Binghamton 7, Erie 5

After blowing a two-run lead in the ninth, B-Mets designated hitter Marshall Hubbard provided atonement with a two-run, game-winning shot to right off Brooks Brown, leading Binghamton to its fifth straight win, 7-5 over Erie, at Jerry Uht Park Monday night. Eddie Kunz offered up his best start of the season. The converted reliever fired a career-high six innings and did not walk a hitter for the first time in 2010.

Brown got the 10th inning started all wrong with a walk to Lucas Duda. Hubbard followed Duda with a no-doubt bomb to right on a 1-1 offering from the Erie (12-12) stopper to give the B-Mets the lead back. It was Hubbard’s second homer of the season.

Binghamton (15-9) carried a 5-3 lead entering the ninth. With Roy Merritt, who had worked 8 1/3 innings consecutively without allowing a run, on in relief the win seemed inevitable. However, the SeaWolves built a rally. Cale Iorg doubled off Merritt into the left-field corner with one out to get the ball rolling. Pinch-hitter Shawn Roof followed with an RBI single to right on the first pitch he saw from the southpaw, cutting the margin to one. After Merritt struck out Josh Burrus for the second out, he was pulled in favor of a right-hander, Clint Everts, with reigning Eastern League Hitter of the Week Wilkin Ramirez due at the plate. Ramirez, who was 0-4 entering his plate appearance, throttled a double off the wall in left to plate Roof with the tying run.

Everts was credited with his first win of the season. He tossed a 1-2-3 10th frame after blowing the save in the ninth. The righty hurled 1 1/3 innings and struck out three.

For the second straight game, the B-Mets plated runs in the first frame. This time Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Nick Evans led off the inning with back-to-back singles off starter Thad Weber. After Luis Hernandez flied out to center, Duda doubled off the wall in left, plating both men, pitting Binghamton a 2-0 lead. Evans was activated from the disabled list prior to the game after missing five games due to a strained right oblique.

The SeaWolves tallied a run in the bottom of the same inning on a two-out, RBI double from Cesar Nicolas to get back within a run.

Binghamton answered in the second, once again getting the first two hitters on with singles. With runners at the corners, Jonathan Malo lifted a flyball to right that was deep enough allowing Carlos Guzman to score from third.

Erie plated a single run in the fifth inning thanks to an error at third by Jose Coronado and then rallied to tie in the third on a Josh Burrus sac fly right.

The B-Mets retook the lead in the eighth after Weber departed. Jay Voss inherited Duda, who Weber left on base after permitting a one-out single. Voss promptly struck out Hubbard before giving up a single to Coronado that kept the inning going for Guzman, who sliced a double down the line in left, plating Duda.

Binghamton added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI fielder’s choice from Evans to third. That run proved pivotal in the end with The SeaWolves two-run, ninth-inning rally forthcoming.

Kunz allowed two runs, one earned, over his six innings and allowed six hits for a no-decision.

Mack's Mock Draft 4.0

1st Round:


1. Washington Nationals C Bryce Harper

2. Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jamerson Taillon

3. Baltimore Orioles LHP Drew Pomeranz

4. Kansas City Royals RHP Deck McGuire

5. Cleveland Indians LHP Chris Sale

6. Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Anthony Renaudo

7. New York Mets RHP A J Cole

8. Houston Astros RHP Karsten Whitson

9. San Diego Padres 3B Zach Cox

10. Oakland Athletics SS Christian Colon

11. Toronto Blue Jays SS Manny Machado

12. Cincinnati Reds RHP Alex Wimmers

13. Chicago White Sox OF Bryce Brentz

14. Milwaukee Brewers RHP Dylan Covey

15. Texas Rangers (compensation for not signing Matt Purke) RHP Brandon Workman

16. Chicago Cubs RHP Jesse Hahn

17. Tampa Bay Rays OF Josh Sale

18. Los Angeles Angels (compensation for the Mariners signing Chone Figgins 3B/SS Nick Castellanos

19. Houston Astros (compensation for the Tigers signing Jose Valverde) OF Austin Wilson

20. Boston Red Sox (compensation for the Braves signing Billy Wagner RHP Kaleb Cowart

21. Minnesota Twins C Yasmani Grandal

22. Texas Rangers RHP Brett Eibner

23. Florida Marlins RHP Kevin Gausman

24. San Francisco Giants OF/2B Levon Washington

25. St. Louis Cardinals LHP James Paxton

26. Colorado Rockies RHP Stetson Allie

27. Philadelphia Phillies RHP Matt Harvey

28. Los Angeles Dodgers SS Yorby Cabrera

29. Los Angeles Angels (compensation for the Red Sox signing John Lackey) OF Michael Choice

30. Los Angeles Angels C/SS Justin O’Connor

31. Tampa Bay Rays (compensation for not signing LeVon Washington) RHP Chad Bettis

32. New York Yankees C Micah Gibbs


Supplemental First Round

33. Houston Astros (compensation for Type A Jose Valverde) RHP DeAndre Smelter

34. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for Type A Marco Scutaro) RHP Kyle Blair

35. Atlanta Braves (compensation for Type A Mike Gonzalez) OF Chevez Clarke

36. Boston Red Sox (compensation for Type A Jason Bay) C Stefan Sabol

37. Los Angeles Angels (compensation for Type A John Lackey) RHP Justin Grimm

38. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for not signing James Paxton) 3B Kris Bryant

39. Boston Red Sox (compensation for Type A Billy Wagner) LHP Sammy Solis

40. Los Angeles Angels (compensation for Type A Chone Figgins SS Derek Dietrich

41. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for Type B Rod Barajas) OF Todd Cunningham

42. Tampa Bay Rays (compensation for Type B Gregg Zaun) 1B Hunter Morris

43. Seattle Mariners (compensation for Type B Adrian Beltre) SS Rick Hague

44. Detroit Tigers (compensation for Type B Brandon Lyon) RHP Robbie Aviles

45. Texas Rangers (compensation for Type B Marlon Byrd) RHP Cam Bedrosian

46. St. Louis Cardinals (compensation for Type B Mark DeRosa) OF Brian Ragira

47. Colorado Rockies (compensation for Type B Jason Marquis) IF Jedd Gorko

48. Detroit Tigers (compensation for Type B Fernando Rodney) SS Tony Wolters

49. Texas Rangers (compensation for Type B Ivan Rodriguez) RHP Aaron Sanchez

50. St. Louis Cardinals (compensation for Type B Joel Pineiro) 1B Chrisitan Yelich



Second Round

51. Washington Nationals OF Austin Wates

52. Pittsburgh Pirates SS Marcus Littlewood

53. Atlanta Braves (compensation for the Orioles signing Mike Gonzalez) C Tyler Austin

54. Kansas City Royals RHP Asher Wojciechowski

55. Cleveland Indians RHP Barret Loux

56. Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Mike Foltynewicz

57. Boston Red Sox (compensation for the Mets signing Jason Bay) 2B Kolbrin Vitek

58. Houston Astros RHP Peter Tago

59. San Diego Padres OF Ty Lindon

60. Oakland Athletics 3B Tony Thompson

61. Toronto Blue Jays 1B Conrad Gregor

62. Cincinnati Reds RHP Sam Dyson

63. Chicago White Sox LHP Rob Rasmussen

64. Milwaukee Brewers OF Tyler Holt

65. Chicago Cubs OF Reggie Goldin

66. Tampa Bay Rays SS Zach Alford

67. Seattle Mariners RHP Drew Cisco

68. Detroit Tigers RHP Kevin Ziomek

69. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for not signing Jake Eliopoulos) LHP Cody Wheeler

70. Atlanta Braves OF Kyle Parker

71. Minnesota Twins LHP Bryan Morgado

72. Texas Rangers RHP A J Vanegas

73. Florida Marlins RHP Kevin Jacobs

74. San Francisco Giants C Jacob Felts

75. St. Louis Cardinals OF Jarrett Parker

76. Colorado Rockies OF Drew Vettleson

77. Philadelphia Phillies LHP Chris Hernandez

78. Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Seth Blair

79. Tampa Bay Rays (compensation for not signing Kenny Diekroeger) 3B Robert Sergedin

80. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for the Red Sox signing Marco Scutaro) RHP Taijuan Walker

81. Los Angeles Angels LHP Jesse Biddle

82. New York Yankees C Cameron Rupp



Third Round

83. Washington Nationals SS Josh Ruthledge

84. Pittsburgh Pirates C Robert Brantly

85. Baltimore Orioles OF Gary Brown

86. Kansas City Royals C Cody Stanley

87. Cleveland Indians SS Sean Coyle

88. Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Tyrell Jenkins

89. New York Mets RHP Addison Reed

90. Houston Astros RHP Dan Klein

91. San Diego Padres RHP Chance Ruffin

92. Oakland Athletics RHP Michael Lorenzon

93. Toronto Blue Jays RHP Scott Frizier

94. Cincinnati Reds C Jake Hernandez

95. Chicago White Sox SS JaCoby Joones

96. Milwaukee Brewers 1B Jarod LaKind

97. Chicago Cubs RHP Kevin Munson

98. Tampa Bay Rays RHP Adam Platko

99. Seattle Mariners RHP Bobby Wahl

100. Detroit Tigers RHP Zach Lee

101. Atlanta Braves LHP Jimmy Hodgekin

102. Minnesota Twins LHP Jordan Shipers

103. Texas Rangers C Will Spanner

104. Florida Marlins C Mike Kvasnicka

105. San Francisco Giants OF Leon Landry

106. St. Louis Cardinals OF Austin Southall

107. Colorado Rockies 1B Andy Wilkins

108. Philadelphia Phillies 2B Matt Lipka

109. Los Angeles Dodgers SS Dickey Thon Jr.

110. Boston Red Sox SS Chris Bisson

111. Los Angeles Angels LHP Drew Smyly

112. New York Yankees LHP Robbie Ray



Supplemental Third Round

113. Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for not signing Jake Barrett) RHP Luke Jackson

114. Chicago White Sox (compensation for not signing Bryan Morgado) RHP Daniel Tillman

115. Los Angeles Angels (compensation for not signing Josh Spence) RHP Tyler Wilson

DRAFT: - Alex Wimmers, Austin Wilson, Clay Schrader, Robbie Aviles... and Tommy Kahnle

Alex Wimmers:

5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board  - Ohio State’s Alex Wimmers has solidified himself as a potential first round pick with a dazzling spring, striking out 29.4% of batters and walking 7.5%. He also has yet to surrender a home run in 265 batters faced. Wimmers has drawn a few Mike Leake comparisons as an undersized righty without plus velocity but good control. Wimmers isn’t as good as Leake, but is still a good prospect. His fastball works 89-91 MPH with solid sink and excellent command and his curveball has shown plus potential with big break coming from his over-the-top arm slot. Also featuring an above-average changeup, Wimmers has a quality three pitch mix. While his upside may not be more than a good No. 3 starter, he’s pretty likely to reach it.

5-1 from: - http://www.prospectjunkies.com/  - Alex Wimmers could go as high as #12 to the Cincinnati Reds but he will likely come off the board in the late 1st or Supplemental round. He struggled in the post-season last year, however he did prove he could handle elite competition with a great showing in the Cape Cod League last summer. A strong conference tournament and Regional start would go along way with me in determining my final pre-draft ranking. Wimmers has the ceiling of a 3 or 4 pitcher on an average MLB team and his advanced feel for his off-speed pitches is a strong indicator for me that he has an above average probability of reaching that ceiling.

Austin Wilson:

5-1 from: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/30/1452824/interesting-high-school-hitters#storyjump  - Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard Westlake High School, North Hollywood, California - Probably the toolsiest overall player in the high school class, Wilson features excellent power potential, decent speed, and an amazing throwing arm. He's 6-4, 215, and reminds scouts of players like Andre Dawson and Jermaine Dye. He's still somewhat raw as a hitter, but Wilson is extremely intelligent and has a strong work ethic, giving him a good shot at ironing out remaining flaws in his swing. He has a Stanford scholarship and is academically-oriented, giving him plenty of leverage on draft day. Toolswise he belongs in the Top Ten of the draft, but he could end up slipping towards the bottom of the first round if teams get worried about his bonus demands. Current speculation is that he's willing to sign if the money is right.

5-3 from: - http://baseballbeginnings.com/tag/austin-wilson  - I’ve seen Austin Wilson from the summer to the fall and back to the spring. The raw power is there, and this guy will not be one-dimensional. The most common comparison is Andre Dawson, but let me tell you something: Wilson isn’t going to have to wait until the 11th round and then feel completely low-balled and screwed when he gets drafted the way Dawson did. No, Wilson will be lucky to get to the 11th pick.

Clay Schrader:

4-30 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/30/1451211/casing-the-states-texas-part-four#storyjump  - RHP Schrader has been a fast riser on boards this spring, and like Ruffin, he has really seen his stock rise since a move to the bullpen this year. Schrader started his career at UT San Antonio, where he worked mainly as a starter with mostly positive results. However, his stuff was fringy, and most scouts thought he'd be an organizational arm when eligible for the 2011 draft. Instead, Schrader transferred out of UTSA to San Jac last fall, and he's moved into the bullpen as the closer for the top junior college team in the country. Since that move, his stuff and draft stock have risen quickly, and he's a darkhorse for a first day selection. He now consistently works in the 92-94 mph range with a plus slider and average curveball, and he could even stand to drop the curve in favor of a plus two-pitch mix in the late innings. What's working against Schrader is a smaller body that leaks projectability, and he struggles to get downhill plane on his fastball as a result of his smaller stature. He's not small enough that he would be classified as a diminutive righty, but it is what holds him back in terms of pro prospects. Schrader has signed with Oklahoma, and that might be a small factor in his signability, but most scouts expect he'll be one of the earliest junior college relievers taken in June. Projected Draft Range: 3rd-7th Round

Robbie Aviles:

link  – UP: Robbie Aviles, Suffern (N.Y.) High School, RHP - In 2010, Aviles did his best Schuster impression by throwing two consecutive no-hitters. Against Nanuet (N.Y.) on April 14, Aviles tossed a perfect game, needing just 68 pitches, striking out 11 in a 5-0 win. A week later, on April 22, he blanked North Rockland (N.Y.) 3-0, striking out 15. Last Wednesday, Aviles failed in his bid for No. 3. He gave up three hits, three walks and his first earned run of the season in a 2-1 eight-inning victory over Clarkstown South (N.Y.). He struck out 12, giving him 46 in 27 innings. According to maxpreps.com, Aviles has allowed just eight hits in his four starts. The other five came in the team's season opener.

Tommy Kahnle:

5-3 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com/2010/05/top-small-school-pitchers/#more  – top small school pitchers: - Tommy Kahnle, Lynn University, RHP - Throws the ball real hard: hit 97 this spring and 99 on the Cape this summer. As with most young, hard throwers, control remains a big concern for Kahnle. Has drawn comparisons to David Aardsma and may be better suited as a reliever, professionally.

DRAFT: - Michael Choice, Matt Harvey, Dickie Thon Jr, Steven Maxwell... and Anthony Ranaudo

Michael Choice:


5-3 from: - http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10752  - OF, University of Texas at Arlington - Choice continues to move up draft charts at an alarming rate. Really, he's got it all. He's a big, athletic outfielder with enough speed to play center field in a pinch, and overall tools that profile perfect in right field with plus raw power and arm strength. As for the numbers-oriented, he pleases them as well, as with six more walks over the weekend—oh yeah, and four hits, too, including his 14th home run—he's now batting .401/.571/.757 with 59 walks against just 152 at-bats. His level of competition isn't the greatest, but scouts are sold as he's moving into the upper half of the first round for most.

Matt Harvey:

5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board  - Matt Harvey has been known to draftniks for a long time. Heralded as neck-and-neck with Rick Porcello out of high school by some, Harvey has been up-and-down during his time at the University of North Carolina. Fortunately for Harvey, this spring has mostly been up. Control has been a problem at times during his collegiate career but this spring he’s walked 9.8% of the batters, a number that will need to come down as a professional but it’s not a terrible figure. Harvey’s mediocre control is offset by a lot of strikeouts, 28.3% of batters this spring including 15 in his last outing versus a very good Clemson squad. Harvey’s fastball has shown impressive velocity, touching 96-97 MPH late in starts and excellent sink, 69% of his batted ball outs have come on the ground. In high school, Harvey’s main breaking ball was a plus curveball; in college he’s spent more time toying with a slider that flashes plus but is still inconsistent. While he may not go as high as some though he deserved out of high school, Harvey still looks like a solid first round pick.

Dickie Thon Jr.:

5-1 from: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/30/1452824/interesting-high-school-hitters#storyjump  - Dickie Thon Jr, SS, Perpetuo Socorro School, San Juan, Puerto Rico - The son of former big league infielder Dickie Thon, junior is less polished than you might expect given his bloodlines, but only took up baseball full time this year after focusing previously on track. Scouts like his speed and arm strength, and there is remaining projectability in his 6-2, 180 pound frame. It remains to be seen how much power he'll develop and if he'll remain at shortstop. He has a commitment to Rice, and from a purely developmental perspective college ball would likely be good for him both offensively and defensively. Right now he's probably a third round target, but three years of college development with a strong program could push him higher than that.

Steven Maxwell:

4-29 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/29/1450107/casing-the-states-texas-part-three#storyjump  - Steven Maxwell, RHP, TCU - All eyes were on Maxwell's freshman teammate Matt Purke when TCU opened their season, but it was Maxwell that got the season-opening start. Though Maxwell has since been pushed back to the Sunday spot of the rotation, he's actually had the best season between the trio of Purke, himself, and 2011 prospect Kyle Winkler. However, injury history and lack of projection will ultimately keep Maxwell from becoming a prime draft prospect. Originally from The Woodlands High School, now famous for 2010 draft prospect Jameson Taillon, Maxwell entered TCU without much fanfare, though he logged a solid freshman campaign out of the bullpen. However, disaster struck during his sophomore campaign, when he was off to an excellent start in the rotation. He blew out his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery, and he ended up redshirting. He returned to TCU the following year, but never recovered his feel for pitching and went undrafted as a redshirt sophomore. His 2010 campaign has shown the return of his stuff, which is back of the rotation material. He usually works 88-91 with his fastball, touching 93 when needed. He complements it with an average curveball and fringe-average changeup, though he's new enough to his changeup that he could improve upon it. As a 22 year old junior, Maxwell should be an easy sign in the top ten rounds. Projected Draft Range: 7th-12th Round

Anthony Ranaudo:

5-3 from: - link  - DOWN: Anthony Ranaudo, LSU, RHP - Teams are shying away from Ranaudo because of elbow issues. He pitched two shaky innings against Florida on Friday, allowing four earned runs on six hits. While he didn't walk anyone, he also didn't strike out anyone. Ranaudo is not missing bats the way he did in the past. Head coach Paul Mainieri has stressed that he will not endanger Ranaudo's health and will monitor his innings. Mainieri has a good track record in this area. And Ranaudo has yet to fully let loose.

DRAFT: - Addison Reed, Rico Noel, Todd Cunningham, Josh Sale... and David Rollins

Addison Reed:


5-2 from: - http://myworldofbaseball.com/wordpress/?m=201005  - Last year Addison Reed was the pitcher that came in to close the games that Stephen Strasburg started. Strasburg got all the buzz but Reed picked up all the saves, leading the nation with 20. This year it is Reed who is getting all the Aztec victories and if it wasn’t for a broken pinkie finger that forced him to miss four weeks of the season his numbers could be compared against any of those being considered for the top pick in the upcoming major league draft. Reed was dominant again, improving his record to 7-1 with eight shutout innings against New Mexico in their 11-0 win. Reed struck out nine and walked just one in eight innings of work. His season tally so far is 7-1, 1.88 with a 9/68 walk to K ratio in 57 innings. Opponents are only hitting .176 against him.

Rico Noel:

5-2 from: - http://baseballbeginnings.com/2010/05/02/rico-noel-video  - Rico Noel has a nice offensive foundation, can run and play defense. This is the kind of guy who has better tools than he gets credit for. I’m willing to bet the guy has been told he’s too short at every level. Well, you can’t take away tools. I liked his overall skill set, still do, and he’s going to be a very solid draft pick in 2010.

Todd Cunningham:

5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board  - Some question the quality of competition he faces at Jacksonville State, but Todd Cunningham showed he can hang with the big boys when he lead the Cape Cod League in hitting by 36 points. Cunningham is a good athlete with plus speed and shows solid range for center field. He should be an average defender despite his lack of ideal arm strength. Cunningham has everything it takes to be a solid big league regular, including a good approach at the plate – he’s walked 15.1% of the time and struck out in 11.3% of his trips to the plate.

Josh Sale:

5-1 from: link  - Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, Washington - Committed to Gonzaga, the 6-1, 205 pound Sale is rates as the top high school hitter in the draft class by many experts, at least based on present ability. He already shows excellent power due to plus-plus bat speed, and should hit for average as well. The rest of his game is not as well-rounded. His running speed and throwing arm are okay, but he projects more as a left fielder than anything else, and doesn't have much remaining projection in his body. He certainly doesn't have the all-around tools of Austin Wilson, for example. Projecting Sales in the draft is tough: he could go anywhere from 10 to 30 depending on how teams balance out his hitting vs. his other tools and what his bonus demands look like.

David Rollins:

4-30 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/30/1451211/casing-the-states-texas-part-four#storyjump  - LHP Rollins has been on the scouting scene for some time, and he stands a solid chance of being drafted for a third time this June. The Dodgers tabbed him in the 19th round out of First Baptist Academy in in Carthage, Texas out of high school, and the Mariners made him a 23rd round pick a year ago after a solid freshman campaign for San Jac. However, Rollins chose not to sign both times, and he stood to gain 15 or more rounds from last year's selection after a solid start this spring. However, he ended his season abruptly over a month ago when he dislocated his non-throwing shoulder, and he's since had surgery and will miss the rest of the 2010 campaign. Though that hurts his draft stock, two factors are working in his favor. First, he didn't injure his throwing arm. Second, he doesn't have a four-year college commitment to continue his career, making him seem quite signable. When healthy, Rollins is a solid back of the rotation pitcher with an 88-90 mph fastball, as well as an average curveball and changeup, and being left-handed, he's going to get plenty of chances to succeed. His stock has indeed fallen, but his draft position could surprise some on draft day. Projected Draft Range: 7th-20th Round

The Worst Bench in Baseball

(The original version of this post can be found at Productive Outs and Crackerjack.)
Alex Cora (34): .162/.262/.243
Fernando Tatis (35): .212/.257/.364
Henry Blanco (38): .227/.296/.318
Gary Matthews (35): .139/.244/1.94
Frank Catalanotto (36): .143/.182/.190

Blanco gets a pass, because he's a defensive catcher and is nearly out-hitting Rod Barajas anyway. The other four guys are a dismal combination of age and incompetence; if any of the four were released today, I find it hard to believe that any other team would pick them up.

Catalanotto is the easiest to replace - just release him and call up Chris Carter from Buffalo right now. Cats never gets in the field anyway; he's been a pinch-hitter in 19 of the 20 games he's appeared in this season. If the Mets are that worried about Carter's defense, just give him the Rusty Staub role and let him pinch-hit.

Matthews is signed for next year at a cost of $1 million; his production could easily be replaced by a Rule V-caliber defensive outfielder/pinch-runner. Otherwise, there's no need to send Daniel Murphy to the minors; let him replace Matthews on the roster. With Jason Bay-Angel Pagan-Jeff Francouer locked in as the starting outfield for the foreseeable future, the Mets probably aren't much interested in defensive replacements anyway.

Cora has a vesting option that just about everyone in the Mets organization is hoping will not be exercised. Release him now, before Jose Reyes or Luis Castillo gets injured and Cora plays his way onto the 2011 team. I'm not a big fan of limiting a 20-year-old to utility infield duty, so Ruben Tejada should spend the year in Buffalo and figure out which part of the infield his future lies on. Did anyone really think (except maybe Omar Minaya!) that Alex Cora at $2 million a year would give the Mets five times the production as Russ Adams or Alex Cintron would have done making the league minimum?

Gnats Game Notes: Monday, May 3rd @ Delmarva - 7:05 pm

From Press Release:

Savannah Sand Gnats (16-8, 1st, Southern) vs. Delmarva Shorebirds (13-10, 2nd, Northern)

Game #25 - Road Game #9 - Monday – 7:05

RHP Taylor Whitenton (0-1, 3.38) vs. RHP Jesse Beal (1-2, 5.09)

Arthur W. Perdue Stadium - Delmarva, MD

Radio: WBMQ News/Talk 630, http://www.sandgnats.com/

Tonight: The first-place Gnats begin an eight game road trip and a four game series with the Delmarva Shorebirds. The Gnats, who have the best record in the SAL, lead the Greenville Drive by one full game and the Augusta GreenJackets by three games for first place in the SAL Southern Division. Savannah hits the road after finishing off a 6-2 homestand against the Hickory Crawdads and the Lexington Legends.

Last Time Out: The Sand Gnats enjoyed their first off day of the season Sunday, after finishing off a sweep of the Lexington Legends with a 3-1 win Saturday evening at Historic Grayson Stadium. Brandon Moore and Collin McHugh combined to allow just five hits on Saturday in a game in which just one Legend reached third base.

Now Pitching: Taylor Whitenton will make his third start for the Savannah Sand Gnats tonight. He and Darrin Gorski have been splitting the final spot in the Gnats rotation in a “piggyback” plan. Savannah is 1-1 when Whitenton starts. In his last appearance, Whitenton fired four scoreless, hitless innings in relief of Gorski in a 4-3 loss to Hickory on Tuesday, April 27. Whitenton gave up three runs on three hits and five walks in two innings in the Gnats 16-4 win over Augusta in his last start on April 22.

First Things First: The Gnats have had at least a share of first place since beating Augusta on April 21

Roster Update: Michael Moras was transferred back to Savannah from AA Binghamton on May 2 after being sent to Binghamton on April 24. Moras did not see action in any game in AA, and has played in just one game for Savannah this year.

Hot: Jefry Marte has hit safely in his last six games over which time he is 7-for-20 (.350) with two doubles and 3 RBI…. Cesar Puello has hit safely in his last six games over which time he is 7-for-19 (.368) with five stolen bases, two walks, six runs scored and an RBI….Alex Gregory has hit safely in six straight games. In those six games, he is hitting .454 (10-for-22) with one double and four runs scored.

Not: Pedro Zapata is one for his last 18….Jeff Flagg was 0-for-10 in the series against Lexington and was 3-26 (.115) on the Gnats most recent homestand...

Flo - tastic: Gnats shortstop Wilmer Flores has hit safely in 13 of his last 15 games. The 18-year old is seventh in the SAL in batting average (.341), eighth in slugging (.560), fourth in hits (31), tied for sixth in doubles (9) and is fifth in total bases (51). Flores hit three home runs in 125 games in 2009, but equaled that mark 22 games into the 2010 season.

Pitching and Defense: Gnats have the second-best ERA in the SAL (2.82), but have allowed the fewest runs (77) in the league. Rome has allowed the second-fewest runs (88). The Gnats have allowed 10 unearned runs, the fewest in the SAL. Savannah pitching has walked 65 batters, tied for the fewest in the League.

Four for Sure: Savannah is 15-1 when scoring four or more runs and 1-7 when scoring three runs or fewer. When Gnats pitching allows fewer than four runs, the team is 13-3.

Down The Pipeline

The Mets, like most every other baseball team, has nine minor league teams. Each team fields 25 players, thus, there are always 225 minor leagues in the system. The reality is there are usually at least 50 more, either in extended camp or on injured reserve, so let’s round the number off to 275.


On the other side, there are 25 players on the active roster.


Right now, six of those 25 players came out of the system (Jenrry Mejia, Jon Niese, David Wright, Jose Reyes, Mike Pelfrey, and Ike Davis), while the others were obtained either through free agency or trades. That’s about the average amount both for the Mets and all big-market teams.


Small-market teams have more players come out of their system, not because they have more talent, but because the team can’t afford to sign a bunch of huge salaries via free agency. If they could, they would.


Small-market teams promote more players because that’s the only solution to their positional problems.


Large-market teams have more options to obtain already established starts rather than untested rookies.


The additions this year of Mejia and Davis as caused many Mets fans to think that the minor league system isn’t as bad off as everyone writes about. Believe me, with Mejia and Davis now in Queens, the minor league talent has once again been depleted.


Being a prospect and being ready are completely two different things. SP Brad Holt is a prospect. Check his AA ERA. He ain’t ready. Nor, can you project when he will be ready. An example of ready is Davis, who turned heads in ST and then dominated at AAA again. That’s ready.


There are many talented players in the Mets system, but as of right now, only a few that would be projectable.


For 2010: No additional players are banging on the door. Yes, there will be additions once the rosters open up in September, but not because they should be playing major league baseball this year.


2011: As of right now, RP Robert Parnell and 2B/SS Ruben Tejada project as probable additions to the Mets 25-man roster. Others, like SP Dillon Gee, SP Tobi Stoner, and OF Chris Carter may be ready (both experience and age wise) to go the next step, but all three do not project out as a big-market starter. In addition, C Josh Thole (hitting slump and fielding limitations) and OF Fernando Martinez (durability) are also not projectable for next year. Lastly, positionless Daniel Murphy can’t be projected because he can’t seem to find a position to play better than everyone else.


2012: 3B Zach Lutz and OF Kirk Nienwenhuis are currently on projection to make the Mets roster in 2012, though Lutz has no chance of taking away David Wright’s job.


Pitching: Sadly, and realistically, there are no pitchers down the pipeline right now. All the so-called prospects at AAA and AA are not dominating that their level, some of which are even repeating that level afer not dominating there the year before. The A+ staff is off to a slow start and it’s too far off to project anyone at the A level.

Bisons Notes 5/3/10 - Louisville at Buffalo (7:05 p.m.)

From Press Release:

*Tonight, the Bisons face Cincinnati Reds’ prospect LHP AROLDIS CHAPMAN. Chapman’s fastball has been clocked as fast as 102mph.

Buffalo Bisons (15-9, 1st(+0.5), North) vs. Louisville Bats (7-17, 4th(-8.5), West)

Monday, May 3, 2010 (7:05 p.m.) - Coca-Cola Field

RHP Tobi Stoner (0-3, 5.75) vs. LHP Aroldis Chapman (1-1, 1.29)

Radio: WWKB AM 1520, http://www.bisons.com/

TODAY’S GAME: Tonight, the Bisons host the Louisville Bats in the third game of a four-game series from Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd has won the first two games in the series with a 1-0 victory on Saturday and yesterday’s 6-4, 10-inning win. Buffalo is now 5-1 on its current eight-game homestand that started with a series win over the Bulls. The Bisons are 9-3 at home this season while the Bats are 4-10 on the road.

vs. THE BATS: This is the Louisville Bats’ lone trip to Coca-Cola Field this season. The Bats won the season series over the Herd last year, 5-3. However, Buffalo holds the 53-45 edge (.541) since the team’s return to the International League in 1998. That includes a 31-19 mark at Coca-Cola Field.

HERD ON TOP: The Bisons enter tonight’s game in sole possession of 1st place in the International League North Division. Buffalo leads Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by a half a game and Syracuse by a full game. The last time Buffalo owned the top spot in the North division was July 16, 2007 (team was 51-38).

BEST IN THE GAME: INF MIKE HESSMAN has more RBI than any other player in baseball. The Bisons’ slugger has 28RBI this season, one more than Detroit’s INF MIGUEL CABRERA. Yesterday, Hessman collected his third, four-RBI game this season. Of his eight home runs on the year, only two have been solo shots. Hessman now has 922RBI in 1,578 career minor league games.

HESS HONORED: The International League named INF MIKE HESSMAN its Batter of the Week for April 26 - May 2. In seven games, Hessman hit .321 (9-28) with four home runs, 14RBI and a .786 slugging percentage. On the season, Hessman ranks 2nd in the IL in home runs (8), extra-base hits (14), total bases (56) and slugging percentage (.651).

C.C. IT GO: OF CHRIS CARTER sent the Bisons to victory yesterday with a two-run, walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning. It was Carter’s fourth homer of the season and the Herd’s first walk-off blast since OF JESUS FELICIANO won a game on May 11, 2009 vs. Norfolk (9th inning). Carter is 2nd on the Bisons with four home runs and 17RBI this year.

METS UPDATE: The Mets (14-11) lost to the Phillies last night, 11-5. New York has dropped two straight and now trails Philadelphia by a half a game for first in the NL East Division. INF DAVID WRIGHT and C ROD BARAJAS both homered for the Mets. New York is now in Cincinnati and faces the Reds tonight at 7:10 p.m. in the first game of a three-game series.