The Mets International Report Card
There has been considerable debate on various Mets message boards about whether or not Omar & Co. have been successful in the International market. Many feel he hasn’t signed the big name players that were expected when he came aboard.
This simply isn’t true.
One caution: Do not try and analyze or project stats from 16-18 year old players in the DSL or VSL league, playing against other 16-18 year olds. If these kids were in the States, they would be high school players, playing against other small town high school players, and we all know how much some of these high school teams can suck.
You only know what you have, Latin player wise, when they come stateside and play against an International team made up mainly with American born, heavily recruited and trained players.
Here are the players the Mets have signed over the past 3 years and what they are doing now:
2004 Signings:
SP Angel Calero - excellent year in Savannah, now an SP in Lucy
SS Ignacio Medrano - bated a combined .293 this year for Brooklyn/K-Port
OF Gabriel Zavala - won the Sterling Award in 2006 with VSL Mets.
2005 Signings:
OF Fernando Martinez - the Mets #1 prospect going to Queens latest next spring.
3B Greg Veloz - slowly has become a major prospect for the Mets
RP Jhoan Burgos - 1-1, 0.42 for the VSL Meys
RP Matias Carillo - 1-0. 2.45 for the Clones in ‘08
SP Elvin Ramirez - excellent year in Savannah, now risen to Lucy
RP Wendy Rosa - 1-1, 2.01 in 21 relief appearances for Brooklyn
2006 Signings:
SS Juan Legares - .250 for Brooklyn
C Francesco Pena - still, though progressing slowly, the top Mets catcher prospect
SS Ruben Tejada - played a full season at SS for Lucy
P Jenrry Mejia - might have the nasties stuff in the system
OF Rafael Fernandez - impressed the coaches this past year at K-Port
IF Imbewer Alvarez - struggled at Kingsport
SP Maikel Cleto - I personally clocked him at 97, hitting 95 consistently
SP Pedro P. Martinez - 3-2, 3.63 for Brooklyn
SP Orlando Tovar - 1.54 ERA as starter for VSL Mets
2B Jordany Valdespin - batted .284 for the GCL Mets
OF Pedro Zapata - Won the Sterling Award in 2007 with the DSL Mets.
2007 Signings:
SS Wilmer Flores - The Mets #2 overall prospect at 17 years old
3B Jefry Marte - Matching Flores’ numbers at 17 years old.
SP Jhonathan Torres - excellent season as starter (5-2, 3.39) for the VSL Mets
OF Cesar Puello - batted .305 for GCL in a full season
OF Miquel Tejada - batted .220 for the GCL Mets
SP Angel Cuan - the SP1 for the VSL Mets this year
SP Jeurys Familia - 2-2, 2.79 for the GCL Mets
Look, this is 27 ball players that were signed over a 4 year period that are putting up great numbers at their level of development. I challenge any of you to find 27 draftees out of America over the same 4 year period, frankly on any team… that are dominating in the Mets minor league system like this.
Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
9/7/08
2009 Mets Outlook - SP
2009 Outlook - Right Field
Current Mets: Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez
Top Mets Prospect: Jonathan Niese
Projected Starters:
Mets: Johan Santana
John Maine
Mike Pelfrey
New Free Agent/Oliver Perez
Jon Niese
I’m going to assume that the Mets either resign Oliver Perez or open the bank and go get someone else to hold the fort down for a few more years before ‘the kids’ come along. I’m also going to assume that the Pedro days are over, which is sad. He’s a great ambassador for the Mets, especially in poor neighborhoods in Latin America. My last assumption is than Jon Niese will be afforded the priviledge to get his ass handed to him in the SP5 position, sort of the growing up process that now super-pitcher Mike Pelfrey had to go through. Is it a great rotation. Well, one, it depends on the free agent, but if it’s either Perez or an equivalent talent, it doesn’t suck.
Now it starts to get fun.
Simply put, there are far too many starting pitchers in the Mets organization that are turning in excellent seasons. The drafting process in the past few years, as well as the choices of which Latin kid to sign, is paying off in spades, and will become quite evident in the next few years.
For the sake of simplification, I’m simply going to grade out the guys that had a good enough season to either earn themselves an invite back to the same level they were at last year, or a bump up to the next level.
New Orleans:
Bobby Parnell (2-2 at AAA, 10-6 at AA)
Adam Bostick (2-2 at AAA before IR)
Brandon Knight (5-1, 2.28 at AAA)
Claudio Vargas (5-2 at AAA)
Jason Vargas (IR entire 2008 season)
Jose Sanchez (13-7 at AA)
Sal Aguilar (10-3 at AA)
I left a lot of old men walking off this list, but you can’t not recognize what Parnell, Aguilar and Sanchez did last year in AA, you have to give J-Vargas and Bostick a chance to come back from the IR and justify their trade, Knight represented your team at the Olympics, and you need one seasoned vet like Claudio to hang around.
First of many problems coming up: This is 7 pitchers for a 5 man rotation.
So, send 2 down, right. Well, that won’t work either because there are 5 studs ready to pitch everyday in B-Town:
B-Mets:
Tobi Stoner (4-6 at AA, 2.60 at AA)
Michael Antonini (3.74 at AAA)
Jake Ruckle (back from IR)
Dillon Gee (2-0, 1.33 at AA, 3.25 at AA)
Dylan Owen (1-1 at AA, 12-6 at A+)
There’s no dead wood here. Only Ruckle is suspect to scrutiny due to his season-ending injury, but his ceiling may be higher than the other 4.
So far… 12 great successful starters for 2 teams, 10 slots.
Lucy:
Nick Waechter (3.70 at A+)
Scott Moviel (0.00 at A+)
Elvin Ramirez (3.67 at A)
Angel Calero (2.57 at A)
Brant Rustich (3.62 at A)
Again, this looks set. All 5 of these guys proved themselves in Savannah and were bumped up near the end of the season. This is your April 2009 Lucy rotation.
New math:… 3 teams… 15 SP slots… 17 pitchers.
Now… it gets really hairy…
Gnats:
Mark Cahoon (3.82 at A)
Eric Beaulac (3.55 at A, 1.89 at K-Port)
Phillips Orta (2.70 at A)
Michael Olmstead (3.86 at A, 1.83 at K-Port)
Brad Holt (5-3, 1.87 with Clones)
Scott Shaw (6-3, 2.80 with Clones)
Pedro P. Martinez (3-2, 3.63 with Clones)
Chris Schwinden (4-1, 2.01)
Jennry Mejia (0.60 at GCL)
4 teams… 20 slots… 26 top starters…. And there’s around 10 other guys that are still on some rosters…
Brooklyn:
John Holdzkom (3-1, 3.66 at K-Port)
Robert Carson (1.76 at K-Port, 1.57 at GCL)
Jeurys Familia (2.79 at GCL)
K-Port:
Julio Bello (2.50 at GCL)
Kyle Allen (2.12 at GCL)
GCL:
Angel Cuan - 3.13 in VSL
Jhonathan Torres – 3.39 in VSL
Ismael Mendez - 6-1, 1.07 in DSL
Gonzalez Germen – 5-2, 1.34 in DSL
Summary:
This is a great problem. The Mets do not have to concentrate on pitching in the next draft and can go out and try and find themselves some stuff for OF, C, and 1B.
Current Mets: Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez
Top Mets Prospect: Jonathan Niese
Projected Starters:
Mets: Johan Santana
John Maine
Mike Pelfrey
New Free Agent/Oliver Perez
Jon Niese
I’m going to assume that the Mets either resign Oliver Perez or open the bank and go get someone else to hold the fort down for a few more years before ‘the kids’ come along. I’m also going to assume that the Pedro days are over, which is sad. He’s a great ambassador for the Mets, especially in poor neighborhoods in Latin America. My last assumption is than Jon Niese will be afforded the priviledge to get his ass handed to him in the SP5 position, sort of the growing up process that now super-pitcher Mike Pelfrey had to go through. Is it a great rotation. Well, one, it depends on the free agent, but if it’s either Perez or an equivalent talent, it doesn’t suck.
Now it starts to get fun.
Simply put, there are far too many starting pitchers in the Mets organization that are turning in excellent seasons. The drafting process in the past few years, as well as the choices of which Latin kid to sign, is paying off in spades, and will become quite evident in the next few years.
For the sake of simplification, I’m simply going to grade out the guys that had a good enough season to either earn themselves an invite back to the same level they were at last year, or a bump up to the next level.
New Orleans:
Bobby Parnell (2-2 at AAA, 10-6 at AA)
Adam Bostick (2-2 at AAA before IR)
Brandon Knight (5-1, 2.28 at AAA)
Claudio Vargas (5-2 at AAA)
Jason Vargas (IR entire 2008 season)
Jose Sanchez (13-7 at AA)
Sal Aguilar (10-3 at AA)
I left a lot of old men walking off this list, but you can’t not recognize what Parnell, Aguilar and Sanchez did last year in AA, you have to give J-Vargas and Bostick a chance to come back from the IR and justify their trade, Knight represented your team at the Olympics, and you need one seasoned vet like Claudio to hang around.
First of many problems coming up: This is 7 pitchers for a 5 man rotation.
So, send 2 down, right. Well, that won’t work either because there are 5 studs ready to pitch everyday in B-Town:
B-Mets:
Tobi Stoner (4-6 at AA, 2.60 at AA)
Michael Antonini (3.74 at AAA)
Jake Ruckle (back from IR)
Dillon Gee (2-0, 1.33 at AA, 3.25 at AA)
Dylan Owen (1-1 at AA, 12-6 at A+)
There’s no dead wood here. Only Ruckle is suspect to scrutiny due to his season-ending injury, but his ceiling may be higher than the other 4.
So far… 12 great successful starters for 2 teams, 10 slots.
Lucy:
Nick Waechter (3.70 at A+)
Scott Moviel (0.00 at A+)
Elvin Ramirez (3.67 at A)
Angel Calero (2.57 at A)
Brant Rustich (3.62 at A)
Again, this looks set. All 5 of these guys proved themselves in Savannah and were bumped up near the end of the season. This is your April 2009 Lucy rotation.
New math:… 3 teams… 15 SP slots… 17 pitchers.
Now… it gets really hairy…
Gnats:
Mark Cahoon (3.82 at A)
Eric Beaulac (3.55 at A, 1.89 at K-Port)
Phillips Orta (2.70 at A)
Michael Olmstead (3.86 at A, 1.83 at K-Port)
Brad Holt (5-3, 1.87 with Clones)
Scott Shaw (6-3, 2.80 with Clones)
Pedro P. Martinez (3-2, 3.63 with Clones)
Chris Schwinden (4-1, 2.01)
Jennry Mejia (0.60 at GCL)
4 teams… 20 slots… 26 top starters…. And there’s around 10 other guys that are still on some rosters…
Brooklyn:
John Holdzkom (3-1, 3.66 at K-Port)
Robert Carson (1.76 at K-Port, 1.57 at GCL)
Jeurys Familia (2.79 at GCL)
K-Port:
Julio Bello (2.50 at GCL)
Kyle Allen (2.12 at GCL)
GCL:
Angel Cuan - 3.13 in VSL
Jhonathan Torres – 3.39 in VSL
Ismael Mendez - 6-1, 1.07 in DSL
Gonzalez Germen – 5-2, 1.34 in DSL
Summary:
This is a great problem. The Mets do not have to concentrate on pitching in the next draft and can go out and try and find themselves some stuff for OF, C, and 1B.
2009 Mets Outlook - RP
2009 Outlook - Relief Pitching
Now we get to one of the two exciting areas… relief pitchers.
Let’s look at this position a different than the others. I will highlight the minor league relief pitchers that pitched well enough in 2008 to either earn an invite back to the level they finished the season with, or a bump up to the next level. I will project where I feel they will go.
New Orleans:
Carlos Muniz 3.93 in AAA
Casey Hoorelbeke 0.00 in AAA, 2.65 in AA
Ricardo Rincon 0.00 in AAA
Eddie Camacho 2.48 in AA
Eude Brito 2.88 in AA
Eddie Kunz 2.79 in AA, 27 saves
Brian Rogers 0.47 in AA
B-Mets:
Al Reyes 0.00 in 5 games – AA
Jon Malo 0.00 in 1 game - AA
German Marte 2.51 at A+, 11 saves
Edgar Alfonzo 3.93 at A+
Yury Santana in A-short
Lucy:
Arthur Santos 0.00 in 4 games – A+
Junior Guerra 0.00 in 4 games – A+
William Morgan 2.25 in 3 games – A+
Josh Stinson 3.52 in A
Jose Bierd 3.20 in A
Manuel Oliveros 3.08 in A
Steve Cheney 2.25 in A
Gnats:
Michael Powers 2.25 in 3 games – A, 3.00 in K-Port
Mitchell Houck 2.25 in 1 game – A, 1.08 in GCL
Jeffrey Kaplan 3.45 in A-short
Roy Merritt 1.49 in A-short
Jimmy Johnson 1.25 in A-short
Matias Carillo 2.45 in A-short
Wendy Rosa 2.01 in A-short
Clones:
James Fuller 1.00 in A-short
Eric Turgeon 2.76 in A-short
Rhiner Cruz 3.72 in A-short
Brandon Moore 0.90 in K-Port
Stephen Puhl 2.40 in K-Port
K-Port:
Luis Rojas 2.19 in GCL
Jonathan White 2.55 in GCL
Samuel Martinez 2.35 in GCL
Jonathan Sanchez 3.60 in GCL
Chris Hilliard 2.87 in GCL
GCL:
Pedro E. Martinez 2.70 in 2 games – GCL
Tyler Howe 0.00 in 1 game – GCL
Mike Lynn 0.00 in 1 game – GCL
Jhoan Burgos 0.42 in VSL
Erigson Sanchez 3.32 in DSL
Victor Peralta 3.45 in DSL
Willy Pena 1.76 in DSL
Samuel Tavares 0.90, 12 saves in DSL
Summary:
And these are just the guys with lower than 4 ERAs. There are at least 10-15 other RPs that may make one of the squad, and that’s even before the draft. Right now, the Mets are loaded with good relief pitching in the lower minor league levels, which is bound to translate into something good in a couple of years.
Now we get to one of the two exciting areas… relief pitchers.
Let’s look at this position a different than the others. I will highlight the minor league relief pitchers that pitched well enough in 2008 to either earn an invite back to the level they finished the season with, or a bump up to the next level. I will project where I feel they will go.
New Orleans:
Carlos Muniz 3.93 in AAA
Casey Hoorelbeke 0.00 in AAA, 2.65 in AA
Ricardo Rincon 0.00 in AAA
Eddie Camacho 2.48 in AA
Eude Brito 2.88 in AA
Eddie Kunz 2.79 in AA, 27 saves
Brian Rogers 0.47 in AA
B-Mets:
Al Reyes 0.00 in 5 games – AA
Jon Malo 0.00 in 1 game - AA
German Marte 2.51 at A+, 11 saves
Edgar Alfonzo 3.93 at A+
Yury Santana in A-short
Lucy:
Arthur Santos 0.00 in 4 games – A+
Junior Guerra 0.00 in 4 games – A+
William Morgan 2.25 in 3 games – A+
Josh Stinson 3.52 in A
Jose Bierd 3.20 in A
Manuel Oliveros 3.08 in A
Steve Cheney 2.25 in A
Gnats:
Michael Powers 2.25 in 3 games – A, 3.00 in K-Port
Mitchell Houck 2.25 in 1 game – A, 1.08 in GCL
Jeffrey Kaplan 3.45 in A-short
Roy Merritt 1.49 in A-short
Jimmy Johnson 1.25 in A-short
Matias Carillo 2.45 in A-short
Wendy Rosa 2.01 in A-short
Clones:
James Fuller 1.00 in A-short
Eric Turgeon 2.76 in A-short
Rhiner Cruz 3.72 in A-short
Brandon Moore 0.90 in K-Port
Stephen Puhl 2.40 in K-Port
K-Port:
Luis Rojas 2.19 in GCL
Jonathan White 2.55 in GCL
Samuel Martinez 2.35 in GCL
Jonathan Sanchez 3.60 in GCL
Chris Hilliard 2.87 in GCL
GCL:
Pedro E. Martinez 2.70 in 2 games – GCL
Tyler Howe 0.00 in 1 game – GCL
Mike Lynn 0.00 in 1 game – GCL
Jhoan Burgos 0.42 in VSL
Erigson Sanchez 3.32 in DSL
Victor Peralta 3.45 in DSL
Willy Pena 1.76 in DSL
Samuel Tavares 0.90, 12 saves in DSL
Summary:
And these are just the guys with lower than 4 ERAs. There are at least 10-15 other RPs that may make one of the squad, and that’s even before the draft. Right now, the Mets are loaded with good relief pitching in the lower minor league levels, which is bound to translate into something good in a couple of years.
9/6/08
2009 Mets Outlook - Catcher
2009 Outlook - Catcher
Current Mets: 2-headed monster Ramon Schneider
Top Mets Prospect: Francesco Pena
And frankly, I think the Mets are starting to wonder about this kid. I watched him for 2 years now, and tough he’s only 19 years old, I expected to see a little more. First, he’s not a great defensive catcher and has been right up there as one of the league leaders in passed balls for 2 years. His arm is good, and getting better, but his bat comes in around .250 with very little power for a kid his size (6-3, 225). The Mets will move him on the Lucy next spring and it may be his make-it-or-break-it year.
Projected Starters:
Mets: Ramon Schneider
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Mets pitching staff loves being caught by Schneider and there’s not a better backup catcher in the league than Castro.
New Orleans: Salomon Manriquez
The Mets especially like to keep seasoned vet catchers at AAA to work with the young pitchers. Look for Mike Nickeas and Raul Casanova to survive one more year, but due to poor hitting, we might have seen the end of Shawn Wooten, and Gustavo Molina.
B-Mets: Josh Thole
Frankly , this was supposed to be Sean McCraw’s job, but he got sent back to Savannah after having a miserable start in Lucy last year. My guess is McCraw will back up Josh, as well as DH, and the 3rd catcher will be Sal Paniagua. That leaves Rafael Arroyo odd man out.
Lucy: Francesco Pena
As I mentioned above, this is Pena’s come-to-Jesus year and what better place to have it than with a team managed by his old manager, Tim Teufel. Jordan Abruzzo (who will DH) and Jason Jacobs will back him up.
Gnats: Dock Doyle
Ralph Henriquez and Jeffries Tatford (who doubles as a 1Bman) will back him up.
Clones: Jean Luc Blaquiere
Cesar Cordido and Luis Alen will backup.
K-Port: Patrick Maat
Tyler Howe and Juan Centeno will backup.
GCL: Kai Gronauer
Orlando Rodriquez will backup.
Summary: There’s no reason for the Mets to give up on Pena yet, because there’s no one else in the system that’s knocking the door down. Thole had a great year, but everyone wants to see another one out of him. God, I wish they didn’t get rid of Jesus Flores.
Current Mets: 2-headed monster Ramon Schneider
Top Mets Prospect: Francesco Pena
And frankly, I think the Mets are starting to wonder about this kid. I watched him for 2 years now, and tough he’s only 19 years old, I expected to see a little more. First, he’s not a great defensive catcher and has been right up there as one of the league leaders in passed balls for 2 years. His arm is good, and getting better, but his bat comes in around .250 with very little power for a kid his size (6-3, 225). The Mets will move him on the Lucy next spring and it may be his make-it-or-break-it year.
Projected Starters:
Mets: Ramon Schneider
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Mets pitching staff loves being caught by Schneider and there’s not a better backup catcher in the league than Castro.
New Orleans: Salomon Manriquez
The Mets especially like to keep seasoned vet catchers at AAA to work with the young pitchers. Look for Mike Nickeas and Raul Casanova to survive one more year, but due to poor hitting, we might have seen the end of Shawn Wooten, and Gustavo Molina.
B-Mets: Josh Thole
Frankly , this was supposed to be Sean McCraw’s job, but he got sent back to Savannah after having a miserable start in Lucy last year. My guess is McCraw will back up Josh, as well as DH, and the 3rd catcher will be Sal Paniagua. That leaves Rafael Arroyo odd man out.
Lucy: Francesco Pena
As I mentioned above, this is Pena’s come-to-Jesus year and what better place to have it than with a team managed by his old manager, Tim Teufel. Jordan Abruzzo (who will DH) and Jason Jacobs will back him up.
Gnats: Dock Doyle
Ralph Henriquez and Jeffries Tatford (who doubles as a 1Bman) will back him up.
Clones: Jean Luc Blaquiere
Cesar Cordido and Luis Alen will backup.
K-Port: Patrick Maat
Tyler Howe and Juan Centeno will backup.
GCL: Kai Gronauer
Orlando Rodriquez will backup.
Summary: There’s no reason for the Mets to give up on Pena yet, because there’s no one else in the system that’s knocking the door down. Thole had a great year, but everyone wants to see another one out of him. God, I wish they didn’t get rid of Jesus Flores.
2009 Mets Outlook - OF
2009 Outlook - Outfield
Current Mets: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, Endy Chavez, Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans, Fernando Tatis, Marlon Anderson
Top Mets Prospect: Fernando Martinez
2009 Projected Starters:
Mets: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, and ???
It will be interesting to see if the Mets go after someone in the free agent market. Beltran and Church seem set, and Fernando Martinez just isn’t ready to play everyday in Queens. The Mets could chose to continue the kind of platoon they did this year, but I hope not. Nick Evans (who also will be backup at 1B), Dan Murphy (who also will be backup in the infield) and Fernando Tatis (who also will back up at 1B and 3B) will be the utility squad.
New Orleans: Fernando Martinez , Caleb Stewart, and Josh Peterson
This is, assuming, the Mets don’t go old school and fill the AAA squad again with AAAA players. All 3 of the above mentioned guys have earned this bump, and Peterson can also play 3B or 1B. Jesus Feliciano or Chris Aguila might also be kept around to spell the ‘kiddies’ at AAA.
B-Mets: D.J. Wabick, Brahiam Maldonado, and Ezequiel Carrera
Joe Holden and Victor Mendez will be in reserve.
Lucy: Chris Fournier, Carlos Guzman , and Casey Craig
B.J. Hubbert, Brandon Kawal, and Wil Vogl will fight it out for bench spots.
Gnats: Sean Ratliff, Seth Williams, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Raul Reyes will try to come back from a horrific leg injury and John Servidio will fill out the bench.
Clones: Justin Garber, Rafael Hernandez, and a draft pick
Gabriel Zavala, Pedro Zapata, and a draft pick will ride the bench.
K-Port: Cesar Puello, Mark McGonigle, and a draft pick
At least 2 draft picks will fill the 4th and 5th oF slots.
GCL: Adrian Pirela, Julio Concepcion, and a draft pick
Another 2 OF draft picks will ride the bench.
Summary: Look for lots of OF draft picks this year. Other than Puello and F-Mart, there just isn’t much meat here in the system.
Current Mets: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, Endy Chavez, Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans, Fernando Tatis, Marlon Anderson
Top Mets Prospect: Fernando Martinez
2009 Projected Starters:
Mets: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, and ???
It will be interesting to see if the Mets go after someone in the free agent market. Beltran and Church seem set, and Fernando Martinez just isn’t ready to play everyday in Queens. The Mets could chose to continue the kind of platoon they did this year, but I hope not. Nick Evans (who also will be backup at 1B), Dan Murphy (who also will be backup in the infield) and Fernando Tatis (who also will back up at 1B and 3B) will be the utility squad.
New Orleans: Fernando Martinez , Caleb Stewart, and Josh Peterson
This is, assuming, the Mets don’t go old school and fill the AAA squad again with AAAA players. All 3 of the above mentioned guys have earned this bump, and Peterson can also play 3B or 1B. Jesus Feliciano or Chris Aguila might also be kept around to spell the ‘kiddies’ at AAA.
B-Mets: D.J. Wabick, Brahiam Maldonado, and Ezequiel Carrera
Joe Holden and Victor Mendez will be in reserve.
Lucy: Chris Fournier, Carlos Guzman , and Casey Craig
B.J. Hubbert, Brandon Kawal, and Wil Vogl will fight it out for bench spots.
Gnats: Sean Ratliff, Seth Williams, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Raul Reyes will try to come back from a horrific leg injury and John Servidio will fill out the bench.
Clones: Justin Garber, Rafael Hernandez, and a draft pick
Gabriel Zavala, Pedro Zapata, and a draft pick will ride the bench.
K-Port: Cesar Puello, Mark McGonigle, and a draft pick
At least 2 draft picks will fill the 4th and 5th oF slots.
GCL: Adrian Pirela, Julio Concepcion, and a draft pick
Another 2 OF draft picks will ride the bench.
Summary: Look for lots of OF draft picks this year. Other than Puello and F-Mart, there just isn’t much meat here in the system.
9/5/08
2009 Mets Outlook - 3B
2009 Outlook - Third Base
Current Mets: David Wright… through 2012 (team option 2013)
Top Mets Prospect: Jenry Marte
Projected Starters:
Mets: David Wright
Ya think? King David will play every game the manager lets him, and Fernando Tatis, who I believe will be one of the new-utility players next year, will back him up. Nuff’ said.
New Orleans: Shawn Bowman
Bowman did finally calm down a little at the AA level, but boy, what a year for a kid no one ever expected to see again. On the chances of playing 3B some day for the Mets, he’s exactly in the wrong place at the wrong time; waiting for Wright to fail and watching for Marte behind him. It will be interesting to see if someone trades for Bowman. Teams usually back away from people with a medical history half the size of this kid.
B-Mets: J.R. Voyles
Voyles gets dibs on this one simply because there’s no one else in the system that is close to playing AA ball.
Lucy: Zack Lutz
Lutz will jump over A-ball and fit in perfectly here, probably backed up by either Nick Giarraputo or Jacob Eigsti
Gnats: Stefan Welsh
Perfect team to play Welsh for in 2009. Remember, he also plays 1B and can share 3B with Eric Campbell, who also plays the OF.
Clones: Jefry Marte
Gee, how did the Clones happen to get the prospect? Actually, it’s a perfect slot for him. There’s no reason to rush him to A-ball. Let the kid mature for 4 more years in the minors and then make a decision.
K-Port: Draft Pick
Or either Charles Hinojosa, Valentin Ramos, or Imbewar Alvarez
GCL: Draft Pick
There’s no one in either the DSL or VSL team to promote yet.
Summary: This is the David and Jenry show. The rest are just watching it happen.
Current Mets: David Wright… through 2012 (team option 2013)
Top Mets Prospect: Jenry Marte
Projected Starters:
Mets: David Wright
Ya think? King David will play every game the manager lets him, and Fernando Tatis, who I believe will be one of the new-utility players next year, will back him up. Nuff’ said.
New Orleans: Shawn Bowman
Bowman did finally calm down a little at the AA level, but boy, what a year for a kid no one ever expected to see again. On the chances of playing 3B some day for the Mets, he’s exactly in the wrong place at the wrong time; waiting for Wright to fail and watching for Marte behind him. It will be interesting to see if someone trades for Bowman. Teams usually back away from people with a medical history half the size of this kid.
B-Mets: J.R. Voyles
Voyles gets dibs on this one simply because there’s no one else in the system that is close to playing AA ball.
Lucy: Zack Lutz
Lutz will jump over A-ball and fit in perfectly here, probably backed up by either Nick Giarraputo or Jacob Eigsti
Gnats: Stefan Welsh
Perfect team to play Welsh for in 2009. Remember, he also plays 1B and can share 3B with Eric Campbell, who also plays the OF.
Clones: Jefry Marte
Gee, how did the Clones happen to get the prospect? Actually, it’s a perfect slot for him. There’s no reason to rush him to A-ball. Let the kid mature for 4 more years in the minors and then make a decision.
K-Port: Draft Pick
Or either Charles Hinojosa, Valentin Ramos, or Imbewar Alvarez
GCL: Draft Pick
There’s no one in either the DSL or VSL team to promote yet.
Summary: This is the David and Jenry show. The rest are just watching it happen.
2009 Mets Outlook - SS
2009 Outlook - Shortstop
Current Mets: Jose Reyes… through 2010
Top Mets Prospect: Wilmer Flores
Projected Starters:
Mets: Jose Reyes
There’s no question that this position is Reyes for years to come, but the interesting time will be the end of the 2010 season, when the Mets will have to decide to renew Reyes, at 11mil, or buy the contract out at only 500 grand. It especially will be interesting if one or more of the kids listed below keep hitting the snot out of the ball…
New Orleans: Jose Coronado
Anderson Hernandez played short for most of 2009 and, thank God, that’s over with. The natural progression will be the promotion of Coronado from B-Town where he batted .260 in 507 at bats. Coronado was once thought of as a prospect, but not anymore. He’ll play next year as a 23 year old and first has to survive the Rule V draft.
B-Mets: Ruben Tejada
Tejada had 497 at bats in Lucy while playing shortstop. He only batted .229, but the good news is he’s still only 19 years old. There’s no one ready to go to B-Town other than Tejada, so why not. It’s not like there isn’t someone behind him that will come racing by in a year or two. I look for someone like Joaquin Rodriquez to back him up.
Lucy: Reece Havens
Now things start to get tricky. It may be a stretch to have Havens play at this level after not hitting the field once for Brooklyn and being injured for most of the year, but what’s the alternative? You can’t send 17-year of Wilmer Flores here yet.. Frankly, the Mets should let Tejada repeat another year here, but then things get really clogged up. Other candidates include Juan Legares, a fallen-prospect, and Matt Bouchard, who had a horrible year in Savannah.
Gnats: Wilmer Flores
There’s always an outside chance that Wilmer Flores gets showcased in Brooklyn, but I expect the Mets will want this kid in Hispanic-friendly Savannah (if they re-up in savannah), away from the hoopla of Da Big Apple. This will keep him right on pace for Reyes’ option year (he he…). I expect Flores to be at the A+ level by the end of 2009, on to AA in 2010, and then… hopefully, he’ll be either an outfielder or first baseman. Luis Nieves will back up Wilmer.
Clones: Seth Williams
Does anyone really care who’s going to follow Wilmer Flores up the chain? Seriously, this will most probably be filled by a draft pick or it could be Ignacio Medrano, who also plays 2B.
K-Port: Miquel Tejada
Last year’s all-that, Tejada had a miserable year in 2008 and will try and get back on track in Kingsport.
GCL: Draft Pick
There’s no one in particular, either on the DSL or VSL staff, that is ready or worth sending stateside.
Summary: The future of who plays SS for the Mets in the next 10 years may depend on whether the Mets try and change Flores from a SS to either an outfielder or first baseman. We know Jose Reyes will play there for 4 more years. After that, this is a good problem.
Current Mets: Jose Reyes… through 2010
Top Mets Prospect: Wilmer Flores
Projected Starters:
Mets: Jose Reyes
There’s no question that this position is Reyes for years to come, but the interesting time will be the end of the 2010 season, when the Mets will have to decide to renew Reyes, at 11mil, or buy the contract out at only 500 grand. It especially will be interesting if one or more of the kids listed below keep hitting the snot out of the ball…
New Orleans: Jose Coronado
Anderson Hernandez played short for most of 2009 and, thank God, that’s over with. The natural progression will be the promotion of Coronado from B-Town where he batted .260 in 507 at bats. Coronado was once thought of as a prospect, but not anymore. He’ll play next year as a 23 year old and first has to survive the Rule V draft.
B-Mets: Ruben Tejada
Tejada had 497 at bats in Lucy while playing shortstop. He only batted .229, but the good news is he’s still only 19 years old. There’s no one ready to go to B-Town other than Tejada, so why not. It’s not like there isn’t someone behind him that will come racing by in a year or two. I look for someone like Joaquin Rodriquez to back him up.
Lucy: Reece Havens
Now things start to get tricky. It may be a stretch to have Havens play at this level after not hitting the field once for Brooklyn and being injured for most of the year, but what’s the alternative? You can’t send 17-year of Wilmer Flores here yet.. Frankly, the Mets should let Tejada repeat another year here, but then things get really clogged up. Other candidates include Juan Legares, a fallen-prospect, and Matt Bouchard, who had a horrible year in Savannah.
Gnats: Wilmer Flores
There’s always an outside chance that Wilmer Flores gets showcased in Brooklyn, but I expect the Mets will want this kid in Hispanic-friendly Savannah (if they re-up in savannah), away from the hoopla of Da Big Apple. This will keep him right on pace for Reyes’ option year (he he…). I expect Flores to be at the A+ level by the end of 2009, on to AA in 2010, and then… hopefully, he’ll be either an outfielder or first baseman. Luis Nieves will back up Wilmer.
Clones: Seth Williams
Does anyone really care who’s going to follow Wilmer Flores up the chain? Seriously, this will most probably be filled by a draft pick or it could be Ignacio Medrano, who also plays 2B.
K-Port: Miquel Tejada
Last year’s all-that, Tejada had a miserable year in 2008 and will try and get back on track in Kingsport.
GCL: Draft Pick
There’s no one in particular, either on the DSL or VSL staff, that is ready or worth sending stateside.
Summary: The future of who plays SS for the Mets in the next 10 years may depend on whether the Mets try and change Flores from a SS to either an outfielder or first baseman. We know Jose Reyes will play there for 4 more years. After that, this is a good problem.
2009 Mets Outlook - 2B
2009 Outlook - Second Base
Current Mets: Luis Castillo
Look, there a bunch of guys that played this position this year, but the bottom line until things change, is the fact that Castillo has the long term contract, and he’s the man on second. Do I like it? No. Does anyone like it? No. I’m not sure even Omar likes it at this point. The Mets have obviously found a gem in Daniel Murphy, but the only three things he does wrong in the outfield is catch, throw, and field. Murphy is a 3Bman by trade, learning to play 2B. His role in 2009 will be OF/IF utility, replacing the aging Damon Easley or fossil named Marlon Anderson. Stop bitching and get used to the fact that Castillo will man the 2B post full time in 2009. Omar’s bad. There is an outside chance that Argenis Reyes could also be kept in a utiilty role, along with Murphy and Nick Evans.
Top Mets Prospect: Greg Veloz
Projected Starters:
New Orleans: Argenis Reyes
Emmanuel Garcia is no longer considered prospect material and will probably settle in for the AAA team for the next 2 years. He won’t be eligible for the Rule V draft until the end of the 2009 season, at the age of 23. At this point, I’d rather play Reyes every day, in case the team needs him as they have this season. Garcia is old news and a failed prospect. Use him in a utility AAA role (he can play 2B as well as 3B). Andy Green will most probably be cut.
B-Mets: ???
The B-Met job is a toss-up between 2 organizational players, Luis Rivera (who had a decent year at Lucy) and Jon Malo who played here last year. The long short would be Hector Pellot who reeked at Lucy and spent most of the year on the DL. . Peeter Ramos is a goner.
Lucy: Greg Veloz
Veloz is the Mets top second base prospect with an ETA of 2011, at the ripe old age of 23. His back-up could be Michael Parker, who he played with in Savannah, though parker could just as easily be released in the off season.
Gnats: Joshua Satin
Another player that has a prospect tag and did play well for the Clones in Joshua Satin, so this should be a no-brainer at the full-A level, wherever the Mets choose to play next year. J.R. Voyles is fodder waiting to be released.
Clones: Kyle Suire
Suire got his shot this year when Ignacio Medrano was suspended, and took advantage of it. I have to believe the stats alone have slotted him ahead of Medrano now (who may never come back as a Met), and Suire should start 2009 in Coney Island.
K-Port: Ignacio Medrano
I’d like to think that the Mets could work out their differences with a guy that was hitting .329 before being asked to be reassigned, He said ‘no mas’, and the rest is history. On the other hand, two players with the GCL Mets (Alonzo Harris - .308 BA - and Jordany Valdespin - .284 - have both a bump up. Sounds like a log jam to me.
GCL: Ray Van Gurp
Gurp has a good chance of getting his visa after a decent season with the VSL Mets (.275, 29 SB).
Summary: Yes there is a logjam at the lower levels (Harris, Valdespin, Medrano, Suire, and Satin) but none of these may matter if Murphy wins the job and Veloz matures into an ETA of 2011.
Draft Projections: Don’t need any more of these right now… head on out to the outfield guys.
Current Mets: Luis Castillo
Look, there a bunch of guys that played this position this year, but the bottom line until things change, is the fact that Castillo has the long term contract, and he’s the man on second. Do I like it? No. Does anyone like it? No. I’m not sure even Omar likes it at this point. The Mets have obviously found a gem in Daniel Murphy, but the only three things he does wrong in the outfield is catch, throw, and field. Murphy is a 3Bman by trade, learning to play 2B. His role in 2009 will be OF/IF utility, replacing the aging Damon Easley or fossil named Marlon Anderson. Stop bitching and get used to the fact that Castillo will man the 2B post full time in 2009. Omar’s bad. There is an outside chance that Argenis Reyes could also be kept in a utiilty role, along with Murphy and Nick Evans.
Top Mets Prospect: Greg Veloz
Projected Starters:
New Orleans: Argenis Reyes
Emmanuel Garcia is no longer considered prospect material and will probably settle in for the AAA team for the next 2 years. He won’t be eligible for the Rule V draft until the end of the 2009 season, at the age of 23. At this point, I’d rather play Reyes every day, in case the team needs him as they have this season. Garcia is old news and a failed prospect. Use him in a utility AAA role (he can play 2B as well as 3B). Andy Green will most probably be cut.
B-Mets: ???
The B-Met job is a toss-up between 2 organizational players, Luis Rivera (who had a decent year at Lucy) and Jon Malo who played here last year. The long short would be Hector Pellot who reeked at Lucy and spent most of the year on the DL. . Peeter Ramos is a goner.
Lucy: Greg Veloz
Veloz is the Mets top second base prospect with an ETA of 2011, at the ripe old age of 23. His back-up could be Michael Parker, who he played with in Savannah, though parker could just as easily be released in the off season.
Gnats: Joshua Satin
Another player that has a prospect tag and did play well for the Clones in Joshua Satin, so this should be a no-brainer at the full-A level, wherever the Mets choose to play next year. J.R. Voyles is fodder waiting to be released.
Clones: Kyle Suire
Suire got his shot this year when Ignacio Medrano was suspended, and took advantage of it. I have to believe the stats alone have slotted him ahead of Medrano now (who may never come back as a Met), and Suire should start 2009 in Coney Island.
K-Port: Ignacio Medrano
I’d like to think that the Mets could work out their differences with a guy that was hitting .329 before being asked to be reassigned, He said ‘no mas’, and the rest is history. On the other hand, two players with the GCL Mets (Alonzo Harris - .308 BA - and Jordany Valdespin - .284 - have both a bump up. Sounds like a log jam to me.
GCL: Ray Van Gurp
Gurp has a good chance of getting his visa after a decent season with the VSL Mets (.275, 29 SB).
Summary: Yes there is a logjam at the lower levels (Harris, Valdespin, Medrano, Suire, and Satin) but none of these may matter if Murphy wins the job and Veloz matures into an ETA of 2011.
Draft Projections: Don’t need any more of these right now… head on out to the outfield guys.
9/3/08
2008 Clones Recap
2008 Clones Recap:
3B Zack Lutz (#17 Mack prospect)
Boy, how would you like to be a Mets minor league 3Bman with David Wright’s contract staring in your face, and Wilmer Flores crawling up your ass? Well, it didn’t seem to bother Lutz who put up a great season in Brooklyn. Depending on where Flores is sent, Zack will play 2009 in either A-full or Lucy.
LF Sean Ratliff
Ratliff did not have the best freshman year in professional baseball, and shouldn’t expect much more than making the staff in Savannah (or where the Mets affiliate full-A) next season. Showed some power (7 HRs) but struck out 1/3 of the time.
1B Ike Davis (#12 Mack Prospect)
Simply a miserable year for the 1st round draft pick. Basically no power, lots of Ks, and minimal amount of walks. Some of this can be written off to a pitcher’s park in Coney Island, but Davis needs to step it up next spring to prove the value of the pick. Look for him in Lucy.
2B Joshua Satin (#40 Mack Prospect)
Satin had a decent freshman year and almost hit an .800 OPS. I expect him in A ball with an infield of Flores and Marte.
DH Reese Havens (#21 Mack prospect)
Now, here’s a guy that proved nothing this year. Arrived with all the fanfair, and rumors he would be converted to a catch, and went out and played exclusively as a DH due to nagging injuries. Add to that the fact that he didn’t even hit that well (only 11 RBIs) and what do you do with him in the spring? I say repeat the Clones.
OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (#56 Mack prospect)
Kirk didn’t come to the Clones with any fanfare, but he just might turn out to be outfielder to come out of this year’s crew. Definitely a promotion to full-A.
RP James Fuller
One of a shit-load of very good relief pitchers that broke their cherry at the Coney this year. Didn’t get enough work, but still should make the full-A squad next spring.
RP Stephen Clyne
The Mets moved Clyne too quick this year, starting him out at Lucy. He settled down and had a great year for the Clones and will most probably start the 2009 season for Savannah
RP Jimmy Johnson
Johnson was an unheralded 28th round draft pick in this year’s draft, and quietly put together a steller season for the Clones. He’s a college guy and will turn 25 next year, so I expect him to move a little faster than most rookies. Watch for him at Lucy.
RP Roy Merritt (#43 Mack prospect)
Merrit also started out slowly at Lucy, but excelled for the Clones. He too turns 25 next year (in September) and will probably jump straight to Lucy in the spring.
SP Brad Holt (#13 Mack Prospect)
I have Holt as the #3 top Mets SP prospect behind Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell. I know he’s just starting out but he simply was a man among boys with the Clones this year. Holt will go straight to Lucy in the spring.
SP Scott Shaw (#41 Mack prospect)
It’s not that Shaw had a bad season this year, it’s just I can’t figure out where he’s going to pitch next year. There are so many low-level starting pitchers that have earned a bump up, I’m not sure there’s any room for Shaw with Savannah. And, he definitely didn’t earn a shot at Lucy.
P Chris Schwinden (#42 Mack prospect)
The Mets are still trying to figure out whether Schwinden is a starter or a reliever, which doesn’t help that his ERA is great in both roles (hint: he did finish the season as a starter). He will play most of next season at 22-years old, so it’s a toss up whether he goes to Lucy or Savannah.
SP Jenrry Mejia (#33 Mack prospect)
This may be one of those special pitchers. Mejia pitched well for both the GCL Mets and the Clons this year, at the age of 18. He has 97 mph speed, coupled with a bunch of nastiness, making him an instant fan favorite. He’s too young to rush and there’s quite a logjam ahead of him. Watch for him to start in Savannah next year.
3B Zack Lutz (#17 Mack prospect)
Boy, how would you like to be a Mets minor league 3Bman with David Wright’s contract staring in your face, and Wilmer Flores crawling up your ass? Well, it didn’t seem to bother Lutz who put up a great season in Brooklyn. Depending on where Flores is sent, Zack will play 2009 in either A-full or Lucy.
LF Sean Ratliff
Ratliff did not have the best freshman year in professional baseball, and shouldn’t expect much more than making the staff in Savannah (or where the Mets affiliate full-A) next season. Showed some power (7 HRs) but struck out 1/3 of the time.
1B Ike Davis (#12 Mack Prospect)
Simply a miserable year for the 1st round draft pick. Basically no power, lots of Ks, and minimal amount of walks. Some of this can be written off to a pitcher’s park in Coney Island, but Davis needs to step it up next spring to prove the value of the pick. Look for him in Lucy.
2B Joshua Satin (#40 Mack Prospect)
Satin had a decent freshman year and almost hit an .800 OPS. I expect him in A ball with an infield of Flores and Marte.
DH Reese Havens (#21 Mack prospect)
Now, here’s a guy that proved nothing this year. Arrived with all the fanfair, and rumors he would be converted to a catch, and went out and played exclusively as a DH due to nagging injuries. Add to that the fact that he didn’t even hit that well (only 11 RBIs) and what do you do with him in the spring? I say repeat the Clones.
OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (#56 Mack prospect)
Kirk didn’t come to the Clones with any fanfare, but he just might turn out to be outfielder to come out of this year’s crew. Definitely a promotion to full-A.
RP James Fuller
One of a shit-load of very good relief pitchers that broke their cherry at the Coney this year. Didn’t get enough work, but still should make the full-A squad next spring.
RP Stephen Clyne
The Mets moved Clyne too quick this year, starting him out at Lucy. He settled down and had a great year for the Clones and will most probably start the 2009 season for Savannah
RP Jimmy Johnson
Johnson was an unheralded 28th round draft pick in this year’s draft, and quietly put together a steller season for the Clones. He’s a college guy and will turn 25 next year, so I expect him to move a little faster than most rookies. Watch for him at Lucy.
RP Roy Merritt (#43 Mack prospect)
Merrit also started out slowly at Lucy, but excelled for the Clones. He too turns 25 next year (in September) and will probably jump straight to Lucy in the spring.
SP Brad Holt (#13 Mack Prospect)
I have Holt as the #3 top Mets SP prospect behind Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell. I know he’s just starting out but he simply was a man among boys with the Clones this year. Holt will go straight to Lucy in the spring.
SP Scott Shaw (#41 Mack prospect)
It’s not that Shaw had a bad season this year, it’s just I can’t figure out where he’s going to pitch next year. There are so many low-level starting pitchers that have earned a bump up, I’m not sure there’s any room for Shaw with Savannah. And, he definitely didn’t earn a shot at Lucy.
P Chris Schwinden (#42 Mack prospect)
The Mets are still trying to figure out whether Schwinden is a starter or a reliever, which doesn’t help that his ERA is great in both roles (hint: he did finish the season as a starter). He will play most of next season at 22-years old, so it’s a toss up whether he goes to Lucy or Savannah.
SP Jenrry Mejia (#33 Mack prospect)
This may be one of those special pitchers. Mejia pitched well for both the GCL Mets and the Clons this year, at the age of 18. He has 97 mph speed, coupled with a bunch of nastiness, making him an instant fan favorite. He’s too young to rush and there’s quite a logjam ahead of him. Watch for him to start in Savannah next year.
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