009
Agents: Jonathan Maurer [*]
Final Game: April 6, 2009

Daniel Murphy, Juan Lagares, Francisco Pena, Greg Burke, Juan Urbina

Chris McShane wrote about Daniel Murphy:

Our eye test at the end of last season told us that we mostly view Murphy as an average defender at second base, and that's fair. He's no butcher out there, but he's far from elite with the glove. Still, though, it seems like a bit of a stretch to call Murphy one of the ten best as his position right now. He's been one of the top-ten hitters at second base, even with a relative down year last year. With a bounceback at the plate and perhaps a slight uptick in defensive performance, it's not outrageous to think that Murphy might crack the top ten in overall value at second base this year. He's just not quite there yet.

The Mets have much bigger fish to fry than second base and Murphy. Sure, he had 15 errors last year at second base, but the Mets needed to concentrate this off-season on catching, the outfield, and the pen. One is done, two to go. We’ll come back to this is 2014 after another year of Murphy and a look-see at Reese Havens in AA-AAA.

I don’t know how many of you participate in ‘The War Room’ on Sunday, but I wanted to re-print something I wrote there about OF Juan Lagares:

First thing I wanted to address was something that came out of the tele-press conference that Sandy Alderson had with selective Bloggers this week. Regarding the outfield, he REALLY was praising the growth if Juan Lagares while downplaying Matt den Dekker. He particularly spoke out on the progress Lagares made this off-season in winter ball. Lagares hit .315/.377/.352/.729 in 54-AB for AGU-DWL, but had only 13-K while drawing 5-BB. Not the biggest sample but the highest batting average of anyone on all the winter teams. This may be a little hint that he will be competing for a 25-man slot come spring.

The Mets have been particularly happy with Lagares’s conversion to the outfield, which begun in 2009. He was a big-time international SS prospect (who isn’t a SS down there) but 40 errors later in 2007 and the Mets were looking for another position for the bat that international scouts said was more progressed than Jose Reyes at the same time he was signed. There’s no pop here, but he’s settled into three great seasons (2010: .279, 2011: .349, 2012: .282) and is scheduled to make the jump to AAA this spring. Oh, did I mention he bats right?

C Francisco Pena had a relatively successful winter season for Aguilas Cibaenas of the DWL. His stat line was: .271/.314/.419/.733, with 3-HR and 21-RBI in 129-AB (only 21-K, 3-BB). Pena still likes to swing but he is making contact more often and will come to camp ready to compete with Blake Forsythe for the Binghamton job. The problem is both hit righty so there won’t be a perfect platoon here, but events in the off season have changed the urgency of producing a major league catcher.

One of the most successful pitchers on the winter circuit was Greg Burke, who was recently signed by the Mets. His new sidearm approach to the game produced an excellent stat line for Yaquis de Obregon of the Mexican League: 3-1, 2.23, 1.08, 32.1-IP, 25-K, 5-BB. Plans are for him to compete for a job in Queens. What I love about this guy is the fact that he originally signed with San Diego in 2006 after a showing in a try-out camp. The hell with the draft, right?

I guess we should bring up a little bad news from the winter season. P Juan Urbina continues to struggle and his career could be in jeopardy at this point in his career. He put up only 3.1 innings for  Tigres de Aragua of the VWL, but gave up three runs (8.10, 2.10), while striking out four and walking two. Something went bad here and, hopefully, the release of his father will help him get his game together.

The Keepers - #10 - SP - Juan Urbina

10.                SP  Juan Urbina

Urbina was signed this past year as a 16-year old international free agent. Reports are that he is already “hitting 90”, but that’s what everybody says about everybody, including their grandmother.

The same experts have said that he was the top pitcher to come out of the international kiddie signing day. In the past, the Mets used to start these newbies off in Latin America, but not anymore. Watch for him to debit in Florida with the GCL Mets.

6-23-10: - Last year’s big 16-year old international signee, SP Juan Urbina, debuted yesterday for the GCL Mets and done well. His stats were impressive: 5.0-IP, 2-H, 0-ER, 0-R, 3-K, 1-BB. He turned 17 last month. Everybody says this kid is going to be the real deal, but we’ll just have to wait four more years… when he turns 21! Urbina is already hitting the low 90’s and we’ll keep a special look out on him throughout the season.

6-30-10: - Super-prospect Juan Urbina continues to impress at the GCL-level. On Monday, Urbina tossed: 4.2-IP, 1-ER, 6-K and finished the day with a seasonal 0.93 ERA for his first two starts.

8-5-10: - Stock Up – Urbina had another great outing yesterday, going 5.2-IP, 0-ER, 3-K, 0-BB, 4-H. Remember, he’s only 17. His ERA is high (4.84), but that’s due to three horrendous outings where he gave up 16-ER in 10.0-IP.  His other eight outings produced 3-ER in 25.1-IP.

In 2010, Urbina pitched for the GCL Mets and faired well for an 18-year old: 5-3, 11-starts, 5.03, 38-K, 14-BB, 48.1-IP.

2011 Forecast: -  I can't even imagine what it's like for a kid to come to a brand new country and pitch for the New York Mets. Urbina did exactly what the Mets had hoped for when they signed him and he's one of the top young prospects in the system. The good news is he's blocked pretty solid by the plethora (great Howard Cosell word) of young starters ahead of him, and I'm sure you'll see him as part of the rotation in Brooklyn come the spring.

Up: - SP Juan Urbina – I’m hearing that Adam Wogan is spending a lot of time observing Urbina warm up on the back mounds that are usually off-limits to the press. How do I know this? Well, last year I went back there to say hello to Rick Waits and Wogan politely kicked my arse out of der… anyway, looks like Adam has taken a shine to Urbina, who, in my book, is still a long shot for a full season team in 2011.

7-5-11: - I know it’s a little early in the short-season team’s schedules, but I am going to have to readjust where I have Mets prospect SP Juan Urbina ranked in “The Keepers”. I’ve had him at #12, which is far too high, even for someone pitching well. He’s simply too young and too far down the chain to figure out yet.

8-5-11: - Stock Up – SP Juan Urbina -  It’s been a while since we said something positive about prospect Urbina, but today is the day.  Hopefully, he began a turnaround last night, going 6.0-IP, 1-ER, 5-H, 6-K, 1-BB for Kingsport. Let’s remember that he just turned 18-years old. ETA is 2015.

8-18-11: - Stock Up – SP Juan Urbina – Look, the kid has had a rough season this year, but he put it all together last night, going: 6.0-IP, 0-R, 5-H, 3-K, 2-BB. Had nine fly balls in the 18 outs. Urbina needed this one and, hopefully, he’ll string out a couple of good ones before the season ends. You will see this kid pitch winter ball.

8-22-11: -  #17 – SP Juan Urbina – Urbina is another of those talented raw toolzy guys that is already showing signs of development. He had a good last outing for Kingsports, but pitching at this level is all about teaching, not results. The Mets coaches will work with him to develop 3-4 plus pitchers which will be needed to make it in Queens. If not, he’s a closer in waiting. I have him finishing the year out with K-Port and going to Brooklyn on their opening day. I also look for a winter assignment here. ETA: Earliest 2015

9-25-11: - Juan Urbina – The once 16-year old super-sign had a rough season in 2011 (Kingsport: 4-6, 5.95, 12-starts, 49-K, 56.0-IP), but the 6-2 lefty showed signs of brilliance throughout the season. He’ll play 2012 as a 19-year old, so there is plenty of time here. My concern is his projected velo is still just that, projected.

Mets: Juan Urbina, John Gant, Johan Santana, Kevin Mulvey

2-10-12 - http://seedlingstostars.com/2012/02/10/s2s-2012-team-prospect-lists-new-york-mets/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter   - Starting Pitcher #5: Juan Urbina. Urbina would’ve been young for a high school draftee in 2011, and he already has over 100 innings of US professional experience. He’s already shown good command and has a more developed three-pitch arsenal than most pitchers his age, headlined by a changeup that already flashes plus. He also has a projectable frame and could grow into more velocity. He’s a potential breakout player as he heads into full-season ball, and doesn’t even turn 19 until May 31. Grade: B

2-17-12 - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/17/2803960/2011-draft-sleepers-part-two-round-21 - John Gant, RHP, New York Mets: A 21st round pick from high school in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Gant is originally from New York and signed for a reasonable $185,000 bonus. Lanky at 6-4, 190, Gant has an average fastball that should/could get faster along with a curveball and changeup. Like Trent Higginbotham and Joey Maher (see below), he didn't cost an enormous sum to sign, but has considerable upside.

They all could laugh in those cautious moments before Johan Santana toed the rubber, and they all would rave after his 27-pitch bullpen session ended without incident. All optimistic declarations, of course, must be tempered by this knowledge: Santana still has to prove his surgically repaired left shoulder can handle the strain of pitching every five days. There is no guarantee this is possible. So a lively bullpen session, one which left his manager giddy, means only so much. The biggest tests for Santana occur today, the day after he throws, when he discovers how his arm feels and decides whether he can complete his usual work. http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2012/02/mets_johan_santana_watch_is_on.html

2nd Round (62nd overall): Kevin Mulvey, RHP – Villanova - Mulvey was considered a steal this late in the draft. Baseball America had said about him, “Mulvey doesn’t figure to last past the Phillies at No. 37 overall and could go before that”. He was a college workhorse, with good command three average to slightly above-average pitches, and could reach the majors quickly. For the 2006 and 2007 Mulvey looked like the real deal. He was already in Triple-A by the end of his first full season and looked like he was only a few months away from contributing at the big league level. The Mets sold high on Mulvey and used him as a piece in the Johan Santana deal that summer. http://metsmerizedonline.com/2012/02/grading-the-omar-regime-the-2006-draft.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grading-the-omar-regime-the-2006-draft

Mets: Cory Mazzoni, Javier Rodriguez, Joe Tuschak, Juan Urbina

1-27-12: -  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6509  8.  RHP Cory Mazzoni - Baseball-Reference player profile - The Mets drafted Mazzoni in the second round (71st pick overall) of the 2011 draft and showed immediate confidence in him, moving him up to the Florida State League for six appearances at the end of the season. While Mazzoni did make all dozen of his pro appearances out of the bullpen after signing, that might have been in deference to the 92 innings he pitched at North Carolina State during the spring. The 6-1/195 Pennsylvania native has the stuff, strength and command to be a starting pitcher, with a fastball that sits in the low-90s and has been as high as 96-97 mph at times, a power curve in the upper-70s and a split-finger changeup. 

1-23-12 - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/1/23/2693134/2012-amazin-avenue-top-50-mets-prospects   #49) OF Javier Rodriguez - The '08 second rounder hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but after a slow start in 2011 he managed to get things back on track in Brooklyn. Specifically, after posting a .209 average through 26 games with the Gnats, Rodriguez was demoted to short season A-ball. From there he'd go on to rank among the NYPL league leaders in doubles and total bases while boosting his BB% to a very impressive 11.6. While inconsistent offensive results, waning speed and a subsequent move to right field have hurt his value, he's posted very solid ISO rates each of the past three seasons. And at 21 he's still quite age appropriate for his current level. He may not be the power/speed threat and future star the Mets hoped for when they drafted him but he's still got a chance to be a major leaguer, especially if he continues to develop that power.

1-29-12 - http://www.metsminorleagueblog.com/  Joe Tuschak ended his high school career by hitting a grand slam to lead his Northern York Polar Bears to a state title in his final game as an amateur.  Then he hit just .204/.318/.222 in his first month as a professional. On the plus side, he walked in over 11% of his plate appearances, showing strong plate discipline for a GCL player.  Unfortunately, all of the pitches he saw, which helped produce the walks, also came with a 26% strikeout rate.

1-30-12 - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/1/30/2757346/2012-amazin-avenue-top-50-mets-prospects-21-30  - LHP Juan Urbina - At no. 30, Urbina drops 19 spots from last year's list. That's because after an unspectacular but albeit forgivable pro debut, Urbina followed with an outright bad sophomore season in the rookie level Appalachian League. Add in the fact that the organization added a lot of minor league talent in 2011 and here we are. The 18-yr old lefty saw regression across most of his key indicators and the scouting reports didn't take the step forward that one would like for someone his age. Namely, his velocity did not jump up -- at least consistently -- from the 87-90 mph levels we saw last season. Now it should be pointed out that at times he flashed 93 but again, not consistently. Yet more concerning to me was the fact that the league batted a robust .300 off Urbina, something that you don't really want to see at any level, but especially not against some of the rawest hitters in pro ball. And not when he posted a similarly high number last year (.284). He was still over a year younger than the league for 2011 but take fellow teenager and Kingsport starter Akeel Morris, who held Appy league hitters to a .166 mark. The league as a whole batted .261, a heck of a lot lower than they did against Urbina. In short, Urbina hasn't blown us away with his stuff nor his results. Obviously reports about an advanced change-up and very good pitching IQ are nice but typically when you've got a potentially special future starter you can see it in dominance against inferior competition. For me, he's going to have to earn his ranking going forward.

Mets: Camden Maron , Juan Urbina , 1962, David Wright, Fred Wilpon

1-11-12 -  MMO  47.  Camden Maron (C) The Mets drafted Maron in the 34th round of the 2009 draft out of Hicksville High School (NY). Having grown up an avid Mets fan, he probably felt like he hit the lottery. After the way he played last season, the Mets are just as happy to have him on board. A promising catcher who has some defensive game to build upon, Maron is very good at blocking balls in the dirt, and has good footwork, a quick release, and a strong, accurate throwing arm. At 6’1″, Maron is a lefty hitter, who at times can be a bit of a hacker, but is very aggressive at the plate, and shows good power to all fields. Last year as the number one catcher on the Kingsport Mets, Maron got 201 AB’s, and had a slash line of .318/.434/.413, with 3 HR’s and 24 RBI’s. His OBP was so high because of his K/BB ratio, which was: 34/38. Definitely raw, and a work in progress, the organization loves this kid and has high hopes for him in the future. 2012 will be a very telling year for Maron, as he may very well have the inside track on the starting catcher job at Savannah next year.

http://seedlingstostars.com/2012/01/14/top-100-prospect-snubs-nl-east/#more-3170 - LHP Juan Urbina–Urbina pitched well in Rookie ball as an 18-year-old, and he gets good scouting reviews, but neither his stats nor his reports are strong enough to justify ranking such a raw, far-away pitcher in the top 100.

Buried deep in the epic futility, Casey Stengel’s riotous one-liners and the feel-good rebirth of National League baseball in New York in 1962, there are lessons for today’s Mets, or at least for Met fans. As the club and its faithful brace for rebuilding, it’s worth remembering that no matter how bad it gets this year, the 2012 Mets are unlikely to equal what happened on the field 50 years ago, when their first team was their worst team. “The great thing about baseball is that it’s a new game every day, which is a lot different than a lot of things in life,” says Jay Hook, the pitcher who got the first win in Met history. “I never thought we were as bad as we turned out to be. I thought every time we went out, we had a shot at winning.”  http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/today-mets-bad-remember-1962-mets-casey-stengal-richie-ashburn-marv-throneberry-article-1.1006140?localLinksEnabled=false

photo by Mack Ade

David Wright said Friday that he has not spoken with Fred Wilpon since the CEO called to apologize. He remains respectful toward his employers, who believe the impeding sale of several minority shares will help pay off a $40 million bridge loan from Bank of America and a $25 million loan from Major League Baseball. “Do I wish that Fred wouldn’t have said those things?” Wright said. “Of course. But I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. …That family has done a tremendous amount — I’m able to do things like this because of that family http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2012/01/mets_david_wright_surrounded_b.html

photo by Michael G. Baron

Johan Santana was the latest member of the Mets’ organization to step up and promise nothing for 2012, cautiously navigating a conference call Thursday that sounded a lot like the words spoken from the front office to the farthest reaches of the clubhouse. No promises. No expectations. But Thursday, one person spoke up with high hopes, perhaps the most unlikely member of the organization to declare a positive outlook. It was the principal owner, Fred Wilpon. http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/baseball/137368688_Mets_principal_owner_keeping_the_faith.html

Cutnpaste: - Juan Urbina, Wilmer Flores, Johan Santana, Collin McHugh, Blue Walls

10-27-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/10/mmo-top-20-mets-prospects -17-juan-urbina-lhp-exclusive-interview.html -   In his last 7 GS of 2011, Juan Urbina went 4-3 with an ERA of 4.00, giving up 36 hits in 36 IP, while striking out 34 and walking 8. Although the overall numbers weren’t so great for the year, it was clearly not a lost season for Urbina. He fought through adversity to turn the season from a negative, into a positive, and learned from the experience. Urbina, now 18, has a clean, effortless delivery and at 6’2″, shows excellent mechanics and good command. His fastball and change-up are his best pitches, though the curveball still needs refinement. If he can sharpen his breaking-ball and miss some bats with it, he can move quickly through the system

10-26-11: - http://www.metstoday.com/7132/mets-minors/a-look-into-the-future-top-shortstop-prospects   -  Wilmer Flores -  DOB: 8/6/1991  Birthplace: Valencia, Venezuela  Height: 6’3”   Weight: 175  R/R -  I know it is not fair to write off a player at the age of 19 (cough, cough, cough Nelson Cruz) but I have to. By now, Flores is supposed to be Detroit Tigers first basemen Miguel Cabrera. He’s supposed to be knocking over 20 homeruns, showing great plate discipline. But it’s just not there yet. I think Flores is not responsible for the disappointment. You can blame publications like Baseball America for over-hyping someone, as they did with Alex Escobar and Fernando Martinez. Flores had a pretty decent season at high-A St. Lucie, hitting 9 homeruns while driving in 81 runs. He hit .269, which was a bit disappointing. That’s all I really have to say about him. I hope he proves me wrong. He will not be at shortstop if he makes it to the big leagues. He’ll be in a corner outfield spot due to his lack of speed and mobility. He’ll be 19 at the start of the 2012 season, presumably back in St. Lucie. This will be a huge test to determine if he is indeed the future of the Mets.

Johan Santana: Nobody knows how healthy he is, which means he’s staying put for now. Should Santana come back and be solid and healthy in the first half, you could see the Mets trying to deal him if they aren’t in contention. Even if they were, they might pull the trigger on a trade to free up salary. This bears watching, but not until June and July.  http://www.newyorkmetsreport.com/2011/10/25/mets-have-precious-few-pieces-to-trade

10-26-11: - http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/10/26/colemans-corner-mets-position-players-shining-in-arizona-sun   - At St. Lucie, Collin McHugh pitched in 9 games, making 6 starts. He went 1-2 with a 6.31 ERA while the league hit .318 against him. Not great. He was then bumped to Double AA Binghamton and again started slow. At the All-Star break, he was again 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA, giving up 39 hits in 37 innings with a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. But manager Wally Backman saw something he liked in McHugh, worked with him, and he took off from there. After the Double AA All-Star break, McHugh was undefeated – 7-0 with a 1.53 ERA – yielding just 34 hits over 47 innings, with a 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (54K’s-11BB). But McHugh has had his problems in Arizona. He’s 1-2 again in 3 starts and 1 relief appearance – but this time with a hefty 8.18 ERA, surrendering 18 hits in 11 innings

This morning, Matthew Cerrone reported that the Mets have finally discussed making the outfield walls blue. It makes sense; I personally think the orange foul poles clash with the mossy green outfield walls. Making the outfield walls blue could be the latest effort to Metsify Citi Field after many fans have complained that it was too reminiscent of Ebbets Field. Me? I was just happy that the Mets Hall of Fame museum wasn’t hidden anymore. Efforts have been made to pay tribute to Mets history over the past two seasons; the installation of the entrance shadows, the ’69 and ’86 teams being commemorated, and my favorite feature: the Topps baseball cards with that day’s starting lineup. Since the Mets can’t rebuild Citi Field to look like a giant blue cupcake, the least they can is make the outfield walls blue like Shea…because I miss the giant blue cupcake. http://itsallmetstome.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/the-metsification-of-citi-field

Cutnpaste: - Manny Acosta, Fernando Martinez, Juan Urbina, Darren Oliver, Politically Incorrect

Acosta began the season in the Buffalo Bisons bullpen but made it back to MLB in early June. His 2011 MLB season was very much like 2010 — uneven and marked by strings of strong outings that may or may not have outweighed the bad ones. His overall stats were a little worse in comparison to ’10, with his ERA jumping a half-run (2.95 to 3.45), a raised WHIP (1.21 to 1.38), and a lower strikeout rate (9.53 K/9 to 8.81). One thing he did improve was his walk rate, which was reduced from 4.1 BB/9 in 2010 to 2.9 BB/9 in 2011. But, opposing hitters took advantage of more pitches to hit, as batters hit for a higher average (.219 in ’10 to .269 in ’11), with more power (slugging percentage jumped over 100 points, from .328 to .430); batters increased their OPS against him from .636 in ’10 to .759 in ’11. Acosta allowed 9.6 hits per nine innings in 2011, compared to 6.8 in 2010. Finally, he allowed 7 of 17 inherited runners to score, or 41% — that’s bad (the league average is 30%).  http://www.metstoday.com/7120/11-12-offseason/2011-analysis-manny-acosta

10-24-11: - http://risingapple.com/2011/10/24/2011-season-in-review-fernando-martinez  - So what is next for F-Mart? In an ideal world, he would’ve spent most of the year at Buffalo, healthy and getting plate appearances, and then received consistent playing time with the Mets as their season drew to a close.  Since that wasn’t the case, it seems likely that Martinez will begin his fourth season in Buffalo at the age of 23 (although to be fair, none of those seasons have been full ones).  But what about long term?  Given his chronic leg problems, F-Mart isn’t a candidate to replace Angel Pagan in center.  With Jason Bay locked into left field and Lucas Duda seemingly next year’s starting right fielder, Martinez is going to have to either hit like crazy or serve as an injury replacement in order to see significant playing time next year. It seems like Martinez has been around forever, and yet he only has registered 145 Major League plate appearances.  At this point, it doesn’t seem like he will develop into the hitting stud which he was once projected, but that doesn’t mean he should be written off completely.  There is still time for F-Mart to home his raw talent and become a productive player at the Major League level.

10-24-11: - http://scoutingthesally.com/game-report-mets-prospect-juan-urbina - Fastball:  Urbina featured an above average fastball.  He worked primarily in the 87 to 91 MPH range, touching 93 more than once.  When working in the high 80′s, he showed some plus downward movement on his 2 seam fastball.  As the night went on, he had difficulty commanding this pitch.  His 4 seam fastball left something to be desired.  At times was flat, especially when he reached back for extra velocity.  A 93 MPH flat 4 seam fastball got driven for a home run, another was lined sharply for an out. He did not lose velocity despite getting tired, and he last fastball he threw was 93.  When right, he worked in and out with his fastball on right handed hitters, setting them up for his vaulted change up.  Change up:  Going into this game, any scouting report I found about Urbina talked about how good of a pitch his change up is, Those reports didn’t disappoint.  Clearly it’s his best pitch and the pitch that has the ceiling of a plus-plus offering.  His arm action on this pitch is tremendous, especially when you consider he is only 18.  He only slowed down his motion as he got tired and I don’t believe, even then, a good swing was made on the pitch.  It sat between 80-83, with good downward movement.  On more than one occasion, it just dropped off, resulting in an ugly swing and miss.  Breaking Ball:  Honestly, I didn’t see enough to really say anything about his breaking pitches.  I have heard he throws a Curveball and a Slider, but they weren’t on display that evening.

Now, Darren Oliver has his best chance at getting the one thing all players long for, a World Series ring. With the series tied at 1, Oliver and the Rangers head home for the next three games as the heavy favorite to win the Series. For Oliver, it would be the crowning achievement for a man who was out of the Major Leagues just seven years ago. If the Rangers can win the World Series it would be another defining moment in the professional life of Darren Oliver. It would make him a World Series champion and give him a World Series ring that so few players ever get a chance to wear. It is funny how a moment can change a life. One moment, he was almost out of baseball. Because he chose to sign with the Mets, he worked with Peterson and emerged as a quality reliever. Now, he’s in his second World Series. His resiliency and his openness to change under Peterson led him to this moment–back with his original team and trying to win the organization’s first World Series title. What a moment that would be.  http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/10/22/darren-olivers-second-act

Last week, I lamented the Mets' mediocrity, and — while I still rue every single member of that organization — my life is made infinitely more miserable by Yankee fans. Even though the Yankees had an early exit from this year's playoffs at the hands of some guy named Fister, I still hear it from my Yankee−fan friends because the Mets are constantly cast in the shadow of the most successful sports franchise in history. Our cross−town rivals outclass us in every way: legacy and championships, not to mention those fancy pinstriped jerseys. After each Yankees victory, Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" (1977) can be heard booming from the PA system. It doesn't get classier than that. Do you know what they play after the Mets win? Me neither, 'cause I've never seen it actually happen, but I'm pretty sure it's in Spanish. http://www.tuftsdaily.com/sports/zach-drucker-the-loser-1.2657886

Cutnpaste: - Manny Acosta, Fernando Martinez, Juan Urbina, Darren Oliver, Politically Incorrect

Acosta began the season in the Buffalo Bisons bullpen but made it back to MLB in early June. His 2011 MLB season was very much like 2010 — uneven and marked by strings of strong outings that may or may not have outweighed the bad ones. His overall stats were a little worse in comparison to ’10, with his ERA jumping a half-run (2.95 to 3.45), a raised WHIP (1.21 to 1.38), and a lower strikeout rate (9.53 K/9 to 8.81). One thing he did improve was his walk rate, which was reduced from 4.1 BB/9 in 2010 to 2.9 BB/9 in 2011. But, opposing hitters took advantage of more pitches to hit, as batters hit for a higher average (.219 in ’10 to .269 in ’11), with more power (slugging percentage jumped over 100 points, from .328 to .430); batters increased their OPS against him from .636 in ’10 to .759 in ’11. Acosta allowed 9.6 hits per nine innings in 2011, compared to 6.8 in 2010. Finally, he allowed 7 of 17 inherited runners to score, or 41% — that’s bad (the league average is 30%).  http://www.metstoday.com/7120/11-12-offseason/2011-analysis-manny-acosta

10-24-11: - http://risingapple.com/2011/10/24/2011-season-in-review-fernando-martinez  - So what is next for F-Mart? In an ideal world, he would’ve spent most of the year at Buffalo, healthy and getting plate appearances, and then received consistent playing time with the Mets as their season drew to a close.  Since that wasn’t the case, it seems likely that Martinez will begin his fourth season in Buffalo at the age of 23 (although to be fair, none of those seasons have been full ones).  But what about long term?  Given his chronic leg problems, F-Mart isn’t a candidate to replace Angel Pagan in center.  With Jason Bay locked into left field and Lucas Duda seemingly next year’s starting right fielder, Martinez is going to have to either hit like crazy or serve as an injury replacement in order to see significant playing time next year. It seems like Martinez has been around forever, and yet he only has registered 145 Major League plate appearances.  At this point, it doesn’t seem like he will develop into the hitting stud which he was once projected, but that doesn’t mean he should be written off completely.  There is still time for F-Mart to home his raw talent and become a productive player at the Major League level.

10-24-11: - http://scoutingthesally.com/game-report-mets-prospect-juan-urbina - Fastball:  Urbina featured an above average fastball.  He worked primarily in the 87 to 91 MPH range, touching 93 more than once.  When working in the high 80′s, he showed some plus downward movement on his 2 seam fastball.  As the night went on, he had difficulty commanding this pitch.  His 4 seam fastball left something to be desired.  At times was flat, especially when he reached back for extra velocity.  A 93 MPH flat 4 seam fastball got driven for a home run, another was lined sharply for an out. He did not lose velocity despite getting tired, and he last fastball he threw was 93.  When right, he worked in and out with his fastball on right handed hitters, setting them up for his vaulted change up.  Change up:  Going into this game, any scouting report I found about Urbina talked about how good of a pitch his change up is, Those reports didn’t disappoint.  Clearly it’s his best pitch and the pitch that has the ceiling of a plus-plus offering.  His arm action on this pitch is tremendous, especially when you consider he is only 18.  He only slowed down his motion as he got tired and I don’t believe, even then, a good swing was made on the pitch.  It sat between 80-83, with good downward movement.  On more than one occasion, it just dropped off, resulting in an ugly swing and miss.  Breaking Ball:  Honestly, I didn’t see enough to really say anything about his breaking pitches.  I have heard he throws a Curveball and a Slider, but they weren’t on display that evening.

Now, Darren Oliver has his best chance at getting the one thing all players long for, a World Series ring. With the series tied at 1, Oliver and the Rangers head home for the next three games as the heavy favorite to win the Series. For Oliver, it would be the crowning achievement for a man who was out of the Major Leagues just seven years ago. If the Rangers can win the World Series it would be another defining moment in the professional life of Darren Oliver. It would make him a World Series champion and give him a World Series ring that so few players ever get a chance to wear. It is funny how a moment can change a life. One moment, he was almost out of baseball. Because he chose to sign with the Mets, he worked with Peterson and emerged as a quality reliever. Now, he’s in his second World Series. His resiliency and his openness to change under Peterson led him to this moment–back with his original team and trying to win the organization’s first World Series title. What a moment that would be.  http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/10/22/darren-olivers-second-act

Last week, I lamented the Mets' mediocrity, and — while I still rue every single member of that organization — my life is made infinitely more miserable by Yankee fans. Even though the Yankees had an early exit from this year's playoffs at the hands of some guy named Fister, I still hear it from my Yankee−fan friends because the Mets are constantly cast in the shadow of the most successful sports franchise in history. Our cross−town rivals outclass us in every way: legacy and championships, not to mention those fancy pinstriped jerseys. After each Yankees victory, Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" (1977) can be heard booming from the PA system. It doesn't get classier than that. Do you know what they play after the Mets win? Me neither, 'cause I've never seen it actually happen, but I'm pretty sure it's in Spanish. http://www.tuftsdaily.com/sports/zach-drucker-the-loser-1.2657886

Mets Analysis – 2012 Rookie Team Starters

I’m not going to try and predict at this point of the 2011 season, who will pitch in the rotations of the 2012 sub-A and rookie teams. I fail so consistently predicting the four full season teams so there is no reason to embarrass myself even further.

That being said, there are a few names to throw out there that will be written about much more by this time next year. We talked all season about the “Big 4” (Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Famila). Well, there’s another level being quietly developed (I did not include Akeel Morris here, who I have in Savannah and may be the best of the lot).

Michael Fulmer – Fulmer was a pleasant surprise as the 2^nd round pick this past June. Great high school stats (10-2, 0.72, 127-K, 68-IP), but we always questing the quality of high school competition. He was comfortably hitting 97 this past season, which is just fine with me. His sitting velo climb was 2009: 90, 2010: 95, 2011: 97. He’s pushing 6-4, and that should be about it height wise. His future will be dependent upon mastering his “slider/curve”, which has big, downward break. The Mets will move slow here, but will probably showcase him in Brooklyn next season.

photo by Allan Greene

Juan Urbina – The once 16-year old super-sign had a rough season in 2011 (Kingsport: 4-6, 5.95, 12-starts, 49-K, 56.0-IP), but the 6-2 lefty showed signs of brilliance throughout the season. He’ll play 2012 as a 19-year old, so there is plenty of time here. My concern is his projected velo is still just that, projected.

Domingo Tapia – Everybody that has seen this kid pitch gets excited real quick. He’s 20-years old, 6-4 and was throwing 100 in Brooklyn earlier this month. Stats for the season: 6-5, 3.38, 56.0-IP, 36-K, 16-BB. Needs lots of work and projects out as a future closer, but will probably start for the Cyclones in 2012.

Luis Mateo – The 21-yr. old signed with the Mets in March after originally signing with the Giants and Padres. Lots of drama (undisclosed injury, wrong age), but the bottom line is the fact he can damn well pitch. He’s sitting at 95 and his DSL stats this year were: 13-G, 6-1, 63-IP, 80-K, 5-BB. He will definitely be stateside come the spring.

The Gamers vs. The Gifted: Huchingson vs. Urbina

We're starting to get towards some players I happen to really like. Huchingson is a lefty... and crafty lefties are well... more valuable than crafty righties. Urbina on the other hand is a legacy prospect who has plus stuff and a bit of a faithful following.

Full Name: Daniel Chase Huchingson

Born: 04/14/1989

Birthplace: Fayetteville, AR

College: Central Arkansas

Height: 6' 5"

Weight: 197

Bats: L

Throws: L

Being essentially a giant (I'm 5'9"... anyone over 6'2" is a giant) Chase Huchingson actually skirts the border between gifted and gamer. 93 MPH isn't PHENOMENAL, but for a lefty it's pretty solid. He could even beef that MPH out a bit if he moved to the pen. I think the pen is where he'll end up but I also think he'll get the chance to start until he fails.

Most people will tell you that the jump from A+ to AA is a killer but the Mets have a friendly pitchers park in Savannah and that makes the jump to Port St. Lucie scary for a guy like Chase.

Huchingson's Scouting Report:

These phenoms in A-ball come along every year. Sometimes they are named Eric Beaulac while other times it Mark Cohoon. They dominate this level after coming out of college and, in the case of Chase, dominate at both a starter (1.77) or out of the pen (1.62). What I like from the 6-5 lefty is the 86-Ks in 80.0-IP. It’s obvious he will play St. Lucie next spring and I would love to see him stay in the pen.

He was described as having a 91-93 MPH fastball with little to no breaking stuff. That was college and things seem to have progressed.

Full Name: Juan Manuel Urbina

Born: 05/31/1993

Birthplace: Ocumare Del Tuy, Venezuela

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 170

Bats: L

Throws: L


How can I say Huchingson (with a 91-93 MPH heater) is a gamer and Urbina (with 88-91 MPH) is gifted? The answer is in Urbina's changeup... and his age. Urbina is 4 years younger than Chase and still in a period of his life where adding horse-power is a REAL possibility. Add to this that he has a "Major League" breaking pitch and you can see why people are intrigued.

Sadly he has not turned his "stuff" into success in the minors. I think his time to cut the cheese as a starter is running out and despite his lack of success in the GCL or APP I have him moving on into Brooklyn. If he fails again he'll need to be moved into the bullpen because something isn't adding up.

Urbina's Scouting Report:

Widely regarded as the best International pitcher available, except some guy named Chapman, the Mets signed the 16yo to a $1.2MM bonus. Urbina already throws a 90MPH fastball, and a change that projects to be at least Major League average. He commands both pitches well, and has an extremely advanced feel for pitching, for a player so young. The downside is that he still struggles with his secondary offerings, and will need an improved Slider to experience significant success. The success rate for high profile 16yo Latin American pitchers isn’t great, but Urbina has all the makings of a good one. Expect for the Mets to have him make his U.S. debut in the GCL later this summer

Partially because Huchingson is almost classified as gifted and partially because he's farther along with more success than Juan, round 3 goes to the gamers.

Stock: Juan Urbina, Marcos Camerena, Jack Leathersich, Craig Missingman, Luis Mateo

8-18-11: - Stock Up – SP Juan Urbina – Look, the kid has had a rough season this year, but he put it all together last night, going: 6.0-IP, 0-R, 5-H, 3-K, 2-BB. Had nine fly balls in the 18 outs. Urbina needed this one and, hopefully, he’ll string out a couple of good ones before the season ends. You will see this kin pitch winter ball. 8-19-11: - Stock Up – SP Luis Mateo – Mateo continues to dominate the DSL league. The 6-3 right pitched five more scoreless innings, striking out eight. He’s now: 6-1, 2.00, 13-starts, 63.0-IP, 80-K, 5-BB.

8-18-11:- Stock Up: - SP Marcos Camerena – Almost prospect “Marco” continues to impress, striking out eight in 4.2-IP last night. Yearly stats are now: 2-3, 3.27, 11-starts, 52.1-IP, 41-K, 12-BB, .305-BABIP, 3.74-FIP, 5.4%-BB/PA. Looks like a Sand Gnat shoe-in in 2012.

8-18-11: - Stock Up – RP Jack Leathersich – Leather pitched 1.2 last night and only had four strikeouts. Poor baby. Seriously, that’s seven relief outings so far this season, for 8.2 innings, and he has 20 strikeouts. Let’s see… 8.2-IP is… 26 outs, 20 of which are whiff. That’s a 58.8-K/PA and a BABIP of .455. Really.

8-18-11: - Stock Up – P Craig Missingman – This smart kid signed early after being drafted in the 37th round and reported to the GCL team. So far, (turned 18 this month), he’s pitched 8-G, three of which he has started, and has posted a 3.86 ERA in 21.0-IP (17-K). These are the kind of high school kids this team never drafted and all you want them to do this season is get their feet wet. Well, Craig is doing more than that.

Cutnpaste: Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Josh Satin, Juan Urbina, Greg Pron, Pedro Beato

Kirk Nieuwenhuis:


8-11-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/08/baseball-americas-mets-top-10-list-prior-to-2011-where-are-they-now.html   - OF – Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Kirk was enjoying a fine season in Buffalo before falling to injury. He may have lost a huge opportunity to play every day on the major league roster with the recent trade of Beltran, and injury to Murphy that has moved Duda to first base. Started 2011: Triple-A Currently: out for season, shoulder surgery


Josh Satin:


8-14-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/32042/projected-prospect-call-ups  - JOSH SATIN, infielder (.324, 12 HR, 71 RBI, .415 OBP, 417 at-bats with Buffalo and Binghamton): After hitting .325 in Double-A, Satin earned a July 22 promotion to the Bisons and continued his offensive success. A sixth-round pick in 2008 from Cal-Berkeley, Satin recently enjoyed a 15-game hitting streak. Perhaps a notch below Daniel Murphy in terms of defensive skill, Satin similarly has been exposed to first, second and third base.


Juan Urbina:


8-14-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/08/kingsport-mets-team-report-stretch-run-edition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MetsMerizedOnline-GetMetsmerized-NewYorkMets+%28Mets+Merized+Online%29&utm_content=Twitter  - Juan Urbina - The son of the former big leaguer Ugueth Urbina, has been having a very rough year as the rest of the league has been beating him like a drum, at will. His stats aren’t pretty: In 9 GS and 40 IP, he has an ugly 2-5 record, and an ERA of 6.69. His K/BB ratio is very good, 36/16, but he is getting knocked all over the park. 53 hits in his 40 IP, 7 of which are HR’s, and the league is hitting .314 against him. The scouts love him though. After all he just turned 18 earlier this season. He’s 6’2″ and throws LH. And they say he can command several plus pitches, So I guess you can chalk this year up to his young age and despite the numbers, this is a very important developmental year for the south-paw.


Greg Pron:


8-14-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/08/kingsport-mets-team-report-stretch-run-edition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MetsMerizedOnline-GetMetsmerized-NewYorkMets+%28Mets+Merized+Online%29&utm_content=Twitter  - Greg Pron - So far the 2011 42nd round pick looks like we got a real steal, when Sandy tabbed this 6’6″ RH slugging OF from West Florida. Pron has started off his professional career in a huge way. Pron is 9th in the Appy League with a .319 BA, .385 OBP, .518 SLG and .903 OPS (On Base Plus Slugging, the combination of OBP and SLG). He leads the team in BA, HR’s with 7, Total Bases, OPS and SB’s with 6. In 166 AB’s he is second on the team in: Runs (31), Hits (53), RBI’s (27), OBP and SLG. He does have a long swing, and tends to strikeout too often as his K/BB ratio of 46/17 indicates. Pron, who has played all three OF positions for Kingsport, is an intriguing prospect, and should open the 2012 season as a starting outfielder at Savannah, long season league.


Pedro Beato:


8-15-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/32211/collins-beato-ought-to-get-starter-look  - Beato was a starter through 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles in the minors, before they converted him to closer with Double-A Bowie last year. Collins may want to check the '09 stats with Class A Fredericksburg before proclaiming starting the better option. In 20 starts with that club, Beato's opponent batting average was .247 in the first inning, .269 in the second, .286 in the third, .284 in the fourth, .358 in the fifth and .400 in the sixth.