10/30 Winter League Report + 10/31 Links! STONER!

Surprise 5/6/2, Peoria Saguaros 6/10/1

Reese Havens was freed from the taxi squad (for one day?), playing his second game at 2b, he went 0 for 4. Ruben Tejada went 0 for 2 and committed 2 errors, Ike Davis had the lone Met hit. No Met pitchers partook.

2b Reese Havens 0 for 4, K, .182
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, run, K, .333
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 2, RBI, .316
------------------------

dh Josh Thole 1 for 3, 2b, .386
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 2, BB, K, .310
pr, 2b Jordany Valdespin run, .357, SB (2)
c Francisco Pena 0 for 3, RBI, K, .091
1b Fernando Tatis 1 for 3, run, BB, .357

Chris Mason 1.1 IP, 6 H, 7/3 R/ER, 2/1 BB/K, 4.74 era, L (0-1), 3:0:1
Rhiner Cruz IP, 8.10 era, 1:2
Tobi Stoner 6 IP, 3 H, 2 Ks, 1.06 era, 9:7:2
------------------------
Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard

AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 530pm ish
Gameday

10/29 Winter League Report + 10/30 Links! Thole!

Surprise 3/9/1, Scottsdale 0/5/3

Mike Parisi (Cardinals) and 3 relievers (including Scott Moviel) combined on a 5 hit shutout today, as Surprise beat Scottsdale, 3-0.

Scott Moviel 2 IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 22:17:5, 3:2:1
-----------------------

c Josh Thole 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2b, 2 BBs, .389

Adam Bostick IP, H, 2 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 11.25 era, 22:12:10, 2:0:1
-----------------------
Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard

AFL Boxscore @ 930pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/28 Winter League Report + 10/29 Links!

Surprise 0/8/0, Peoria Saguaros 9/12/0

No Met pitchers took part in allowing 9 runs on 12 hits, but Reese Havens did make his first pro appearance at 2b, going 2 for 4 in the game. Ruben Tejada had a hit.

2b Reese Havens 2 for 4, .286
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, .333
---------------------------

c Josh Thole 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .385
pr, 2b Jordany Valdespin run, .357
dh, lf Chris Carter 2 for 4, run, RBI, .333
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 4, .296
2b Argenis Reyes 1 for 5, run, 3b, K, .133
c Francisco Pena 1 for 3, run, 2b, K, .125
1b Fernando Tatis 2 for 4, run, 2b, .360

Angel Calero 0.2 IP, H, K, 6.75 era, 13:9:4, 1:0:1
Edgar Alfonzo 0.1 IP, 4.91 era, 7:4:3, 0:1
Lance Broadway IP, 2 H, BB, 2.45 era, 19:12:7, 3:
Marcos Tabata IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.57 era, 0:1:2
Adam Bostick IP, H, K, 10.29 era, 1:1:1
Julio De La Cruz 1.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2.25 era, 2:2:0
Rhiner Cruz 1.1 IP, H, 11.57 era, 1:3
---------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/27 Winter League Report + 10/28 Links!

Surprise 6/8/0, Phoenix 7/8/1

The Rafters ran into Stephen Strasburg today, and he was very good, giving up just a run on a hit in 4.1 innings. Ike Davis, the lone Met in the lineup, went 0 for 2 against Strasburg, with a strikeout. Davis was the only Met to see action in the game.

1b Ike Davis 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .341
------------------------
c Josh Thole 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .375
2b Argenis Reyes 1 for 3, run, 3b, RBI, K, .100
dh Fernando Tatis 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .333

Jose Sanchez 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 2.20 era, 4:4:2
Angel Calero 0.2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 7.36 era, 1:1
Edgar Alfonzo ER, BB, 5.40 era
------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/26 Winter League Report + 10/27 Links! Tejada!

Surprise 1/8/0, Peoria Javelinas 2/5/1

Ruben Tejada snapped out of a brief 2 for 12 skid with a 2 hit day, but it was in a losing cause as the Rafters fell, 2-1. Ike Davis had a hit, and Jenrry Mejia had his best AFL outing, but took his 2nd loss. Colin Curtis (3; Yankees) had the only other multi hit game for the Rafters.

dh Ike Davis 1 for 4, K, .378
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 3, BB, K, .344, SB (3)
Jenrry Mejia 3 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/3 BB/K, 10.50 era, L (0-2), 56:35:21, 4:2:3
----------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/25 Winter League Report + 10/26 Links!

ss Jose Coronado 1 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .304
2b Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, .357
dh Chris Carter 0 for 3, .317

Marcos Tabata IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 3 era, 1:1:1
Chris Mason 5 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks, 3.57 era, 6:3:5
Junior Guerra IP, H, K, 3.12 era, 1:1:1
-------------
AFL Boxscore @ 930pm ET
AFL Gameday

10/24 Winter League Report + 10/25 Links! STONER!

Surprise 3/8/1, Mesa 4/6/0 in 10 innings

Ike Davis and Brandon Laird (Yankees) went back to back (don't worry, not saying it) in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, but Mike Dunn (Yankees) gave up a run in the top of the 10th, sending the Rafters to a loss.

Eric Niesen did not fair well in the game, giving up 2 runs in 0.2 innings on 2 hits (including a homer). Ruben Tejada was 1 for 4, as was Ike Davis.

1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, run, HR (2), RBI (9), .394
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, .310
Eric Niesen 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, HR, 24.55 era, 16:9:7, 0:2
-----------------------------

c Josh Thole 2 for 5, 3 runs, RBI, .409
ss Jose Coronado 2 for 5, run, .316
dh Chris Carter 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .342
c Francisco Pena 0 for 3, K, .000

Tobi Stoner 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 1.64 era, W (2-0), 12:4:2
-----------------------------
VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 5pm ish
Gameday

10/23 Winter League Report + 10/24 Links!

Surprise 15, Phoenix 12

Scott Moviel IP, 2 H, K, 0.00 era, 23:15:8, 2:0:1
-------------

2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 3, K, .000
2b Jordany Valdespin 0 for 1, .400

Angel Calero 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 6.75 era, L (1-1), 2:3:2
Julio De La Cruz 0.2 IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, 0:1:1
Adam Bostick 1.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 12 era, L (1-3), 2:1:2
-------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 530pm ish
Gameday

10/22 Winter League Report + 10/23 Links!

Surprise 3, Peoria Saguaros 2

After Evan Reed (Rangers) blew a 2-0 lead in the 9th, Ruben Tejada stroked a walkoff single in the bottom of the 9th, leading the Rafters to a 3-2 victory. Mitch Moreland (Rangers) had the lone multi hit game for the Rafters.

Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada each went 1 for 3, Josh Stinson pitched a scoreless 5th, his first scoreless frame in the AFL.

6. dh Ike Davis 1 for 3, 2b (6), BB, K, .414
9. ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, RBI (4), K, .320
Josh Stinson IP, H, K, 7.71 era, 20:10:10, 1:1:1
-------------------------
c Josh Thole 1 for 2, BB, .410
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 3, run, RBI, .286

Edgar Alfonzo 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 3.38 era
Adam Bostick H, 14.54 era
Matias Carrillo 0.1 IP, H, 2 ER, BB, 11.57 era, 1:
-------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/21 Winter League Report + 10/22 Links! IKE! Carter!

Surprise 10/12/0, Peoria Saguaros 9/12/1

Ruben Tejada took an 0-fer atop the Rafters offense, but Daryl Jones (Cardinals) and Colin Curtis (Yankees) combined to get on base 7 times to lead the offense, and Ike Davis got on base 4 times out of the 6 hole, with 3 hits and his first AFL walk. In all, 4 players had multi hit games, Curtis (3), Davis, Tyler Henley (Cardinals, 2), and Bryan Anderson (Cardinals, 2). Danny Gutierrez (Ranges) fired 3.2 innings of scoreless ball for his 2nd AFL win.

ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 5, K, .318
1b Ike Davis 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, .423
----------------------------

c Josh Thole 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, BB, .405
1b Chris Carter 4 for 5, 3 runs, HR, RBI, .353
ss Jose Coronado 2 for 4, 2b, .273
ph Luis Alen 0 for 1

Manuel Olivares 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2/1 R/ER, K, HR, 6 era, 3:1:1
Marcos Tabata IP, BB, 0.00 era, 1:2
Jose Sanchez 4 IP, 3 H, 2/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 5:5:2
Manuel Alvarez 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BBs, 3.60 era, W (1-0), 4:5
----------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 930pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish
Gameday

10/20 Winter League Report + 10/21 Links! Carter!

Surprise 3/7/0, Scottsdale 7/11/0

Jenrry Mejia's 2nd AFL outing was a very rough one, he gave up 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 2 innings for his first loss. Eric Niesen came in and threw gasoline on the fire on the mountain, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in 1.2 innings.

Ike Davis had 2 doubles, the lone bright spot for Met prospects, and really, the only bright for the Rafters offense, who managed just 7 hits.

1b Ike Davis 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, .364
Jenrry Mejia 2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 18 era, L (0-1), 46:27:19, 4:1:1
Eric Niesen 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 24 era, 46:32:14, 0:2:2
-------------------------------

dh Chris Carter 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, .276
2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 4
dh Fernando Tatis 2 for 3, 2b, .385

Marcos Tabata 1.1 IP, H, BB, 0.00 era, 2:2
Adam Bostick 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 Ks, 14.54 era, L (1-2)
Junior Guerra IP, 2 H, BB, 3.18 era, 0:3
Matias Carrillo H, 4.50 era
-------------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish (I believe it's +1 from NY...)
Gameday

10/19 Winter League Report + 10/20 Links! Tejada!

Surprise 3/8/2, Scottsdale 7/11/0

Ian Kennedy (Yankees) got roughed up for 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits in 3.1 innings for his first loss, and our own Josh Stinson made things worse by giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in his 1.2 innings. Scott Moviel threw 2 perfect innings of relief in back of Stinson.

Ruben Tejada had 2 hits, both were doubles. He, Jeff Bianchi (Royals) and Mitchell Moreland (Rangers) had multi hit games,

ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 4, 2 2b (3), .412
Josh Stinson 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 9.82 era, 33:18:15, 1:3:1
Scott Moviel 2 IP, K, 0.00 era, 32:19:13, 0:5:1
-----------------------------

c Josh Thole 1 for 4, .394
dh Fernando Tatis 0 for 3, BB, K, .300

Angel Calero 0.1 IP, 4.15 era, 8:5:3, 0:1
-----------------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 830pm ET
AFL Gameday

10/18 Winter League Report + 10/19 Links! Stoner, Thole!

c Josh Thole 2 for 4, run, .414
2b Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, .444
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .125

Tobi Stoner 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/5 BB/K, 1.80 era, W (1-0), 6:4:5
Edgar Alfonzo H, BS (1), 0.00 era
Manuel Olivares 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 6.23 era, WP, 2:3
Julio De La Cruz 0.2 IP, 0.00 era, 0:2
--------------------
AFL Boxscore @ 930pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 830pm ish (I believe it's +1 from NY...)
Gameday

10/17 Winter League Report + 10/18 Links!

Surprise 2, Phoenix 11

Eric Niesen got oblierated for 5 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in just 0.1 innings, putting the game out of reach for the Rafters, who managed just 2 runs on 9 hits. Ike Davis was the only Met offensive prospect to play today, he was 1 for 4.

1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .333
Eric Niesen 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 2 BBs, HR, 33.75 era, 33:18:15, 1:
----------------
ph Josh Thole BB, .400
ph, 2b Jordany Valdespin 1 for 1, .600 (3 for 5)
c Francisco Pena 0 for 2, BB, K, .000
dh Fernando Tatis 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .429
dh Chris Carter 1 for 4, K, .208
Angel Calero 2 IP, BB, K, 4.50 era, W (1-0), 1:4:1
Matias Carrillo 0.2 IP, 4.50 era, 0:2
Junior Guerra IP, H, K, 3.86 era, 0:2:1
Adam Bostick BB, 7.36 era
Rhiner Cruz IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB, K, 27 era, 1:1:1
----------------

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 5pm ish (I believe it's +1 from NY...)\
Gameday

10/16 Winter Leagues Report + 10/17 Links! THOLE!

Surprise 7, Mesa 3

Surprise stayed undefeated on the season, though Met prospects didn't have alot to do with it this time. Ruben Tejada had one hit, Ike Davis took an 0-fer. Dan Descalso (Cardinals) and Austin Romine (Yankees) had multi hit games for the Rafters. Blake Wood (Royals) picked up the win, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 2 innings.

ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, run, RBI (3), BB, K, .385
1b Ike Davis 0 for 5, 3 Ks, .357
-----------------

c Josh Thole 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2b, 3 BBs, .400 (10 for 25)
2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI

rf Chris Carter 1 for 4, .200
rf Fernando Tatis 1 for 3, run, K

Edgar Alfonzo H
Julio De La Cruz IP, H, BB, K, 0.00 era
Adam Bostick 0.1 IP, H, 3 ER, 3 BBs, 7.36 era, BS (1), L (1-1)
Marcos Tabata 1.2 IP, H, 3 Ks, 0.00 era, 0:2:3
Matias Carrillo 0.2 IP, H, 6.75 era, 1:, 0/2 IHR-st (IHR stranded)
-----------------

AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore @ 530pm ish (I believe it's +1 from NY...)
Gameday

10/15 Winter League Report + 10/16 Links! Thole!

Surprise 12, Mesa 5

Josh Stinson 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2/1 BB/K, HR, 9 era, 29:14:15, 2:2:1
-----------

Jose Sanchez 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1/4 BB/K, 0.00 era, 4:5:4
Edgar Alfonzo 0.1 IP, K, 0.00 era
Angel Calero HBP
Junior Guerra 2 IP, 2 H, 1/3 BB/K, 4.91 era, 1:2:3
c Josh Thole 3 for 5, run, 2 RBI, .391
dh Chris Carter 0 for 3, BB, K, .188
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 3, 2b, K, .167
-----------

AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

10/14 Winter League Report!

Surprise 6/10/0, Peoria Javelinas 4/6/2

Jenrry Mejia was plagued by control issues today, walking 3 in an inning plus, but the Rafters offense got him off the hook, with Ike Davis contributing 2 RBI, and Ruben Tejada contributing 2 hits and an RBI. Mike Moustakas (Royals), Austin Romine (Yankees), and Tyler Henley (Cardinals) had the other RBI for the Rafters. Tejada, Romine, and Henley had multi hit games. Reese Havens DHed and went 0 for 3. He, Jeff Bianchi (Royals), and Daryl Jones (Cardinals) took 0-fers. Lucas Duda left the game in the 2nd inning without registering an AB, no reason was given in the recap.

Scott Moviel picked up the win with 2 hitless innings of relief, though he walked 3. Eric Niesen pitched a scoreless 8th. Mejia gave up 3 runs in his inning plus of work, though 1 was an IHR (given up by Brandon Sisk (Royals)

ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, .400
1b Ike Davis 1 for 3, 2 RBI, K, .556
dh Reese Havens 0 for 3, run, BB, 3 Ks
Jenrry Mejia IP+, H, 3 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 27 era, 39:21:18, 2:0:1
Scott Moviel 2 IP, 3 BBs, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 30:12:18, 4:2
Eric Niesen IP, 0.00 era, 11:8:3, 0:3
-------------------------

rf Chris Carter 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, 2 BBs, .231
c Josh Thole 2 for 5, 2 RBI, .333
Adam Bostick 0.2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era
Angel Calero 0.1 IP, K, 9 era
-------------------------

AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

10/13 Winter League Report! IKE IKE IKE!

Surprise 17/21/0, Peoria Javelinas 4/6/2

Ike Davis decided to simultaneously open up a can of whoop ass and make the Javelinas his bitch this winter. He had 4 hits, including 3 for extra bases (a 2 run double, a grand slam, and another double), leading a 21 hit Rafters attack. Lucas Duda (2) and Ruben Tejada (2) also had multi hit games. No Met pitcher took the hill, Ian Kennedy (Yankees) got the win for Surprise, with 4 innings of 1 run ball.

1b Ike Davis 4 for 6, 2 runs, 2 2b, HR, 6 RBI
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks

No Mets in other IWL action last night, link to today's AFL game (I'm still trying to figure out if it's worth it to post IWL links, it doesn't really look like it, to be honest).

AFL Boxscore @ 330pm ET
AFL Gameday

10/12 Winter League Report + 10/13 Links

c Josh Thole 1 for 3, BB, .308
Junior Guerra 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, HR, 10.80 era, 0:1
Marcos Tabata IP, H, 0.00 era, 3:
Manuel Alvarez 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, 9.00 era, 2:1:2

AFL Boxscore @ 230pm ET (or 3:30, I always forget if Zona's -3 or -2 from NY)
AFL Gameday

AFL Lineup:

3. 1b Ike Davis
6. CF Lucas Duda
9. ss Ruben Tejada

10/11 Winter League Report!

ph Josh Thole 1 for 1, .300
dh Chris Carter 0 for 3, run, BB, .200
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 2, .000
Adam Bostick IP, K, 0.00 era, 1:0:1, 1/1 IHR-s (inherited runners stranded)
Angel Calero 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 10.80 era, 3:1:1
Edgar Alfonzo 2 IP, H, 2/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 2:2:2
Manuel Olivares IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 3.38 era, BS (1), 0:1:2
Matias Carrillo 0.2 IP, H, ER, 13.50 era, 1:1

10/10 Winter League Report

rf Chris Carter 1 for 3, BB, .286
c Josh Thole 1 for 4, run, HR (1), RBI (1), K, .222
Junior Guerra 1.1 IP, H, BB, K, 0.00 era

August Hotsheet

**For the purposes of the Hotsheet, "August" includes the few games played in September.
*This is not a prospect ranking, I'm simply going through every roster and picking out uber hot/stunningly cold players

I sincerely apologize for the lateness of the AUGUST hotsheet (it's early October, lol). I think all of you can understand when I say that I absolutely wanted to totally ignore all things baseball (except MR and NYFS) for the remainder of September, after the minor league season ended. So here ya go.

1. Nick Evans

Before August: .213/.282/.381/.663, 66 for 310, 32 runs, 19 2b, 3 3b, 9 HR, 30 RBI, 28/81 BB/K, .261 K rate, .3457 BB/K ratio

August: .289/.346/.557/.902, 28 for 97, 16 runs, 7 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 9/16 BB/K

Season: .231/.298/.423/.720, 94 for 407, 48 runs, 26 2b, 5 3b, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 37/97 BB/K, .238 K rate, .3814 BB/K ratio

AAA Buffalo: .211/.280/.414/.693, 50 for 237, 27 runs, 12 2b, 3 3b, 10 HR, 30 RBI, 23/55 BB/K

AA Binghamton: .276/.350/.467/.817, 29 for 105, 16 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10/22 BB/K, 2 SBs

MLB New York: .231/.275/.385/.660, 15 for 65, 5 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 7 RBI, 4/20 BB/K

2. Eric Niesen

Before August: 4-10, 4.80 era, 20 GS, 99.1 IP, 98 H, 58/53 R/ER, 10 HR, 42/89 BB/K, 1.409 WHIP, 4.967 IP/GS

August: 3-1, 2.40 era, 7 GS, 41.1 IP, 29 H, 13/11 R/ER, HR, 15/45 BB/K, 0.98 GO/FO, .197 BAA

Season: 7-11, 4.09 era, 27 GS, CG, 140.2 IP, 127 H, 71/64 R/ER, 11 HR, 57/134 BB/K, 0.84 GO/FO, .242 BAA

A+ St. Lucie: 3-4, 3.28 era, 11 GS, 57.2 IP, 52 H, 25/21 R/ER, 5 HR, 16/49 BB/K, 0.87 GO/FO, .237 BAA

AA Binghamton: 4-7, 4.66 era, 16 GS, CG, 83 IP, 75 H, 46/43 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/85 BB/K, 0.81 GO/FO, .246 BAA

3. Ike Davis

Before August: .294/.380/.508/.889, 106 for 360, 47 runs, 26 2b, 3 3b, 15 HR, 56 RBI, 50/93 BB/K, .258 K rate, .5376 BB/K ratio

August (Binghamton + BWC): .323/.402/.657/1.058, 32 for 99, 21 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 13/30 BB/K, .303 K rate, .4333 BB/K ratio

Season (regular + BWC): .301/.385/.540/.925, 138 for 459, 68 runs, 33 2b, 4 3b, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 63/123 BB/K, .268 K rate, .5122 BB/K ratio

A+ St. Lucie: .288/.376/.486/.863, 64 for 222, 28 runs, 17 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 31/52 BB/K

AA Binghamton: .309/.386/.565/.951, 64 for 207, 30 runs, 14 2b, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 26/60 BB/K

BWC: .333/.444/.767, 10 for 30, 10 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6/11 BB/K

4. Ruben Tejada

Before August: .280/.349/.362/.710, 99 for 354, 41 runs, 18 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 10/12 SBs, 30/47 BB/K, .133 K rate, .6383 BB/K ratio

August: .313/.357/.433/.789, 42 for 134, 18 runs, 6 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 9/10 SBs, 7/12 BB/K, .090 K rate, .5833 BB/K ratio

Season: .289/.351/.381/.732, 141 for 488, 59 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 37/59 BB/K, 19/22 SBs

5. Shawn Bowman

Before August: .289/.338/.439/.776, 85 for 294, 32 runs, 17 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 21/85 BB/K, .289 K rate, .2471 BB/K ratio

August (Binghamton + BWC): .306/.385/.528/.913, 33 for 108, 19 runs, 9 2b, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 12/34 BB/K, .315 K rate, .3529 BB/K ratio

Season (regular + BWC): .294/.351/.463/.813, 118 for 402, 51 runs, 26 2b, 3 3b, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 33/119 BB/K, .296 K rate, .2773 BB/K ratio

AA Binghamton: .294/.346/.458/.804, 102 for 347, 42 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 25/101 BB/K, .291 K rate, .2475 BB/K ratio

BWC: .291/.381/.491, 16 for 55, 9 runs, 2 2b, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 8/18 BB/K

6. Brahiam Maldonado

Before August: .248/.327/.398/.725, 73 for 294, 37 runs, 13 2b, 2 3b, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 10/13 SBs, 32/92 BB/K, .313 K rate, .3478 BB/K ratio

August: .336/.402/.638/1.039, 39 for 116, 25 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 3/4 SBs, 11/34 BB/K, .293 K rate, .3235 BB/K ratio

Season: .273/.348/.466/.813, 112 for 410, 62 runs, 19 2b, 3 3b, 18 HR, 73 RBI, 43/126 BB/K, 13/17 SBs

7. Carlos Guzman

Before August: .258/.316/.432/.748, 93 for 361, 43 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 4/7 SBs, 30/72 BB/K, .199 K rate, .4167 BB/K ratio

August: .351/.404/.478/.882, 47 for 134, 18 runs, 8 2b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 2/4 SBs, 10/30 BB/K, .224 K rate, .3333 BB/K ratio

Season: .283/.340/.444/.785, 140 for 495, 61 runs, 28 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 40/102 BB/K, 6/11 SBs

8. Kirk Nieuwenhuis

Before August: .251/.341/.410/.751, 92 for 366, 67 runs, 22 2b, 3 3b, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 15/17 SBs, 42/94 BB/K, .257 K rate, .4468 BB/K ratio

August: .358/.421/.649/1.069, 53 for 148, 32 runs, 16 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 2/5 SBs, 15/33 BB/K, .223 K rate, .4545 BB/K ratio

Season: .282/.364/.479/.843, 145 for 514, 99 runs, 38 2b, 6 3b, 17 HR, 73 RBI, 57/127 BB/K, 17/22 SBs, .247 K rate, .4488 BB/K ratio

9. Reese Havens

Before August: .229/.349/.403/.752, 53 for 231, 31 runs, 11 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 37/49 BB/K, .212 K rate, .7551 BB/K ratio

August: .279/.383/.457/.840, 36 for 129, 22 runs, 8 2b, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 3/4 SBs, 18/24 BB/K, .186 K rate, .7500 BB/K ratio

Season: .247/.361/.422/.784, 89 for 360, 53 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 55/73 BB/K, 3/5 SBs, .203 K rate, .7534 BB/K ratio

10. Scott Moviel

Before August: 0-4, 5.67 era, 6 GS, 27 IP, 30 H, 20/17 R/ER, 9/11 BB/K, 1.444 WHIP

August: 4-1, 2.65 era, 7 GS, 37.1 IP, 31 H, 17/11 R/ER, 15/35 BB/K, 1.359 GO/FO, .223 BAA, 1.232 WHIP

Season: 4-5, 3.92 era, 13 GS, 64.1 IP, 61 H, 37/28 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 0.99 GO/FO, .250 BAA

11. Kyle Allen

Before August: 7-6, 3.98 era, 19/13 G/GS, 2 SVs, 92.2 IP, 87 H, 48/41 R/ER, 38/78 BB/K, 1.349 WHIP

August: 2-0, 1.93 era, 6 GS, 32.2 IP, 22 H, 9/7 R/ER, 13/33 BB/K, 2.452 GO/FO, .188 BAA, 1.071 WHIP

Season: 9-6, 3.45 era, 25/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 125.1 IP, 109 H, 57/48 R/ER, 8 HR, 51/111 BB/K, 2.18 GO/FO, .234 BAA

12. Jeurys Familia

Before August: 8-6, 2.87 era, 20/19 G/GS, 113 IP, 90 H, 44/36 R/ER, 37/92 BB/K, 1.124 WHIP

August: 2-0, 1.71 era, 4 GS, 21 IP, 19 H, 5/4 R/ER, 9/17 BB/K, 0.92 GO/FO, .235 BAA

Season: 10-6, 2.69 era, 24/23 G/GS, 134 IP, 109 H, 49/40 R/ER, 3 HR, 46/109 BB/K, 1.40 GO/FO, .221 BAA

----------------
|||WHO IS NOT|||
----------------

1. Brad Holt

Before August: 6-5, 4.27 era, 17 GS, 84.1 IP, 75 H, 43/40 R/ER, 24/91 BB/K, 1.174 WHIP

August: 1-2, 7.94 era, 3 GS, 17 IP, 17 H, 15 ER, 2 HR, 12/8 BB/K, 0.64 GO/FO, .283 BAA

Season: 7-7, 4.88 era, 20 GS, 101.1 IP, 92 H, 58/55 R/ER, 14 HR, 36/99 BB/K, 0.84 GO/FO, .247 BAA

A+ St. Lucie: 4-1, 3.12 era, 9 GS, 43.1 IP, 34 H, 16/15 R/ER, 5 HR, 13/54 BB/K, 0.97 GO/FO, .215 BAA

AA Binghamton: 3-6, 6.21 era, 11 GS, 58 IP, 58 H, 42/40 R/ER, 9 HR, 23/45 BB/K, 0.77 GO/FO, .270 BAA

2. Jefry Marte

Before August: .239/.283/.356/.639, 98 for 410, 51 runs, 18 2b, 6 3b, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 1/5 SBs, 22/102 BB/K, .249 K rate, .2157 BB/K ratio

August: .200/.259/.240/.499, 15 for 75, 7 runs, 3 3b, 3 RBI, 3/15 BB/K, 4/5 SBs

Season: .233/.279/.338/.617, 113 for 485, 58 runs, 21 2b, 6 3b, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 25/117 BB/K, 5/10 SBs

3. Wilmer Flores

Before August: .281/.317/.364/.681, 101 for 360, 34 runs, 17 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 15/47 BB/K, .131 K rate, .3191 BB/K ratio

August: .219/.271/.242/.514, 28 for 128, 10 runs, 3 2b, 7 RBI, 2/5 SBs, 7/25 BB/K, .195 K rate, .2800 BB/K ratio

Season: .264/.305/.332/.637, 129 for 488, 44 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 22/72 BB/K, 3/6 SBs

10/9 VWL Report

VWL

ph, 3b Jose Coronado 0 for 1
c Josh Thole 1 for 5, K
Adam Bostick 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 3:0:2

And from the Remember Him files:

Orber Moreno 1.1 IP, H, ER, K, 6.75 era, 20:13:7, 2:1:1

Prospect Focus: Jordany Valdespin

Splits courtesy www.minorleaguesplits.com

Valdespin is a lefty batter

The Mets signed Valdespin as an 18 year old during the 2007 Internation Free Agent signing period, and assigned him to their DSL team that summer, where he hit .245/.369/.338/.707, 34 for 139, 23 runs, 4 2b, 3 3b, HR, 16 RBI, 24/26 BB/K, 8/12 SBs, with a .187 K rate, and a corresponding .9230 BB/K ratio.

The next summer, the Mets sent Valdespin stateside to the rookie level Gulf Coast Mets, where he hit .284/.319/.440/.760, 38 for 134, 23 runs, 6 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 7/10 BB/K, 9/11 SBs, with a .074 K rate, and a .7000 BB/K. Against lefties, he hit just .263/.263/.316/.579 (5 for 19, 2b). Against RHP, he hit .267/.313/.429/.742 (28 for 105, 2 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 7/7 BB/K).

For the 2009 season, the Mets decided to jump Valdespin to Savannah, despite rather pedestrian numbers in the GCL, and early on, he justified that decision in a HUGE way, getting off to an unbelieveable start, with a .385/.406/.615/1.021 line in April, until he was suspended for conduct deterimental to the team. Upon his return, he middled around for 16 games, but over his last 5 games, he is once again freakishly hot (11 for 22, 5 2b, RBI, 1/7 BB/K, 2 SBs). Overall this season, as of May 31st (before the game today), Valdespin is hitting .313/.358/.463/.821, 46 for 147, 29 runs, 9 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 11/31 BB/K, 7/9 SBs, with a .211 K rate, and a corresponding .3548 BB/K ratio.

Valdespin has improved markedly against LHP this year, he's hitting .306/.390/.361/.751 against them this year (11 for 36, 6 runs, 3b, 4 RBI, 5/8 BB/K, SB, .222 K rate, .6250 BB/K ratio), while against RHP, he's hitting .315/.347/.495/.843 (35 for 111, 23 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 6/23 BB/K, 6/8 SBs, .207 K rate, .2608 BB/K ratio).

UPDATE SEASON END 2009: Valdespin toured a good chunk of the Mets minor league system this year, going from Savannah to the Dominican to the GCL to Brooklyn, and hit a combined .299/.354/.436/.789 (79 for 264, 40 runs, 12 2b, 6 3b, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 20/52 BB/K, 13/19 SBs), with a .3846 BB/K ratio and a very good .197 K rate. I am going to cite his splits for just Savannah and Brooklyn combined, as his sample sizes with the DSL and GCL Mets are way too small (and ridiculously skew the numbers).

Valdespin hit .317/.397/.367/.764 (19 for 60, 9 runs, 2b, 3b, 4 RBI, 7/15 BB/K, 4/7 SBs), with a .4667 BB/K ratio and a .250 K rate against lefties, showing a marked improvement over his numbers from 2008. Against righties, he hit .306/.341/.488/.829 (49 for 160, 31 runs, 11 2b, 3 3b, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 9/33 BB/K, 7/9 SBs), with a .2727 BB/K ratio, and a good .206 K rate.

THE FUTURE: Valdespin, disciplinary issues aside, had a pretty good first 'full' season, and should be opening the 2010 season in St. Lucie at 2b. He showed off a very good contact stroke in Savannah when he was in a groove and playing everyday, so it will be interesting to see what he can do when he's not being disciplined for being a complete retard (hopefully).

Prospect Focus: Fernando Martinez

Splits courtesy www.minorleaguesplits.com

Fernando Martinez signed with the Mets during the IFA signing period of 2005 for a $1.4 million signing bonus. He started his pro career all the way in full season A ball, in Hagerstown, where he absolutely ripped it up, hitting .333/.389/.505/.894 (64 for 192, 24 runs, 14 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 15/36 BB/K), for an excellent .4167 BB/K ratio, and a great .188 K rate (remember he was just 17 years old)

Fernando had just 24 ABs against LHP in Hagerstown, hitting a putrid .167/.310/.292/.602 (4 for 24, 3 2b, 4/4 BB/K), a very good 1.00 BB/K ratio, and an equally good .167 K rate. Against RHP, he hit a blistering .353/.404/.532/.936 (55 for 156, 9 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 12/29 BB/K), for a .4138 BB/K ratio, and a .186 K rate.

FMart was incredibly consistent in his rookie season, hitting .300+ in every month of the season (although he missed considerable time due to injury, getting just 94 ABs from May 1st to July 31st).

Martinez was sent to St. Lucie in August, finishing off his first year in pro ball at high A, where he hit just .193/.254/.387/.641 (23 for 119, 18 runs, 4 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 6/24 BB/K), for a .2500 BB/K ratio, and a still very good .202 K rate. Martinez, by some metrics, outperformed his Hagerstown numbers (a .194 IsoP in St. Lucie vs a .172 in H-Town, for one). Nando hit .216/.259/.392/.651 vs LHP in St. Lucie (11 for 51, 3 HR, 2/14 BB/K), a .143 BB/K ratio, and an alarming rise to a .275 K rate. However, he controlled the zone better against RHP, as evidenced by his a .3637 BB/K ratio, and a very good .151 K rate. His other numbers, though, were not good, he hit .192/.259/.384/.643 (14 for 73, 4 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 4/11 BB/K).

Overall in 2006, Martinez hit .276/.336/.451/.787 (85 for 308, 16 2b, 4 3b, 10 HR, 22/59 BB/K) for a .3729 BB/K ratio, and an excellent .192 K rate. Against LHP, he hit .195/.271/.351/.622 (15 for 77, 3 2b, 3 HR, 6/19 BB/K), a .3157 BB/K ratio, with a corresponding .247 K rate. Versus RHP, he hit .303/.358/.485/.843 (70 for 231, 13 2b, 7 HR, 16/40 BB/K), with a .40 BB/K ratio, and a very good .173 K rate.

Despite posting extremely subpar numbers in St. Lucie (age/level aside), Martinez was promoted to Binghamton for the 2007 season, where he hit .271/.336/.377/.713 (64 for 236, 32 runs, 11 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 20/51 BB/K), with a .3922 BB/K ratio, and a .216 K rate. HIs numbers improved a good deal versus LHP, he hit .263/.311/.368/.679 in 2007 (15 for 57, 3 2b, HR, 2/16 BB/K), with a very bad .125 BB/K ratio, and an equally bad .280 K rate. However, his improvement vs LHP came along with a vast reduction of his numbers against RHP. Martinez hit just .270/.342/.374/.716 (47 for 174, 7 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 18/33 BB/K), with a .5455 BB/K ratio, and a good .190 K rate.

Thankfully, the Mets let Fernando repeat AA in 2008, and he did put up better numbers across the board, with a .287/.340/.432/.772 line (101 for 352, 48 runs, 19 2b, 4 3b, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 27/73 BB/K, 6/8 SBs), for a .3699 BB/K ratio, and a corresponding .207 K rate. However, his IsoD was down from 65 in 2007 to 53 in 2008, but his IsoP (isolated power, SLG-AVG, or ((TB-1b)/ABs) did increase sharply from 106 in 2007 to 145 in 2008.

Fernando struggled mightily against LHP, hitting just .217/.298/.368/.665 (23 for 106, 15 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 12/31 BB/K), with a .3871 BB/K ratio and a very very alarming .292 K rate. Against RHP, Fernando did much better, hitting .317/.360/.459/.819 (78 for 246, 33 runs, 14 2b, 3 3b, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 15/42 BB/K), with a .3571 BB/K ratio and a .171 K rate.

THE FUTURE: Martinez should open 2008 in Buffalo (the Mets new AAA affiliate), hopefully playing a corner OF position since he won't be playing CF in the majors. Fernando, as we saw in ST, can stay in on lefties, but the numbers speak for themselves, and he must improve that .665 OPS vs LHP, lest he be labelled as a future platoon player. And keep in mind, Fernando will only be 20 as he begins AAA, he can safely repeat the level twice, and still be on pace to make his MLB debut at age 22 in 2011 (but we'll say he makes it up at some point in 2009)

UPDATE 2009: Fernando did indeed start the year in Buffalo, and got off to a slow start, hitting just .233/.288/.411/.698 in April, but then absolutely ripped it up in May, hitting .337/.378/.663/1.041 and earning a promotion to the majors, where he remained (pretty much) until getting hurt. Overall, Fernando hit .290/.337/.540/.877 (51 for 176, 24 runs, 16 2b, 2 3b, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 11/33 BB/K, 2/3 SBs) with a .3333 BB/K ratio, and an excellent .188 K rate.

Contrary to prior seasons, Fernando hit extremely well against lefties (though in just 41 ABs), he hit .317/.391/.512/.903 (13 for 41, 8 runs, 5 2b, HR, 5 RBI, 5/9 BB/K), with a very good .5556 BB/K, and an equally good .220 K rate. Against righties, Fernando hit .281/.319/.548/.868 (38 for 135, 16 runs, 11 2b, 2 3b, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 6/24 BB/K, 2/3 SBs) with a .2500 BB/K and a .178 K rate.

Combined over his 2 stints in the majors, Fernando hit .176/.242/.275/.517 (16 for 91, 11 runs, 6 2b, HR, 8 RBI, 5/14 BB/K, 2 SBs), with a .3571 BB/K ratio, and an excellent .154 K rate.

However, the gains in offense were marred by yet another injury, this one performing a beautiful swan dive in Milwaukee (which was immortalized in THIS THREAD on MetsRefugees).

THE FUTURE: Fernando should start 2010 as a 22 year old (yes, he's still 22!) back in Buffalo, hopefully for a full season's worth of ABs, and then step into RF for the 2011 season.

August Hotsheet

OK, I just realized I didn't put it up, lmao.

Expect it up by the 10th (And I am so so sorry...).
Expect Fernando's prospect focus tomorrow.
Expect winter league rosters on Sunday (assuming we have them)

I guess once the minor league season ended, I just pretty much quit on all baseball everywhere (this season kinda had that effect on us, huh?). Lets hope for big times from our 7 way in the AFL.

Prospect Focus: Brahiam Maldonado

Maldonado was drafted out of St. Francis High, in Puerto Rico, in the 10th round of the 2004 draft. He was sent to the GCL Mets as an 18 year old, and struggled, hitting .185/.272/.238/.510 (28 for 151, 21 runs, 3 2b, 3b, HR, 12 RBI, 15/49 BB/K, 8/10 SBs), with a decent .3061 BB/K ratio, but an absurdly high .325 K rate.

Maldonado repeated the GCL in 2005, and posted markedly better numbers, hitting .256/.355/.359/.714 (30 for 117, 23 runs, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 21 RBI, 17/36 BB/K, 8/9 SBs), with a much better .4722 BB/K ratio, and an improved, but still much too high, .308 K rate. He hit .259/.382/.407/.789 (7 for 27, 2b, HR, 5/12 BB/K) vs LHP, with a .4167 BB/K ratio, and an absurd .444 K rate. Against RHP, he hit .250/.336/.333/.669 (24 for 96, 6 2b, 3b, 12/27 BB/K), with a .4444 BB/K ratio, and a .281 K rate.

Maldonado was promoted to Kingsport of the short season Appalachian League in 2006, where he hit .281/.363/.500/.863 (52 for 185, 29 runs, 17 2b, 4 3b, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 23/49 BB/K, 5/7 SBs), with a .4694 BB/K ratio, and a vastly improved (but still moderately high) .265 K rate (159 K pace in 600 ABs). Against LHP, he hit .246/.338/.574/.912 (15 for 61, 4 2b, 2 3b, 4 HR, 8/14 BB/K), with a .5714 BB/K ratio, and a .230 K rate. Against RHP, he hit a robust .298/.376/.508/.884 (37 for 124, 13 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 15/35 BB/K), with a .4286 BB/K ratio, and a very high .282 K rate. Maldonado hit markedly better at home (.362/.425/.628/1.053) then on the road (.198/.302/.429/.731)

2007 saw Maldonado in full season ball for the first time in his career (minus a 16 AB cameo for St. Lucie in 2005). He was in Savannah, where he hit extremely well, putting together a .310/.349/.500/.849 line (95 for 306, 40 runs, 20 2b, 4 3b, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 19/79 BB/K, 11/15 SBs), with a severely declining .2405 BB/K ratio, but a slightly improved .258 K rate. Strangely, Maldonado continued to struggle mightily against LHP, hitting just .224/.286/.395/.681 (17 for 76, 5 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 7/27 BB/K), with a .2593 BB/K ratio, and an abysmal .355 K rate. Against RHP, Maldonado fared much better, hitting .339/.370/.535/.905 (78 for 230, 15 2b, 3 3b, 8 HR, 12/52 BB/K), with a .2308 BB/K ratio, and a much better .226 K rate. For the second straight season, Maldonado hit much better at home (.338/.379/.606/.985), then on the road (.287/.322/.409/.731).

Maldonado spent his age 22 (2008) season with the St. Lucie Mets of the Florida State League, where he had a dreadful year, hitting just .232/.284/.327/.611 (63 for 272, 18 runs, 11 2b, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 15/76 BB/K, 6/7 SBs), with a not good .1974 BB/K ratio, and an equally bad .279 K rate. This year, Maldonado hit better against LHP (.262/.340/.333/.674, 22 for 84, 5 runs, 3 2b, HR, 6 RBI, 7/22 BB/K), and struggled against RHP (.218/.258/.324/.582, 41 for 188, 13 runs, 8 2b, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 8/54 BB/K). Maldonado's BB/K ratio was .3182 against LHP, and a woeful .1481 against RHP. He struck out at a .262 clip vs southpaws, and a .287 clip against righties.

THE FUTURE: A disappointing year for Maldonado certainly clouds his future considerably. We'll say the Mets keep him in St. Lucie for his age 23 season, which puts him about a half year or so behind the optimal age/level curve (21-22 A+, 22-23 AA). This is not to say he's not a good prospect, just that he lost a considerable amount of his luster with his subpar 2008.

UPDATE 2009: Maldonado spent the first two months of 2009 hitting as awfully (if not worse) than he did in 2008, his line for April and May combined was a pitiful .226/.277/.377/.653 (33 for 146, 16 runs, 8 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 8/46 BB/K, .1739 BB/K, .315 K rate). However, from June 1st on, Maldonado went on a ridiculous hot tear, hitting .299/.384/.515/.900 (79 for 264, 46 runs, 11 2b, 2 3b, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 12/15 SBs, 35/80 BB/K, .4375 BB/K, .303 K rate).

Overall in 2009, Maldonado hit .273/.348/.466/.813 (112 for 410, 62 runs, 19 2b, 3 3b, 18 HR, 73 RBI, 43/126 BB/K, 13/17 SBs, .3413 BB/K, .307 K rate). He still strikes out way way too much, something he will absolutely have to work on, lest AA pitching chew him up as A+ pitching did for 1.5 seasons. Still, the advances Maldonado made in 2009 were both exciting, and wholly unexpected, as many (including myself) had completely written him off.

A very very good sign this season for Maldonado is his extremely balanced L/R splits. Whereas in the past, he struggled against lefties, this season, he hit .270/.353/.450/.803 (27 for 100, 14 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 14/30 BB/K, 4/5 SBs, .4667 BB/K, .300 K rate) against southpaws, while hitting .274/.346/.471/.817 (85 for 310, 48 runs, 12 2b, 2 3b, 15 HR, 61 RBI, 29/96 BB/K, 9/12 SBs, .3021 BB/K, .310 K rate) against righties.

THE FUTURE: Maldonado will most assuredly open 2010 in Binghamton, where his resurrected prospect status will be put to the test. His .300+ K rate will not serve him well whatsoever in AA, as advanced breaking pitches will serve to eat him alive. My personal prediction is that Maldonado will once again lose his prospect status, this time permanently, in 2010.