Draft 14 - An Early Look At - C - Jakson Reetz - Norris (NE) HS

C   -   Jakson Reetz

 

6-16-13  - • Versatile Jakson Reetz stood out in many facets of the game. During Friday’s evaluations, he showed one of the strongest arms of any catcher and quick feet behind the plate. Then he made a tough play in right field on Saturday by chasing down a long fly ball to the warning track. The Nebraska commit sat 88-90 mph on the mound, touching 91. Yet Reetz, who attends Norris High in Hickman, Neb., saved his loudest performance for the plate. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder took quality at-bats and made consistent, hard contact. He smacked a triple in the seventh inning. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tournament-of-stars-promising-power-outlook-for-2014/

7-2-13  - 2014 Top 100 High School Prospects - 12. Jakson Reetz- C/RHP, Norris (NE) HS -  Top two-way player can really catch and throw, and hit everything hard at TOS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

 

7-24-13  -  Jakson Reetz, c/of/rhp, Norris, Hickman, Neb./Marucci Elite

At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with a compact build and powerful lower half, the strong-bodied Reetz is an athletic backstop. Reetz is a three-sport athlete who also plays quarterback and point guard. He has advanced defensive skills behind the plate and a strong arm capable of 1.95-2.00 second pop times. Holding the bat close to his head and using an aggressive stride, Reetz has a quick, line-drive oriented swing and has hit well in games. His natural strength gives him gap power. He has enough speed and athleticism to play the outfield. On the mound, Reetz sits 88-90 mph and touches 91. He is committed to Nebraska, where his father played football. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

 

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 17. Jakson Reetz, C/RHP, Norris HS (NE) - 6'1/195, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.43, Nebraska commit - Quick Take: Reetz is a great athlete with solid average speed and has a chance to stick behind the plate with an above average arm and very quick release. At the plate, he's more a contact hitter that is very productive in games though he flashes more power in BP that could find it's way into his game swing down the line. He's also not bad on the mound, sitting 88-91 with an above average 77-80 mph slider. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

 

8-10-13 - New Balance Area Code games -  Jakson Reetz (NE) hit well today. He has squared up the ball each game and stroked a ball into left for a base hit in the first. http://prospectinsider.com/view/2013-area-codes:-day-4-notes/

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 26. Jakson Reetz, C/RHP, Norris HS (NE) - A terrific athlete and two-way player, the 6’-1”, 200-pound right-hander’s ability to stick behind the plate make him a highly touted prospect. More of a line drive hitter now, more power should come as he matures, and he has the bat speed to back it up. Can hit the low-90s on the mound so his arm plays well behind the plate and he makes for a big target. Committed to Nebraska. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Jakson Reetz | C/ RHP/OF | Norris HS (Hickman, NE) - eight/Weight: 6-foot-1, 190 pounds B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18 years, 5 months  Commitment: Nebraska - History: Reetz entered the summer as a talented but raw backstop, flashing big athleticism and almost casual actions on the field, belying his loud and impactful tools. In the Metrodome in June, Reetz stood out at the PG National Showcase for his catch-and-throw game, gunning down multiple baserunners and showing sub-2.0 pop times to second, in addition to a couple of hard hit balls, in game. He has built on that showcase throughout the summer, making loud contact with increasing regularity throughout his showcase and tournament stops. Like Reid-Foley and McKinney, Reetz’s Tournament of Stars performance at the end of June bought him a ticket to the USA Baseball 18U Team Trials, and the Nebraska commit continued a successful summer with impressive showings at both the Perfect Game 17U National Championship in July and the Area Code Games last week. - Development: Reetz added another impressing showing to his summer, earning MVP honors for the game. While he struggled some handling the arms while behind the plate, no player had a greater impact offensively. Reetz went 2-for-4 with a long opposite-field double off of hard-throwing Dylan Cease, and added three stolen bases to his output over the course of his four trips to the plate. There is simply no ignoring the growth in Reetz’s game over the past two months, and he’ll get a chance to add to his rapidly expanding resume should he earn a spot on the final USA Baseball 18U squad. His Marucci Elite travel club will be one of the favorites at the final event of the scouting circuit—the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida this October—and, should he attend, Reetz will be one of the most highly scouted catchers in the tournament. He’ll almost certainly enter the spring as the top draft prospect in the Cornhusker State. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 14.Jakson Reetz – C/RHP, Norris (NE) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

 

 

Draft 15 – Cameron Olson, Bailey Falter, Ryan Johnson, Kyle Tyler, Daz Cameron

 9-9-13 – Top 10 Far West League Prospects - 7. Cameron Olson, c, Humboldt Crabs (So., UC Davis) - Olson wrapped up his summer by finishing near the top of the FWL in every major offensive category, hitting .323/.436/.602 in 157 plate appearances for the league champs. The 6-foot, 195-pound backstop stands out for his powerful, lefthanded bat. He generates plus raw power to the pull side and can hit quality fastballs with authority. Olson has a short, compact swing and the ball jumps off his bat. He struggled with breaking balls in his freshman year at UC Davis, hitting .274/.354/.369 while making 21 starts for the Aggies. Defensively, he has a good arm on throws down to second base, but needs to clean up his footwork as his pop times have been below-average. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/far-west-league-top-10-prospects/

 

9-2-13 - Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG   - 2015 LHP Bailey Falter (Chino, CA) K's side in 1st inning of @PGSuper25 #SoCalQualifier sitting 84-86

 

9-9-13 – BA Top 2015 HS Prospects - Ryan Johnson OF IF 6-3 220 L R College Station College Station TX   Twelve Baseball Academy  -  Has Shown big time power at WWBA and Area Codes

 

9-13-13 - Justin Hlubek ‏@PGJustinHlubek  -  Kyle Tyler (2015 RHP) sitting 86-87 touched 89 with a good CH at 78 mph

 

9-14-13  -  Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12  -  @PerfectGameUSA: Top ranked 2015 Daz Cameron just drilled a HR for SACSN National team! #PGTourney” Kid is a BEAST!

Mack Ade – Morning Report – 10-5-13 –

 

Matt Harvey to have TJS.

                I’m sorry… I’m unable to finish today’s report…

               We will talk more about the Harvey decision in 'The War Room' on Sunday.

 

Mike Kerwick – Mets Top 3 Prospects:

                1. Noah Syndergaard, right-handed starter He could become the most interesting piece of the trade that sent R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays and Travis d’Arnaud to the Mets. A true blue-chip prospect.

2. Rafael Montero, right-handed starter Montero had better numbers than Syndergaard this season. He turns 23 later this month – the same age as Mets starter Zack Wheeler.

3. Brandon Nimmo, outfielder Nimmo had an on-base percentage of .397 at Class A Savannah this season. But he is only 20 and still years away from the big leagues. - http://www.northjersey.com/sports/226415461_Mets_top_prospects.html#sthash.Ds1cJA66.dpuf

                Mack – I was just asked recently if I now thought that Nimmo would make it I the MLB. I really like how he progressed this past year during the time he wasn’t injured. Wrist injuries are tough. There’s a period of time you don’t play and then there is a period of time you play to build back up your wrist strength. That time usually (and, in Nimmo’s case) stats out badly… but…  if you extract all that out of Nimmo’s numbers, he had an all-star season in Savannah. No, the power never developed, but I’m not sure that was how he attempted to play the game in that God awful pit of a stadium. St. Lucie isn’t that famous for its home run hitters either, but let’s give him another year. For now, ETA: 2017

 

Bleacher Report –

                The only consistent part of the Mets' infield this season was at second base where Daniel Murphy played in 161 games. Murphy hit a solid .286 with 188 hits and 78 RBI. He was eighth in the league with 92 runs and sixth in stolen bases with 23. Murphy's power numbers were up a bit with 13 home runs and 38 doubles. His only negative was his on-base percentage, which dropped due to his lack of walks.

                Mack – What is it about this guy that never allows us to accept what he does good? Every team in this sport lives with defensive deficiencies from decent hitters in this game. Whhy can’t we do this here and move on to other positions with bigger problems?

 

Matt Cerrone expect to hear the Mets are interested in are SS Stephen Drew and Jhonny Peralta and OF Nelson Cruz, as well as trade talk involving A’s SS Jed Lowrie, Dodgers outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, as well as the Rockies triumvirate of Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer.

                                Mack – I found Cerrone’s approach to his post puzzling. He seemed negative about this kind of approach in the off-season and suggested that Alderson might be going down the wrong road if he pays guys like this too much money. Here we go again with spending too much of Wilpon’s money. Look, no one is overpaid in a two year contract. It’s the five year one’s that get criticized and come back to bite you in the ass. Nothing was worse than the Frank Francisco fiasco and even that didn’t cost Alderson that much heat, but he has to get that deal out of his head and take four to five chances here. This team needs two new outfielders, a new first baseman, and a new shortstop. Some of these players can be gotten through free agency but the others have to traded for using your excess of positional players (Flores, Murphy, Davis, Duda) and a number of your young prospect pitchers.

                You just about table this whole mess for two years if you sign Peralta, Drew, Marlon Byrd, and trade for Tulo. You’ve got your team for the next two years.

 

Joe Janish –

                You may have heard the news that Dusty Baker has been fired by the Cincinnati Reds. With that news comes the first rumor of the winter. On MLB-XM this morning, Reds announcer Marty Brennaman spoke at length regarding the Baker firing and where the Reds were headed going forward. But who will go? Brennaman suggested that there are whispers that Gold Glove second baseman Brandon Phillips could be on the block. Not because he lacks leadership, but because he may be their most valuable tradeable asset

                                Mack – A guy like Phillips will cost you. First, he’ll play 2014 as a 32-year old (.281, 18-HR, 77-RBI) and the Reds will be looking for some ‘clubhouse leaders’ to help turnaround the attitude in the clubhouse. He’s signed through 2017 ($11mil, $12mil, $13mil, $14mil) and, yes, he’s a Gold Glove second baseman. Who wouldn’t want him, but what ‘clubhouse leaders’ do the Mets have that they can give away? I don’t see a match here.

BREAKING NEWS! Matt Harvey Will Undergo TJ Surgery

The Mets Front Office announced a short while ago that Matt Harvey has elected to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/nym/harvey-elects-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery?ymd=20131004&content_id=62477914&vkey=news_nym

Several weeks ago Harvey announced that upon consultation with team physicians and others, he had decided to seek to avoid the surgery by undertaking a conditioning regimen and a throwing program. In the last week or so it had become apparent that the lack of progress toward that end mitigated in favor of the surgery option. Avoiding surgery had always been a long shot for Harvey since it is known that only 1 in 8 players with similar injuries have been successful in avoiding the TJ procedure.

Harvey is expected to miss the entire 2014 season. Sandy Alderson had already indicated that he planned to seek at least one veteran starter this winter. The question now is whether Harvey’s decision will motivate Alderson to attempt to sign a front line pitcher like Matt Garza, or to stay the original plan and sign a mid-level starter. Currently, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee are set in next year’s rotation, with the returning Jenrry Mejia a likely starter as well. Who Alderson brings in to round out the rotation will be a strong indicator of how serious the Mets front office is about putting a contending team on the field next April.

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - SS - Trae Turner - North Carolina State

Trae Turner

 

5-23-13 - Trea Turner has taken a long path to likely top 10 pick and possible #1 overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was a little-known late riser as a senior from a south Florida high school that passed on a six figure offer from the Pirates as a 20th round pick. I talked to him earlier this season after a solid game early in his return from an ankle injury. He described how he knew he was just a physically weaker, slap-hitting, one dimensional prospect in high school that couldn't get calls returned from his dream school, Florida State. Some elite athletes aren't developed when they turn 18 and especially the slim-bodied, up-the-middle type athletes often have to add some bulk and develop physically before it all comes together.  LINK

 

5-22-13 - Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Maybe the most exciting player in college, Turner is a burner who is also showing power this year. The 6’-1”, 185-pound right-hander led the nation in stolen bases last year with 57 and was caught just four times. He also hit .336 with a .436 OBP and struck out just 38 times in 63 games. This year, he has recorded a hit and scored a run in all 11 Wolfpack games. He is hitting .477 (21-for-44) with 21 runs, five doubles, three home runs, five stolen bases and has struck out just twice. He may not end up at shortstop at the next level, but offensive talent and plus speed will make him an everyday regular. LINK

 

6-9-13  -   2.Trea Turner, SS (NC State): Strong hit tool and approach with plus speed up the middle, all of which make up for just around solid power potential. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-10-13 -  Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Turner is the most dynamic player in the country.  He came to national attention with his great baserunning and speed, but has shown that there is much more to his game.  He should be one of the first players selected in 2014. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

 

6-11-13 - 6. Trea Turner, SS, N.C. State: He's a shortstop who can stay there, a leadoff hitter extraordinaire with plus-plus speed that allowed him to steal 84 bases in his first two seasons of college ball. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50293726&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_50293726

 

6-13-13  -  3. Milwaukee Brewers — Trea Tuner, SS, North Carolina State - Probably the most electric and exciting player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has shown the range, arm and instincts to stick at shortstop, including plays like this. Offensively, his speed is his best tool and he should be a major threat on the base paths at the next level. He also has a great approach at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He showed developing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comps will be coming. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury shortened games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

 

6-22-13  -  Player:  Trea Turner   Position:  SS   School:  NC State   Height/Weight:  6’1/175  Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Previously Drafted:  2011, 20th rd, Pirates Scouting Report: from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Trea is a slender ideal frame, athletic lean, with decent overall development. He should sit 180-190 pounds as he matures; definitely see a bit more lower half development.  He has a little bit of load, with some uplift.  This is a minor issue as he has the blend of rhythm and bat speed to make contact concerns die off. Good balance and weight transfer with lower half torque in the swing.  Short compact path with good bat head control, drops the barrel with a mistake for pull power at this stage.  Shows solid plate coverage, good gap power, stays back on decent breaks, sound approach.  He can get a good amount of backspin on pulled balls, so seen power improvements over multiple views this spring.  On the paths, I have caught 3.85 – 4.0 down the line and 2.79 – 3.0 from 1st to 2nd.  His instinct on the path is already mature, picks a part pitchers timing and triggers quickly.  Soft hands, range to left and right is good, arm to carry, footwork around the bag and transfer is sound.  He has cleaned up footwork on catch, set, release, but it can be a point of growth in his game.

 

6-24-13   -  SS: Trea Turner, North Carolina State - A repeat member of this squad, Turner impressed me as much with his rare insightfulness as with his special baseball ability. Sure, he’s an electrifying player, with game-changing speed, a lightning-quick bat and the ability to dazzle on occasion at shortstop. But UCLA coach John Savage rightfully gushed about Turner’s analytical skills after Turner broke down Nick Vander Tuig’s performance against the Wolfpack. So Turner gets the nod over three other players who were a joy to watch this year, LSU’s Alex Bregman, Texas A&M’s Mikey Reynolds and Cal State Fullerton’s Richy Pedroza. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/tony-kemp-leads-2013-all-fitt-team/

 

6-28-13 - Trea Turner, SS, NC State: - The linchpin of the offense of a College World Series NC State club, Turner can do it all on the diamond and is sure to be in high demand next summer. A plus defender at shortstop, Turner has lateral burst, balance, soft hands and an aptitude for the diving play. He also possesses a quick release that helps his above average strength play up. He's a pro-ready defender and should be a highlight real with the glove at the next level. http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/28/4450674/the-way-too-early-2014-tcb-astros-draft-board

 

 

7-17-13 –  Trea Turner SS, NC State - Turner oozes athleticism and upside at SS.  He's still very lean and looks like he has some room to pack on some muscle without losing some of his tremendous speed, which rates as top-of-the line 80 on the scouting scale.  He was very quick at SS, ranging well to each direction and showing a strong arm.  Turner didn't hit the ball particularly well on these particular days (in fact, he went 0 for 9) but does have a smooth stroke that should hit for average along with a good eye at the plate.  He's a top 5 talent and has perhaps even a chance at #1 overall considering position value and his all-around skill set. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

 

7-21-13 - Cuba’s Norge Ruiz dominated his first time through the order, striking out five of the first nine batters faced. The second time through the order got off to a strong start for Team USA as Trea Turner (NC State) opened the fourth with a base hit to left center. LSU’s Alex Bregman followed with a base knock to give Team USA a pair of base runners. With one out and runners on the corners, Michael Conforto (Oregon State) broke the scoreless tie with a sacrifice fly to left. http://ht.ly/2yvWIz

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 2. Trea Turner, SS, NC State - The 2013 MLB draft lacked depth up the middle. Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander, is a fantastic defender with outstanding range and a strong arm. His elite speed, advanced approach at the plate and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him one of the more exciting players in college and, once he gets on base, don’t blink. Over 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #2. Trea Turner, SS (NC State): Heavy-duty hit tool and method with plus speed up the middle, all of which make up for just around compact power potential. In all probability the most power-driven and exhilarating player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has presented the range, arm and makeups to stick at shortstop. Offensively, his speed is his finest tool and he should be a major menace on the base paths at the next level. He also has a pronounced methodology at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He displayed increasing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comparisons will be impending. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury condensed games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

 

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State - More than just a burner, he also offers hitting prowess and the ability to stick at shortstop.

 

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 4 – Cubs -  SS Trea Turner – North Carolina State – Turner could easily go 1-2 with his fellow Wolfpack, P Carlos Rodon. Has all 5-tools,  especially speed and the ability to stick at shortstop. Compared to Troy Tulowitzki. This is about as good as a draftable SS can be.

Draft 14 – Chase Vallot, Carl Chester, Nick Gordon, Dylan Cease, Chad Sobotka

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Chase Vallot, C:  If the Cubs can't land Jackson or feel like he can't stick at catcher, Vallot is the next best prep option.  There's a lot to like about Vallot, starting with a strong arm and great pop times (1.92 seconds) though like most H.S. catchers, he still needs work on his receiving skills.  Vallot has a strong build and should hit for power and as a bonus, is a pretty good athlete.  He's someone the Cubs could certainly be interested in if he lasts to their second pick -- but Vallot also has a chance to shoot up higher into the first round with a good season. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 43. Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Nick Gordon (SS/RHP) (L/R) 6’2″ 170; Grad: 2014 Orlando, FL This was my first look at the SS so thought I would include him on my list. Tall, lean look with good projection to body. Two way athlete and EZ  to dream considering the bloodline: father is Flash Gordon and brother is Dee Gordon (LAD). Fast twitch swing geared for contact/LD at the moment; lives in middle part of diamond. /As body matures and strengthens, can project as LD/gaps hitter with BA power. Instinctive base runner and SB threat. Alert defender w/quick first step and smooth, fluid actions. Plenty of arm to stay at SS. Premium  defender and future GG candidate. Pending how the bat progresses this spring, Nick has a chance to go early in the first round 2014. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 10 – Seattle – RHP  Dylan Cease – Milton (GA) HS – The second of four very talented high school righties that will go high in the first round.  Cease doesn’t throw as hard as the other two (92-95, 97), but he does project by most scouts to wind up being the most successful. Most of his other pitchers are still a work in progress.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Chad Sobotka  (USC-Upstate Jr. ) 6-7/200, Chatham Anglers 24 IP, 24 K, 2.25 ERA: FB 89-94 CB 76-78 SL 81-87 CH 83-86 -  I became enamored with Sobotka the first time I same him mowing guys down at Y-D. His over the top arm angle generates tons of downward plane, and he spins the ball really well. With room to add weight, his stuff will get even better. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Michael Scannell - Quick Hits

 

 

- For next year’s starting staff, it seems the Mets should bring in as much veteran pitching as possible.  Sure, they have talented young throwers but the prospects are not fully mature and some are still on the way.  With Harvey’s future in doubt and the need to upgrade the offense, the Mets will need additional starters to fill out the rotation even if only temporarily.  In the best case scenario, Harvey will pitch the entire season.  Even if he does, the rotation could start out with Harvey, Niese, Wheeler with Syndergaard coming up this summer, and Gee and Montero would be trade bait.  In the meantime, the FO has discussed adding a mid-tier starter.  My pick for that option is Bronson Arroyo.  As far as the placeholding 5^th starter, I’d like to see the team bring back Santana (as has been rumored) and Daisuke and let them fight it out.  I could see either relegated to the bullpen if they don’t win the starting job.  With the potential for injury, having one of Santana/Daisuke and Carlos Torres in the bullpen ready to step in, overall this could prove a very beneficial strategy.  The Mets can never have enough pitching….if Harvey IS lost for the year, a rotation of Wheeler-Niese-Arroyo-Santana-Daisuke could be surprisingly effective enough (with an upgraded offense) to still compete for the playoffs.  Once Thor passes Super-Two, Daisuke could move to the bullpen.



- I’m still excited about d’Arnaud.  Given his pedigree and all the love he’s gotten from scouts, I’m not worried.  Some pessimists will say that his numbers in AAA were inflated, however they’d be ignoring the rest of his body of work in the minors, especially his 2010 MVP campaign in the Eastern League.  I’m glad he got a taste of the majors and was able to experience some growing pains in a meaningless season.  Going forward, d’Arnaud and Wright are the only two players I consider part of the core of the Mets’ lineup.  All other positions are up for grabs.



- With the talk of Murphy being available in trade and the Mets potentially interested in Howie Kendrick, I offer another potential solution – Asdrubal Cabrera.  He’s only signed for one more season at $10M while Kendrick is signed for 2 years at $19M.  Both players are overpaid, but I think Cabrera will cost less in terms of talent in trade.  He’d purely be a salary dump as they have a SS to hold down the position (Aviles) until super prospect Francisco Lindor is ready….and the Indians expect to lose him to free agency.  They’d be able to reinvest his money to upgrade other parts of the team.  If acquired, Cabrera could be a solid SS, but if the Mets are able to address the SS position with someone else, Cabrera could be a short-term solution at 2B.  With his salary comittment and assumed low cost of prospects, he would fit into the ‘Red Sox model’ it seems the Mets are going after.  If Cabrera were on the FA market, signing him to a 1 or 2-year deal would fit this model.  Some critics will say ‘why trade Murphy and then trade for Cabrera…why not just keep Murphy?’  While that’s understandable, the assumed return for Murphy would be greater than the cost for Cabrera.  When looking at the big picture, I’d prefer the Mets had Cabrera and whatever Murphy can yield in trade than just Murphy and bupkis.



- The recent hot stove news about the Mets being interested in Mike Napoli has me intrigued.  I think he’d be a welcomed addition to the lineup, provided the Mets upgrade other positions and he hits 6^th or so.  He made $5M last year, so I don’t think he’ll get that much of a raise.   Napoli can play 1B and can hit for power, easily making Ike Davis expendable.  I wondering if his catching days are completely behind him.  The Mets are looking at bringing in an experienced catcher to back-up d’Arnaud.  I could see a 3-headed monster at C/1B of d’Arnaud/Napoli/Duda.  D’Arnaud would see the bulk of time at catcher with Napoli as the starting 1B.  When d’Arnaud needs time off, Napoli could slide behind the plate, keeping him in the lineup every day.  Duda could fill in at 1B on days that Napoli is catching and provide LH power off the bench on days when he isn’t starting.

   

- It’s early to think about the 2014 draft, but I like looking forward.  My hope is that the Mets draft another high-ceiling hitter with the pick.  I’ve always been a proponent of taking the BPA, but with a pick this high (10th), I think the Mets need to draft a potential stud hitter.  If the team contends next year, this (hopefully) will be the last time for years that they’ll be drafting this high and the system is woefully low on position prospects that have the potential to make a big impact.  One more hitter, and then back to drafting pitching as much as possible.  As of right now, the two players I’d like to see are Michael Gettys and Jack Flaherty.  Both have the potential to be stud outfielders at some point for the Mets in the future.  A core of Nimmo, Cecchini, Herrera, Smith, Rosario, and Gettys/Flaherty composing the next wave would have this team in good shape for a long time.  Start contending in 2014, continue improving, and then replace the short-term solutions with long-term pieces from the farm.

Mack Ade – Morning Report – 10-4-13 – Cleveland, John Sickles, Forbes, 1B, Mets Infield

 

Let’s take a look at the Indians, who have been eliminated from the playoffs:

Their 2013 payroll was $80,605,733, a 23% increase from their 2012 payroll of $65,430,300.

All of this was due to the addition of two long term contracts, 1B Nick Swisher and CF Michael Bourn.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera ($10mi) contract expires at the end of the 2014 season, as does IF Mike Aviles ($3.5mil) and P Trevor Bauer ($1.183mil). 2B Ryan Rayburn’s at the end of the 2015 season and C Carlos Santana ends the following year (2016 - $8.450).

Free agents this year include P Brett Myers, P Ulbaldo Jiminez, RP and ex-Met Joe Smith and LHP and ex-Met Scott Kazmir.

Prospect wise, their #1 is SS Francisco Linder who will be MLB ready in 2014, making Cabrera expendable. 

                Mack – A couple of things here… there actually is a shortstop situation here that could help serve the Mets. Either Cabrera or Linder could be available for the right pitching prospects. Also, free agent wise, there is no one David Wright would rather sit next to on the plane when the team travels than Kazmir. He could be a cheap 2-year plan.

 

John Sickles end of the year prospect ranking list –

                11) Noah Syndergaard, RHP, New York Mets. Pre-season 22, July 11. I can’t very well drop his stock given strong Double-A performance. One of my personal favorites.

                24) Travis D'Arnaud, C, New York Mets. Pre-season 13, July 22. Just needs to play.

                50) Rafael Montero, RHP, New York Mets. Unranked pre-season; July 50. Finished with a run of brilliance at Las Vegas; could rank higher when all is said and written.

                                Mack – It’s great to see Montero this high on his list. He impressed a lot of skeptics after  what he did in Las Vegas during the last 45 days of the season. As we’ve discussed ad nauseum, you will most probably not see him on opening day in Queens (March 31, 2014 vs. Washington Nationals). You will see Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, and Jon Niese and then some 2-pitcher combination of Jenrry Mejia, Carlos Torres, new guy, Johan Santana, Dice-K, another new guy. Montero should hit Queens at least a month before Syndergaard and, by the end of July, you could have quite a rotation going here, even with Matt Harvey on the shelf.

 

Forbes Magazine –

•The Mets’ woes at the gate continue. While there were initial glimmers of hope, the club finished down 107,146 in paid attendance over last season, 21st in the league.

Mack – This actually was a little better than I thought it would be. The Mike Piazza Day proved that there is a positive fan base for the Mets. You can fill up that stadium if you give the fans a quality product plus a team that competes for a playoff spot. The quickest way of paying for new ballplayers is the turnstyles turning.

 

Jorge Castillo –

                                But the most intriguing storyline is probably what the club will do at first base. There are two obvious options currently on the roster: Ike Davis and Lucas Duda. “I don’t think we’ll make a decision in a vacuum,” Alderson said Monday at Citi Field. “We’ll look at what our other options are. This is not about, well, Player A vs. Player B necessarily. It could end up that way. And there are certain scenarios where both of those players, Davis and Duda, would be back with the organization. I just can’t give you any sort of definitive answer.”

                                                Mack – Like the SP1, this is a mess that was supposed to be a solid, put-to-bed, positive situation. No one has any idea which one of these guys, if either, get another chance. I will tell you this… both of these guys are not going to be on the 25-mn come opening day. It will be one or none, with the other either in Vegas or traded.

 

Michael Scannell  -

With all the chatter recently, it seems the entire IF could be in for a facelift (much needed) sans Wright.  Talk about trading for Kendrick or moving EYJ to 2B coupled with the news that the Mets are willing to listen on Murphy puts Daniel's future in doubt.  If his trade value has truly increased dramatically over the last year, this might be a chance to sell high.

I'm wondering if Detroit would be a potential partner.  They have Infante hitting free agency and have had interest in Murphy in seasons past.  I'm thinking about a Murphy + (Familia?) deal for Castellanos.  The Mets could then use Castellanos in a package to Colorado for CarGo or Tulo (or BOTH) as it seems they want hitting prospects as well as pitching.  Castellanos is one of the top hitting prospects in the game and would likely entice Colorado a bit more than Flores or Puello.

If the Mets made a move like this, it would allow them to bring on an additional team to facilitate a Rox trade as well as use Murphy as part of a package to increase the power in the lineup, albeit in a roundabout way.  What are your thoughts?

                Mack – To be honest Michael, I’m not thrilled with anyone in the infield other than David Wright. I’m willing to live with Daniel Murphy or give Eric Young Jr. a chance here (you have to make room for someone that led the league in stolen bases, right?), and I’m expecting big things from Travis d’Arnaud, but so far it’s all talk.

You always have a great bunch of ideas and I love the ones involving young prospects like Joc Peterson and Castellanos, but the Mets need now a real baseball player to hit 4^th after Wright.

I want that deal done first and I really don’t care what it would cost the team in young pitching.

Troy Tulowitzki tables all these other scenarios. It’s going to cost you Zack Wheeler so consider it a Beltran for Tulo deal.

You’re taking on 100% of the contract, so it shouldn’t cost you much more. In fact, it coul be a nice place to dump a few duds like Tejada, Duda and/or Davis.

You still have Niese and Gee, Syndergaard and Montero coming in July, and Harvey in 2015.You also have plenty of money left now o go out and get an SP1 via the FA market.

Same horse beating.

 

Sam Dykstra –

Carolina League - Miss: Courtney Hawkins, Winston-Salem – The 19-year-old outfielder was pushed back to Class A Advanced ball for his first full season after reaching the level at the end of 2012. Though he exhibited some nice raw power with 19 homers, he struggled to make contact, striking out 37.6 percent of the time for Winston-Salem. He only put up a .178/.249/.384 slash line as well and is likely to head back to the Dash next season.

                Mack – See, I told you it was good that the Mets didn’t draft this guy  :)

 

Toby Hyde –

I no longer view Vaughn as a potential everyday contributor for the Mets. The move to AA really exposed him. His strikeout rate of 26.5% in AA this year was his highest at any minor league stop, while his walk rate of 8.2% was his lowest…

                Mack – I agree.

 

Mike Kerwick –

                As the Mets make their initial preparations for the 2014 season, the issue is how they plan to deploy those talented young arms. In Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom, the Mets have three men with the potential to crack the big league rotation before the end of next season. "We’ve got excellent pitching, as everyone knows, at the minor league level," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said earlier this week. "But I’d be a little uncomfortable relying on either the young guys or an injured player filling those last two spots at the beginning of a season knowing how you can go through starting pitching over the course of a season." - http://www.northjersey.com/sports/226415181_Well-armed_Mets_have_more_on_way_have_more_on_way.html#sthash.mDWvYzwo.dpuf

                                Mack – Beat reporters know in their gut that they need to keep these names out there just in case the Matt Harvey news is bad and Zack Wheeler is traded for a premium bat. Good strategy.

 

Kristie Ackert -

                Marlon Byrd would love to return to the Mets this winter, the Pirates outfielder tells Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.  After Byrd was traded to the Buccos in August, Byrd talked to Mets GM Sandy Alderson and told him "thank you for the opportunity at the beginning of the year and thank you for the opportunity to play for a winner.  I told him, ‘If you want me back, I would love to come back.’ ”  Byrd credits the Mets for giving him an opportunity to revive his career after serving a 50-game PED suspension last year. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/10/nl-east-links-cishek-byrd-ausmus-phillies.html

                                Mack – What do you think? One down, one to go?

Hot Stove - 4 October 13

Jason Giambi wants to play one more season… the Tampa Bay Rays ended the season with an attendance of a total of just 1,510,300 or an average of 18,646 per game... Cleveland considering trading SS Asdrubal Cabrera…  Brian Cashman and Yankees are consulting about what Girardi is looking for, while Girardi convenes with his agent today… Howard Dolgon, who owns Syracuse's American Hockey League affiliate, told the Syracuse Post-Standard that the Mets are a natural partner for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs in the International League… The Royals announced that they have hired recently fired Cubs manager Dale Sveum and added him to their 2014 coaching staff… five teams in play for Cuban 1B Jose Abreu: Texas, Boston, CWS, Giants, and Miami… the Cubs have claimed Mat Gamel off waivers from the Brewers… Mets TV ratings were down more than 30 percent this year… Scott Kazmir: "Hopefully I'll be back with these guys next year, and we can continue and pick up where we left off."… Indians reliever Joe Smith, headed for free agency: "I want to be back here. I don't want that to be my last game."… The Cardinals have claimed outfielder Joey Butler (27-yrs. old, AAA - .291, 12-HR, 51-RBI) off waivers from the Rangers… Dodgers' Nick Punto makes NLDS roster… The Phillies announced that they have outrighted right-hander Zach Miner, infielder Pete Orr, lefty Mauricio Robles and utilityman Michael Martinez off their 40-man roster…  Jeremy Hefner ‏- “went to HSpecialSurgery today and Doc said everything is doing well”...