Showing posts with label Arizona Fall League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arizona Fall League. Show all posts

11/21/24

Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League Wrap-up


Every year we keep an eye on the Arizona Fall League (AFL).  It is a developmental league that features invitation-only prospects from all the major league baseball teams.  The league has six teams, each of which are made up of players from the development systems of five MLB teams.  

It is an honor to be selected, because there are only a few roster spots and there are many players in each development system.  The reasons for selection vary – sometimes a team determines that a player needs some specific work, sometimes they want to see how a player stacks up against tough competition, other times it is part of the progression to a more impactful role.  But whatever the reason, if you are selected, you will be playing in a very competitive environment.  Your opportunity should not be wasted.

This year the Mets, along with the Tigers, Pirates, Giants, and Blue Jays filled the roster for the Scottsdale Scorpions.  The Mets players that were invited were:


Pitcher Jonathan Pintaro
– a first year player at the age of 27, he pitched at three different levels in 2024: High A Brooklyn, AA Binghamton, and AAA Syracuse.  Pintaro was a star pitcher at Division II Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, winning National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America First Team honors in 2021.  Undrafted from there, he played in the MLB draft league and independent ball until being discovered and signed by the Mets in June 2024.  Since then his rise has been rapid, and the Mets wanted to take a longer look at him by assigning him to Scottsdale.


Pitcher Jawilme Ramirez
– Signed in 2021 as an international free agent, Ramirez has pitched since May 2022.  This year he pitched primarily with Brooklyn (A+) but was called up to AAA Syracuse at the end of the season and then selected for the AFL to continue pitching against tougher competition.


Infielder Jacob Reimer
– Jacob was selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft and chose to forego his college career with the University of Washington to play for the Mets.  He has played first base and third base as well as some DH in three leagues – the Florida Coast League (FCL), Low A St. Lucie, and High A Brooklyn.


Infielder Jett  Williams
– Williams is one of the Mets’ top prospects, rising quickly through the organization since being drafted with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 draft (Mets #1).  This year he was hurt in April and sat out most of the season with a wrist injury.  He only played 26 games, so the Mets assigned him to the AFL team to get some at-bats to continue his progression.


Outfielder Drew Gilbert
– Drew was one of two touted prospects in the Houston Astros organization that were traded in August 2023 to the Mets for Justin Verlander.  He immediately had an impact with the AA Binghamton Mets as they surged into an Eastern League Championship round series.  This year Drew also spent quite a bit of time on the injured list and was assigned to the AFL team to get some at-bats to continue his progression.

With that introduction, the most pressing question is, “How did they do?”  In a few words, not so well.

The Scorpions finished the AFL season with a modest 16-14 record, although they surged at the end to win 8 of their last 10 games.  Our Mets position prospects treaded water around the Mendoza line, with all three in the .200 to .225 range.  They showed some aptitude in getting on base, and Williams distinguished himself on base by swiping 7 bags in 22 games.  Here are their slash lines:

Williams: .225/.376/.388

Gilbert: .208/.380/.403

Reimer: .208/.371/.358

Jett Williams was selected to the AFL all-star team roster as the starting shortstop and leadoff batter where he was 0-2 with a walk and a run scored for the NL team. 

The Mets pitchers fared a little better, with both garnering wins for the Scorpions.

Pintaro: 1-0 record, 3.48 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, .237 average against in 10.1 innings pitched over 4 games.  He recorded 10 strikeouts and had 6 walks and a hit batsman.

Ramirez: 2-0 record, 4.40 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .300 average against in 8 innings over 8 games.  He recorded 10 strikeouts and had only one walk and a hit batsman.

Overall, our position prospects did not stand out in the AFL.  The Scorpions as a team slashed .285/.390/.473.  The pitchers outperformed the Scorpion team ERA of 4.85 and 1.46 WHIP, though neither was named to the all-star team. 

Although it would have been fun to write about Mets’ prospects dominating this Elite league, their average performance does not set off any alarm bells, as the purpose of any development ball is to evaluate player skills and improve them.  The Mets will consider this work in progress and continue to use their development system and the tools available to optimize player performance.


11/11/23

Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League finishes up


The thirty game short season for the Arizona Fall League has concluded, and the outcome for the Glendale Desert Dogs (who had nine Mets prospects) was somewhat short of successful.  They finished sixth in a six team league where the top four make the playoffs.  Since there was a tie for fourth, a one game playoff will determine the other participant, meaning everyone except the 12-18 Dogs got into a playoff game.

Now, before you exclaim, “Ugh, that’s so Metsy!” let’s put this in perspective.  This is a developmental league that gives rising young players an opportunity to get in some more competitive reps.  There are no “World Champion” gem-studded rings given out after a winner is crowned.

So, you ask, “How did the nine Mets develop?”  Avoiding a direct answer like the best of our politicians, I’ll just say, “They got their reps”.  Here’s the hard facts:

Position players:

Rowdey Jordan hit .255/.367/.373 with a .740 OPS.  He stole only one base and was caught stealing twice.  He did this over 51 at-bats in 15 games, mostly at third base with some time in the OF.

JT Schwartz hit .247/.325/.411 with a .736 OPS in 73 at-bats over 20 games.  Schwartz started very well, but suffered a slump over the last few weeks of the season that dropped his average from the .280s to the .230s before a late recovery.  He split time at first base with the power hitting Aaron Sabato from the Twins organization.  JT also was third on the team with 13 RBI.

D’Andre Smith hit .235/.291/.353 with a .644 OPS in 51 at-bats over 15 games.  He was third best on the team with a 25% K/AB ratio.

Kevin Parada chalked it up to a learning experience.  His .186/.240/.371 slash line says there is work to do.  He struck out at a 41% rate, so clearly he was not seeing the ball like we would expect.

Both Schwartz and Parada played in the fall stars game, which was an all-star game of sorts hosted by the Arizona Fall League.  Schwartz impressed defensively in the game with  a lay-out catch of a foul ball.

Pitchers:

Trey McLoughlin and Nolan Clenney had a very solid fall in the AFL.  Both saw action in nine games and proved to be very stingy with the opposition with McLoughlin posting a 0.00 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP and Clenny posting a 1.00 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP.

Tyler Thomas saw action in 8 games with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.

Jordan Geber threw some quality starts, but had a couple rough outings as well which drove a 6.00 ERA over 5 starts and 18 innings.

Brendan Hardy saw limited action, pitching to a 6.35 ERA in 5 2/3 innings.

Overall, our Mets prospects got in some good work to close out the 2023 season, but none really stood out in the AFL, where there were a full 15 players sporting an OPS above .900 and eleven batting above .300.  We saw some early flashes with the bat from JT Schwartz but that faded late, and Kevin Parada struggled with contact which made his power numbers suffer.  I was pleased to see Nolan Clenney bounce back with a strong fall and some heads will turn over Trey McLoughlin’s stats.

We now turn our attention to the 50-game Dominican Winter League, which began in late October and is currently in full swing with a finale 

scheduled for December 22nd.  The DWL, also known for its Hispanic acronym LIDOM, will feature many of the recently-adopted MLB rules such as the pitch clock, the larger bases, and the pitchcom devices.  This will condition the players for use of the MLB rules, which will be important for their development.  Note that right now (Nov 10-12) there is a three-game exhibition series being played at Citi Field in New York between LIDOM teams Águilas Cibaeñas and Tigres del Licey (featuring Ronny Mauricio).

See our link in the sidebar for all the LIDOM action.  


10/30/23

Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League update


The Arizona Fall League is just about two thirds of the way through, with the Glendale Desert Dogs in fifth place with a 9-13 record.  It is not as bad as it looks, as they got off to a rough start and then surged with a seven game winning streak before dropping their last three.

There are nine Mets prospects playing for the Desert Dogs, and a few of them are really standing out.  Coaches in the AFL are expected to generously distribute playing time amongst their roster, so players have to make the most of their time on the field.


On the offensive side of the statistics, first baseman JT Schwartz has continued to prove that he can hit at this level and has also shown some improvements in power.  Schwartz was named hitter of the week for the AFL in the recently completed week 3.  As of Saturday his slash line was .306/.364/.551 and his OPS was .915 with six doubles and 2 HR in 13 games played.  

Schwartz would be making an even higher contribution to the team if he were not splitting time with Minnesota Twins prospect Aaron Sabato who wields a power bat for the Wichita Wind Surge in the AA Texas League during the summer.


Fellow 2023 Rumble Pony Rowdey Jordan has also hit well with a .255/.327/.383 slash line.   He has been working at 3B with the team after playing mostly outfield positions in the 2023 AA season.  Jordan is second in the AFL in doubles, with half of his 12 hits being two-baggers this season.  He is showing as a very speedy, versatile player this season across the AA and AFL contests, but will have to continue to raise the bar on his hitting to move up.

Unfortunately, Kevin Parada has not seen the ball well in Arizona, as he only has a .182 batting average so far.  D’Andre Smith has struggled as well with a .175 batting average and a .624 OPS in 12 games of action.


There are five Mets prospect pitchers on the staff, and most are showing well.  Jordan Geber has seen the most action, getting 15 innings of work with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP.  He has been working on developing his pitching mechanics and has found some success this fall with more carry on his fastball and a sharper cutter and slider.  Geber spent time at four different levels in the Mets organization this past summer, and hopes to continue his upward rise in 2024.

Teammates Nolan Clenney (0.00/1.00) and Trey McLoughlin (0.00/1.05) have pitched very well, showing their ability to keep runners off the bases and not giving up any earned runs thus far.  McLoughlin has one of the five saves tallied by Desert Dog relievers this fall season.

Tyler Thomas (3.52/1.17) and Brendan Hardy (9.82/2.45) have also seen action on the mound with less favorable results.  Hardy has only pitched 3-2/3 innings so the statistics are still recovering from that eighth inning HR that cost him a game back on October 5th.  His four walks and two hit batsmen in less than four innings are the biggest concern.

To stay on top of the AFL stats, please check our link in the header bar above to get all the action.


10/9/23

Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League, one week in



As the MLB playoffs forge on without the New York Mets, their prospects are working to improve the chances that we will see Orange & Blue in future playoff series with regularity.  One group we have been following is the nine Mets minor leaguers who have been playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.    The Desert Dogs draw their roster from the prospects of five minor league teams: the Mets, White Sox, Red Sox, Twins, and Dodgers

The AFL kicked off last week, so after a full week of play, here is how things stand:

The Desert Dogs have not tasted much victory yet, going 1-5 in their first six games.  They have only scored 15 runs in 11 games, so the offense needs to get on track.

All the Mets’ players have seen action, but it is too early to develop any conclusions as playing time seems to be fairly equally distributed amongst the large roster.  Kevin Parada has seen the most playing time of the group with four games behind the plate. n

Good news: Rowdey Jordan and JT Schwartz have continued their hot hitting from the Rumble Ponies’ late season surge.  They are among the top 4 batters on the team.  Jordan is batting .364 in 11 games with a 1.053 OPS and a team-leading 3 RBI.   JT Schwartz has also hit well, slashing .300/.417/.300 in 3 games at first base. 

Not as good news: The Mets’ pitching representatives have not fared well.  Only Nolan Clenney, with a single clean inning has produced positive results.  This is not reason to panic, because all have seen limited action, so the numbers are not statistically significant yet.

The Dogs continue their action tonight against the undefeated Peoria Javalinas, whose roster consists of prospects from the Marlins, Cubs, Padres, Mariners, and Rays.


10/2/23

Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League begins

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is one of the most highly regarded development platforms in Major League Baseball.  Teams from around the league send their young talent to showcase their skills and to develop their abilities against other talented players.

This year, the AFL is set to kick off on October 2nd (today) with all six team seeing action.  The 30 game season will last through the November 11th championship game and will also include an all-star competition and home run derby.  Games are played at the Cactus League stadiums in Arizona.  Check the menu bar above for links to some AFL information.  

Among the players who will compete in the AFL this year, the Mets are sending nine players to the Glendale Desert Dogs.  

That list includes Catcher Kevin Parada (Binghamton); Pitchers Nolan Clenney, (Syracuse), Tyler Thomas (Syracuse), Brendan Hardy (Binghamton), Jordan Geber (Binghamton), and Trey McLoughlin (Binghamton); Outfielder Rowdey Jordan (Binghamton); and Infielders JT Schwartz (Binghamton) and D’Andre Smith (Brooklyn).  Here are a few things to know about the Mets’ prospects in the AFL:


Kevin Parada is the highest rated prospect among the Mets’ entries, currently listed as the fifth highest Mets prospect and number 89 in the MLB top-100 list.  Parada was the Mets’ first round pick in 2022, going as the 11th player selected overall.  In this 2023 season, he spent time with the St. Lucie Mets (low A), Brooklyn Cyclones (A), and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (AA) during the 2023 season, slashing .248/.324/752 in 105 games.


JT Schwartz was a fourth round pick in 2021 out of UCLA where he brought home a Pac-12 batting title in 2021.  Schwartz played the majority of the 2023 season with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, slashing .302/.383/.437 and playing outstanding defense as their starting first baseman.  He rarely strikes out and has the kind of swing that translates to higher levels.  Think John Olerud without the batting helmet.


Rowdey Jordan was an 11th round pick out of Mississippi State.  He spent the 2023 season with the Rumble Ponies and slashed .230/.344/.367 in 119 games.  A versatile player, Jordan played several positions for the Ponies in both the infield and outfield while also serving as a DH in 9 games.  His speed makes him a fun player to watch.


D’Andre Smith was the Mets fifth round pick in 2022 out of USC.  He spent the 2023 season as the Brooklyn second baseman, slashing .234/321/.353 in 64 games with the Cyclones.


Nolan Clenney was signed as a free agent in 2021 by the Mets.  The 27 year old right hander has spent three years in the Mets system, including 37 games this year with the Binghamton and Syracuse squads.  He posted a 5.63 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP for the season.


Tyler Thomas had a very solid 2023 season in the Mets’ system.  In 24 games between the Binghamton and Syracuse teams, Thomas posted a 2.86 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP.  He converted 4 of 4 save opportunities and also contributed two holds.


Trey McLoughlin, a 16th round pick in 2021, hurled for both the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Binghamton Rumble ponies this year.  In 35 games pitched for the two teams, he registered a 2.79 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP, striking out 64 and walking only 16 in 51 innings pitched.


Brendan Hardy was drafted out of high school by the Mets in 2018.  The 23 year old moved up this year from St. Lucie to Brooklyn to Binghamton and compiled a noteworthy 1.80 ERA in 24 games across the three teams.


Jordan Geber was signed as a free agent by the Mets in 2022.  In an abbreviated season due to injuries, Geber pitched 15 games in the Mets’ minor league system.  He finished strong with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, giving up zero runs in 18 innings and pitching to a 0.82 WHIP.  

So there you have it - nine Mets on the Glendale team working to refine their skills prior to the 2024 season.  Lets go Dogs!!


11/20/21

Yesterday (11/19/21) in Arizona and Winter Ball: Baty 0 for 3, Mauricio 0 for 3


Arizona Fall League - Peoria Javelinas 8 Salt River Rafters 0 (Box Score)


Brett Baty, 3B, 0 for 3.  He ends the Fall season hitting .292 with a .777 OPS, 1 HR, 15 RBIs, 11 walks, 31 Ks, 102 plate appearances, 89 at bats, 26 hits, 5 doubles, 1 triple.

Wilmer Reyes, SS, 0 for 2, For the Fall he hit .219 with a .652 OPS, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, 10 walks, 14 Ks, 74 plate appearances, 64 at bats, 14 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple.

Hayden Sengerand Carlos Cortes all did not play.

Hayden Senger's final line - .194 with a .601 OPS, 0 HRs, 0 RBIs, 8 walks, 7 Ks, 40 plate appearances, 31 at bats, 6 hits, 1 double.

Carlos Cortes' final Fall numbers - .236 with a .667 OPS, 0 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 walks, 7 Ks, 67 plate appearances, 55 at bats, 13 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple.

Brian Metoyer (L, 0-1) had a rough outing yesterday on the mound, 1/3 inning, 6 runs - all earned, 3 hits, 1 walk, 2 hit batters, 1 K; His final line for the Fall - 0-1, 10.45 ERA, 10 games, 10.1 innings, 10 hits, 12 runs - all earned, 1 HR, 10 walks, 17 Ks, 5 Hit batters.

Colin Holderman 1 inning, no runs, 1 walk, 1 K.  His final line - 0-1, 8.71 ERA, 11 games, 10.1 innings, 10 hits, 10 runs - all earned, 1 HR, 7 walks, 10 Ks.

Garrison Bryant's final numbers - 1-1, 4.80 ERA, 6 games, 15 innings, 15 hits, 8 runs - all earned, 5 HRs, 8 walks, 13 Ks.

Conner Grey's final numbers - 1-2, 3.00 ERA, 6 games, 18 innings, 15 hits, 7 runs, 6 earned, 1 HR, 6 walks, 17 Ks.

For all the Salt River Rafter Stats, click here

Yesterday in the Dominican League:

Leones del Escogido 8 Tigres del Licey 2 (Box Score)

Ronny Mauricio, SS, 0 for 3, 1 K - now hitting .273 with .744 OPS.

Aguilas Cibaena 4 Estrellas de Oriente 2 (Box Score)

Robinson Cano did not play.    

Gigantes del Cibao 5 Toros del Este 4 (Box Score)

Martin Cervenka, C, 0 for 3, 1 walk, 1 run scored, 1 K - .209 Avg, with a .583 OPS.

In Venezuela
:

Tiburones de La Guaira 12 Aguilas del Zulia 2 (Box Score

Brooklyn Catcher Oscar Campos went 1 for 1 with a run scored as a pinch hitter. He is hitting .400 with a .900 OPS.

Bravos de Margarita 10 Leones del Caracas 4 (Box Score)

David Rodriguez, C, 0 for 4, 1 walk, 1 run scored, 1 K, - now hitting .284 with .809 OPS.

Wilfredo Tovar, SS, 0 for 2, - now hitting .369 with .960 OPS.


Juan Uriarte, C, 1 for 2, 1 walk - now hitting .267 with a .706 OPS.

In Puerto Rico:

Criollos de Caguas 3 Carolina 1 (Box Score)

Johneshwy Fargas, CF, 2 for 4, 2 runs scored - now hitting .250 with a .708 OPS.


11/19/21

Yesterday (11/18/21) in Arizona and Winter Ball: Mauricio 2 for 4, 2 doubles


Arizona Fall League - Mesa Solar Sox 3 Salt River Rafters 1 (Box Score)


Brett BatyHayden SengerWilmer Reyes, and Carlos Cortes all did not play. The final game for the Salt River Rafters is today.



For all the Salt River Rafter Stats, click here

Yesterday in the Dominican League:

Gigantes del Cibao 4 Tigres del Licey 3, 11 innings, (Box Score)

Ronny Mauricio, SS, 2 for 4, 2 doubles, 1 run scored, 1 K - now hitting .286 with .768 OPS.




In Venezuela
:

Tigres de Aragua 6 Bravos de Margarita 2 (Box Score)

David Rodriguez, DH, 0 for 4, 2 Ks, - now hitting .298 with .838 OPS.

Navegantes del Magallanes 8 Leones del Caracas 7 (Box Score)

Wilfredo Tovar, SS-2B, 1 for 5, 1 run scored, 1 walk - now hitting .378 with .982 OPS.


Juan Uriarte, C, 0 for 1, 1 walk - he is now hitting .259 with a .680 OPS.

In Puerto Rico:

Criollos de Caguas 4 RA12 0 (Box Score)

Johneshwy Fargas, CF, 0 for 2, 2 walks, 1 run scored - now hitting .167 with a .617 OPS.


11/18/21

Yesterday (11/17/21) in Arizona and Winter Ball: Baty 1 for 3, Wilmer Reyes - HR, Mauricio 0 for 3, Cano 1 for 3


Arizona Fall League - Scottsdale Scorpions 4 Salt River Rafters 3 (Box Score)


Brett Baty, 3B, 1 for 3, 2 Ks - now hitting .302 with .802 OPS.

Hayden Senger, C, 0 for 2, 1 walk - now hitting .194 with .601 OPS.

Wilmer ReyesCF, 1 for 3, HR, 1 run scored, 1 RBI, 1 K - now hitting .226 with .672 OPS.

Carlos Cortes did not play.



For all the Salt River Rafter Stats, click here

Yesterday in the Dominican League:

Toros del Este 5 Tigres del Licey 0 (Box Score)

Ronny Mauricio, SS, 0 for 3, 1 walk - now hitting .271 with .719 OPS.

Martin Cervenka, C, 1 for 3, 1 run scored, 1 walk, 1 K - now hitting .225 with .608 OPS.

Ex-Met Pitcher Raul Valdes, (W, 1-2) 6 scoreless innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 Ks - now with a 2.61 ERA this Winter.

Estrellas de Oriente 3 Leones del Escogido 2 (Box Score)

Robinson Cano, DH, - 1 for 3, 2 RBIs, - now hitting .292 with .59 OPS.

In Venezuela:

Navegantes del Magallanes 13 Bravos de Margarita 6 (Box Score) Navegantes scored 11 runs in the first inning.

David Rodriguez, C, 1 for 4, 1 RBI, - now hitting .313 with .877 OPS.

Leones del Caracas 11 Caribes de Anzoategui 5 (Box Score)

Wilfredo Tovar, SS-2B, 2 for 4, 1 run scored, 1 walk - now hitting .390 with 1.017 OPS.

No current Mets in action last night in the Puerto Rican or Mexican Pacific League.

Johneshwy Fargas went 0 for 2 in a rain shortened game. He is now hitting .200 with a .600 OPS.


11/17/21

Yesterday (11/16/21) in Arizona and Winter Ball: Baty 1 for 4 - 3 RBIs, Mauricio 0 for 4, Cano 1 for 4 - 1 RBI


Arizona Fall League - Salt River Rafters 5 Desert Dogs 0 (Box Score)


Brett Baty, 3B, 1 for 4, 3 RBIs - now hitting .301 with .807 OPS.

Conner Grey 3 scoreless innings, 2 hits, 3 Ks - now with a 3.00 ERA.





For all the Salt River Rafter Stats, click here

Yesterday in the Dominican League:

Tigres del Licey 1 Aguilas Cibaenas 2 (Box Score)

Ronny Mauricio, SS, 0 for 4, 2 Ks - now hitting .286 with .745 OPS.

Gigantes del Cibao 6 Estrellas de Oriente 3 (Box Score)

Robinson Cano, DH, - 1 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1K - now hitting .286 with .604 OPS.



In Venezuela:

Navegantes del Magallanes 3 Bravos de Margarita 2 (Box Score)

David Rodriguez, C, 0 for 4, 2 Ks, - now hitting .316 with .896 OPS.

Leones del Caracas 11 Caribes de Anzoategui 5 (Box Score)

Wilfredo Tovar, SS-2B, 2 for 3, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, 2 walks - now hitting .384 with 1.012 OPS.

No current Mets in action last night in the Puerto Rican or Mexican Pacific League.