Mack: Thanks Darnell... it's been a bad week... had two brother-in-laws go down for major surgery and my live-in Mother-In-Law declared a jihad against her 80-year old brother... wish I could go back and un-do the correspondence with Dave, but, you can't, right?
Varun said... great post Mack. For a die hard mets fan, I am happy to hear about the next wave. I was curious about 2 more guys. Jeffry Marte and Kyle Allen? any word on these 2 prospects
Mack: Marte had a partcularly bad season in 2009, especially in the field. Almost set the all-time record for most errors in a season for a minor league infielder, but the season ended and Derek Jeter still has that honor. I expect him back hee in Savannah this season after, what I hope, was a long winter catching grounders at the Mets DSL complex. Right now, he's in the Hector Pellot - Francesco Pena stage of his career... lots of prospect hype... no beef.
Now, in the case of Kyle Allen, much different. Kyle is having a wonderful Mets minor league carrer and is staying below the radar, media wise. Moved into a rotational spot in 2008 with the GCL Mets (1-0, 2.29) and had a solid 2009 year in the Gnats rotation (9-6, 3.45), that's all going to Lucy this year. Keeper # 19:
Allen pitched the 2008 season for the GCL Mets, going 1-1, 2.12, 1.00 in 11 games (5 starts). This included 45 Ks and only 10 BBs in 34.0 IP.
In September 2008, Toby Hyde wrote: After walking seven batters in his first 14.1 innings out of the bullpen, Allen walked just three batters in 19.2 IP as a starter to finish off the season. That improvement in his control is key. Allen works off a fringy fastball that touched 91, but was more often 88/89 when I saw him in July. In that outing, he fell in love with his breaking stuff, mixing in too much curve, slider and changeup trying to be too cute. On the other hand, the slider had its moments and flashed potential to be an average MLB pitch. Allen was born on an Air Force Base in Portugal, (his dad spent 22 years serving) but moved to the U.S. as a toddler. Projected 2009 Start: Savannah
In October 2008, Mets Prospectus wrote: Kyle Allen was born on February 12, 1990 in Portugal and went to High School in Bradenton, Fl at Pendleton High School where he was a well regarded 2-way player who won Rawlings/Perfect Game All-American as a 2-way player. Kyle was drafted in the 24th round (734th overall) of the 2008 First Year Player Draft who had 2nd to 4th round talent/potential but fell due to signability concerns because of his commitment to NC State. Allen has baseball bloodines as his uncle Ray Semproch was a Major League RHP and his cousin Matt Allen was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 40th round of the 1999 First Year Player Draft.
Because of Allen's size, 6'3 and 195 lbs, theres plenty of projection and potential as he already has a pretty good repetoire that consists of a 90-92 MPH 2-seam and 4-seam fastballs, 80-84 MPH slider and 79-86 MPH changeup. This season for the Gulf Coast Mets Allen had a 1-1 record with a 2.12 ERA in 11 games and 5 starts. Kyle also notched 2 saves in his 34 innings while allowing only 24 hits and 10 BB's for a nifty 1.00 WHIP. Not to mention that Allen only gave up one home run, to the 3rd ranked Minor League Prospect in Baseball, Colby Rasmus. He also struck out 45 batters in the 34 innings, good for a 11.91 K/9.
In October 2008, Baseball Handyman wrote: I recently ranked Allen as the Mets 20th best prospect entering the 2009 season based on his stellar 2.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 11.91 K/9 in the GCL. However, if my rankings were based on tools alone, Allen would rank much higher earning him mention as a player with true sleeper potential. Drafted in the 24th round out of high school in Florida, Allen signed rather quickly considering his strong commitment to North Carolina State. Based on projection alone, his two way potential warranted a top 5 round pick. Armed with four pitches including a pair of low 90's fastballs, a slider and change, the 6'3", 195 lb. two way player has the athletic ability to build on his initial success and could be the Mets organizations breakout talent next season.
In December 2008, John Sickles ranked: 20) Kyle Allen, RHP, Grade C: Sleeper high school pick from 2008 draft bears close attention.
9-9-9 From www.hardballtimes.com: - Another staple in the Sand Gnats rotation, Allen is an interesting prospect. Born in Portugal, Allen is a tall, lanky pitcher who sits at 90-93 MPH with his fastball and features a nice changeup and slider. He's effective in getting grounders, and the 19 year-old (born in 1990...man I feel old) struck out 111 batters in 125 innings. However, he also walked 51, hit 11, threw 10 wild pitches, and balked twice. Command is definitely an issue, but shouldn't be much of a problem for a young kid competing at an older level. Allen was impressive in his 2008 campaign as well, striking out 45 in 34 innings with a 2.12 ERA. He should be part of an impressive St. Lucie rotation next year.
Forecast written in Sept 09: Jeurys Familia and Robert Carson got all the press in Savannah, while Allen quietly put up a season which deserves a promotion. Kepp an eye on this kid in St. Lucie in 2010. He may emerge as the team’s SP1.
Hobie said:.... I only get to see MinLB in Brooklyn these days (keep thinking about making a trek to Bingo, but haven’t) and irrationally fall in love with guys I only see once or twice (Holt, Mejia, Nieuwenhuis, Jordan Abruzzo! & yes, Valdespin). Anxious to hear about the ex-Gnats “kiddie corps” (Famila, Carson, Allen, Beaulac & Schwinden + Rhiner Cruz) as they, I assume, move up en masse to St.Lucie. There may be more than just two jewels there; I’m sure you’ll keep us informed.
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