MM's Top 25- #1 RHSP Noah Syndergaard

#1 RHSP Noah Syndergaard (LR: #1)
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6' 6" Weight: 240 lb
Acquired: Trade, 12/31/2012, with OF Wuilmer Becerra, C Travis d'Arnaud, and C John Buck for SP R.A. Dickey, C Josh Thole, C Mike Nickeas

2013: (A+/AA) 9-4, 3.06 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 10.2 K/9, 1.080 WHIP
2012: (A) 8-5, 2.60 ERA, 2.7 BB/9, 10.6 K/9, 1.080 WHIP
2011: (R/SS-A/A) 5-2, 1.83 ERA, 2.7 BB/9, 10.4 K/9, 1.085 WHIP
2010: (R) 0-1, 2.70 ERA, 4.0 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 1.125 WHIP

That R.A. Dickey trade is looking better and better each day. d'Arnaud is now a primary guy behind the plate in the majors, Buck ended up netting us two additional Top 15 prospect pieces in Victor Black and Dilson Herrera, Becerra has looked good in Rookie League Ball, and last but certainly not least Syndergaard looks like he is going to be the REAL DEAL version 3.0.

Our #1 prospect has something that Harvey and Wheeler can never possess that gives him a distinct advantage over the competition, SIZE. At 6' 6", 240 lbs, he has 2 inches on both Harvey and Wheeler, he also weighs 20 lbs heavier than Harvey and 55 lbs heavier than Wheeler. His size, strength, and intimidating Norse frame will prove extremely durable over the course of a season and a career. Having seen him in person in Binghamton, he is basically all legs. This allows him to get a strong push off the mound and to a batter the ball is coming towards you from a distance of perhaps 53' rather than the actual length of 60'. That lesser amount gives the batter less reaction time to respond to a breaking ball or an exploding fastball thus creating weak contact.

As if the size wasn't tough enough for hitters, Thor's pitching repertoire is deadly as well. He has a fastball that sits between 96-99 MPH and if he takes a bit off it becomes  a heavy 94-96 MPH sinker for when he needs a DP. He also has a plus curveball that has actually gotten better according to scouting reports out of Binghamton and a change-up that, even though could be average at best in terms of movement, could be deadly against LHB looking to keep up with his fastball.

He'll start in AAA this season which will put him in line to debut in July in order to avoid Super 2 status. Guys, this rotation is going to be exciting for many years to come and as good as Harvey is, Syndergaard could be just as good, dare i say, even better. Makes me drool just thinking about it.

Anticipated Assignment: (AAA) Las Vegas starting rotation.
Ceiling: Front-End Rotation Starter, Ace Quality, CY Young competitor
Floor: MLB Mid Rotation Starter., 2 time All-Star