Minor Mets 101: Beltran, Antonini, Capt. Kirk, Stinny... and Mark Cohoon

MLB-CF Carlos Beltran played in another extended camp game, but he still hasn’t been cleared to run at 100% or to play in the field. Mets executives also said that if would be 4-6 weeks AFTER Beltran is allowed to play the outfield when he could be back in Queens. Hmm… let’s see… it is June 11th… 4 to 6 weeks is… August?


AA-SP Mike Antonini put up another gem, tossing a 7-inning CG (1-ER, 7-K, 0-BB, 4.02). That’s three gems in a row, resulting in 19-1-IP, 3-ER, 20-K, 2-BB. This alone warrants a bump up to AAA-Buffalo and, hopefully, the Mets will make some room for him post haste. They really need to start moving some these guys in the right direction.


AA-CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit his 9th home run of the season in the opening game of a twin bill Thursday. Don’t look for him to be heading to Buffalo any time soon. Pedro Feliciano will be returning there as soon as Carlos Beltran is activated. Still, Captain Kirk is on pace for a 20+ HR season at AA.


AA-SP Josh Stinson is turning out to be a pretty decent starter these days. “Stinny’s” been banged around the organization a few times, including multiple trips to Savannah and, most of the time, he’s been used as a middle reliever; however, the Binghamton rotation got off to a particular slow start this season and he was called upon to step up. Which he has. He has started the last three games, going 19.2-IP, 3-ER, 2.83 for the season. Trust me; there is nothing wrong with another 6-4 starter.


Lastly, you have to wonder what A-SP Mark Cohoon has to do to get him a promotion. He pitched another complete game last night, this time: 9.0-IP, 0-ER, 5-K, 1-BB, 3-H, a yearly ERA of 1.44, and record of 6-1. I can’t remember a more impressive beginning of a season. Professionally, Mark is now 18-6.