The Double D's

 What a nickname huh? I'll give in a couple weeks into the season until these t-shirts are parading around Citi with Davis and Duda plastered on the front and back. If anybody needs two homegrown, bomb dropping studs its our New York Mets. I know its not quite the level of Linsanity or Timmy Terrific time but we needs some gimmick to call our own. To be frank, things aren't looking too good for this upcoming summer. So why not gimmick the hell out of our two potential studs that show us a glimmer of hope? I read somewhere that somebody was calling Ike and Lucas the "Killer D's" but I'm not ripping off the Killer B's from the Astros. We need something unique and the Double D's is where its at. Who knows, hopefully by this time next year, Dan Dekker can prove he can hit above A ball and we have ourselves the Triple D's  or ( Insert cooler nickname here).

D1 Game Notes – Friday’s Premier Pitchers, Rock Rucker

D1 Game Notes – Friday’s Premier Pitchers, Rock Rucker

                                                                                                                       

·        Stock Down – TAMU top RHP Michael Wacha had a rough Friday night against Missouri. Stat like was ugly: 6.1-IP, 12-H, 5-R, 5-K, 1-BB. Wacha’s been hot and cold this season. Seasons stat line now: 7-ST, 4-0, 2.72, 46.1-IP, 52-K, 9-BB. He still projects as a definite first round pick.

·        Stock Up – Ole Miss RHP Bobby Wahl. Caught this one on TV. Tremendous focus from this kid who drips of enthusiasm. 90-94 fastball, which touched 95 late. Plus 80-83 slider. Completely dominated the nation’s number one team: 8.0-IP, 0-R, 2-H, 6-K, 5-0. Easily the best pitching performance in D1 this year. Seasonal stat line: 7-ST, 5-0, 1.91, 42.1-IP, 48-K, 15-BB. This performance might have elevated Wahl to a first round pick.

·        Stock Down – Stanford RHP Mark Appel, who continues to flip flop at a time he’s supposed to be locking up the overall number one spot in the draft. Friday night vs. Arizona: 8.0-IP, 12-H, 6-ER, only 5-K. Seasonal stat line: 6-ST, 3-1, 3.56, 48.0-IP, 52-K, 14BB. This simply is not good enough to be the first pick overall.

·        Stock Meh – The good news on LSU Kevin Gausman: 12-K in 20 batters faced. The bad news: 5-ER by Arkansas. Kauman has to do better than this if he wants to be picked number one overall. Seasonal stats: 7-ST, 5-9, 2.27, 47.2-IP,62-K,13-BB. Pitching coaches will tell you to look for the strikeout/innings ratio. Still a top 5 pick.

·        Stock Up – UCLA Adam Plutko pitched a gem against Utah: 6.2-IP, 0-R, 4-H, 6-K. One negative was five walks which just made it interesting. Season stat line:  7-ST, 4-1, 2.58, 45.1-IP, 52-K, 20-BB. Needs to cut back on the walks is he want to be an early pick.

·        Complete game – CSF’s ace, Dylan Floro, put one on CSN with 7-H, 1-ER, 9-K, and 0-BB. Season stat line: 8-G, 7-ST, 4-2, 2.25, 52.0-IP, 35-K, 4-BB. Control pitches usually don’t get picks on day one of the raft.

·        My email to Rock Rucker after throwing a no-hitter:  “show off”

  o   Rock’s response - "Alright Mr. Mack. I threw my no hitter on my birthday and before the game my Coach ( Tony Rasmus ) said " Why don't we throw a no hitter for your birthday present. " 6 innings and 80+ pitches later I was smiling from ear to ear. That outing pushed me to 4-0 on the mound with no earned runs in any starts with 37ks. Our area play starts April 3rd against Fort Valley high school and I hope to lead my team ( Russell County ) to a 5A Alabama State Championship."

·        Nick J. Faleris‏ @NickJFaleris - Good/bad for #OleMiss commit Stryker Trahan (c, Acadiana HS, Lafayette, La.). Showed pop on easy oppo HR. WTBD behind the plate.

·        Al Skorupa ‏@alskor   - Scout at NHSI: "Marcus Stroman is throwing serious gas today with a sharp two plane slider... getting better as the outing progresses"

·        Speed Checks

o   Kevin Gausman – 94-97, 97 on 115^th pitch

o   Rice RHP Jordan Stephens – 87-91, 76-77 CV, 79-82 CH

o   Southern Miss LHP Jake Drehoff - 88-90, 76-77 CV, 78-80 CH

o   Rice John Sims – 88-90, 79-CH

o   Tyler Beede – 90-94, 95, 97 1x 7^th inning

o   Carlos Rondon – 91-93, 94

Matt Grabusky - Jesmuel Valentin 2012 Draft Profile

Player: Jesmuel Valentin 

 Position: SS 

 School: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy 

Date of Birth: 5/12/1994 

 Height/Weight: 5’10/180 

 Bats/Throws: S/R 

 Class Of: 2012 

 Committed To: LSU 

 Scouting Report: Jesmuel Valentin is the son of long time Major Leaguer, Jose Valentin. He rose quickly up draft rankings after a stellar performance at the Under Armour All-American Game. Valentin is a legitimate switch hitter, though he looks a bit better righthanded. A line drive hitter with some pop, he has a short stroke with some lift. He has recorded 60 times of 6.68 to 6.88. Valentin should have no problem sticking at shortstop in the future. He has good range, sure hands, and a strong arm. Valentin has quick feet and looks good on the double play. Valentin is a tough player who hustles on the field. With his pedigree and tools, he figures to go high in the 2012 MLB draft.

http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2012/02/06/jesmuel-valentin-2012-draft-profile/ 

MLB Draft Countdown - Top 30 Draft Picks

1) Mike Zunino, C, Florida 

 2) Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) 

 3) Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford 

 4) Kevin Gausman, RHP, Louisiana State 

 5) Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS (GA) 

 6) Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco 

 7) Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia HS (FL) 

 8) Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Jesuit Prep (FL)

 9) Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State 

 10) Chris Beck, RHP, Georgia Southern 

 11) Michael Wacha, RHP, TAMU   

12) Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL) 

 For the rest of the list...

 http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2012-mlb-draft/top-30-mlb-draft-prospects-for-2012/

Breaking News - Jonathan Niese

The Mets have agreed to a long-term deal with Jonathon Niese, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin.

The Keepers - RHSP - Chason Bradford

Chasen Bradford: 


9-30-11: - Q and A: Mack with… RHRP Chasen Bradford Mack: Morning everyone. We're spending some time today with the Mets 35th round pick in the 2011 draft, RHRP Chasen Bradford. 


Hey Chasen. Are you back home in Nevada? 


Bradford: Yes, I am back home in Las Vegas but I have been making frequent visits to San Diego, California to visit my brother. 


Mack: Yeah, watch out for that speed trap in Barstow... 


Chasen, you've had a very successful first professional season. What was it like hearing your name on the draft broadcast that day? Bradford: It was awesome. It came out of nowhere. I was in my room in Florida cleaning up, getting ready to head back home when my roommate said "Chasen Bradford just got drafted by the New York Mets." First I thought he was kidding because he was already drafted by the Diamondbacks and he is a goofy guy so I didn't know if it was true. But when I look at the Draft Tracker I was shocked. 


Mack Tell us the biggest difference between pitching school ball and the pro grind? 


Bradford: Well I think the difference is that you see more seasoned college guys in pro ball. But when it comes down to it it is still pitching and the hitters will get themselves out. Another difference I have scene is consistency in the umpires strike zone and the hitters abilities to recognize pitches 

Mack: Chase, the word I've got from a scout-friend is you're a strike thrower, you have a decent changeup, and your go-to pitch is the slider? Accurate? 


Bradford: Yes I've always been able to throw strikes that what I pride myself on. I may not throw 94-95 but I am able to put the ball wherever I want to. My change-up is my got to against lefties along with my two-seam and my slider I use against righties to compliment the two-seams I throw into them. 


Mack: So, we know everyone can look up stats, but let's concentrate on a couple: 33.1-IP, 37-K, 7-BB... Chase, I've learned a few things from the coaches over the years. Recognizing talent is all about OBP for the hitters and K/BB and K/IP ratio for the pitchers. THAT's what gets you to Queens. What are you doing in the off-season to keep it real? 


Bradford: Right now I am sticking to the strength plan that the Mets gave me. Taking a month off for active recover so my body can heal because between college and my first season of pro ball I have been throwing for close to nine months. Although this break has been good, I cannot wait to get back to lifting, running and throwing to get into even better shape for next year. 


Mack: I'm hoping to see you in Savannah come April, but, if it's Brooklyn, you'll love the fans and the food. Is there anything you want to say to the readers out there? 


Bradford: I also hope to be in Savannah but I do hear the atmosphere in Brooklyn is awesome. Either way I am very excited to start my second year with the Mets. I am glad they gave me the opportunity and excited to see what comes of it. I hope to meet some of the readers sometime because I really appreciate the fans and all they do for us as players. 


Mack: Thanks Chase.

The Complete "Keepers" for One Penny

I've updated "The Keepers" series

It includes information on 139 Mets current minor league players, is 153 pages long, and consists of 65,194 words.

The entire report is available to you, via email, by making a donation (using the donation box on the left column of this web site.

It can be as low as one penny.

We ask that it be less than the sale price of the Dodgers.

Just click, donate, and I'm email it out to you

(no... this is not an April Fools joke)

Mack

New Orleans 16, Buffalo 6

March 31, 2012 –The Buffalo Bisons were defeated by the New Orleans Zephyrs by a 16-6 score from Vero Beach, FL.
 
The Herd will play a short intersquad game on Sunday before breaking camp and heading up to Buffalo for the start of the season. The Bisons will hold their first team workout at Coca-Cola Field on Tuesday, April 3 (2pm, open to the media).
 
The Bisons pounded out 13 hits, but couldn’t keep up with the Zephyrs. INF JOSH SATIN finished the game 3-3 with a walk, a double and a solo home run. INF VALENTINO PASCUCCI also homered in the loss.
 
C ROB JOHNSON finished the game 2-4 with a pair of doubles and OF ADAM LOEWEN also doubled as the Bisons had eight extra-base hits.
 
There are just 11 days until Opening Day at Coca-Cola Field, Wednesday, April 11 at 2:05 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

D1 Game Notes – Chadd Krist, Brian Johnson, Joey Gallo, Kyle Zimmer, Mack’s Top 57 in Draft

 • Every MLB team looks for a catcher that can not only hit but throw runners out at second base. That being said, Texas had their way with Cal catcher Chadd Krist on Friday night. Krist gave up five stolen bases in just the first two innings. 

• Brian Johnson has been the top-rated college LHP in this class for most of the past year. He has the build and athleticism that teams want, and the potential on the mound to still get a lot better as a pro. Johnson’s fastball is solid for a left-handed pitcher, above-average probably, but it’s his secondary stuff (and the feel that he has for it) that makes him a good possibility to go in the first round. By most accounts, his slider is his most valuable pitch right now in terms of generating grounders and missing bats, though Johnson’s change-up is quickly improving as well. Further improvement with the latter will cement his status as a first-round pick. There are a number of other college pitchers ranks that throw two pitches well. Johnson’s ability to throw a fastball, change, and slider for strikes will put him above many of the other college arms, even if his ceiling might not be as high. What’s most especially interesting about him is that he could be a legitimate first-base prospect for a number of teams as well with a nice lefty power stroke. - link

• Joey Gallo is a physically strong, 6’5”, 205-pound, CI/RHP from Bishop Gorman HS (Nev.), a storied program that’s currently ranked as the second-best high school program in the country. One of the elite bats in the 2012 draft class, Gallo possesses power to all fields with exceptional pull-side power. However, it’s not just the left-handed hitter’s bat that intrigues scouts—Gallo also has potential on the mound. With a low-90s arm across the diamond, scouts will continue to debate whether Gallo is more projectable as a position player or pitcher. Given his monster frame, he has impressive athleticism and exhibits natural defensive actions at third base. However, he isn’t an elite defender and will probably never grade higher than a 55 at the hot corner. - link

 • Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco - Zimmer, a 6’-4”, 220-pound right-hander has been mentioned as the possible number-one overall pick recently, and some scouts have said that he is way better than Stanford’s Mark Appel, widely regarded as the most polished pitcher in the draft. The upside with Zimmer, who is relatively new to pitching, may be too enticing to pass on for teams picking at the top of the draft. His fastball has been clocked at 99 mph and routinely sits in the 93-96 mph range, even late in games. He also owns a hammer-curve that sits around 85 mph and his change-up is a straight and deceptive pitch that sits around 85 mph. His slider is also an above-average offering. - link

 • As of today, I have 18 ballplayers that are placed into a “AAA” category. In my book, these will be the first 18 players picked in the June draft. In no particular order:

 Kevin Gausman, Max Fried, Kenny Diekroeger, Deven Morreno, Trey Williams, Byron Buxton, Mike Zunino, Kyle Zimmer, Carlos Correa, Victor Roache, Stryker Trahan, Mark Appel, David Dahl, Michael Wacha, Coutney Hawkins, Lucas Giolito, Walker Weickel, Lance McCullers Jr.

 • I also have 39 “AA” players that represent the second tier of prospects in the draft. They are also in no particular order: 

Austin Maddox, Hunter Virant, Christian Walker, Steve Nyiszto, Gavin Cecchini, Joey Gallo, Kyle Carter, Peter O'Brien, Mitchell Traver, Matt Smoral , Jesmuel Valentin, Matt Reynolds, Albert Amora, Josh Elander, Marcus Stroman, Brett Mooneyham, Javier Valentin Diaz, Rio Ruiz (IR), Nick Williams, Tom Murphy, Matt Price, Brian Johnson, Nolan Fontana, Richie Shaffer, Tyler Naquin, Alex Bregman, Taylore Cherry, Andrew Heaney, Addison Russell, Stehen Piscotty, James Ramsey, Chris Beck, Preston Tucker, Duane Underwood, Travis Jankowski, Jake Cosart, Kayden Porter, Michael Roth, Brady Rodgers