Q&A: 1B - Stefan Welsh

Q: I am curious on your opinion of Stefan Welch? The guy keeps hitting. I am sure most Mets officials would say Ike Davis is the number one 1B prospect in the farm, but I have to admit that last year and this year he just hits. Plus, he is younger then Davis. Might be a good blog post, I would love to read your opinion. - Derek

Thanks Derek, for the email.

A little history on Welsh:

Stefan Welch IF L R 6-3 175 8-12-88 Adelaide, Australia

Welch played the entire 2007 season for the GCL Mets (.288/.346/.353 in 139 at bats, only 3 errors).

In 2008, Welch played for Savannah and Kingsport, hitting a combined .279/.320/.449 in 272 at bats.

As you can see, he has no history yet of being a slugging first baseman, something the Mets have alwats thought the first base position should be.

I always use the Mike Jacobs situation as the "Mendoza Line" for Mets first basemen. He had 100 at bats his last year as a Met, in Queens, and produced a .600+ slugging percentage. And, that was still not good enough to stick.

Welsh is currently playing for Lucy, not because he earned it, but becasue he couldn't get enough field time in Savannah.

Yes, he may some day turn into something, but, it's way off right now.

Mack