April 30th Minor League Report! GOMEZ!!!

New Orleans 8, Round Rock 7

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 5, .208
Carlos Gomez (cf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .301, SB (13)
Jose Santiago 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 7.71 era
Lino Urdenta 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, HR, 5.84 era, BS (1), W (1-0)

Binghamton day off

St Lucie (wishes they had the day off) 2, Jupiter 15

Jamar Hill (dh) 2 for 4, 2b, .345
Ryan Coultas (ss) 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .360
Eric Brown 2.2 IP, 10 H, 9 ER, 2 BBs, HR, 6.55 era, L (2-1)

Savannah 3, Charleston 8

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .235
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, .222
Matt Durkin 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BBs, 3 Kz, 3.80 era, L (0-1)

April 30th Gameday Links

Savannah

St. Lucie

New Orleans

4/29 Minor League Report!

New Orleans 7, Oklahoma 0

Anderson Hernandez (2b) 1 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .208
Carlos Gomez (cf) 0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .281, SB (12)
Jorge Sosa 6 IP, 6 H, 5 Ks, 1.13 era, W (4-0)

Binghamton 6, Altoona 4

Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 3, 3 Ks, .231
Miguel Negron (rf, cf) 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .306
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 3, run, RBI, K, .242
Jose Reyes (c) 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, K, .212
Kevin Mulvey 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 7 Ks, 4.84 era, W (2-3)
Robert Paulk 2 IP, H, ER, K, HR, 4.38 era
Carlos Muniz IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 5.06 era

St. Lucie 5, Jupiter 3

Sean Henry (lf) 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, .240
Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .226
Drew Butera (c) 3 for 4, run, 2b, K, .279
Jon Niese 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, BB, K, 2.35 era, W (2-1)
German Marte 2 IP, 2 H, 3 Ks, 2.25 era
Nick Abel 1 IP, 2.70 era, SV (1)

Savannah 4, Rome 8

Dan Stegall (cf) 3 for 4, run, 2b, K, .237, SB (5)
Hector Pellot (2b) 1 for 4, run, 3b, RBI, BB, .256
Sean McCraw (c) 3 for 5, RBI, .333
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 3, 2 BBs, .221 (.278 last 10 games)
Brahiam Maldonado (rf) 2 for 4, run, .214
Tim Stronach 4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 8.20 era
David Koons IP, H, 3 ER, BB, 2.38 era, L (1-1)

4/28 MInor League Report! Nando!

New Orleans 1, Oklahoma 10

Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .287, SB (11)
Jason Vargas 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BBs, K, 4.55 era, L (2-2

Binghamton 6, Altoona 10

Fernando Martinez (cf) 2 for 5, run, RBI, K, .242
Miguel Negron (rf) 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .290
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 3, run, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, K, .238
Salvador Aguilar 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 8.71 era
Marcelo Perez 0.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, K, HR, 9.31 era, L (0-3)

St. Lucie 1, Brevard County 5, in 7 innings, Game 1

Daniel Murphy (3b) 2 for 3, .260
Deolis Guerra 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, HR, 3.33 era, L (1-3)

St. Lucie 1, Brevard County 2, in 7 innings, Game 2

Ryan Coultas (ss) 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, .294
Mike Swindell 5 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, K, 4.00 era, L (1-1)

Savannah 3, Rome 5

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 5, K, .213, SB (4)
Josh Thole (1b) 2 for 4, run, K, .367
Sean McCraw (c) 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .297
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .216
Tobi Stoner 6 IP, 2 H, R, 6 Ks, 3.22 era
Todd Privett 1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 13.50 era, BS (1), L (0-3)

4/28 Minor League Gamedays

New Orleans (7pm)

Binghamton

St. Lucie Game 1 (5pm)

St. Lucie Game 2 (probably 10-15 minutes after the end of Game 1)

Savannah (7pm)

And a bit of news, courtest R. Nitelite on NYFS - Lastings Milledge will be out 4-6 weeks with a sprained foot. See Rotoworld for details.

4/27 Minor League Report

New Orleans 1, Oklahoma 5

Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 3, BB, .262
Phillip Humber 5 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BBs, 3 Ks, HR, 4.15 era, L (2-2), 98 pitches, 52 strikes, 46 balls

Binghamton 2, Altoona 1

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 3, run, BB, 2 Ks, .228, CS (1), PO
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .233
Caleb Stewart (lf) 2 for 4, RBI, .297
Michael Devaney 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BBs, 5 Ks, 3.86 era
Ricardo Morales 3 IP, H, 2 Ks, 3.71 era, W (2-1)

Brevard County 7, St. Lucie 5

Drew Butera (c) 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2 HR, 2 RBI, .255
Jamar Hill (rf) 2 for 4, run, K, .400
Ryan Coultas (2b) 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .273
Jose De La Torre 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 Ks, HR, 5.71 era
Jacob Ruckle 2 IP, K, 0.00 era
Ryan Meyers IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 7.71 era, BS (2)
Joe Serfass IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 9.00 era, L (0-2)

Savannah 4, Rome 8

Hector Pellot (2b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .257
Sean McCraw (c) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .286
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 4, 3b, .211
Brahiam Maldonado (rf) 1 for 3, run, BB, .184
Joshua Stinson 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 4.96 era
Nelson Portillo 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 3.86 era, L (0-3)

4/27 Minor League Gameday Links

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

4/26 Minor League Report! GOMEZ!

New Orleans 3, Oklahoma where the winds come sweeping down the plain 11

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, .216
Ruben Gotay (2b) 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, .260
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 2, 2b, 2 RBI, 3 BBs, .304/.382, SB (10)
Adam Bostick 4.2 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 4 Ks, HR, 6.00 era, L (2-2)
Binghamton 4, New Hampshire 5, in 13 innings

Fernando Martinez (cf) 2 for 7, RBI, 2 Ks, .222
Miguel Negron (rf) 2 for 6, RBI, 3 Ks, .295
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 5, BB, 2 Ks, .228
Brett Harper (dh) 0 for 6, K, .260
Jose Coronado (ss) 2 for 5, 2 runs, K, .190
Marcos Carvajal 5 IP, H, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 9.00 era
Brandon Nall 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, 6.35 era
Carlos Muniz 3 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 2 Ks, HR, 3.72 era, BS (1)
Ryan Cullen 1.1 IP, 2 H, ER, HR, 2.00 era, L (0-1)

St. Lucie 3, Brevard County 4, in 10 innings

Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .233
Jamar Hill (dh) 2 for 4, .364
Sean Henry (lf) 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .258
Bobby "Freakin" Parnell 5 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, 1.35 era
German Marte 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 2.70 era, BS (1)
Nick Abel 1.2 IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, K, 3.27 era, L (1-1)

Savannah 4, Rome 3

Dan Stegall (cf) 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, .225
Hector Pellot (dh) 1 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .243
Josh Thole (1b) 1 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, .357
Sean McCraw (c) 1 for 3, BB, K, .290
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 3, 2b, BB, .209
Julio Polanco 4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 9.42 era
David Koons 1.1 IP, K, 0.00 era, W (1-0)

New Orleans

Binghamton 4, New Hampshire 5 in 13 innings

St. Lucie

Savannah

Just an FYI, if these links do not work when we first put them up, try around 5 minutes before game time (which is typically either 630 or 700pm EST, 330 or 400pm PST). And if they still don't work, leave a comment, and one of us will try and determine the problem.

4/25 Minor League Report

Binghamton 5, New Hampshire 7

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 5, run, K, .213
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 4, run, K, .250
Brett Harper (dh) 1 for 3, 2 RBI, K, .295
Caleb Stewart (lf) 1 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, .273
Jose Sanchez 2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 4.91 era
Robert Paulk 3.1 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 6 Ks, 4.35 era
Marcelo Perez 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 6.00 era, L (0-2)

St. Lucie 4, Jupiter 3 in 10 innings

Jose Castro (ss) 2 for 5, run, .284
Nick Evans (1b) 0 for 3, 2 BBs, K, .292
Josh Petersen (dh) 2 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .304
Eric Brown 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 Ks, HR, 3.26 era
Eddie Camacho 2 IP, H, 4 Ks, 2.25 era, W (1-1)

------------------------------------
Little write up on Nick Evans:

Evans was drafted in the 5th round out of St. Mary’s High in Phoenix, in 2004. He signed and went to the Gulf Coast League, where he hit .258/.311/.462 in 50 games. He opened 2005 with Kingsport in the Appalachian League, and hit .344/.382/.734 in 15 games, before being promoted to Brooklyn, where he hit .252/.302/.407 in 57 games. As a 20 year old in the South Atlantic League, Evans hit .254/.320/.419, with 33 doubles and 15 homers in 511 ABs. He was one strikeout shy of 100, and walked 45 times, showing decent plate discipline.

Evans has a few things working against him. #1 would be Mike Carp, who is higher on the organizational depth chart at first base. Another would be Shawn Bowman, who is higher on the organizational depth chart, period. Evans will have to put up monster numbers in St. Lucie (which he might), and hope Mike Carp falls flat on his face in the Eastern League (which he won’t), to leapfrog into the #1 spot for the successor to Delgado race.

Besides, the Mets like to buy their first baseman. Who was the last homegrown first baseman? Jason Phillips 2003?

These 10am Minor League games are insanity...

Gameday link:

Binghamton

St. Lucie was the 10am

Norfolk and Savannah got the days off.

4/24 Minor League Report! Gotay, Gomez!

New Orleans 17, Albuquerque 8 (yes, this was a 9 inning game!)

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 7, run, K, .224
Ruben Gotay (2b) 4 for 7, 2 runs, 2 2b, 2 RBI, .243
Carlos Gomez (cf) 2 for 5, 3 runs, BB, K, .299
Andy Tracy (1b) 5 for 6, 4 runs, HR, 3 RBI, K, .309 (he's 34)
Ricky Ledee (lf) 4 for 5, run, HR, 7 RBI, K, .372 (he's crap)
Chan Ho Park (sp) 2 for 3, run, 2b, K, .375; 5 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 BBs, 7 Ks, 2 HR, 7.29 era, W (3-1) (he's also garbage)

Binghamton 1, New Hampshire 3

Caleb Stewart (rf) 2 for 3, .267
Kevin Mulvey 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, ER, 3 Ks, 6.06 era, L (1-3)
Carlos Muniz 2 IP, BB, 3 Ks, 4.05 era
Brandon Nall 1 IP, 3.86 era

St. Lucie 0, Jupiter 7

Jon Niese 2.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 2.50 era, L (1-1)
Nick Abel 2.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 Ks, 2.89 era
German Marte 1 IP, 1.04 era

Savannah 1, Charleston 2

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 5, RBI, .211
Josh Thole (ph, 1b) 1 for 3, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .359
Matt Durkin 5.2 IP, 4 H, R, 4 Ks, 3.18 era
Jeremy Mizell 2.1 IP, 3 H, ER, K, 2.77 era, L (0-1)

4/24 Minor League Gameday Links

New Orleans

Binghamton (6:30pm EST)

St. Lucie (630pm EST)

Savannah snuck a morning game in, which is over. They lost 2-1.

4/23 Minor League Report! GUERRA!!!! FREE THE GOD OF WAR!

New Orleans 9, Albuquerque 2

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 2 for 4, run, 2b, BB, .231
Ruben Gotay (2b) 2 for 4, 2 2b, 5 RBI, .209
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .292, CS (3), PO (1)
Lastings Milledge (rf) 0 for 1, .333 (left with a bruised right foot - courtesy NYFS Minor League Thread)
Jorge Sosa 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 8 Ks, HR, 1.38 era, W (3-0)
Steve Scholl 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, HR, 8.71 era

Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 6

Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 3, .214
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .289
Brett Harper (dh) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .324
Ricardo Morales 6 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 2 Ks, 3 HR, 4.50 era, L (1-1)

St. Lucie 5, Jupiter 2

Jose Castro (ss) 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, .292
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .328/.397/.552 (8:7 BB:K)
Daniel Murphy (#b) 3 for 5, 2b, 3 RBI, .254
Corey Coles (rf) 2 for 4, K, .292
Deolis Guerra 6 IP, 2 H, 4 Ks, 2.18 era, W (1-2)
Eddie Camacho 1 IP, 2.70 era, SV (3)

Savannah 1, Charleston 6

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 4, run, K, .211
Hector Pellot (dh) 1 for 4, .254
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 3, 2 Ks, .203
Tim Stronach 3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, HR, 9.20 era, L (1-3)
Todd Privett 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 11.93 era

Gameday Links

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

April 22nd Minor League Report! VIVA LA CARP IS BACK!

New Orleans 4, Albuquerque 7

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 4, K, .216
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 4, .190
Carlos Gomez (cf) 0 for 4, .294, SB (9)
Lastings Milledge (rf) 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .342, SB (5)
Jason Vargas 5.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, HR, 3.42 era, L (2-1)

Binghamton 4, Trenton 7

Miguel Negron (rf) 2 for 4, 2 2b, RBI, BB, .318
Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 3, .231
Mike Carp (1b) 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 2b, HR, RBI, K, .310
Brett Harper (dh) 2 for 4, run, RBI, .333
Salvador Aguilar 3.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 9.53 era, L (0-1)
Tim McNab 3.2 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 1.46 era

St. Lucie off

Savannah 2, Charleston 4

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 4, 2b, .209
Josh Thole (1b) 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, K, .361
Tobi Stoner 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 4.41 era, L (0-3) * As someone on NYFS pointed out, he really should've pitched on 420

April 22nd Gameday Links and Info

Yes, it's the dreaded "all afternoon games" day. Here goes:

1. New Orleans at Albuquerque @ 3:35pm EST - Gameday

2. Binghamton @ Trenton @ 1pm EST - Gameday

3. Savannah @ Charleston @ 4:05pm EST - Gameday

St. Lucie is off today. Check these Gameday links about 10 minutes prior to first pitch.

Jose Santiago blows

Well, he blew the game, but he just plain blows. Phillip Humber was the first minor leaguer to go 7, and did so on only 77 pitches, 51 of which were strikes.

New Orleans 3, Albuquerque 4

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 2 for 5, 3b, .229
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .186
Carlos Gomez (cf) 0 for 5, run, K, .312
Lastings Milledge (rf) 1 for 5, RBI, 3 Ks, .343
Phillip Humber 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 3 Ks, HR, 3.00 era
Jose Santiago 1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, K, HR, 9.90 era, BS (1), L (0-2)

The entire New Orleans bullpen is a joke, fwiw.

4/21 Minor League Report! Evans, McCraw!

Binghamton 4, Trenton 7

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .250
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 4, run, K, .270
Jose Reyes (c) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .222
Caleb Stewart (lf) 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .211
Michael Devaney 4 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 5.62 era, L (0-1)

St. Lucie 9, Daytona 1

Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 1 for 4, run, BB, .172
Jose Castro (ss) 2 for 5, run, .283
Dustin Martin (cf) 2 for 5, 3 runs, HR, RBI, K, .246
Nick Evans (1b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, .321
Jose De La Torre 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 5.11 era, W (1-2)

Savannah 0, Charleston 4

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .206
Sean McCraw (c) 2 for 3, BB, K, .381
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 4, .190
Hector Pellot (2b) 1 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .273

*New Orleans is in New Mexico, their game ends at 12, and will be updated when it is over. Right now, it is 1-0 Albuquerque (Weird Al vintage). Phillip Humber's line is very good so far, 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR. Carlos Gomez and Lastings Milledge are a combined 0 for 6 with 2 Ks.

4/21 Minor League Gameday Links...

New Orleans

Binghamton lost, 7-4

St. Lucie (already in progress, St. Lucie leads 4-0)

Savannah

April 20th Minor League Report! Milledge, Bostick, Negron, Castro, FREAKIN!

New Orleans 3, Memphis 2

Carlos Gomez (cf) 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .339, SB (8)
Lastings Millledge (lf) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, .367, SB (4)
Adam Bostick 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 3.86 era, W (2-1)
Lino Urdenta 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 6.23 era, SV (6)

Binghamton 6, Trenton 7 in 12 innings

Miguel Negron (rf) 3 for 6, run, BB, .324
Fernando Martinez (cf) 2 for 5, RBI, BB, K, .242
Mike Carp (1b) 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .273
Brett Harper (dh) 2 for 5, run, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .310
Caleb Stewart (lf) 2 for 6, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .200
Jose Sanchez 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, BB, HR, 2.00 era
Marcos Carvajal 3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 15.43 era, BS (1)
Tim McNab 3 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BBs, 1.04 era, BS (1)
Marcelo Perez 0.2 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 4.76 era, L (0-1)

St. Lucie 2, Daytona 0

Jose Castro (ss) 4 for 4, run, HR, RBI, .273
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 3, BB, .308
Drew Butera (c) 1 for 4, .270
Sean Henry (lf) 1 for 3, run, .256, SB (2)
Bobby Freakin Parnell 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BBs, 9 Ks, 1.80 era, W (1-1)
German Marte 1 IP, K, 1.17 era, SV (2)

Savannah 4, Greenville 5

DJ Wabick (1b) 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .348
Francisco Pena (c) 2 for 4, run, .295
Hector Pellot (2b) 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .250, SB (7), CS (4), PO (1)
Julio Polanco 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 10.45 era
Nelson Portillo 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 Ks, 3.00 era, L (0-2)
David Koons 1.2 IP, H, 3 Ks, 0.00 era, BS (1)

April 20th "The Sun Exists!" Gameday Links

Wasn't too sure of that the past couple of weeks.

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

April 19th Minor League Report! Milledge!

New Orleans 7, Memphis 6

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 2 for 5, run, RBI, K, .230
Carlos Gomez (cf) 0 for 5, run, K, .357 (snaps a season long hitting streak), SB (7)
Lastings Milledge (rf) 2 for 4, run, RBI, K, .346
Mike "The Team Leader in AVG" Difelice (C) 3 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, .400
Chan Who Park 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 Ks, HR, 6.19 era, W (2-1)
Ivan Maldonado 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 7.20 era, SV (2)

Binghamton 5, Trenton 2

Miguel Negron (rf) 2 for 5, 2b, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .290
Jose Coronado (ss) 2 for 5, K, .281
Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 5, run, K, .214
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 5, run, .250
Brett Harper (DH) 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .292
Kevin Mulvey 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 7.94 era, W (1-2)
Carlos Muniz 0.2 IP, 5.79 era, SV (2)

St. Lucie 3, Daytona 4

Jose Castro (ss) 1 for 3, run, K, .216
Nick Evans (1b) 0 for 3, BB, .306
Eric Brown 6 IP, 6 H, ER, K, 3.38 era
Joey Serfass 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 18 era, L (0-1)

Savannah 9, Greenville 13

Daniel Stegall (cf) 2 for 6, 3 runs, .218
Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 5, 2 RBI, K, .375
Francisco Pena (c) 0 for 4, run, BB, K, .275
Josh Thole (1b) 1 for 2, run, 2b, RBI, 3 BBs, .557
Hector Pellot (2b) 3 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, K, .229
Todd Privett 2.2 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 7 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 2 HR, 17.36 era, L (0-2)

April 19th Gameday Links

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

Savannah Game over...

Savannah 5, Greenville 4

Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, K, .373 (too bad he's 24 in A ball)
DJ Wabick (lf) 3 for 4, run, .378
Josh Thole (1b) 3 for 3, run, 2 RBI, BB, .346
Tim Stronach 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BBs, 4 Ks, 2 HR, 7.71 ERA, W (1-2)
Matt Durkin 4 IP, 2 BBs, 7 Ks, 4.76 era, SV (1)

You are NOT going to believe this

Binghamton had it's doubleheader postponed due to wet ground. I kid you not.

April 18th Gameday Links

Binghamton Game 1

Binghamton Game 2

Savannah

April 18th Afternoon Minor League Report! MILLEDGE, Evans!

Today's report is split in two. It's also set to "The Final Countdown" by Europe. Great song.

New Orleans 7, Memphis 6

Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, run, K, .392
Lastings Milledge (rf) 4 for 4, 3 runs, HR, RBI, .318, 2 SB (2)
Jorge Sosa 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 Ks, 0.95 era, W (2-0)
Jon Adkins 1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 Ks, 2 HR, 9.00 era
Lino Urdenta 1 IP, H, ER, 5.14 era, SV (5)

St. Lucie 5, Palm Beach 6

Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 2 for 5, K, .174
Juan Castro (ss) 2 for 5, run, 2b, .208
Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 5, run, HR, 2 RBI, .250
Nick Evans (1b) 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, .326
Jon Niese 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 1.17 era
Eddie Camacho 2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 Ks, HR, 3.38 era, BS (1), L (0-1)

Binghamton tries to play 2 tonight (good luck with that!), and Savannah is also tonight.

4/17 Minor League Report! Vargas, Evans!

New Orleans 6, Memphis 5

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 2 for 4, run, K, .212
Ruben Gotay (2b) 2 for 4, run, .182
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, 2 RBI, .404
Lastings Milledge (rf) 1 for 2, run, RBI, .167
Jason Vargas 6 IP, H, ER, 3 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.50 era, W (2-0)

St. Lucie 1, Palm Beach 8

Nick Evans (1b) 3 for 4, run, .293
Corey Coles (rf) 2 for 4, RBI, .286
Yasmil Bucce (dh) 2 for 4, K, .207
Deolis Guerra 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 3.07 era, L (0-2)

Savannah 5, Greenville 12

Dan Stegall (cf) 1 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .227
Greg Veloz (dh) 2 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, K, .182
Juan Lagares (ss) 2 for 3, run, 3b, RBI, .195
Tobi Stoner 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 3.75 era, L (0-2)

I hope you're all sitting down. Savannah made TEN errors tonight (leading to TEN unearned runs). They went to:

Lagares (7, fielding), Pellot 3 (6, fielding, fielding, fielding), Stegall (1, fielding), Wabick 2 (2, fielding, fielding), Pena (2, missed catch), Ventura 2 (2, fielding, missed catch).

April 17th Gameday Links

New Orleans

St. Lucie

Savannah

Binghamton rained out AGAIN!

Word is the players have begun construction on an ark. Mike Carp has been placed in charge of getting 2 of every animal. Updates as they become available.

4/16 Minor League Report! Gomez, Humber!

New Orleans 10, Nashville 2

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 5, run, HR, 2 RBI, 3 Ks, .188
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 5, run, HR, 2 RBI, .150
Carlos Gomez (cf) 3 for 3, run, 3b, 2 BBs, .419/.432/.625
Lastings Millledge (rf) 1 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .125
Phillip Humber 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 3.86 era, W (2-1)

St. Lucie 0, Palm Beach 4

Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 3, .275
Sean Henry (lf) 2 for 3, .290
Jose De La Torre 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, K, 8.59 era, L (0-2)
Jacob Ruckle 3 IP, H, R, BB, 0.00 era

Savannah 6, Kannapolis 3, in 7 innings, Game 1

Daniel Stegall (cf) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .237
Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 4, run, .368
Sean McCraw (c) 3 for 3, 3 runs, HR, 3 RBI, BB, .357
Juan Lagares (ss) 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .171
Josh Stinson 4 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 5 Ks, 5.62 era, W (1-2)

Savannah 3, Kannapolis 2, in 7 innings, Game 2

Daniel Stegall (cf) 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .220
Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .381
DJ Wabick (1b) 1 for 3, RBI, K, .379
Greg Mullens 5 IP, 5 H, ER, K, 1.86 era, W (1-0)

Gomez on Baseball Americas Prospect Hot Sheet

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/263717.htmrlos Gomez, of, Triple-A New Orleans (Mets)
9. Carlos Gomez, of, Triple-A New Orleans (Mets)
No sense in waiting until the second half this year. The precocious Gomez is hitting .375/.405/.575 and leads the PCL with six doubles and six triples.

He is on fire, and turning himself into a very legit top prospect
We'll keep you updated

4/16 Gameday Links

No Binghamton, again.

New Orleans

St. Lucie

Savannah Game 1

Savannah Game 2

Savannah Game 1 is a resumed game from yesterday. Game 2 is today's reguarily scheduled game, which will start when the resumed game is over.

4/15 New Orleans Report.

As everything else is either cancelled or postponed or suspended. Yay for mid April Nor'easters.

New Orleans 3, Nashville 10

Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .375
Lastings Milledge (lf) 0 for 4, K, .091
Adam Bostick 5.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 4 BBs, 2 Ks, HR, 6.10 era, L (1-1)

MInor League Gamedays for April 15th...

New Orleans

Binghamton, St. Lucie rained out (as were like 80% of games in AA and A+)

Savannah (don't try the link until around 3:50pm EST)

4/14 Minor League Report

New Orleans 1, Nashville 14

Carlos Gomez (cf) 2 for 4, .389, SB (6)
Lastings Milledge (rf) 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .143
Chan Ho "Balls Left The" Park 4 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 3 Ks, 3 HR, 7.20 era, L (1-1)
Jon "My ERA Needs The" Adkins "Diet" 2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 2 ER, BB, K, HR, 6.00 era


Binghamton 3, Portland 1 in 7 innings, Game 1

Miguel Negron (rf) 2 for 4, run, 2b, .261
Jose Coronado (ss) 3 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .261
Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 2, BB, K, .316
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .200
Mark Kiger (2b) 2 for 3, run, HR, RBI, .429
Michael Devaney 4 IP, 2 H, 3 BBs, 3 Ks, 0.00 era
Carlos Muniz 1 perfect inning, 6.75 era, SV (1)

Binghamton 1, Portland 5 in 7 innings, Game 2

Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .261
Mike Carp (1b) 2 for 3, .261
Brett Harper (dh) 2 for 3, RBI, .300
Kevin Mulvey 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, ER, 2 Ks, 11.37 era, L (0-2)

St. Lucie 0, Brevard County 6

Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 4, .270
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 4, 2b, K, .273
Bobby Freakin' Parnell 5 IP, 8 H, ER, 6 Ks, 3.00 era, L (0-1)
Mike Swindell 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 6.14 era
Kevin Tomasiewicz 1.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 24.55 era

4/14 Gameday Links...check back for more later

Binghamton (Game 2)

Binghamton Game 1 is over.

New Orleans, Savannah and St. Lucie later tonight. Chan Ho Park, Josh Stinson and Bobby Parnell go.

New Orleans

St. Lucie

Savannah

April, Friday the 13th Minor League Report!

New Orleans 2, Nashville 3

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 4, K, .194
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 4, run, 3b, K, .179
Carlos Gomez (cf) 2 for 4, 2b, .375, PO (1)
Lastings Milledge (rf) 1 for 3, BB, K
Jorge Sosa 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 ER, BB, 4 Ks, 0.00 era
Steve Schmoll 1.2 IP, H, ER, K, HR, 12.60 era, L (0-1)

Binghamton was weathered out, again

St. Lucie 5, Brevard County 3

Jose Castro (ss) 2 for 5, run, 2b, .219
Dustin Martin (cf) 2 for 5, 2b, 2 RBI, .273
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 5, K, .276
Drew Butera (c) 2 for 4, .304
Eric Brown 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 5 Ks, 4.91 era, W (2-0)
Jacob Ruckle 1 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era
German Marte 2 IP, 2 H, R, 0 ER, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (1)

Savannah 4, Kannapolis 10

Dan Stegall (cf) 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .235
Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, K, .353
Francisco Pena (c) 1 for 4, .379
Juan Lagares (ss) 2 for 4, run, K, .129
Hector Pellot (2b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .125
Todd Privett 3 IP, 14 H, 10 ER, BB, 2 Ks, HR, 14.85 era, L (0-1)
Nelson Portillo 5 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 1.04 era

April 12th Minor League Report! Carp!

New Orleans 3, Memphis 7

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 4, K, .188
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, 3b, RBI, 2 Ks, .357
Jose Santiago 4.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB, 3 Ks, 4.91 era, L (0-1)

Binghamton 7, Portland 10 in 11 innings

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 5, run, 2b, BB, K, .353
Mike Carp (1b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .235
Mike Nickeas (c) 2 for 5, run, BB, K, .167
Salvador Aguilar 2.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 3 BBs, K, 7.71 era
Marcelo Perez 3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 3.60 era, BS (1)
Carlos Muniz 1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 9.00 era, L (1-1)

St. Lucie 5, Palm Beach 2

Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 1 for 3, run, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .208
Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, .250
Brew Butera (c) 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .263
Sean Henry (lf) 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, RBI, K, .333
Jon Niese 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 0.90 era, W (1-0)
Nick Abel 2 IP, H, BB, 2 Ks, 0.00 era
Eddie Camacho 2 IP, 2 H, 0.00 era, SV (2)

Savannah 2, Augusta 8

Greg Veloz (2b) 0 for 3, 2 BBs, .115
Juan Lagares (ss) 0 for 4, K, .083
Leivi Ventura (3b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, .370
Francisco Pena (c) 2 for 4, K, .400
Dan Stegall (cf) 2 for 4, K, .231
Matt Durkin 4 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BBs, 7.36 era
*Josh Stinson pitched to one batter in the first, before the game was suspended. Durkin allowed the inherited runner to score, tagging Stinson with a ridiculous loss.

Savannah 0, Augusta 6, in 7 innings, Game 2

Greg Veloz (dh) 2 for 3, K, .172
DJ Wabick (1b) 2 for 3, K, .474
Timothy Stronach 3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, BB, 9.45 era, L (0-2)

Gameday links 4/12

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

April 11th Minor League Report! Evans!

New Orleans 6, Memphis 1

Anderson Hernandez (2b) 0 for 4, run, BB, K, .179
Ruben Gotay (ss) 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, 2 RBI, .200
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .375
Jason Vargas 6 IP, 8 H, R, 4 Ks, 1.50 era, W (1-0)
Jon Adkins 3 IP, H, BB, 2 Ks, 4.50 era, SV (1)

Binghamton 4, Erie 12

Marcos Carvajal 4 IP, 12 H, 9 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, HR, 20.25 era, L (0-1)

St. Lucie 0, Palm Beach 2

Nick Evans (1b) 3 for 4, 2 2b, .350
Deolis Guerra 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 1.80 era, L (0-1)
German Marte 2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era

Gameday links

St. Lucie

Binghamton

4/10 Minor League Report! Nando!

New Orleans 3, Memphis 14 in 7 innings

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 4, 2b, .208
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 2, run, BB, .125
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 3, .400, SB (5)
Phillip Humber 3 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, BB, 6 Ks, 1 HR, 5.62 era, L (1-1)
Steve Schmoll 2.1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 16.20 era
Willie Collazo 1.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, BB, 20.25 era

Binghamton 4, Erie 2 in 11 innings

Fernando! (cf) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 3b, HR, RBI, BB, .625
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .222
Brett Harper (dh) 2 for 5, K, .333
Jose Sanchez 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BBs, K, 2.25 era
Carlos Muniz 2 IP, 4 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0)

St. Lucie 1, Palm Beach 14

Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .250
Jose De La Toree 2.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 15.43 era
Greg Swindell 3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BBs, K, 5.40 era
Kevin Tomasiewicz 1.2 IP, 5 H, 7 ER, 2 BBs, K, HR, 27.00 era

Savannah 2, Augusta 5

Dan Stegall (cf) 2 for 4, run, .182
DJ Wabick (lf) 3 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .500
Tobi Stoner 3.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 5.87 era
Jonathan Castillo 3.1 IP, 5 H, ER, K, 1.69 era

Fernando Martinez update

Fernando Martinez today, 2 for 4, 2 r, 1 3b, 1 hr, 1 rbi, 1bb, .625 avg this season

Very impressive! Showing power, and showing that he is definitely not over matched in AA

Minor League GameDay Links: 4/10

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie (delayed currently as of 7:06 pm EST)

Savannah

More on Deolis Guerra

Not only is he starting tomorrow in St. Lucie, which might make up for the fact that the mets dont play tomorrow, but I also have more praises from prospect sites on him

From Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus:
http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=313

"Deolis Guerra, rhp, St. Lucie (Mets): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K. No longer all about projection, Guerra was hitting 95 mph this spring and I woefully under-ranked him in the Mets Top 10."

SOJseth (Shea on Monday): Kevin, In their '07 organizational talent rankings, your former employers indicated that Deolis Guerra has shown some mid-90's heat this spring. Can you confirm? Based on his advanced changeup, would that kind of velocity rank him among the top pitching prospects in the low minors? Thanks a ton for chatting. Seth

Kevin Goldstein: We've mentioned it here as well, including in today's blog on Opening Day performances. His stock is WAY WAY up. Two years ago, the Mets signed the best international hitter (Fernando Martinez) and the best international pitcher (Guerra), and right now both investments look to be outstanding.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=124

"

Guerra’s fastball was up to 94-95 mph in minor league camp, an increase of four-to-five miles an hour from where he was last season. He also worked hard on his curveball, which lagged behind his fastball and plus changeup, during the offseason.

He also apparently grew at least an inch.

“He’s up to 6-foot-6 now,” Mets vice president of player development Tony Bernazard said. “His body is getting there and he’s progressed a lot, not only with his stuff, but with his delivery and his work habits.”

Guerra was clocked consistently in the low 90s in the Mets rain-shortened 2-0 win against Vero Beach on Thursday and showed the same consistency with his breaking ball as he had during spring training."

April 9th Minor League Report! Gomez, Nando, Martin!

New Orleans 5, Memphis 2

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 5, .200
Carlos Gomez (cf) 2 for 4, run, 2b, .412, SB (4)
Adam Bostick 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BBs, 4 Ks, 2 HR, 3.60 era, W (1-0)
Clint Nageotte 3 perfect innings, 4 Ks, 0.00 era
Lino Urdenta 1 perfect inning, K, 6.00 era, SV (3)

Binghamton 0, Erie 8

Fernando Martinez (cf) 3 for 4
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 4
Brett Harper (dh) 1 for 4, 2b, K
Jose Reyes 1 for 4, K
Kevin Mulvey 1.1 IP, 4 H, 7 ER, 4 BBs, K, 1 HR, 47.25 era, L (1-0)
Ricardo Morales 4.2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 5 Ks, 1.93 era

St. Lucie 5, Vero Beach 3

Dustin Martin (cf) 3 for 4, 2b, RBI, .353
Nick Abel 2 perfect innings, K, 0.00 era, W (1-0)
German Marte 1 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era
Eddie Camacho 2 IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, SV (1)

Savannah 0, Augusta 10

Josh Thole (dh) 2 for 2, BB, .333
Julio Polanco 3.1 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 BBs, HR, 21.60 era, L (0-1)
Greg Mullens 4.2 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 4 Ks, 1.93 era

Kevin Mulvey JACKED UP

In his first start for Binghamton (hell, in Binghamton's first game), 2006 2nd round pick Kevin Mulvey didn't make it out of the 2nd, surrendering 4 hits and 7 runs, all earned. He also walked 4, while striking out 1 and allowing a homer. His ERA stands at a robust 47.25.

Meanwhile, Bingo is getting no hit through 3. Gotta be tough, though, not having played for over a week since leaving Florida.

Finally a full slate of games tonight

As we find out the Mets DO have an AA team, contrary to rumours. Here areth the Gamedayeth linketh.

New Orleans

Binghamton

St. Lucie

Savannah

April 8th Minor League Report! Pena, Ventura!

New Orleans 3, Nashville 2 in 7 innings, Game 1

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .182
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 3, run, K, .400, SB (3)
Ben Johnson (rf) 1 for 2, run, BB, .250
Jorge Sosa 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BBs, 5 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0)
Lino Urdenta 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 HR, 9.00 era, SV (2)

New Orleans 1, Nashville 0 in 7 innings, Game 2

Anderson Hernandez (2b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, .267
Ruben Gotay (ss) 0 for 1, 2 BBs, K, .091
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 3, RBI, K, .385
Chan Ho Park 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0)
Ivan Maldonado 1 IP, BB, 0.00 era, SV (1)

Savannah 5, Ashville 1

Francisco Pena (c) 4 for 4, run, 2b, .412
Leivi Ventura (1b) 4 for 4, 3 runs, 2 2b, .500
DJ Wabick (lf) 2 for 4, 3 RBI, .400
Jorge Reyes 5 IP, 4 H, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0)
Todd (or Duane) Privett 3.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 2.45 era
Emary Frederick 0.1 IP, K, 3.38 era, SV (1)

Minor League Gameday links

Savannah

New Orleans

4/7 Minor League Report! Washouts

New Orleans and Binghamton were rained away (MPH Poll Question: Will Binghamton ever play a game this season?)

St. Lucie 7, Vero Beach 6

Emmanuel Garcia (ss) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .273
Dustin Martin (cf) 2 for 5, run, 3b, 2 RBI, K, .231
Daniel Murphy (3b) 2 for 3, run, 3b, BB, .333
Josh Peterson (rf) 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .500
Mike Pelfrey 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 1 HR, 3 era
Eric Brown (he of the 26 inning Brooklyn game last year) 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 1 HR, 11.57 era, BS (1), W (1-0)
Kevin Tomasiewicz 0.2 IP, nothing across, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (1)

Savannah 1, Ashville 9

Greg Veloz (3b) 1 for 3, BB, .273
Francisco Pena (dh) 1 for 4, K, .231
Tim Stronach 3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 12.00 era, L (0-1)
Jeremy Mizell 4 IP, H, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, 0.00 era

First Hand Scouting Report on Deolis Guerra

We had someone give us a first hand scouting report of Deolis Guerra, he was there on Thursday night to see him pitch in person. Good stuff:

"I was at that game - first time I've seen him.

And it looks to me like he's throwing a slider, moreso than a curve. It's coming in in the 80's with some good lateral break, rather than straight drop. He got alot of his swings and misses with this. There were also few slower breaking balls.

Fastball was good, but mostly induced contact, as nothway suggests was the case last year. I have no idea about velocity, didn't get any gun readings. But it does look like an MLB caliber pitch to me. I'd guess he was sitting more like 90-92, though possibly touched 93-95--but my guess may be even less accurate than an SNY ragar gun. But the best hit balls of the night probably came off the fastball.

The change, at times, was just fantastic. That was his best pitch.

I have no idea how much upside is there from here, given he's only 17. But with the stuff he's showing now, with a bit more refinement and experiece, he could be a good #3 on the order of a John Maine or El Duque. That's with no further improvement in raw stuff, just consistent command of what he's already showing. (meaning if/when he improves, he can easily be an Ace #1/#2

It's tough for me to judge the breaking ball at this level, as most hitters here would look bad against even an average MLB slider. But I think the fastball and breaking ball are likely both at least average, with a plus changeup."

thanks to acerimusdux of NYFS.

4/6 Minor League Report! AHern, Gomez, Evans, Niese

New Orleans (I will at least once, make a Norfolk mistake, book it) 3, Nashville 4

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 2 for 4, run, .250
Carlos Gomez (cf) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .429, SB (2)
Jason Vargas 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 Ks, 3.00 era
Jon Adkins 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K, 1 HR, 18.00 era, BS (1), L (0-1)

St. Lucie 4, Vero Beach 0

Jose Castro (ss) 2 for 3, .429
Nick Evans (1b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, .429
Drew Butera (c) 2 for 2, run, 2 2b, 2 BBs, .750
Jon Niese 5 IP, H, 3 Ks
Jacob Ruckle 3 IP, 4 H, K, W (1-0)

Savannah 3, Ashville 6

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 4, K, .250
Juan Lagares (ss) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .250
Leivi Ventura (3b) 3 for 4, RBI, K, .500
Josh Stinson 4 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 6.75 era, L (0-1)

Minor League Gameday links

St. Lucie

Savannah

more to come later

More on Guerra

We might have to change our name soon, to the Deolis Guerra Hub, lol.

When Deolis Guerra first encountered the high Class A Florida State League at the tail-end of last season, he was overmatched.

Guerra went 1-1, 6.14 and allowed six runs on nine hits in just seven innings.

But this is a different Deolis Guerra.

It was all too easy for the 17-year-old Mets righthander in his first start for St. Lucie on Thursday, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.

Guerra doesn’t turn 18 for another two weeks, but the Mets saw three significant things change in spring training: a spike in fastball velocity, added depth to his breaking ball with the confidence to use throw it and the ability to repeat his delivery more consistently.

Guerra’s fastball was up to 94-95 mph in minor league camp, an increase of four-to-five miles an hour from where he was last season. He also worked hard on his curveball, which lagged behind his fastball and plus changeup, during the offseason.

He also apparently grew at least an inch.

“He’s up to 6-foot-6 now,” Mets vice president of player development Tony Bernazard said. “His body is getting there and he’s progressed a lot, not only with his stuff, but with his delivery and his work habits.”

BA on the Mets Farm System, Confirms Guerra is throwing mid-90's

From Baseball America:

13 NEW YORK mets

Highest Ranking: No. 1 (1984, 1985).

Lowest Ranking: No. 28 (2006).

State Of The System: Though GM Omar Minaya isn’t hesitant to trade prospects to help his big league club, his farm system is on the upswing. The Mets have been very aggressive in Latin America on his watch, signing OF Fernando Martinez, RHP Deolis Guerra and C Francisco Pena for a combined $2.85 million. They’ve also shown a willingness to spend in the draft, getting 2005’s best pitching prospect (RHP Mike Pelfrey) with the ninth overall pick for a $5.25 million big league contract.

Best-Stocked Position: Righthanded starters. Pelfrey should make the big league rotation out of spring training and Philip Humber isn’t far behind. Guerra, in the mid-80s much of last season with his velocity, has flashed some mid-90s fastballs this spring—and he’s not even 18 yet. Kevin Mulvey, New York’s top pick (second round) in 2006, will open his first full season in Double-A.

Prepare For Takeoff: Pena. He has defensive skills similar to those of his father, former all-star and Gold Glover Tony Pena, as well as an advanced offensive approach for his age. As a result, the Mets will put him on the same fast track as Martinez and Guerra, letting him play in low Class A as a 17-year-old.

At A Crossroads: 3B Shawn Bowman. The Mets have waited for his bat to emerge, but it has been slow going because he gets too impatient and pull-conscious. Back problems ended his 2006 season in May, and they’ve bothered him again this spring.

Deolis Guerra report

Deolis Guerra, the Mets' fifth-best prospect according to Baseball America, started the game and picked up where he left off last season when he thrived at low-Class A Hagerstown (Md.).

Guerra pitched five stellar innings to secure the win, allowing two hits and striking out five on about 65 pitches. Guerra, who turns 18 this month, dominated the Devil Rays with his changeup. Three of his five strikeouts came on three pitches, and he didn't walk a batter.

"His being 17 years old kind of opens your eyes," manager Frank Cacciatore said. "He does that a lot, he's not going to be around here much longer."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/04/06/a6c_fsl_0406.html

April 5th MINOR LEAGUE REPORT!!!! GUERRA!!!!!!

Welcome back :) It's been a long, gruelling and tough winter for Mets fans. Hopefully the winter leagues provided some people with a fix. It's time to kick it into full gear.

New Orleans 4, Nashville 1

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 4, 2 RBI, K
Ruben Gotay (2b) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K
Carlos Gomez (cf) 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, 2 Ks, SB
Chip Ambres (lf) 2 for 4, run, 2b, K
Phillip Humber 5 IP, H, ER, 3 BBs, 4 Ks, 1.80 era, W (1-0)
Lino Urdenta 1 IP, H, SV (1)

Binghamton rained out

St. Lucie 2, Vero Beach 0

Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 1 for 3, BB, K
Dustin Martin (cf) 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 3, 2b, BB
Drew Butera (c) 1 for 2, run, BB, K
Josh Petersen (rf) 1 for 3, 3b, RBI
Sean Henry (lf) 1 for 3, K
Deolis Guerra 5 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks
Greg Swindell 2 IP, 2 H, BB, W (1-0)

Savannah 4, Ashville 7

Greg Veloz (dh) 1 for 4, run, 2b, BB, 3 Ks
Francisco Pena (c) 2 for 5
Brahiam Maldonado (lf) 1 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, 2 Ks
Tobi Stoner 4 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 2.25 era
Nelson Portillo 2.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, ER, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 1 HR, partridge in a pear tree, 3.38 era, L (0-1)

Man it feels good to be back. See ya tomorrow!

PS: The wall to wall coverage (in game updates and the like) was a one time thing.

Shortened St. Lucie game, 2-0 Met victory

Deolis Guerra gets the star of the night award, going 5 innings of 2 hit ball, but getting a ND. Greg Swindell picks up the victory in relief. See post below for some key batters.

Phil Humber's night is done

5 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BBs, 4 Ks, 1.80 era

Carlos Gomez turned a single into a double (the good way, lol), and scored a run. Anderson Hernandez is 0 for 3 with 2 RBI and a K. Chip Ambres is 2 for 2 with a run scored and a double. Middle of the 5th in Nashville, 3-1, Zephyrs.

Rain Delay in St. Lucie

2-0 Mets. RBI to Josh Petersen, who is 1 for 3 with a triple. Emmanuel Garcia, Jose Castro and Dustin Martin all have singles to pace the 7 hit attack for the Mets, while Nick Evans, batting cleanup, is 1 for 3 with a double and BB.

However, the story of the night is Deolis Guerra, who went 5 incredible innings, scattering 2 hits, walking none while striking out 5. He gets a toughie ND. Greg Swindell is in line for the victory.

Full (well...until the short-season teams start up, anyway) MLR tonight around 11pm. And remember, the Zephyrs, our new AAA team, are in the PCL, late games.

Deolis Guerra, aka BEAST

5 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 5 k's, 8 groundouts/1 flyout

He is done for the night, solid, SOLID outing by the 17 year old from Venezuela.

Gameday Links for Savannah and St. Lucie

Savannah

St. Lucie

2 perfect ip for Guera, 3 k's

2 groundouts as well for Guerra

Veloz(an MPH fav, 18 year old 2b) tripled in the 1st for Savannah
more updates to come

Savannah lineup

Savannah tonight:

Pellot 2B
Veloz DH
Lagares SS
Pena C
Stegall CF
Sanchez RF
Ventura 3B
Thole 1B
Maldonado LF

Stoner P

St. Lucie Lineup, Guerra pitches 1-2-3 1st, 2 k's

St. Lucie tonight:

Garcia 2B
Castro, J SS
Martin CF
Evans 1B
Murphy 3B
Butera C
Coultas DH
Petersen RF
Henry LF

Guerra P

Savannah Sand Gnats article

A Latin influence

Jim Thomas | Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 12:30 am

Most major league baseball clubs build their minor league system through the draft. But since Dominican Republic native Omar Minaya took over as general manager in 2004 the New York Mets have aggressively pursued the Latin America market.

Of the 25 players on the Savannah Sand Gnats roster this season, a combined 13 are from the Dominican (nine), Puerto Rico (three) and Venezuela (one). All of those were signed as undrafted free agents.

But Savannah manager Tim Teufel said that's not an indication of the talent level as the Sand Gnats open the 2007 season tonight at home against the Asheville (N.C.) Tourists in their first year as the Mets' low Class A affiliate.

The Mets have a baseball academy in the Dominican, which operates all year and has produced major leaguers such as All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes.

"We don't have a lot of high draft picks,'' Teufel admitted, "but what you're forgetting is these kids came out of the academy. They were high picks in the Dominican, but they signed as free agents. They didn't go through the draft. There's a lot of young talent out on this field. There are some prospects out there that will possibly open up some eyes down the road for the big league club.''

Overall, of the 849 players on major league rosters at the start of the season, 177 were from Latin American - 20.8 percent - according to a report by the commissioner's office. The Dominican Republic had the most with 98, followed by Venezuela with 51 and Puerto Rico with 18.

Teufel, who played 11 years in the major leagues (1983-1993), was impressed by his players' work ethic in spring training. But he said it remains to be seen how good the Sand Gnats will be this season with a young squad.

Five players on the roster are under 20 years of age. Three are from the Dominican Republic - Francisco Pena, 17, at catcher; Juan Lagares, 18, at shortstop and Gregory Veloz, 18, at second base. Teufel said all three will be in the starting lineup.

"That's unheard of at this level,'' he said. "This is usually a 20, 21-year-old league. Now we're throwing out guys who will be three years younger than most of the players they'll be playing against. They should be playing high school ball right now and they're playing pro ball at the third level of our organization.''

The son of former major league All-Star and current Yankees first base coach Tony Pena, Pena received $750,000 to turn pro last summer, the seventh-largest bonus handed out to international players. Lagares, who turned 18 on March 17, made his pro debut in the rookie-level Dominican Summer League, batting .255 with 18 extra-base hits and 12 steals in 57 games.

"Our organizational philosophy has changed a little bit,'' said Teufel, who is in his fourth year with the Mets. "If you have talent that stands out among the crowd, they're going to push you.''

Teufel said Pena is still learning how to play the game, "but he hits very well - he gets the barrel (of the bat) on the ball. He challenges pitchers to pitch inside. Catching-wise, he's getting better at blocking the plate. He calls a decent game. He's a big kid. He comes from good stock. It's just a matter of him getting repetitions.''

Pena, rated the Mets' No. 12 prospect by Baseball America, played in the Instructional League last winter in the Dominican Republic. The 6-foot-2, 229-pounder was impressive enough to earn join the Mets in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Pena, whose brother Tony is in the Kansas City organization, said he spent about a month with the major league club.

"They sent me over there to get a little more experience,'' he said. "It helped me a lot, seeing all those players like (Paul) Lo Duca, (Carlos) Beltran, (David) Wright and Reyes. You want to be like them, you have to work hard.''

Aside from the Latin America players, the rest of the Sand Gnats' roster is made up of players who played last year at rookie-level St. Lucie (Fla.) and Kingsport (Tenn.), short-season Brooklyn (N.Y.) and low Class A Hagerstown (Md.).

Nine played with Hagerstown, which finished 58-82 (.414) in the South Atlantic League, 14th out of 16 teams. The Sand Gnats were 56-83 (.403), 1 1/2 games behind, as a Washington Nationals affiliate.

Only three players on the roster were drafted in the first 10 rounds the last two years - second baseman Hector Pellot (fourth round, 2005), outfielder Dan Stegall (seventh round, 2006) and catcher Sean McCraw (eighth round, 2005). But the Sand Gnats have five of the Mets' top-30 prospects. The others are pitchers Josh Stinson (No. 17), Tobi Stoner (No. 22), Todd Privett (No. 24) and Stegall (No. 29), along with Pena.

Stinson, Stoner and Privett all had ERAs under 3.00 last year. Stoner was 6-2 with a 2.15 ERA in 14 appearances for Brooklyn, finishing fourth in the New York-Penn League in ERA.

Stegall, who hit .214 in 40 games for St. Lucie, was rated the best athlete in the Mets' draft last year. The 6-3, 182-pounder signed a letter of intent to play quarterback at Miami, but instead opted to sign with the Mets for $145,000.

Among the position players, outfielder D.J. Wambick posted the best numbers at the plate. The former College of Charleston standout was fourth in the Appalachian League in batting with a .327 average in 45 games for Kingsport.

---

Sand Gnats lineup:

2B Hector Pellot

DH Gregory Veloz

SS Juan Lagares

C Francisco Pena

CF Dan Stegall

RF Jonathan Sanchez

3B Leivi Ventura

1B Josh Thole

LF Brahiam Maldonado

Starting rotation:

Tobi Stoner

Josh Stinson

Tim Stronach

Jorge Reyes

Julio Polanco

Confirmation that Guerra is hitting 96(!!!)mph, and some Fernando stuff

Via espn.com, insider

---------------------Deolis Guerra----------------------

Justin (Queens, NY): Welcome Chris, I know the Mets have a plethora of outstanding position players down on the farm, but what do you know about their pitching prospects?

SportsNation Chris Kline: Plethora?
Not exactly a word I would chooseto use when discussing that system, but . . .
I can tell you that RHP ','white')" onmouseout="kill()">Deolis Guerra (who turns 18 on the 17th of this month) was hitting 96 mph this spring . . . He could be a beast. Young, raw, but huge upside.


----------------------Fernando Martinez-------------------------

Eric (Orlando, FL): Is ','white')" onmouseout="kill()">Fernando Martinez a cant miss prospect? How good can he be? Do you think he could be a starting RFer for the Mets in 2008?

SportsNation Chris Kline: I wouldn't say can't miss for his age--and there are a lot of things that can go wrong . . . but I think if he continues on his current path he could certainly be in that mix.
Unlike a lot of people, I'm kind of lukewarm on Martinez. I like the power, like the way he goes about it--very mature kid. But I like the old-school GM approach to guys like him: Prove it in Double-A.
If Martinez puts up numbers in Binghamton this year, he'll firmly establish himself as one of the best prospects around.

MInor League Season begins Thursday...

And SNY will be televising the New Orleans opener. Phillip Humber will get the opening day nod for the Zephyrs, and top prospect Carlos Gomez is expected to be in the lineup.

PS: The reason the blog has gone dead is well, so did my computer. I had a registry crash last month, and decided to use the "opportunity" to get a much bigger HD (the Misadventures of the Hard Drive, lol). I should be getting a new one in on Friday, and if all goes well (which it most likely won't), I should be back up and running at full speed by sometime next week.

Blog Update:

The Minor League Season starts on April 5th, only 3 days from now, and we will give you complete coverage of every days action and prospect news. Tejesh will be here to do the Minor League Reports, and so will I(most likely split the load), and post our analysis of the games. Stay tuned.

2007 Mets Organizational Report

03/30/2007 10:00 AM ET Mets system solid from top to bottom College stars, international studs sprinkled throughout every level By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

There's been much discussion on the impact Omar Minaya has had on the Mets over the past couple of years, particularly the general manager's recommitment to Latino baseball. Heck, there's even a book about that pursuit at the big-league level: Pedro, Carlos and Omar: The Story of a Season in the Big Apple and the Pursuit of Baseball's Top Latino Stars.

As excited as Mets fans rightfully were about the additions of Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran and then Carlos Delgado, they should be even more pumped about how the "Latino-ization" of the Mets has infused energy and talent into the farm system.

Since Minaya was named GM in fall 2004, the Mets have signed some high-ceiling international talent, the most notable being uber-outfield prospect Fernando Martinez. The teenage phenom is closer than you might think to New York. He's one step behind fellow Dominican Carlos Gomez (signed in 2002, pre-Omar), allowing Mets fans to dream about an all-Latino outfield of Martinez, Gomez and Beltran.

The next wave is a few steps behind, with Venezuelan hurler Deolis Guerra on a similar fast track. But if you really want to see what this renewed commitment to international scouting is yielding, head to Savannah, the Mets' new South Atlantic League affiliate, where several teenagers are primed for their United States debuts.

Couple these developments with some advanced college pitchers (Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey) rising quickly through the ranks and you've got an organization flush with some serious talent. Those who want to see that talent at the highest Minor League level face a slightly different journey than in years past, since the Mets no longer have their Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, Va. With the Tides rolling out, New Orleans is now home, giving the organization the ability to try the Pacific Coast League on for size while providing a lasting impact on a community that still sorely needs it.

Regardless of where the Mets affiliates are located, things are definitely looking up for the farm system as a whole. Sure, Pedro, Carlos and Carlos (among others) may help New York in the short term, but it's names like Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez and Deolis Guerra that should keep the Mets at the top of the NL East for years to come.

Climbing the Ladder

Triple-A New Orleans

Carlos Gomez, OF
Before the 2006 season, the Mets decided to challenge Gomez, then 20, by jumping from low-A ball to Triple-A. They had the feeling the heady youngster would be able to handle it, and they were right. After a rough start and an injury, Gomez recovered to hit .281 for the year with 41 steals. As he continues to grow and mature, he should develop some more power to make him more of a five-tool threat. He's got the arm to play right field, which is a good thing since Carlos Beltran is signed through 2011 to play center in Queens.

Philip Humber, RHP
Humber made an improbable journey from Tommy John surgery in July 2005 all the way to the big leagues last year. In 76 1/3 Minor League innings in 2006, Humber had a 2.83 ERA, 79 strikeouts and a .199 batting average against, returning to form quicker than most. A sore shoulder forced him from getting more innings in the Arizona Fall League last fall, but he's ready to go. Some thought he might get a crack at the No. 5 spot in the rotation (recently won by Mike Pelfrey), but with just over 150 professional innings under his belt, the 24-year-old will head to New Orleans as the staff ace.

2006 Organizational Record
LEVEL AAA AA A (Adv) A SS R	LEAGUE IL EL FSL SAL NYP APP GCL	TEAM Norfolk Binghamton St. Lucie* Hagerstown Brooklyn Kingsport Mets TOTAL:	W 57 70 77 58 41 34 23 360	L 84 70 62 82 33 33 30 394	PCT .404 .500 .554 .414 .554 .507 .434 .477
* Won league championship

Others to watch: LHPs Adam Bostick and Jason Vargas came to the Mets from the Marlins in return for Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom. Both will pitch behind Humber and wait for a turn to help the big club should the need arise. ... 1B Brett Harper lost almost all of 2006 with a shoulder injury after hitting 36 homers in 2005. If he can stay healthy, he could put up some good power numbers in the PCL.

Double-A Binghamton

Fernando Martinez, OF
It may be a surprise to hear that the 18-year-old Martinez will be heading to Binghamton to start the season. But that was the Mets' plan all along, beginning with the decision to send him to Arizona as the youngest player in AFL history. Martinez hit .253 with a pair of homers there, more than holding his own considering his age. That helped the Mets realize Martinez -- similar to Gomez the year before -- could handle the jump to Double-A. Martinez had just 192 at-bats in low-A ball because of some injuries, but hit .333 during that span and showed plate discipline well beyond his years. That should serve him well with the jump to Double-A, where he'll continue to play center field. The Mets, though, can easily dream of an outfield with Beltran in the middle, flanked by Martinez and Gomez.

2006 Organizational Leaders
Average Home Runs RBIs Stolen Bases ERA Wins Strikeouts Saves	.341 21 88 41 2.13 12 142 31	Corey Coles Jesus Flores Mike Carp Carlos Gomez Michael Devaney Michael Devaney, Evan MacLane Jonathan Niese Carlos Muniz
Complete MiLB statistics

Kevin Mulvey, RHP
The Mets didn't have a first-round pick in 2006 and grabbed Mulvey out of Villanova with their first selection in the second round. Though he signed late and threw just 15 1/3 innings (followed by 15 more in the AFL), he showed the ability to get Double-A hitters out in three late starts with Binghamton. Mulvey can throw four pitches for strikes, with an above-average fastball, a good slider and curve and a developing changeup. In a year, the Mets could be talking about a homegrown rotation with Pelfrey, Humber and Mulvey. For now, he'll head straight to Binghamton -- thankfully his college career in Philadelphia has him used to pitching in cold weather already.

Others to watch: SS Jose Coronado hasn't hit much in his pro career, but he's an outstanding defensive shortstop. The Mets feel the bat will start coming soon, so they didn't hesitate to send the soon-to-be 21-year-old to Double-A. ... C Mike Nickeas is now the top advanced catching prospect in the system with Jesus Flores gone. The Mets got him from the Rangers for Victor Diaz, and he profiles as a strong defensive backstop. ... OF Corey Coles had a huge year in St. Lucie in 2006, helping them win the FSL title by hitting .341 with a .407 OBP and 21 steals.

Class A Advanced St. Lucie

Dustin Martin, OF
Seniors taken in the 26th round aren't supposed to do much, but Martin has already surpassed expectations. The Sam Houston State product was a New York-Penn League All-Star last summer, hitting .315 and helping Brooklyn make the playoffs. He can play all three outfield positions and runs fairly well. He'll be 23 on Opening Day, so the Mets are skipping Class A ball and sending him right to the FSL.

Deolis Guerra, RHP
Guerra is kind of the pitching version of Fernando Martinez in terms of youth and how excited the organization is about him. He'll turn just 18 this April and will likely be the youngest player in the FSL. At age 17, Guerra had a 2.20 ERA in 17 South Atlantic League starts. Opponents hit just .208 against him, earning Guerra a late promotion to St. Lucie and a playoff start.

Others to watch: Joining Guerra in the St. Lucie rotation should be LHP Jon Niese and RHP Bobby Parnell. Niese led the organization with 142 K's in 133 2/3 innings. Parnell had an up-and-down year, including an injury last spring. He's healthy now and should help give St. Lucie a deep rotation. ... SS Emmanuel Garcia, 21, will leap to Class A Advanced ball after hitting .281 with 22 steals between the Appy and New York-Penn Leagues in 2006. ... OF Sean Henry has taken a little while to develop, but he found a new home in center field and stole 30 bases last year. He moves up to St. Lucie after just 21 low-A games in 2006. ... 1B Nick Evans is a former third baseman with some power potential from the right side. He had 15 homers and 33 doubles in Class A a year ago.

Class A Savannah

Francisco Pena, C
The Mets made a big splash when they signed Pena, son of former big leaguer Tony, to a $750,000 deal last summer. Not surprisingly, he's got outstanding defensive skills, particularly his arm strength and quick release. His overall offensive game has a ways to go, but he does have a good approach and can hit to all fields. Pena is a bright kid who already speaks English fluently, so even though he hasn't played at any kind of pro level yet, the Mets felt he could handle the rigors of a full-season league behind the plate at 17.

John Stinson, RHP
The Mets may have gotten one of the better late draft picks in 2006 when they nabbed Stinson in the 37th round. He made an immediate impression by posting a 1.79 ERA over 40 1/3 innings, finishing the season as an 18-year-old in the South Atlantic League. He was an extreme ground-ball pitcher in the Gulf Coast League, and finished the summer with a 1.83 GO/AO ratio thanks to a fastball with some heavy sink. The Shreveport, La., native will head back to the SAL in 2007, this time with Savannah. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, he's got the projectable body that scouts love and a three-pitch mix that should enable him to be a decent starter down the road.

Others to watch: The Mets are being very aggressive with a number of their Latino prospects, not just Pena. Joining the catcher will be a number of players making their United States debuts. SS Juan Lagares is an 18-year-old shortstop who hit .255 and stole 12 bases for the Mets' Dominican Summer League team in 2006. ... His double-play partner will be fellow 18-year-old Greg Veloz, who hit .262 and stole 28 bags in the DSL. ... By comparison, OF Jonathan Sanchez and INF Hector Pellot are old-timers. Sanchez, 21, played in the DSL back in 2004, missed all of 2005 due to injury and made his U.S. debut last year in Brooklyn and Hagerstown. Pellot is 20, made his debut last year with Hagerstown as a second baseman but hit just .189, so he'll get another crack at the level.

Under the Radar

Jose Coronado/Jose Castro, SS
Coronado and Castro are a level apart, but they're kind of in the same boat. They've drawn plaudits for their defensive play, but haven't hit much as pros so far. Coronado has hit .244, Castro just .236. But both have shown improvement, particularly with their approach at the plate, leaving them poised for a breakout in 2007.

Daniel Murphy, 3B
Murphy didn't get the chance to make much of a first impression last summer. After the Mets took him in the 13th round out of Jacksonville University last June, he got just 80 at-bats because of injury. The lefty-hitting infielder hit .398 in his final year at Jacksonville with a 1.004 OPS, and the Mets are confident he can hit as a pro. Now healthy, he's had great at-bats this spring with a tremendous approach at the plate. He's even looked good at third, though it's uncertain whether he'll be able to stay there in the long term.

2006 Draft Recap

It was obvious the Mets were targeting pitching in this draft. Eight of their first 10 picks were pitchers and six of the first seven make their living on the mound. Third-rounder Joe Smith, a college reliever, made it to Double-A last summer and finished with 40 strikeouts, a .190 batting average against and a 2.48 ERA over 32 2/3 innings. A strong spring will land him in the big-league bullpen to start this season. ... RHP Tobi Stoner (16) was outstanding in Brooklyn, going 6-2 with 2.15 ERA over 83 2/3 frames. The league hit just .219 against him. ... RHP John Holdzkom (4) has one of the best fastballs in the class, but doesn't always command it well. He fanned a batter an inning, but walked almost as many and finished with a 7.71 ERA.

Predictions

Organizational Player of the Year -- Carlos Gomez
It's a little too much to ask Martinez to jump to Double-A and be the organization's top hitter. Gomez isn't exactly a fall-back plan and should put up some gaudy numbers with New Orleans while getting ready for the bigs in 2008.

Organizational Pitcher of the Year -- Deolis Guerra
Mulvey's probably the safer choice, or Humber, if you think he'll be in Triple-A most of the year. But Guerra's got that projectable body, the vast ability to improve on a fine 2006 season and a very friendly pitching league to call home.

Quotable

"I don't think it will affect anything from the development standpoint. It's going to mean a lot more travel for us, but for me it's closer to home. I'm looking forward to it. I was in the PCL way back when, but with some of these new ballparks, I'm excited about it." -- New Orleans Zephyrs manager Ken Oberkfell, a Houston native, on the new Triple-A affiliate