Taking A Look At The AFL Roster

The Mets will be sending 7 (or so) players to the Arizona Fall League this year to help improve on their individual weaknesses. The AFL is probably something close to AA as far as competition goes.

The big guys to look out for the Mets are Daniel Murphy (learning 2B), Eddie Kunz (working on slider), and Bobby Parnell (working on changeup). It is possible that all three of these guys could find a spot on the Mets 25 man roster out of spring training, but more likely that they'll all end up there at some point in the season.

Here's a recap of Scout.com's breakdown of the Mets players heading to the AFL, with emphasis on the guys who should have an impact on next season (+ Josh Thole).


Daniel Murphy: After making significant contributions to the big league club in the latter half of the summer, Murphy will be more closely watched than any of this group sent to Arizona. Murphy, who spent all of his time with the Mets in left field, will see a lot of time at second base as the organization hopes to have him as an option there for 2009. He spent minimal time at second base this summer and while he was quick on his feet and sharp turning double plays, range is a concern though his defense is cleaner there than on the hot corner. The slight time difference to react to the ball may allow Murphy to play improved defense as he learns the position, and that is something the club is banking on.

Eddie Kunz: The second-year reliever returns to the Arizona Fall League following last winters performance in which he posted a 10.13 ERA in 10 2/3 innings pitched /[9 games]/, striking out eleven. Now stronger heading into the AFL than he was in 2007, consistency will important for Kunz. However, more important will be the further development of his slider and changeup. Both pitches were stronger down the stretch, but not to the point where they gave Kunz steady options off his sinking fastball. The former Binghamton closer will likely have the opportunity to be a significant contributor in the big league bullpen and the steps he takes in AFL will go a long way to filling those chances. His six games in New Orleans in August were the last competitive innings he threw this year, and not doubt Kunz is hungry to return to the mound

Bobby Parnell: Like Kunz, Parnell was promoted to the big league club but as a September call up. And like Kunz, Parnell who got in five big league innings in six games figures to be up for a role in the Mets bullpen in 2009. His fastball/slider combination makes him a very favorable arm to have as both pitches have a lot of movement down in the strike zone. The development of his changeup will play a role in his work while in Arizona, but at least mild gains with the pitch will give him a leg up when competing for a role next spring. This is Parnell first trip to the Arizona Fall League

Josh Thole: The St. Lucie catcher saw a surge in offense this past season. His five home runs were four more than he hit over the last two combined seasons, but more importantly was the growth of his contact stroke. Thole is much more adept to taking pitches the other way and maintaining a consistent strike zone. Those traits helped him .300 for the first time in his career and become a Florida State League All-Star. There is room to grow for him behind the plate, and his arm strength is a concern, but Thole has not hit all that much prior to the 2008 season. Therefore, continuing his swing and plate awareness is key as he faces the most experienced pitching of his career.

Also joining these guys in the AFL Jason Vargas, Shawn Bowman, and Tobi Stoner.