The Mets selected Nicholas "Cole" Abbott in the 25th round (783rd overall) of the 2007 amateur draft out of Weber High School in Utah. Regarded as an early-round talent, Abbott's signability was in question with his committment to BYU. However, the Mets were able to sign him quickly after the draft.
From Baseball America: “Abbott was rivaling Tanner Robles as Utah's top prep pitcher despite having a much lower profile. Known more as a basketball player in his prep career, Abbott started getting more attention last summer when he pitched in the Area Code Games. He's athletic and loose-armed, with a projectable 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. Quick-armed and athletic, Abbott topped out at 92 mph early in the spring, settled in around 88-91 mph with his fastball and has more velocity in him for the future, as he does it easy and repeats his delivery well. Most impressive, he's shown the ability to spin a breaking ball-—at high altitude--consistently for strikes. While Abbott considers it a slider, it's a slurve right now with some depth, and with more repetition and instruction it could become a true power curveball. His commitment to Brigham Young could cloud his signability, and if he and Nevada's top prep, righty Taylor Cole, both showed up at BYU, the Cougars could be a national force in the next three seasons.”
In 2007, Abbott pitched for the GCL Mets (0-3, 7.31 in 10 games, 2 starts, 1.88).
In 2008, Abbott spent the entire season assigned to the GCL Mets, but on the disabled list.
Abbott continues his long road to recovery and we might even see him pitch this upcoming 2010 season.
Q&A:
Mack: Evening Cole, this is Mack from Mack's Met. Thanks for consenting to this pre-season Q&A. First question: What the heck happened to you? You came out predicted to be an early rounder, then everyone said you wouldn't sign, and then, low and behold, you become the Mets' 25th round draft pick in 2007...
Abbott: I wanted to play pro ball from the get go. I guess the teams just assumed I wasn't singable. As soon as the top ten rounds passed I thought I was going to college. Then my name popped up in the 25th round. We negotiated and made a deal.
Mack: Cole, you fell off the shelf for a couple of years and the best person to explain what happened is you... fill everyone in on your "injured past"...
Abbott: Well we thought I tore my rotator in 08.. The MRI said it was torn.. Went in for surgery and when I woke up the oc told me I just had lots of scar tissue. And my labrum was frayed but not torn. I had surgery in July 08. Then came back in 09 did the rehab and throwing program nearly got in games in aug last season but had a little soreness. So now it’s just go to spring this year ready to go and start competing agin. I cant wait.
Mack: I remember when you signed that a lot of people were excited about that fast ball you throw. Have you had any opportunity during your lengthy rehab to develop another go-to pitch and has your speed been affected when throwing the fastball due to the rehab?
Abbott: I have developed a good change up throughout this rehab process. I have come to realize how important that pitch is. I used to rely on just my fastball and curve. It is going to be nice to have three pitches I am confident in now. My fastball feels like it is back.. I haven't been clocked since the surgery. But my arm feels good.
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