MPH System Audit IV Part III: Middle Infielders

--------------------------
MIDDLE INFIELDERS
--------------------------

1. A SS Wilmer Flores R/R 8/6/91 (A Savannah .264/.305/.332/.637, 129 for 488, 44 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 22/72 BB/K)

Flores was the Mets prize signing out of the three big name IFAs they signed in 2007. He arrived with a splash in 2008, torching the Appy League as a 16/17 year old, to the tune of a .850 OPS. The Mets rightfully pushed Wilmer to the Sally League in 2009, and he had mixed results.

Flores opened the 2009 season in Savannah, where he had his ups and downs. His K rate (.148) was excellent, his BB/K (.3056) was good for his age, but he hit for no power whatsoever (68 IsoP). However, much like Jefry Marte, he had stretches of season where he was downright impressive with his ability to hit for a high average and not strike out. Combining his months of April, June, July and September, Flores hit .296/.330/.378/.708 in 307 ABs, with just 40 Ks (.130 K rate), and a 11/40 BB/K (.2750). Conversely, in his down months (May and August), he hit just .210/.263/.254/.517 in 181 ABs, with 32 Ks (.177 K rate), but a better BB/K ratio (11/32, .3438).

Flores is an advanced hitter, as evidenced by his holding his own for the majority of the 2009 season, and his flat out domination in 2008. He has a strong line drive approach which is conducive to hitting for power, and he can also hit for a high average. Flores doesn't strike out, which bodes well for the future, as he fills out and begins to hit the ball with more authority. Flores will likely have to be moved off shortstop in the future, but he doesn't have the speed/range to play the outfield. A move to either corner infield spot is the best option, however, with David Wright and (hopefully) Ike Davis entrenched there, it will be interesting to see what happens.

THE FUTURE: Flores likely showed enough with the bat to warrant a promotion to the FSL, but we'll say he spends two seaons there before moving up, putting him 4 years out, sometime in the 2013 season.

2. A+ SS/2B Reese Havens L/R 10/20/86 (A+ St. Lucie .247/.361/.422/.784, 89 for 360, 53 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 55/73 BB/K, AFL Surprise .368/.478/.658/1.136, 14 for 38, 9 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 8/9 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .259/.372/.445/.817, 103 for 398, 62 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 63/82 BB/K, .206 K rate, .7683 BB/K ratio

The Mets picked Havens with the 2nd of their 3 first round picks in 2008, 22nd overall out of South Carolina, and sent him to Brooklyn, where he showed considerable power (11 XBH in 85 ABs, .471 SLG, 8th in the NYPL). He was hampered by injuries, however, and therefore couldn't get into a consistent rhythm. Injuries followed him up to the FSL in 2009, but he performed very well there.

The Mets sent Havens to the FSL for 2009, where he did well, outside of a low batting average, all of his periphals were extremely good (114 IsoD, 175 IsoP). During the Arizona Fall Leauge, the Mets began the process of moving Havens to 2b, a process which will continue during the 2010 season, in Binghamton.

Havens has very good power for his position, and yet, he is also a very disciplined hitter (55/73 BB/K in St. Lucie, 63/82 overall), who doesn't strike out a lot (.203 K rate), and draws a very healthy amount of walks (114 IsoD). He's iffy defensively, which is why the Mets are moving him to 2b (well, along with Jose Reyes blocking SS's in the organization for the next decade (we hope)). Havens has the arm and range for 2b, and should be adequate at the position.

THE FUTURE: Havens will open 2010 in Binghamton, and should be in a position to challenge Luis Castillo and/or Ruben Tejada for the 2b job sometime in 2011.

3. AA SS/2B Ruben Tejada R/R 9/1/89 (AA Binghamton .289/.351/.381/.732, 141 for 488, 59 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 37/59 BB/K, 19/22 SBs, AFL Surprise .254/.338/.373/.711, 15 for 59, 9 runs, 4 2b, HR, 9 RBI, 6/9 BB/K, 4 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .285/.350/.380/.730, 156 for 547, 68 runs, 28 2b, 3 3b, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 23/26 SBs, 43/68 BB/K, .124 K rate, .6324 BB/K ratio

The Mets signed Tejada out of Panama in the summer of 2006, and he began the 07 season in the Venezuelan Summer League, but performed at such a high level that the Mets secured a visa for him and brought him stateside, assigning him to the rookie level Gulf Coast League. 2008 saw Tejada in St. Lucie where he struggled bigtime. However, the Mets (IMO, foolishly) promoted Tejada to Binghamton in 2009, where he had a very good season, batting .290/.350 at age 19.

Tejada was sent to Binghamton for the 2009 season, and he performed very well, showing off a very good eye, and knowledge of the strike zone (.121 K rate, .6271 BB/K ratio). Tejada also showed off some good power with 24 2b and 5 homers in 488 ABs, and a very good success rate in steals (86.36%). Factoring out his awful April (.222/.347/.286/.632), Tejada hit an impressive .299/.351/.395/.746 in 425 ABs

Tejada is a line drive gap hitter who should rack up doubles and triples, but not many HRs. His big value will be getting on base and then using his speed to steal bases and wreak havoc atop a batting order. Tejada likely is going to move to 2b in 2010, playing in Buffalo.

THE FUTURE: Tejada will open the season in the majors playing shortstop while Jose Reyes is on the DL, then likely go down to Buffalo and move to 2b.

Edit: And now it looks like he won't, lol. He should open 2010 in Buffalo playing 2b.

4. R/A 2b Alonzo Harris R/R 11/16/89 (R Kingsport .273/.321/.447/.768, 69 for 253, 49 runs, 4 2b, 5 3b, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 17/59 BB/K, 15/21 SBs, A Savannah .200/.259/.200/.459, 5 for 25, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2/8 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .266/.316/.424/.740, 74 for 278, 52 runs, 4 2b, 5 3b, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 19/67 BB/K, 15/21 SBs

Harris was drafted by the Mets in the 39th round of the 2007 draft out of McComb High in Mississippi, and began his pro career in the GCL in 2008. The Mets conservatively sent Harris to Kingsport in 2009, where he performed well, before a late season 23 AB cameo in Savannah to end his season.

Harris spent the bulk of his 09 with rookie level Kingsport, where he hit well. 7 of his 10 HRs came in the month of July, when he ripped the Appy League up to the tune of .306/.366/.541/.906 in 111 ABs. Consistency was Harris' big downfall in 2009, as in August, he hit just .232/.275/.357/.632 in 112 ABs.

Harris is an all or nothing hitter at this point in his career, which leads to Ks and HRs. Harris' best tool offensively is likely his speed, he is one of the fastest minor leaguers the Mets have. Harris is shaky defensively at 2b, so a move to CF is not out of the question.

THE FUTURE: Harris should open 2010 in Savannnah, and ascend a level per season thereafter, putting him in AAA in 2013, and in a position to be called up that season or the next.

5. All Over 2b Jordany Valdespin 12/23/87 L/R (A Savannah .322/.366/.480/.846, 49 for 152, 30 runs, 9 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 11/32 BB/K, 7/9 SBs, R DSL .333/.421/.600/1.021, 5 for 15, 2 3b, 5 RBI, 3/1 BB/K, 1/2 SBs, R GCL .174/.208/.174/.382, 4 for 23, 1/3 BB/K, SB, A- Brooklyn .279/.338/.397/.735, 19 for 68, 10 runs, 3 2b, 3b, HR, 5 RBI, 5/16 BB/K, 4/7 SBs, DWL Licey .300/.300/.450/.750, 6 for 20, 4 runs, HR, 2 RBI, 3 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .299/.346/.439/.784, 83 for 278, 44 runs, 12 2b, 6 3b, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 16/22 SBs, 20/52 BB/K, .187 K rate, .3846 BB/K ratio

Valdespin got off to a roaring start in April, prompting people from all over the prospect community to scower the web/their sources for information on the sudden sensation. Valdespin, who played the whole season at age 21, got off to a .385/.406/.615/1.021 start in April, before disciplinary issues landed him on the suspension list. After that, he went on a tour of the system, with stops in the DSL, GCL, and then Brooklyn. He's got talent, but whether he can mature (read: get his head extracted from his ass) is the question.

Valdespin has most of his power to the pull side, and much like Alonzo Harris, he is a feast or famine hitter, though he seemed to make strides in that department this season. Valdespin has decent speed, as evidenced by his 16 steals, but nothing earth-shattering. He's athletic and fluid when playing 2b, but isn't a good defensive shortstop. He does have a strong arm, which leads him to try and make plays he shouldn't.

THE FUTURE: Valdespin played in both Savannah and Brooklyn, meaning he should open 2010 in St. Lucie, and then ascend a level per season, making his debut sometime in the 2013 season.

6. A+ 2b Hector Pellot R/R 2/8/87 (A+ St. Lucie .277/.352/.373/.725, 98 for 354, 48 runs, 17 2b, 4 3b, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 37/70 BB/K, 15/26 SBs)

7. A- SS Robbie Shields R/R 12/7/87 (A- Brooklyn .178/.273/.267/.540, 26 for 146, 14 runs, 4 2b, 3 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 16/32 BB/K, 2 SBs)

Shields was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, and after signing he was sent to Brooklyn where he had a dreadful season, hitting to a .540 OPS in 146 ABs. Shields also suffered a tear in his UCL, resulting in Tommy John surgery and expectations that he will miss the bulk of the 2010 season.

Shields has a short compact swing which generates some good pop, though he displayed none of that in his short stint in Brooklyn. He, like Reese Havens, profiles better as a 2b. Many (including me) called Shields the righty Havens when he was picked, the scouting reports are similiar.

THE FUTURE: Shields, when he does come back off the injury/rehab/surgery, will likely play in Brooklyn again, and then jump to the FSL in 2011, putting his ETA around late 2013 or 2014.

8. AAA/AA SS Jose Coronado S/R 4/13/86 (AAA Buffalo .141/.240/.165/.404, 12 for 85, 4 runs, 2 2b, 3 RBI, 11/22 BB/K, 2 SBs, AA Binghamton .271/.322/.330/.651, 98 for 361, 37 runs, 16 2b, 3b, HR, 40 RBI, 27/66 BB/K, 11/15 SBs, VWL Caribes .235/.335/.301/.637, 32 for 136, 14 runs, 5 2b, 2 3b, 16 RBI, 19/32 BB/K, 5/9 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .244/.313/.299/.612, 142 for 582, 55 runs, 23 2b, 3 3b, HR, 59 RBI, 18/26 SBs, 57/120 BB/K, .206 K rate, .4750 BB/K ratio

9. R SS Wilfredo Tovar R/R 8/11/91 (R VSL .289/.364/.421/.785, 11 for 38, 3 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, 5/3 BB/K, 1/2 SBs, R GCL .243/.294/.318/.611, 36 for 148, 21 runs, 5 2b, 3 3b, 14 RBI, 8/19 BB/K, 16/24 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .253/.309/.339/.648, 47 for 186, 24 runs, 8 2b, 4 3b, 16 RBI, 13/22 BB/K, 17/26 SBs

10. R 2b Ray Van Gurp R/R 1/2/89 (R GCL .252/.361/.305/.666, 38 for 151, 25 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 21 RBI, 27/22 BB/K, 16/21 SBs

8/20 Minor League Report! Welch, PELLOT, FAMILIA, MCHUGH, ZAPATA, VAN GURP!

INT AAA: Buffalo 0/5/1, Syracuse 3/8/1, Game 1

2b, ss Argenis Reyes 1 for 3, 2b, .287
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 3, .299
1b Nick Evans 1 for 3, .205
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 3, K, .258
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 2, BB, K, .254
ss Javier Castillo 0 for 2, K, .257
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 3, .242
lf Josh Petersen 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .254
Pat Misch 4 IP, 3 H, ER, 7 Ks, HR, 4.26 era, L (1-2), 67:44:23, 2:2:7
Atauro Lopez 3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2/2 BB/K, HR, 3.68 era, 58:36:22, 4:2:2\

INT AAA: Buffalo 2/4/0, Syracuse 0/3/0, Game 2

ss Argenis Reyes 1 for 3, run, 2b, .287
cf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 1, .298
1b Nick Evans 1 for 3, RBI (28), .206
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 3, .253
c Rene Rivera 0 for 3, K, .237
3b Javier Castillo 0 for 2, .255
lf Jason Dubois 2 for 2, run, HR, RBI, .133
2b Luis Rivera 0 for 2, .313
Ken Takahashi 7 IP, 3 H, 2/6 BB/K, 2.38 era, W (1-3), 71:48:23, 11:4:6

EL AA: Binghamton 2/7/1, New Britain 7/11/1

The Mets faced an old friend tonight, Deolis Guerra, and Guerra shut down the Ike-less Mets got 6.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits. It was Guerra's second straight solid outing.

Onto the Mets, who didn't do much against Guerra's replacement, either. Overall, the Mets had 7 hits and a walk in the game, while going just 1 for 4 with RISP, and leaving 5 on base. Chris Mason got the start in place of Brad Holt, who is suffering from the flu, and took the loss, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings. Ike Davis didn't play, he's got sore ribs. The top 3 in the order, Ruben Tejada (0 for 4, .285), Jose Coronado (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .270) and Josh Thole (0 for 3, .329) went a combined 0 for 10. Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 2, RBI, 2 Ks, .247) also took an 0-fer, while Shawn Bowman (2) and Caleb Stewart (2) had multi hit games.

dh DJ Wabick 1 for 4, K, .283
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 4, 2b (20), K, .297
rf Caleb Stewart 2 for 4, run, 2b, .209
lf Jon Malo 1 for 4, run, K, .247
1b Mark Kiger 1 for 3, .216
Chris Mason 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 2.87 era, L (1-1), 5:9:1
Jacob Ruckle 2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, K, HR, 7.04 era, 4:1:1
Emary Frederick IP, 5.14 era, 1:2
Jose De La Torre IP, K, 1.74 era, 1:1:1

FSL A+: St. Lucie 10/13/1, Sarasota 4/9/0

Mr. Red - meet the buzzsaw. It was Sarasota's turn to face the St. Lucie Mets wrath tonight, as the Mets hammered out 13 hits and drew 3 walks, while going a stellar 6 for 11 (.556) with RISP. The Mets left just 4 runners on base. Kirk Nieuwehuis (2, HR), Stefan Welch (2), Seth Williams (2) and Hector Pellot (3) had multi hit games, every regular except Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 3, run, BB, .263) had a hit. Nieuwenhuis (4), and Pellot (5) had huge RBI games.

Angel Calero was the recipient of tonight's ourburst, he went the front 5, and wasn't very effective, giving up 4 runs (2 earned, Reese Havens' 21st error) on 8 hits. Edgar Ramirez worked the final 4 innings, giving up just a hit, for his 2nd save.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 5, 2 runs, HR (15), 4 RBI (64), K, .259
ss Reese Havens 1 for 5, K, .238
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, .282
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 5, RBI (60), K, .279
c Francisco Pena 1 for 5, run, .217
1b Stefan Welch 2 for 3, 2 runs, BB, .294
lf Seth Williams 2 for 2, 3 runs, 2b, BB, .266
2b Hector Pellot 3 for 3, run, 2b (9), 5 RBI (32), .264
Angel Calero 5 IP, 8 H, 4/2 R/ER, 5 Ks, 4.79 era, W (3-9), 6:4:5
Edgar Ramirez 4 IP, H, 5 Ks, 2.27 era, SV (2), 3:4:5

SAL A: Savannah 1/7/3, Augusta 2/7/2 in 11 innings, Game 1

Jeurys Familia had a very good outing tonight, despite having an inverse GO/FO ratio (a predominantly GB pitcher, his ratio was 7/10 tonight). He gave up just 2 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings, and was in line for the victory, before Rhiner Cruz blew the save by allowing a run in the 7th. Phillips Orta took the loss by allowing a run in the bottom of the 11th inning, his 2nd loss with the Gnats.

The Gnats had just 7 hits and 3 walks in the game, while going an abysmal 1 for 14 (.071) with RISP, and leaving 11 men on base. Josh Satin (2), and Nick Giarraputo (2) had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte, Wilmer Flores, Raul Reyes (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .241), and Evan LeBlanc (0 for 4, K, .156) all took 0-fers.

3b Jefry Marte 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .232
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 3, BB, .268
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .267
2b Josh Satin 2 for 5, 2b, 2 Ks, .289
dh Eric Campbell 1 for 5, K, .247
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .225
1b Nick Giarraputo 2 for 4, run, BB (Sally League debut)
Jeurys Familia 6 IP, 2 H, 3/1 BB/K, 2.76 era, 7:10:1
Rhiner Cruz IP, H, ER, 2/1 BB/K, 1.84 era, BS (3), 1:1:1
Brad Burns 2 IP, 2 H, 2/3 BB/K, 1.23 era, 1:1:3
Phillips Orta 1.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.82 era, L (1-2), 1:1:2

SAL A: Savannah 1/4/2, Augusta 6/11/1

Robert Carson had a very rough outing from the getgo, giving up 2 hits and 2 walks in the first (but only one run), and though he settled down through the next 3 innings, he got knocked out of the box in the 5th, and his overall line was not a good one, with 8 hits and 4 runs given up in 5 innings.

The Gnats offense managed just a run on 4 hits and 2 walks in the nightcap, going 0-fer (3) with RISP, and leaving 4 on base.

3b Jefry Marte 0 for 3, K, .230
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 3, .268
cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 2, K, .266
rf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 1, run, .165
2b Josh Satin 1 for 3, K, .289
dh Eric Campbell 0 for 3, K, .245
rf, cf Raul Reyes 0 for 2, BB, .239
lf Joey August 0 for 2, BB, .205
c Luis Alen 0 for 2, .167
Robert Carson 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2/2 BB/K, 2.93 era, L (8-9), 9:4:2
Samuel Martinez IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K, 7.20 era, 0:1:1

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 4/8/1, State College 3/9/2

Collin McHugh had a second straight very impressive outing tonight, giving up just 4 hits in 7 innings with 7 strikeouts, to pick up his 7th win of the season. Over his last 4 outings, McHugh's struck out 33 in 25 innings. Matias Carillo went for a 2 inning save, but ran into massive 9th inning trouble, and had to be bailed out by Michael Powers, who allowed 2 of Carillo's runs to score, but didn't give up the tying run.

The Conies offense had 8 hits and 5 walks, while going 2 for 7 (.286) with RISP, and leaving 10 on base. Jordany Valdespin (2) had the only multi hit game for the Cyclones, while Nick Santomauro (0 for 5, 3 Ks, .243) and Scott Grimes (0 for 4, run, K, .250) took the only 0-fers.

cf Justin Garber 1 for 5, 2b, .235
2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 5, K, .300
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 4, BB, .269
rf Luis Rivera 1 for 3, run, RBI (27), 2 BBs, .291
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 4, run, RBI (1), A- debut
c Dock Doyle 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .250
ss Robbie Shields 1 for 3, RBI, BB, .168
Collin McHugh 7 IP, 4 H, 1/7 BB/K, 2.96 era, W (7-2), 7:7:7
Matias Carrillo 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 3.14 era, 0:3:2
Michael Powers 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2.57 era, SV (14), 1:

APPY R: Kingsport 9/12/4, Bluefield 3/11/3

Jhonathan Torres had his best Appy League outing tonight, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) over 5 innings for his first win.

The Mets offense had another huge night, with 12 hits and 3 walks, while going a stellar 7 for 18 (.389) with RISP, and leaving 7 on base. RJ Harris (2), Cesar Puello (2), Pedro Zapata (3), and Juan Torres (2) had multi hit games, while Darrell Ceciliani (0 for 2, .231, left in the 3rd, no word on why), Joe Bonfe (0 for 5, K, .327) and Jeff Flagg (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .299) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 5, .271
>>cf Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 3, 2b (3), RBI (15), K, .308
dh RJ Harris 2 for 4, run, BB, K, .307, SB (12)
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI (17), .258, SB (12)
lf Pedro Zapata 3 for 5, 3 runs, 2b (9), RBI (16), .345
c Juan Torres 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b (3), 3 RBI (8), .368, CS (1)
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 4, 2 RBI (5), K, .324
Jhonathan Torres 5 IP, 5 H, 2/1 R/ER, 4 Ks, 4.78 era, W (1-4), 7:3:4
Guillaume LeDuc 3 IP, 4 H, R, BB, K, 6.51 era, 3:5:1
Johnathan White IP, 2 H, 6.48 era, 2:1

GCL R: Mets 2/11/3, Nationals 7/10/1

rf Chase Greene 1 for 3, K, .308
>>rf ZeErika Hall 0 for 2, .297
ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .237, 2 E (11)
3b Aderlin Rodriguez 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, .276, E (7)
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 4, K, .304
dh Charlie Hinojosa 1 for 4, .355
c Nelfi Zapata 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .265
cf Javier Rodriguez 0 for 4, K, .198
1b Travis Ozga 2 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .173
2b Ray Van Gurp 3 for 4, 2b, RBI, .260
Brian Valenzuela 5 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 5/5 BB/K, 6.95 era, L (0-4), 4 WP
Tony Whitenton IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, 2:0:1
Will Morgan 2 IP, 4 Ks, 0.00 era, 0:2:4

7/9 Minor League Report! ST. LUCIE! REYES (not Jose!)

Buffalo 3, Pawtucket 1

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, .296
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, run, .301
rf Chip Ambres 3 for 3, 2 runs, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB, .236
dh Emil Brown 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .262
1b Mike Lamb 0 for 4, K, .221
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 3, BB, .285
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 4, K, .233
ss Wilson Valdez 1 for 3, .201
2b Luis Rivera 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .325
Nelson Figueroa 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/9 BB/K, 2.50 era, W (5-4), 119:81:38, 2:13:9
Brandon Knight IP, K, 5.29 era, SV (1), 8:7:1, 2:0:1

Binghamton 2, Portland 1

Dylan Owen's now run off a string of 3 great starts in a row (20.2 innings, 14 hits, 4/15 bb/k), turning his season around. Tonight he went 7 shutout innings to push his AA ERA under 5, and pick up his 2nd win of the season. Connor Robertson struck out the side in the 9th for his 2nd AA save.

The Mets had 8 hits and 4 walks, while going 3 for 11 (.273) with RISP, leaving 8 on base. Jose Coronado and Shawn Bowman had multi hit games, while Josh Petersen (0 for 3, BB, .295), Jon Malo (0 for 3, BB, K, .268) and Mike Nickeas (Justin's favorite player; 0 for 3, K, .125) all took 0-fers.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 5, run, 2b, K, .277
2b Jose Coronado 2 for 4, run, .246
1b Ike Davis 1 for 3, BB, .276
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 3, 2 RBI, K, .289
dh Lucas Duda 1 for 4, K, .270
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, BB, .269
Dylan Owen 7 IP, 5 H, R, 1/7 BB/K, 4.97 era, W (2-5), 3:11:7
Roy Merritt IP, K, 3.35 era, 1:1:1
Connor Robertson IP, 3 Ks, 3 era, SV (2)

St. Lucie 16, Palm Beach 3

The Mets straight up opened a can of collosal whoop ass tonight, scoring in each of the first 6 innings (4-4-1-1-4-2), hammering out 18 hits and drawing 9 walks en route to their largest margin of victory in quite some time. 7 of the 10 players who played today had multi hit games, while 2 took 0-fers, Francisco Pena (0 for 5, .218), and Zach Lutz (0 for 2, .273; and Lutz left the game in the 3rd inning).

Angel Calero did not make it out of the 3rd inning after being staked to an 8-0 lead. Josh Stinson pitched 2.2 scoreless for the win.

2b Hector Pellot 3 for 4, 3 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, .275
dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 3 for 4, 3 runs, 2b, 4 RBI, 2 BBs, .246
cf Angel Pagan 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, K, .417
1b Stefan Welch 3 for 5, run, HR (1), 5 RBI (6), .471 (8 for 17)
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 5, run, HR (10), 2 RBI (32), BB, K, .263
3b Greg Veloz 2 for 3, run, .248
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .242
ss Jake Eigsti 2 for 5, 3 runs, 2b, 2 Ks, .219
Angel Calero 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3/4 BB/K, 4.19 era, 1:2:4
Josh Stinson 2.2 IP, H, 2/1 BB/K, 1.35 era, W (2-0), 4:3:1
Brant Rustich IP, H, 2/2 BB/K, 2.59 era, 0:1:2
Jimmy Johnson 3 IP, 3 H, 6 Ks, 4.26 era, 2:1:6

Savannah 5, Lexington 9

Jeurys Familia had a very very bad outing tonight, giving up 9 hits and 6 runs in 4.2 innings for his 6th loss of the season, snapping a string of 4 good starts in 5.

The Gnats offense had 11 hits and 3 walks, while going 3 for 11 (.273) with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Raul Reyes (left the game after diving for a ball), Jefry Marte and Jordan Abruzzo had multi hit games, while Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 4, K, .215) and Jose Jimenez (0 for 4, K, .102) took 0-fers.

rf Raul Reyes 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .267 (5 game hitting streak, 8 for 15, 2 runs, 3 2b, HR, 4 RBI, 3/3/ BB/K)
>>rf Evan LeBlanc 0 for 1, .125
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 5, run, 2 2b, K, .231
2b Josh Satin 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, 2 Bbs, .299
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 3, RBI, .281
>>ph, ss Imbewer Alvarez 0 for 1, K, .118
lf Eric Campbell 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .255
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, 3 Ks, .270
dh Jordan Abruzzo 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K, .429
Jeurys Familia 4.2 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 2/7 BB/K, HR, 3.19 era, L (6-6), 3:4:7
Manuel Olivares 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2/1 R/ER, K, 3.35 era, 0:1:1
Jake Goldberg 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 3.32 era, 0:3:2
Phillips Orta IP, H, ER, K, 7.04 era, 2:0:1

Brooklyn 0, Aberdeen 1 in 16 innings

The failure of the Cyclones to do anything against Jacob Smith (normally a short reliever pushed to 6 innings) ended up biting them in the butt tonight, as they fell 1-0 in 16. They were held to just 7 hits and 2 walks, while going just 0 for 5 with RISP and leaving 9 on base.

On the flip side, 4 Cyclone pitchers combined to allow just 9 hits and 4 walks, with Mike Lynn suffering the loss after escaping his own bases loaded no out jam in the 15th, then giving up a run in the 16th.

cf John Servidio 0 for 7, 3 Ks, .221
2b Matt Gaski 2 for 7, K, .250
1b Sam Honeck 2 for 5, .324
>>ph, 1b Ralph Henriquez 0 for 2, K, .208
3b Nick Giarraputo 0 for 5, .192
dh Dock Doyle 1 for 3, .244
>>ph, dh Luis Rivera 0 for 2, BB, .356
lf Alex Gregory 1 for 6, 2 Ks, .283
rf Nick Santomauro 0 for 6, 4 Ks, .179
c Juan Centeno 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .229
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 6, K, .177
Darin Gorski 6 IP, H, 2/7, 2.25 era, 7:4:7
Lance Hoge 4 IP, 4 H, 2 Ks, 2.53 era, 5:4:2
Brandon Sage 4 IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 6:5:1
Mike Lynn 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 1.29 era, L (0-1), 2:1:2

Kingsport 5, Elizabethon 6 in 10 innings

Met pitching gave up 16 hits, led by Guillaume LeDuc who gave up 11 in 5 innings. Zach Rosenbaum gave up an UER in the 6th to take a BS, and Luis Rojas gave up the gamewinner in the 10th for his first loss. LeDuc had a bad start, giving up 4 runs (2 earned) along with those 11 hits.

The Mets offense had just 9 hits, but drew 5 walks, and were 3 for 10 with RISP, while leaving 8 men on base. RJ Harris, Jeff Flagg and Gerad Mochizuki had multi hit games, while Alonzo Harris (0 for 3, BB, K, .235), John Freeman (0 for 4, K, .186), and Pedro Zapata (0 for 2, run, BB, K, .361) took 0-fers.

cf RJ Harris 2 for 5, 2 Ks, .224
3b Joe Bonfe 1 for 5, run, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .354
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 5, 2 runs, HR, RBI, K, .400
dh Ryan Mollica 1 for 4, 2b, BB, K, .267
>>ph Jhonathan Torres 0 for 1, K
rf John Semel 1 for 4, RBI, BB, .277
>>lf Kurt Steinhauer 0 for 1, K
ss Gerad Mochizuki 2 for 3, run, BB, K, .283
Guillaume LeDuc 5 IP, 11 H, 4/2 R/ER, 4 Ks, 6.05 era, 4:5:4
Zach Rosenbaum 3 IP, 2 H, R, 2 Ks, 6.75 era, 3:4:2
Tom Chism IP, H, 3 Ks, 4.50 era
Luis Rojas IP, 2 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 21.60 era, L (0-1), 1:0:2

GCL

Mets 6, Marlins 2

ss Wilfredo Tovar 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .327
2b Andy Green 0 for 3, run, BB, K (why do we even have him rehabbing?)
>>ph, 2b Marshal Davis 0 for 1, .250
c Neifi Zapata 2 for 4, run, 2 RBI, .395
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 3, BB, .326
dh Charles Hinojosa 1 for 3, RBI, BB, .382
3b Josh Dunn 0 for 4, K (debut)
rf Cody Holliday 1 for 4, run, 2b, .148
1b Travis Ozga 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .138
cf Zeerika Hall 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2b, 2 BBs, .375
Lachlan Hodge 3.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 4/4 BB/K, 2.63 era, 4:3:4
Gabriel Zavala 3.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 2.16 era, W (1-0), 3:5:2
William Rackle 2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 9 era, 2:2:2

7/3 Minor League Report! LUTZ, Pellot!

Buffalo 2, Rochester 6

Oliver Perez had a very mediocre rehab outing today, throwing 50% strikes and giving up 4 walks in 5 innings. Not numbers you want to see if you were hoping for Tiny Tim to be getting the boot. May I interest you in some Jonathan Joesph Niese?

cf Cory Sullivan 2 for 4, RBI, .291
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, .303
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 3, BB, K, .241
dh Emil Brown 1 for 4, 2b, .307
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .220
ss Javier Castillo 1 for 3, BB, K, .272
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 4, RBI, .242
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .235
2b Wilson Valdez 1 for 4, .201
Oliver Perez 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4/4 BB/K, HR, 3.86 era, L (0-2), 92:46:46, 4:6:4
Kyle Snyder 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 3.98 era, 51:33:18, 2:5:2
Atuaro Lopez IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, 13.50 era, 16:7:9, 1:1:0

Binghamton 3, New Hampshire 10

Michael Antonini's had longer relief outings. Seriously. He gave up 7 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 1.2 innings to take his 3rd loss of the season. The Mets were never in this game, after Antonini gave up 3 in the first and 4 in the 2nd.

The offense managed 7 hits and 5 runs, but were held to just 3 unearned runs, despite their .333 average with RISP (2 for 6), they left 8 on base and hit into 3 DPs.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 3 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, .280
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 5, K, .250
1b Ike Davis 1 for 3, BB, K, .263
rf Caleb Stewart 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .182
dh Lucas Duda 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .266
3b Shawn Bowman 0 for 4, run, K, .288
lf DJ Wabick 0 for 3, .287
ph Salvador Paniagua 0 for 1, K, .200
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 2, run, BB, K, .270
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 4, RBI, .129
Michael Antonini 1.2 IP, 5 H, 7 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 5.82 era, L (5-3), 1:3:1
Connor Robertson 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 Ks, HR, 4.50 era, 2:5:3
Edgar Alfonzo 2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 3 era, 2:2:2
Jim Warden 2 IP, 2/1 BB/K, 0.96 era, 4:1:1

St. Lucie 2, Sarasota 6

Scott Moviel's return to St. Lucie (he made 1 start there at the end of 2008) wasn't what he wanted, he gave up 4 hits and 3 runs in 5 innings to take the loss. Josh Stinson's return also didn't go well, he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) in 2 innings.

The Mets offense had 8 hits and drew 6 walks, but went just 2 for 9 with RISP and left 11 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 5, 3 Ks, .246), Carlos Guzman (0 for 3, .270), and Richard Pena (0 for 4, .260) took 0-fers, while Greg Veloz and Zach Lutz had multi hit games, Lutz now has an 11 game hitting streak, as his bat has suddenly caught fire.

2b Greg Veloz 2 for 5, K, .246
1b Zach Lutz 2 for 3, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .270
c Francisco Pena 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, .227
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, K, .239
3b Hector Pellot 1 for 1, 3 BBs, .266
ss Jacob Eigsti 1 for 4, run, 2b, .220
Scott Moviel 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 5.40 era, L (0-1), 2:11:2
Jose De La Torre 2 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, K, 2.97 era, 1:2:1
Josh Stinson 2 IP, 4 H, 2/1 R/ER, 3 Ks, 4.50 era, 1:2:3

Savannah 1, Asheville 5

Kyle Allen got rocked for 3 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings to take his 4th loss of the season. On the plus side, he did generate 10 of his 15 outs via groundballs.

The Gnats offense was held to just 4 hits and 3 walks, and were a putrid 0 for 7 with RISP, and left 8 on base. Wilmer (2 for 4, run, .286), Josh Satin (1 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .292), and Eric Campbell (1 for 2, 2b, 2 BBs, K, .280) had the only hits for the Gnats, everyone else took 0-fers.

lf Raul Reyes 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .249
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .224
cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .272
c Kai Gronauer 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .239
dh Stefan Welch 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .216
rf Evan LeBlanc 0 for 4, K, .185
Kyle Allen 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2/2 BB/K, 4.35 era, L (5-4), 10:3:2
John Church 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 Ks, HR, 9 era, 0:2:3 (A debut)
Tim Smith 2 IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 2:3:1 (A debut)

Brooklyn 3, TriCity 2

Wes Wrenn and Darin (Derbert, Derwood) Gorski split the game today, each going 4 innings and giving up a run, Wrenn on 2 hits with 6 Ks, Derwood on 3 hits with 3 Ks. Lance Hoge worked a hitless 9th to pick up the win after the Cyclones rallied for 1 in the bottom of the 9th.

The Cyclones had 7 hits and drew 2 walks, and were 2 for 6 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. John Servidio (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .212), Sam Honeck (0 for 3, K, .271), Luis Rivera (0 for 3, BB, K, .410), and Juan Centeno (0 for 3, .294) all took 0-fers, Ralph Henriquez had the only multi hit game for the Cyclones, who are now 12-2.

2b Matt Bouchard 0 for 1, .408 (
2b James Ewing 1 for 2, run, 2b, BB, .222
3b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 3, 2 runs, K, .250
dh Ralph Henriquez 2 for 3, RBI, .243
lf Alex Gregory 1 for 3, K, .282
ph Nick Santomauro 1 for 1, RBI, .308
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 3, .211
Wes Wrenn 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/6 BB/K, 4 era, 5:2:6, struck out 4 in the 2nd inning
Darin Gorski 4 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 Ks, 4.50 era, 6:3:3
Lance Hoge IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 1:1:1

Kingsport 3, Burlington 4

Angel Cuan's horrible 2009 season continued in Kingsport tonight, as he gave up 3 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in 4.2 innings, but he didn't suffer the loss, that went to Julio Bello, who gave up a run on a hit and 2 walks in 2+ innings. Cuan has a 6.39 era thru 3 starts, 2 in Brooklyn and one with Kingsport.

The Mets offense was held to just 5 hits and 2 walks on the night, and they went just 2 for 4 with RISP, leaving 4 on base. Alonzo Harris (2 for 4, run, HR (1), 2 RBI (7), 2 Ks, .300), Jeff Flagg (1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, 2 Ks, .342), Pedro Zapata (1 for 3, run, K, .286) and Ryan Mollica (1 for 3, .226) had the hits for the Mets, everyone else took 0-fers.

rf Darrell Ceciliani 0 for 4, K, .105
dh RJ Harrias 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .200
3b Joe Bonfe 0 for 4, K, .325
c Mike Moras 0 for 3, BB, K, .250
lf John Semel 0 for 3, BB, K, .208
Angel Cuan 4.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 3/5 BB/K, HR, 5.79 era, 0:6:5
Travis Babin 1.1 IP, H, BB, K, 7.36 era, 0:3:1
Julio Bello 2+ IP, H, ER, 2/1 BB/K, 3.12 era, L (0-1), 3:2:1
Samuel Taveras 0.1 IP, H, 11.57 era, 1:

GCL

Mets 4, Astros 8

ss Wilfredo Tovar 2 for 4, run, BB, .269
2b Ray Van Gurp 2 for 4, run, BB, .286
cf Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 5, K, .321
dh Neifi Zapata 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, K, .391
3b Marinus Vernooij 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .143
rf Cody Holliday 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .125
1b Giovanni Ortiz 2 for 4, RBI, K, .333
c Amauris Valdez 1 for 4, K, .308
Gabriel Zavala 3 IP, H, R, 1/4 BB/K, 1.80 era, 2:3:4
Jimber Mueses 1.1 IP, 3 H, 6 ER, 3 BBs, 12.46 era, L (0-1), 1:2:0
Santiago Valdez 1.2 IP, H, ER, 5/2 BB/K, 2.70 era, 3:0:2
Bobby Gagg 3 IP, 3 H, K, 0.00 era, 4:4:1

5/9 Minor League Report! BOWMAN, PELLOT, DOYLE, Ratliff!

Buffalo 1, Norfolk 5

Kyle Snyder got tagged with the loss, giving up just an UER over 4 innings (thanks to a Jose Coronado error). Carlos Muniz continues to be very subpar in relief for the Bisons, he's now given up 7 earned runs in his last 3 innings, and has a 7.62 era on the season.

The Bisons offense managed just 6 hits and 1 walk, and were a putrid, pathetic 0 for 13 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. Argenis Reyes (2 for 4, run, 2 2b, .310), Jesus Feliciano (1 for 4, .298), Jason Cooper (1 for 4, 2b, .200) and Robinson Cancel (2 for 3, .275) had the hits, everyone else took 0-fers.

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, K, .203
rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 4, RBI, .288
1b Michel Abreu 0 for 3, BB, K, .200
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 4, .079
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 2, K, .130
Kyle Snyder 4 IP, H, R, 1/6 BB/K, 4.05 era, L (0-3), 69:43:26, 4:2:6
Tim McNab 3 IP, H, 3 Ks, 0.00 era, 35:24:11, 5:1:0
Carlos Muniz IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, HR, 7.62 era, 28:14:14, 0:3:0
Connor Robertson IP, H, 5.25 era, 24:16:8, 0:3:0

Binghamton 4, Trenton 9

Edgar Alfonzo came into a tie game in the 7th, faced 4, retired none, and ultimately was charged with 4 earned and the loss. His season ERA doubled from 4.32 to 8.64, and over his last two outings, totaling just 0.2 innings, he's given up 7 earned runs on 5 hits and a 2 walks, for a very pretty 94.50 era. Jose Sanchez started and had his best outing of the season, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings.

The Mets offense had 13 hits and drew 4 walks, but were a putrid 4 for 15 with RISP, and left a small army (13) on base. Emmanuel Garcia, Shawn Bowman, DJ Wabick and Carl Loadenthal had multi hit games, while Mark Kiger (0 for 3, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, .231) took 0-fers.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 5, run, K, .270
2b Jon Malo 1 for 4, run, BB, .298
c Josh Thole 1 for 5, K, .345
1b Lucas Duda 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .310
3b Shawn Bowman 3 for 5, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, .297
lf DJ Wabick 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, .275
rf Carl Loadenthal 2 for 5, .264
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, .267
Jose Sanchez 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2/3 BB/K, 6.53 era, 9:4:3
Edgar Alfonzo 3 H, 4 ER, BB, 8.64 era, L (1-1)
Julio De La Cruz IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 3.60 era, 2:0:1
Eric Brown IP, 3 H, ER, 4.35 era, 3:0:0

St. Lucie 5, Fort Myers 7

Angel Calero got bombed for 5 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in just 2.1 innings to take the loss for the Mets, he dropped to 1-2. Brant Rustich was more effective in his 4 innings (piggybacking), giving up 2 runs on 7 hits.

To their credit, after falling behind 6-1 after 4, the Mets rallied for 4 runs in the next two innings, but couldn't complete the comeback, falling short. They had 12 hits and drew 1 walk, and were 3 for 7 with RISP, leaving 7 runners on base. Hector Pellot, who is suddenly red hot (11 for his last 21, 6 runs, 2b, 3 HR, 7 RBI), Carlos Guzman and Dock Doyle (in his season and high A debut) all had multi hit games, while Reese Havens (who is ice cold right now, 0 for 4, run, .259; 1 for his last 21) and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .241) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 5, .239
3b Hector Pellot 3 for 5, 2 runs, HR (3), 2 RBI (11), .277
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, RBI, .288
rf Carlos Guzman 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .287
2B Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, RBI, 3 Ks, .205
c Dock Doyle 3 for 3, run, BB
dh Luis Nieves 1 for 4
Angel Calero 2.1 IP, 6 H, 5/3 R/ER, 2/1 BB/K, 2.76 era, L (1-2), WP, 4:2:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, 3.29 era, 2:0:0
Brant Rustich 4 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 Ks, 1.80 era, 3:4:4
Matias Carrillo IP, H, 3.86 era, 0:3:0

Savannah 6, Greenville 2

Jordany Valdespin comes back, Jordany Valdespin has 2 hits. And a double, and a run scored, and an RBI. This kid is unreal. It may just be a hot streak and he fades into obscurity, but this is fun while it lasts. Sean Ratliff and Juan Lagares also had multi hit games for the Gnats, who pounded out 10 hits and drew 4 walks, but were a woeful 4 for 17 with RISP, leaving 8 runners on. Eric Campbell (0 for 3, run, BB, K, .265) and Wilmer Flores took 0-fers.

Jeff Kaplan had another good outing, giving up just 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits over 5 innings for his 3rd win.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, .386
rf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 5, K, .252
cf Sean Ratliff 2 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .350
dh Josh Satin 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .350
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 3, run, BB, 2 Ks, .250
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 4, run, K, .246
ph, c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, 2b, K, .218
lf Juan Lagares 2 for 3, run, 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .269
Jeff Kaplan 5 IP, 6 H, 2/1 R/ER, 1/4 BB/K, 1.13 era, W (3-1), HBP, 4:7:4
Josh Stinson 2 IP, 2 H, 4 Ks, 3.57 era, 1:1:4
Rhiner Cruz 2 IP, 3 Ks, 2.30 era, 2:1:3

April 2009 Hotsheet

1. C Josh Thole L/R 10/28/86 AA Binghamton: .383/.457/.500/.957 (23 for 60, 9 runs, 7 2b, 4 RBI, 8/8 BB/K)

Yep, Thole keeps doing what Thole does, hit for a high average/high OBP, not all that much power (keep in mind it's usually cold in Binghamton in April), and murder LHP (.526/.609/.579/1.188). This year, however, he's hitting very well against RHP (.317/.383/.463/.846), hopefully that continues so he doesn't end up needing a platoon mate. Thole is 10 for his last 22, so he's especially hot as of late.

2. 1B Lucas Duda L/R 2/3/86 AA Binghamton: .292/.470/.396/.866, 14 for 48, 7 runs, 2 2b, HR, 9 RBI, 15/12 BB/K

Duda had a fantastic first month in AA, much the same as he did last year, the key is sustaining it now. Remember, he fell into a 3 month chasm off his great April last year, we don't need any repeats of that this year. Despite his great beginning to 2009, Duda still struggles mightily against LHP, he didn't record a hit against lefties in April, going 0 for 12.

3. SP Angel Calero L/L 9/25/86 A+ St. Lucie: 1-1, 1.23 era, 4 GS, 22 IP, 12 H, 3 ER, HR, 8/20 BB/K, 0.71 GO/FO, .174 BAA, 0.91 WHIP

Calero has been excellent to start off 2009, much as he was to start off 2008. The Mets limit pitch counts early, so he's alternated 5 and 6 inning starts this season, but he has pitched brilliantly. A VERY good sign going forward is that he is holding RHB to a .154 BAA (over 17.1 innings so far, 52 outs).

4. SP/RP Brant Rustich R/R 1/23/85 A+ St. Lucie: 1-0, 1.38 era, 4 G, 13 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 3/18 BB/K, 1.20 GO/FO, .160 BAA, 0.85 WHIP

Rustich hasn't made a start yet this season, but he might be ready to enter the rotation the next time through (considering his last relief outing was 5 innings in a 14 inning game). Rustich, who is healed enough from his injuries last season to be sitting in the 93-96 range, has a very good 12.46 K/9 ratio, and has walked just 3. I still say if the Mets used Rustich as a reliever exclusively, he would be ready by July 1st to be a part of the Mets bullpen, but as I've also said, six of one, half dozen of the other...Rustich is a very good SP prospect, too.

5. SP/RP Nick Carr R/R 4/19/87 A+ St. Lucie: 1-0, 1.69 era, 5 G, 16 IP, 11 H, 6/3 R/ER, 10/17 BB/K, 1.45 GO/FO, .204 BAA, 1.31 WHIP

Carr is coming off a disaster of a 2008 season (2-10, 5.70 era) in St. Lucie, but he's off to a much better start in 2009, though he has yet to start a game. In 5 relief outings (3 of them 4 innings in length), he's struck out 17, though his walk rate (.625/ip, 5.63 per 9) is still much too high. Look for Carr, like Rustich, to join the rotation at some point in May, maybe when Calero and Holt move on to Binghamton (though Holt's sporting a nifty 6+ era).

6. 1B Ike Davis L/L 3/22/87 A+ St. Lucie: .304/.375/.468/.843, 24 for 79, 8 runs, 8 2b, 3b, HR, 6 RBI, 9/20 BB/K

Davis, who started off April very slowly, came on like an out of control freight train in the second half of the month, crushing everything in sight, and becoming a doubles machine. It's very early, but so far, it seems Davis is quieting the doubters (of which I remain one). Assuming a quick May and early June, it wouldn't be shocking to see Davis be pushed to Binghamton (although Lucas Duda does stand in his way).

7. SP Jeurys Familia R/R 10/10/89 A Savannah: 2-1, 1.37 era, 4/3 G/GS, 19.2 IP, 11 H, 5/3 R/ER, 9/14 BB/K, 2.07 GO/FO, .164 BAA, 1.02 WHIP

Familia's come out and performed very well in his age 19 season, getting his first taste of full season ball, setting a good foundation for the remainder of his season.

8. 2B/SS Jordany Valdespin L/R 12/23/87 A Savannah: .385/.406/.615/1.021, 25 for 65, 15 runs, 2 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 3/10 BB/K, 2/3 SBs

Valdespin came pretty much out of nowhere to have the best statistical month of any Met minor leaguer, at least until he was suspended for conduct determental to the team on 4/26. Up to that point, he led the Gnats in RBI, XBH, average, and SLG. Early reports from a couple of eyewitnesses (both posters on NYFS) suggest Valdespin has good hands and is a good defender at 2b. Obviously he can hit (though it's a very very small sample size). We'll see what happens when he comes back off suspension, if he's back at Savannah.

Who's Not

1. SP Jon Niese L/L 10/27/86 AAA Buffalo: 0-2, 8.44 era, 4 GS, 16 IP, 26 H, 19/15 R/ER, HR, 7/17 BB/K, 1.31 GO/AO, .361 BAA, 2.06 WHIP

Niese, after struggling in spring training, has taken it to a whole different level of struggle in Buffalo. Half of his 4 starts, he's failed to complete 4 innings. Not much to say beyond that, as the numbers speak for themselves.

2. 1B/3B/LF/RF Nick Evans R/R 1/30/86 AAA Buffalo (hope you're sitting down): .102/.243/.271/.514 (6 for 59, 5 runs, 2b, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 11/20 BB/K)

Yikes. What's really alarming about those numbers (more alarming...I'm not sure what to say here), he's 1 for 11 against LHP. Keep in mind Mike Carp went through a similiar long slump in Binghamton last season, but he was batting .363 when he did it (37 for 185, .200). Evans, who ripped up the majority of spring training, is unfortunately going through a terrible slump to start the season, hence the absolutely putrid numbers right now. As we saw in the spring, and last season when he massacred the EL, Evans is simply too good of a hitter to be mired like this for long, he will figure it out and bounce back. Keep in mind, though, that even if he hits .300 from here on (135 for 450), his god awful April will depress his overall season line (if he hits .300 from here on, his overall season average would be .277 in 509 ABs).

3. 2B/DH Hector Pellot R/R 2/8/87 A+ St. Lucie: .159/.191/.205/.396, 7 for 44, 2 2b, 4 RBI, 1/13 BB/K, 2 SBs)

Not much to say beyond the numbers. He's still only 22, and in the FSL after hitting a decent .274/.344/.381/.725 in the Sally League at age 20, so there's some talent there, but time (and more importantly, other prospects) are passing him by in both lanes, so this might be a make or break season for Pellot, despite his age.

MPH System Audit III - Part III (Middle Infielders)

Middle Infielders

1. Wilmer Flores 8/6/91 (17.5) R/R (R Kingsport .310/.352/.490/.842, 76 for 245, 36 runs, 12 2b, 4 3b, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 12/28 BB/K, A Savannah 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, A- Brooklyn .267/.290/.300/.590, 8 for 30, 3 runs, 2b, RBI, 1/7 BB/K)

Total 2008 Stats: .307/.347/.468/.815, 86 for 280, 40 runs, 13 2b, 4 3b, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 13/37 BB/K, 2/3 SBs, .132 K rate, .3514 BB/K ratio

Wilmer. Flores. Really what else can you say? He was signed out of Venezuela in 2007 for $750,000, and his first assignment was the rookie level Appy League at the age of 16, 2 years younger then high school seniors. And what did he proceed to do? Absolutely rip the shit out of the league, OPSing over .900 for most of the season before a little slump dropped him down to a still insane .310/.352/.490/.842 line in 245 ABs. During the season, he turned 17. Yes, 17. Wilmer, even on an insanely fast track, is at a minimum of 2.5 seasons away, and more conservatively would be 4 seasons away, but he's already turned many heads with his performance in his rookie season.

Wilmer Flores hit the scene running, and didn't let up for a second, compiling an unreal overall line for a 16/17 year old who played stateside. Flores has a very fluid swing which generates good bat speed and power. Unlike most hitters his age (or really, 3-4 years older), Flores possesses both pull power and a very good opposite field stroke. He did struggle some in the NYPL versus advanced breaking pitches, but considering his age, this is not a concern at all. A major plus for Flores is that despite posting some very very good power numbers, he also hit for a very high average and displayed very good plate discipline. All this bodes well as he prepares for a full season assignment in Savannah.

Flores is an offense first shortstop, but he does have a plus arm and good hands, making him a candidate to be a good defender in time. He needs to work on his range and throwing motion, but as he is still extremely young, there is plenty of time for him to improve defensively. Flores' ceiling is pretty much sky high. At 16/17 years old, he torched a league full of first year draftees, some of them having as much as 6 years experience on him. He should be opening 2009 in Savannah at age 17, and it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to see him in St. Lucie before his 18th birthday. Defensively, Flores profiles in a corner, 3b, 1b, lf or rf. His strong arm would be wasted at 1b, so perhaps the Mets will move him to RF, down the road. Flores should spend 2 additional seasons in the system after 2009, making his projected MLB debut in 2012 at age 20.

2. Reese Havens 10/20/86 (22.25) L/R (South Carolina .359/.486/.645/1.131, 89 for 248, 76 runs, 13 2b, 2 3b, 18 HR, 57 RBI, 58/44 BB/K, A- Brooklyn .247/.340/.471/.811, 21 for 85, 13 runs, 6 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11/27 BB/K, 3/4 SBs)

Total 2008 Stats: .330/.450/.601/1.051, 110 for 333, 89 runs, 19 2b, 4 3b, 21 HR, 68 RBI, 69/71 BB/K, .213 K rate, .9718 BB/K ratio

Havens was drafted by the Mets with their second pick in the first round, 22nd overall, out of South Carolina University. After signing, he was sent to Brooklyn, but struggled with injuries, accumulating 85 ABs off and on. When he was on the field, he mostly Dhed, and showed off good power for a lefty in that enviroment (remember, Keyspan = death for LH hitters).

Havens, who missed portions of the season with various injuries, has surprisingly good power for a middle infielder, with 11 XBH in just 85 ABs for Brooklyn. Havens was a very aggressive swinger while in Brooklyn, but that does not mean he expanded the strike zone. His BB/K ratio was a solid .4074, but his K rate was exceptionally high, at .318. OF course, this could be explained by his season, which was a series of fits and starts.

Havens is definitely an offense first middle infielder, as he doesn't boast blazing speed (3/4 SBs in Brooklyn), and is average at best on defense. Some people have theorized the Mets may move him to catcher, but that was decidely something the Red Sox were thinking, NOT something the Mets are even entertaining. Rather, a move to 2b may be in the offing for Havens. Havens projects to hit between .280 and .310 with 10 to 25 HR power, more then enough for ss or 2b. He should open the 2009 season in St. Lucie with a midyear callup to Binghamton certainly in the cards. Figure 1.5 more seasons in the minors after that, and you're looking at a midyear 2011 callup for Havens.

3. Greg Veloz 6/3/88 (20.67) S/R (A Savannah .286/.339/.402/.742, 130 for 455, 25 2b, 5 3b, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 32/93 BB/K, 28/40 SBs, A+ St. Lucie .234/.298/.247/.544, 18 for 77, 8 runs, 2b, 4 RBI, 7/20 BB/K, 1/3 SBs HWL Honolulu 18 for 87, 10 runs, 2 2b, 7 RBI, 9/27 BB/K, 2/4 SBs, .207/.281/.230/.511)

Total 2008 Stats: .268/.326/.359/.685, 166 for 619, 86 runs, 28 2b, 5 3b, 6 HR, 63 RBI, 31/44 SBs, 48/140 BB/K, .226 K rate, .3429 BB/K ratio

Veloz was signed out of the Dominican Republic and assigned to the DSL Mets. He was one of 2005's top 10 International prospects. In 2006, Veloz hit .262 for the DSL team with an OBP of .366.

Veloz split 2007 between full season Savannah and short season Kingsport, enduring a miserable 230 AB introduction to the US before earning a reprieve in Kingsport, where he showed off his 5 tools.

Veloz opened in Savannah, and as I said, he endured a miserable half season, hitting just .171/.243/.235/.478 (40 for 234, 20 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 23/73 BB/K, 15/19 SBs), a .3151 BB/K ratio, and a very high .312 K rate, along with a 78.94% success rate on SBs. Batting righty (vs LHP), he hit .200/.302/.273/.575 (11 for 55, 2b, HR, 8/21 BB/K), a .3010 BB/K ratio and an absurdly high .382 K rate. Batting lefty (against RHP), Veloz hit .160/.220/.211/.431 (28 for 175, 4 2b, 3b, 14/50 BB/K), a .2800 BB/K ratio and a still high .285 K rate.

After putting up ... extremely inadequate numbers in Savannah, Veloz was moved down to rookie ball, the Appy League. In Kingsport, Veloz performed immensely better, and showed off hints of his 5 tool potential, hitting .271/.344/.450/.793 (70 for 258, 43 runs, 13 2b, 9 3b, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 26/62 BB/K, 18/25 SBs), with a much improved .4194 BB/K ratio a .240 K rate, and a 72% success rate on SBs. Unlike his stint in Savannah, in Kingsport he hit better against RHP. Batting lefty, he hit .279/.356/.469/.825 (50 for 179, 8 2b, 7 3b, 4 HR, 20/45 BB/K), with a .4444 BB/K ratio and a .251 K rate. Versus LHP (batting righty), Veloz hit .243/.309/.405/.714 (18 for 74, 5 2b, 2 3b, HR, 6/17 BB/K), a .3529 BB/K ratio and a .229 K rate.

Overall in 2007, Veloz hit .224/.296/.348/.644 (110 for 492, 63 runs, 20 2b, 10 3b, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 49/135 BB/K, 33/44 SBs), with a .3629 BB/K ratio, a .274 K rate, and a 75% success rate on SBs. He hit roughly equal from both sides of the plate, hitting .225/.306/.349/.655 (29 for 129, 6 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 14/38 BB/K) from the right side and .220/.290/.342/.632 (78 for 354, 12 2b, 8 3b, 5 HR, 34/95 BB/K) from the left side.

Veloz started off the 2008 season right back in Savannah, and got off to a rough start, hitting .214/.274/.306/.580 in April, but from May 1st to his promotion to St. Lucie, he performed very well (most of it done as a 19 year old), hitting .307/.358/.430/.788 (110 for 358, 55 runs, 21 2b, 4 3b, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 17/26 SBs, 26/73 BB/K). Overall, though, he hit .286/.339/.402/.742 (130 for 455, 68 runs, 25 2b, 5 3b, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 32/93 BB/K, 28/40 SBs), with a .3441 BB/K ratio and a vastly improved .204 K rate, along with a 70% success rate on SBs.

Veloz hit just .238/.288/.331/.619 batting righty (31 for 130, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 6/22 BB/K), a .2723 BB/K ratio, with a .169 K rate. The K rate is very encouraging, since with Veloz' speed, if he's making consistent contact on the ground, he can potentially beat those grounders out for hits. Against RHP (batting lefty), Veloz hit well, .312/.366/.437/.803 (102 for 327, 18 2b, 4 3b, 5 HR, 26/70), for a .3714 BB/K, and a .214 K rate.

THE FUTURE: Veloz is in St. Lucie right now, and while there IS a glut of middle infield prospects projected to be ready for the level next year (Veloz, Ruben Tejada, Reese Havens, Juan Lagares, some would say Wilmer Flores (I wouldn't)) - I would expect Veloz to open in St. Lucie as the everyday 2b.

Veloz had a "breakout" 2008 season, comparitively speaking. At the very least, you can say that he showed off the tools which have many prospect fans salivating over his potential. Despite some rather pedestrian numbers on the surface, Veloz flashed an ability to hit for average and hit for power throughout the season. From May 1st to August 10th, Veloz hit .307/.358/.430/.788 with 30 XBH in 358 ABs, and a 26/73 BB/K ratio (.3562), as opposed to his overall season line of .286/.339/.402/.742 (in Savannah), and a BB/K of .3441 (32/93).

Veloz does not project as a .300 hitter, but he has a short stroke which generates good line drive gap power, and he has the speed to turn doubles into triples. Veloz is a switch hitter, but is much more proficient from the left side, hitting 70 points higher. Veloz has good speed and explosiveness, which lead to 29 SBs this season, but he needs to work on his stealing rate, as he was thrown out 14 times (a 67% success rate). There is some question within the organization as to whether he will remain at 2b, or like Sean Henry before him, move to the outfield. While he did significantly cut down his error total in 2008 (19) from 2007 (32), but he still needs to work on his aggresiveness in this area, he often times will let the ball play him.

Despite a semi-breakout season, much of Veloz' game is still projection, which is clouded by uncertainty about his future position. With the logjam of middle infielders projected in St. Lucie, there is a possibility Veloz will either be jumped to Binghamton (a mistake), or begin breaking in an outfielder's glove (which would be a good idea). We'll say he begins in St. Lucie and spends the majority of there, and then spends a year per level, making his MLB debut in 2012.

4. Ruben Tejada 9/1/89 (19.42) R/R (A+ St. Lucie .229/.293/.296/.588, 114 for 497, 55 runs, 19 2b, 4 3b, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 41/77 BB/K, 8/13 SBs, HWL Honolulu 20 for 86, 14 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 10 RBI, 7/14 BB/K, 2/4 SBs, .233/.284/.291/.575)

Total 2008 Stats: .230/.291/.295/.586, 134 for 583, 69 runs, 22 2b, 5 3b, 2 HR, 47 RBI, 10/17 SBs, 48/91 BB/K, .156 K rate, .5275 BB/K ratio,

The Mets signed Tejada out of Panama in the summer of 2006, and he began the 07 season in the Venezuelan Summer League, but performed at such a high level that the Mets secured a visa for him and brought him stateside, assigning him to the rookie level Gulf Coast League, where his power faltered, as did his average and SBs, but his excellent plate discipline continued. Combined over the two levels, Tejada hit .324/.434/.423/.857 in 241 ABs. Considering the Mets aggressive nature in pushing prospects, we forecast Tejada would compete/open in Savannah for the 2008 season.

Well, the Mets outdid themselves with Tejada, idiotically starting him in St. Lucie, where he naturally proceeded to hit very little, just .229/.293/.296/.588 in 497 ABs. Despite being jumped insanely like he was, Tejada had outstanding plate discipline numbers, with a low .155 K rate, and a very good .5324 BB/K ratio, especially considering he was 18 in the FSL after spending 2007 in the VSL/GCL. We fervently hope Tejada repeats the FSL in 2009.

Tejada was severely rushed in 2008, making a 3 level jump from the GCL directly to the FSL, skipping the Appy, NYP and Sally Leagues, and as such, several "flaws" emerged in his game, most of which are completely understandable given his age in respect to his level. He predictably struggled for most of the season, but did put together a very impressive stretch of 77 ABs in June where he hit .403/.452/.519/.972. Overall, he struggled against advanced breaking balls and offspeed pitches in general, often times getting out in front and popping them up. He is a line drive hitter who won't generate much power, but as he learns to hit advanced pitching, should hit for a high average and have a good OBP as a result of his advanced eye at the plate. On the bases, as with his hitting, Tejada is raw but has promise. Consider in 2007 he swiped 18 bases in 24 tries, and this year he swiped just 8 in 13 attempts. Tejada, despite committing 30 errors this season, and 21 the year prior, defense is Tejada's steadiest asset right now. He has good range to both sides, and an average arm which projects to improve as he adds muscle mass.

Tejada is still looked upon as the 2nd best SS prospect in the organization (behind Wilmer, of course) - and his poor showing in the FSL did nothing to diminish his star with those inside (or outside) the organization. Tejada should begin back in St. Lucie for 2009, and then ascend a level per season, making his debut in 2012.

5. Jose Coronado 4/13/86 (22.83) S/R (AA Binghamton .260/.335/.314/.649, 132 for 507, 56 runs, 24 2b, HR, 39 RBI, 57/79 BB/K, 9/12 SBs, VWL Caribes 28 for 91, 10 runs, 4 2b, 2 3b, HR, 7 RBI, 9/18 BB/K, .308/.373/.429/.801)

Total 2008 Stats: .268/.377/.331/.708, 160 for 598, 66 runs, 28 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 46 RBI, 9/12 SBs, 66/97 BB/K, .162 K rate, .6804 BB/K ratio

The New York Mets signed shortstop Jose Coronado as an International free agent out of Venezuela back in August of 2003. He started him Mets career with the VSL team, and batted .242/.351/.363 in 34 games. Jose made his stateside debut in 2005 with the GCL Mets, where in 11 games, he proved he outclassed the league, hitting .404/.429/.468/.897 (19 for 47, 9 runs, 2b, 3b, 4 RBI, 1/9 BB/K, 1/2 SBs). Obviously, in such a small sample size, subsets of said sample size would be equally tiny (14 ABs vs LHP, 33 vs RHP), and offer up no real statistical meaning.

Coronado spent the bulk of the 2005 season with rookie level Kingsport, where he hit .266/.382/.338/.720 (37 for 139, 24 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 8 RBI, 6/10 SBs, 22/27 BB/K), with a very good .8148 BB/K ratio, and an equally good .194 K rate. He hit .324/.432/.432/.864 vs LHP (12 for 37, 2 2b, 3b, 6/7 BB/K), with a .8571 BB/K ratio, and a .189 K rate. Against RHP, he hit .260/.374/.317/.691 (27 for 104, 3 2b, HR, 16/20 BB/K), a BB/K ratio of 0.80, with a K rate of .192.

Coronado ended his 2005 season with an 18 game cameo in Hagerstown, where he struggled mightily, hitting just .225/.295/.282/.577 (16 for 71, 4 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 4 RBI, 7/17 BB/K), with a dramatically lowered BB/K ratio of .4118, and a correspondingly raised K rate of .239. He had just 14 ABs against LHP, and 55 vs RHP, again, very small sample sizes which do not have any statistical value.

Despite his struggles in Hagerstown, the Mets aggresively pushed Coronado to St. Lucie for his age 20 season, where he predictably struggled, hitting just .226/.283/.278/.561 (123 for 544, 61 runs, 20 2b, 4 3b, 37 RBI, 41/119 BB/K), with a very bad (for a non power hitter) .3445 BB/K ratio, and an equally high .218 K rate.

Coronado hit just .208/.282/.291/.573 vs LHP (31 for 148, 8 2b, 2 3b, 14/35 BB/K), with a .4000 BB/K ratio, and a .236 K rate. Against RHP, he hit .233/.283/.275/.558 (93 for 400, 13 2b, 2 3b, 27/86 BB/K), a woeful .3140 BB/K ratio, and a .215 K rate.

Despite this, the Mets saw fit to push Coronado to Binghamton for the 2007 season, where of course, he struggled even more, hitting just .212/.284/.257/.541 (65 for 307, 31 runs, 7 2b, 2 3b, HR, 15 RBI, 31/84 BB/K, 7/10 SBs), with a .3690 BB/K ratio, and a ridiculously high K rate of .274. Coronado hit equally poorly from both sides of the plate, hitting .212/.281/.225/.506 vs LHP (batting righty; 17 for 80, 2b, 8/22 BB/K), with a .3636 BB/K ratio, and a .275 K rate. Against RHP, batting lefty, Coronado hit .217/.288/.261/.549 (49 for 229, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 22/60 BB/K), with a .3667 BB/K ratio and a .265 K rate.

Thankfully, the Mets let Coronado repeat AA in 2008 with much "better", though still severely below average, results. Coronado hit .260/.335/.314/.649 (132 for 507, 56 runs, 24 2b, HR, 39 RBI, 57/79 BB/K, 9/12 SBs), with vastly improved strize zone and plate discipline. His BB/K ratio was .7215, while his K rate plunged to .156 from 2007's rate of .274. Coronado hit a respectable .285/.333/.370/.703 vs LHP (47 for 165, 25 runs, 11 2b, HR, 18 RBI, 12/27 BB/K), with a .4444 BB/K ratio, and a very good .164 K rate. Against RHP, he hit .249/.336/.287/.622 (85 for 342, 31 runs, 13 2b, 21 RBI, 45/52 BB/K, 7/9 SBs), with an excellent .8654 BB/K ratio, and a very good K rate of .152.

THE FUTURE: Coronado is likely ticketted for AAA Buffalo for his age 23 season, right in line age/level wise for a prospect. However, he didn't hit for any power in Binghamton this year (54 IsoP), and that does need to improve somewhat, or else he needs to become a .300 hitter while maintaining his newfound BB/K ratio. Contrary to popular belief, I do not hate the player Luis Castillo was (I hate the player he is now), which is probably Coronado's ceiling.

Coronado made good strides with his offense last season, but he was coming off a very low base. His winterball showing was decidedly positive (.308/.373/.429/.801 in 91 ABs), and sets him up well for his first taste of AAA in 2009. However, despite the offensive gains of 2008, it will be his glove which earns him a shot at the majors, not his bat. He did vastly improve his plate discipline in 2008, resulting in more walks, less Ks, and a much better average. Coronado has very good speed but shies away from using it on the bases, something he needs to do to add to his limited offensive prowess.

Coronado's best trait is his glove, due to his speed, he has excellent range to both sides, and a fantastic arm which enables him to make throws other SS can't dream of. However, this is a double edged sword, as he sometimes tries to make ill advised throws, and can be overtly aggresive defensively. Coronado's lack of offense has all but ended any possibility of him earning a starting job with the Mets, but he could be a valuable defensive replacement type in the future, perhaps here, perhaps elsewhere. It is also possible he could see the majors this season if Luis Castillo falters (as many expect), and the Mets deem Alex Cora incompetent to start everyday at 2b. As mentioned earlier, he will open in Buffalo this season, and conservatively should be in contention for a bench job for the 2010 season.

6. Juan Lagares 3/17/89 (19.92) R/R (A Savannah .254/.285/.337/.622, 46 for 181, 14 runs, 9 2b, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 8/28 BB/K, 3/7 SBs, A- Brooklyn .250/.280/.389/.669, 18 for 72, 8 runs, 7 2b, HR, 7 RBI, 1/10 BB/K, 1/4 SBs)

Total 2008 Stats: .253/.284/.352/.635, 64 for 253, 22 runs, 16 2b, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 9/38 BB/K, 4/11 SBs, .150 K rate, .2368 BB/K ratio

Lagares was signed by the Mets in 2005 and played for the DSL team in 2006, getting into 57 games and hitting .255/.339/.412. For the 2007 season, Lagares opened in the full season Sally League, and struggled mightily, barely managing to stay above the Mendoza line (.210/.262/.317 in 281 ABs). His defense also proved to be very raw, as evidenced by his staggering 40 errors in just 83 games played.

Lagares has spent so little time on a baseball field the past two seasons (just 514 ABs in 2 seasons), that alot of his potential is just that, potential. Despite boasting just a career .230 batting average, he exhbits a line drive stroke which is good enough to generate power from gap to gap. As with most kids from the Latin American market, he is a firm believer in the mantra that "you don't walk your way off the island". Despite the aggresive nature of his game, he's only struck out 102 times in those 514 ABs, a very good .198 K rate, though his walk rate (27) leaves much to be desired. He is tall and thin (6'1/175), so as he fills out, he should lose a step or two on the bases, and compensate with additional power, eventually settling in as a 6 hitter. Lagares' defense is wildly inconsistent, and many people think he will eventually be moved to the outfield, and with the glut of middle infielders for the Savannah/St. Lucie squads this season, that move could happen as early as spring training 2009.

We'll be conservative with our estimate of his time through the system, and say he needs 3 1/2 more seasons before breaking into the majors in mid 2012.

7. Emmanuel Garcia 3/4/86 (22.92) L/R (AA Binghamton) .243/.307/.319/.626, 89 for 367, 51 runs, 12 2b, 2 3b, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 34/83 BB/K, 17/26 SBs, .226 K rate, .4096 BB/K ratio)

Emmanuel Garcia was signed as an undrafted FA in 2004 out of Canada, and made his pro debut the next season in the rookie level Gulf Coast League, where he hit .339/.412/.409/.821 (63 for 186, 43 runs, 7 2b, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 21/36 BB/K, 17/18 SBs). Garcia's BB/K ratio was .5833, while his K rate was .194. Unfortunatley, I do not have his L/R splits from 2005.

In 2006, Garcia spent the bulk of the season with the Kingsport Mets of the rookie Appy League, where he hit .277/.362/.366/.728 (56 for 202, 35 runs, 5 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 27/41 BB/K, 19/25 SBs). Overall, his BB/K ratio was .6585, a good improvement from the GCL, while his K rate decreased slightly to .203. He hit markedly better vs RHP (44 for 144, 5 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 23/26 BB/K, .306/.401/.431/.832) then LHP (12 for 58, 4/15 BB/K, .207/.258/.207/.465). His BB/K was .8846 vs RHP and only .2667 vs LHP, while his K rate was .181 vs RHP and a too high .257 vs LHP. Garcia got a brief 50 AB callup to the Brooklyn Cyclones of the low A NY Penn League, but the sample sizes in the splits are too small to draw any conclusions. He hit .240/.316/.240/.556 in 50 ABs (12 for 50, 5/13 BB/K).

In 2007, Garcia was promoted, as a 21 year old, to the St. Lucie Mets in the high A Florida State League, where he predictably struggled to hit for power or a particularly high average. He hit .257/.336/.300/.636 (130 for 506, 65 runs, 12 2b, 5 3b, 31 RBI, 62/108 BB/K), for a .5741 BB/K ratio, and a .213 K rate. What's extremely impressive about him is, in 2006 between Kingsport (a ROOKIE league) and Brooklyn (short season A ball), he struck out at a .211 rate (virtually no change). So the jump all the way to high A did not result in a higher strikeout rate. Also, this season, his BB/K ratio was 0.5741 (dividing BBs by Ks), while last year, it was 0.5926, so he did not worsen significantly there, either. Again, very impressive jumping 2 leagues the way he did.

His splits in St. Lucie as far as lefty/righty show that he hit marginally better versus LHP. He hit .271/.342/.321/.663 vs LHP, with 7 2b in 140 ABs, and a 15/31 BB/K ratio (0.4839), while hitting .251/.334/.292/.626 vs RHP, with 5 2b and 5 3b in 366 ABs, and a 47/77 BB/K ratio (0.6104). However, from June 1st to August 31st, he hit .285/.361/.342/.703. As you can see, the only thing "holding him back" is a decided lack of power. He did not hit 1 homer in 488 ABs at St. Lucie.While I do not have his splits during his hot streak, you can probably add 20-30 points to each category and be fairly safe, as a guesstimate.

THE FUTURE: Garcia, knowing the Mets, will be in Binghamton next season. However, I would give him 6 weeks in St. Lucie, let him really tear it apart, then promote him. It wouldn't hurt his plate discipline, either, to slow down his trek through the system. Garcia's ceiling is probably comparable to a Luis Castillo type, someone who won't hit for a whole lot (if any) power, but should hit alot of doubles (which would've been singles) and triples (which should've been doubles), and steal you quite a few bases.

UPDATE 2008: Garcia has spent the entire season in Binghamton (at least the non Olympic portion of it), and as we again predicted, he struggled mightily the first half of the season. Through the first two months of the season, he hit a miserable .217/.312/.251/.564 (39 for 179, 30 runs, 4 2b, 3b, 15 RBI, 9/13 SBs, 24/47 BB/K). His BB/K ratio is .5106, while his K rate had ballooned to .263.

However, after that 2 month adjustment period, Garcia's turned it on. From June 1st to July 27th (the day he left to join Team Canada), Garcia's hit .285/.322/.424/.746 (45 for 158, 18 runs, 8 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 8/13 SBs, 9/27 BB/K). His BB/K ratio deflated to .3333, but his K rate also dropped markedly, to .171, the lowest of his career. However, the additional power has come at the expense of his plate discipline, as in the first 2 months, his IsoD was 95, and in the time since, his IsoD is 37. It is unknown if he will resume playing in the minor leagues once he returns from Bejing.

As in past seasons, Garcia's L/R splits are skewed to RHP, but this season is it a much closer differential. Garcia is hitting .238/.304/.337/.640 (24 for 101, 14 runs, 3 2b, 2 3b, HR, 11 RBI, 8/24 BB/K, 5/5 SBs) vs LHP, with a .3333 BB/K ratio and .238 K rate. Versus RHP, Garcia's hitting .254/.322/.331/.652 (60 for 236, 34 runs, 9 2b, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 25/50 BB/K, 12/21 SBs), with a .5000 BB/K ratio and .212 K rate.

Overall, Garcia is batting .249/.316/.332/.649 (84 for 337, 48 runs, 12 2b, 2 3b, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 33/74 BB/K, 17/26 SBs), with a .4459 BB/K ratio (the lowest of his career), and a .220 K rate (conversely, the highest of his career). However, as you've seen, much as he did last season, he is turning his season around in the 2nd half.

Garcia's gotten 1106 ABs in his minor league career, with a career .259/.334/.322/.656 line (286 for 1106, 31 2b, 9 3b, 7 HR, 127/239 BB/K), he's hit .237/.306/.291/.597 (76 for 320, 10 2b, 2 3b, HR, 29/76 BB/K) vs LHP, and .267/.346/.335/.681 (210 for 786, 21 2b, 7 3b, 6 HR, 98/163 BB/K) vs RHP.

THE NEW FUTURE: Here's hoping the Mets will allow him to open the 2009 season in Binghamton before pushing him to AAA (whereever it is). With so many high ceiling middle infielders now pushing through the system, Garcia's margin for error is slim to none. He *should* begin back in Binghamton, but knowing the Mets, he'll be in Syracuse (or whereever AAA ends up at).

8. Alonzo Harris 1/16/89 (20.04) R/R (R GCL .308/.379/.510/.889, 32 for 104, 23 runs, 6 2b, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 9/23 BB/K, 7/9 SBs, .222 K rate, .3913 BB/K ratio)

Harris was drafted in the 39th round of the 2007 draft, where as a senior he hit As a senior at McComb High this season, Harris batted .540 with a 1.081 SLG (25 singles, 11 home runs, 11 doubles, and 3 triples), along with 45 RBI, 30 SBs and 60 runs. Harris signed too late to play in the 2007 season, so the 08 season was his rookie year, and he had one of the best (non IFA) rookie campaigns in the system, hitting .308/.379/.510/.889 in 104 ABs in the GCL.

9. Miguel Tejada 11/11/90 (18.21) R/R (R GCL .220/.275/.250/.525, 22 for 100, 8 runs, 3 2b, 7 RBI, 6/37 BB/K, 2/3 SBs, .370 K rate, .1622 BB/K ratio)

Tejada was one of several International Free Agent signings by the Mets in the 2007 period, but he doesn't have nearly the hype of the Big Three. He debuted stateside in 2008 and struggled, OPSing .525 in the GCL.

10. Hector Pellot 2/8/87 (22) R/R (A+ St. Lucie .165/.250/.188/.438, 14 for 85, 11 runs, 2 2b, 4 RBI, 8/23 BB/K, 1/4 SBs, .271 K rate, .3478 BB/K ratio)

The Mets drafted Pellot in the 4th round of the 2005 draft out of Puerto Rico. In 2006, Pellot played for Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League, and put together a complete disaster, batting .189/.292/.259/.551. A repeat of the level in 2007, this time in Savannah, produced sharply better results, a .274/.344/.381/.725 line. The strikeouts remain an issue for Pellot, as does the lack of any appreciable power. Pellot should open the 2008 season in St. Lucie, where he ended the 07 season.

Pellot did open in St. Lucie, but he lasted just a month, 85 ABs, before missing the vast majority of the season with a hip injury, he last appeared in a game on May 2nd.