MPH System Audit IV: Part V: Starting Pitchers

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STARTING PITCHERS
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1. RHSP Jenrry Mejia R/R 10/11/89 (A+ St. Lucie 4-1, 1.97 era, 9 GS, 50.1 IP, 41 H, 18/11 R/ER, 16/44 BB/K, 2.21 GOFO, .217 BAA, AA Binghamton 0-5, 4.47 era, 10 GS, 44.1 IP, 44 H, 28/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 23/47 BB/K, 2.95 GOFO, .263 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-3, 12.56 era, 6 GS, 14.1 IP, 25 H, 21/20 R/ER, 13/16 BB/K, 3.50 GOFO, .362 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-9, 4.38 era, 25 GS, 109 IP, 110 H, 67/53 R/ER, 2 HR, 52/107 BB/K, 2.681 GOFO, .255 BAA, 1.486 WHIP, 4.29 BB/9, 8.84 K/9

Mejia was signed in the 2007 IFA signing period for $16,500, and played that season for the DSL Mets. He was brought stateside in 2008, first appearing in the GCL, then Brooklyn as an 18 year old. The Mets then sent Mejia to St. Lucie for the 2009 season, where he was flat unhittable, then Binghamton, where he proved to be human. Mejia ended his season in Arizona pitching for Surprise.

Mejia leaped onto the prospect scene this year, annihilating the FSL to the tune of a 1.97 in 50 innings, before moving on to the Eastern League, where he struggled some. He struggled with command after returning from a finger injury suffered in late June. Prior to the injury, in 4 starts, he was 0-3 with a 3.82 era, and walked only 9 in 21.2 innings (3.82 per 9), along with 24 Ks. After the finger injury, in 6 starts, he was 0-2 with a 5.16 era, along with 14 walks in 22.2 innings (5.56 per 9), and 23 strikeouts.

Mejia possesses one of the best raw fastballs in the system, sitting comfortably 93-95, and at times touching 96-98. He can cut or sink the fastball, giving him basically 2 different pitches. He also at times has slider-esque action on his fastball, prompting hitters to actually mistake it for a slider. Mejia also throws an actual slider/changeup in the mid 80s (84-87) with great late break on it, this pitch is yet another plus pitch for Mejia. He rounds out his arsenal with a curveball which at times flashes plus, this pitch is in the 75-79 range. With his arsenal, if the Mets resist Jerry Manuel's retarded ideas, Mejia should grow into a #1/#2 starter in the majors.

THE FUTURE: Again, if the retard managing the Mets doesn't get his way (we all hope he doesn't, since he is, in fact, a retard), Mejia should open 2010 in Binghamton, before ending in Buffalo. That should put him on track to claiming a rotation spot in 2011. If, however, the moron gets his way, Mejia likely will only pitch 75-80 innings this season, and will not be able to exceed 125 the next, so his timetable would be delayed by a season. :( :( :( :( :(

2. LHSP Jon Niese L/L 10/27/86 (AAA Buffalo 5-6, 3.82 era, 16 GS, 2 CGSO, 94.1 IP, 95 H, 47/40 R/ER, 7 HR, 26/82 BB/K, 1.81 GOFO, .258 BAA, MLB New York 1-1, 4.21 era, 5 GS, 25.2 IP, 27 H, 12 ER, HR, 9/18 BB/K, 1.38 GOFO, .276 BAA

Total 2009 Stats: 6-7, 3.90 era, 21 GS, 120 IP, 122 H, 59/52 R/ER, 35/100 BB/K, 1.718 GOFO, .262 BAA, 1.308 WHIP

Niese was drafted in the 7th rouud of the 2005 draft, and has since made a steady trek through the system. After being pressed into emergency service in 2008, Niese opened 2009 in Buffalo, and got off to a dreadful start, with a 7.44 era through his first 9 starts, including a pair in New York. However, Niese was working on incorporating a new pitch into his arsenal, partially explaining the horrible numbers, and his BABIP was somewhere in the .400s. In June, he put up a 2.43, and followed that up with a 0.41 in 3 Buffalo starts in July, then a 3.38 in New York (1.53 overall). Unfortunately, Niese succumbed to the rash of injuries that crippled the Mets in 2009, suffering a horrible looking complete tear of his hamstring in August.

Niese features a 4 seam fastball that sits 88-92, and can hit 94 at times, and he recently (over the last season), incorporated a cutter which is in the mid 80s to give him a moving fastball (his 4 seamer is lacking in that department). Niese, of course, is best known for his over the top 12-6 curveball, a true plus pitch that he uses to register strikeouts. He has two types of curveballs, a harder one and a loopier one. He also throws a changup in the 76-79 range, but this is clearly his 3rd best pitch.

THE FUTURE: Niese is coming off a horrific injury, but he should either open 2010 in Buffalo or New York. Either way, this will be Niese's last season as a prospect.

3. RHSP Kyle Allen R/R 2/12/90 (A Savannah 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 GOFO, .234 BAA)

The Mets stole Kyle Allen in the 24th round of the 2008 draft, and after signing, he was assigned to the GCL, then played all of 2009 with Savannah as a 19 year old. After pitching awfully in April (7.47 era in 15.2 innings), Allen rocketted up the charts the rest of the season, pitching to a 2.87 era over the other 109.2 innings of his season, with a 1.222 WHIP and 7.715 K/9.

Allen features a fastball which sits 91-93, and at times can touch 94-96. He generates good sink on the ball, leading to a high number of groundouts, and also gets a high number of strikeouts, a very good combination for a starter. Allen also has a plus changeup which he throws in the 83-85 range, but he's working on taking even more off the pitch. Allen rounds his arsenal with a 84-87 slider which is clearly his third pitch, but he's making significant strides with it.

THE FUTURE: Allen should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him end it in Binghamton, and then go to Arizona. He should be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

4. RHSP Brad Holt R/R 10/13/86 (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 GOFO, .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 GOFO, .270 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-7, 4.88 era, 20 GS, 101.1 IP, 92 H, 58/55 R/ER, 14 HR, 36/99 BB/K, 0.84 GOFO, .247 BAA

Holt was drafted in the 1st round (33rd overall) of the very impressive 2008 draft by the Mets, and he utterly dominated the NYPL that season. He started off the 2009 season in the FSL, where he was good, posting a 3.12 era in 43.1 innings. Holt had a very good first start in Binghamton, then twisted his ankle walking down the dugout steps and was never the same after recovering.

Holt features a fastball which can reach as high as 97 MPH, comfortably sitting 91-95. Holt also features a mid 80s hard curveball which can flash plus at times, but he's inconsistent with this pitch. When he's right, this pitch is a strikeout generator with overhand break. Holt's third pitch is his changeup, which is in the 82-84 range.

THE FUTURE: Holt will open 2010 in Binghamton, and performance should dictate when/if he's moved up to Buffalo. A late season cameo ouf of the Mets bullpen cannot be discounted, but Holt's arrival as a starter is probably in mid 2011, at the earliest.

5. RHSP Jeurys Familia R/R 10/10/89 (A Savannah 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 GOFO, .221 BAA)

Familia was signed as an IFA during the 2007 season for $100,000, and he spent the next season in the GCL, before being assigned to full season Savannah in 2009.

Familia never faltered in the SAL, outside of a start or two where he was decimated (5/31, 4 ip, 13 h, 6 er and 7/9, 4.2 ip, 9 h, 6 er), he was flat out dominant. He didn't post an ERA over 4 in any month, and had two months of sub 2 ERAs (April 1.37, and August 1.71).

Familia features a fastball that sits 91-93, and can touch the mid 90s. His second pitch is a 78-82 slider which he gained confidence in throughout the season. His third and final pitch is a changeup which is still a work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Familia should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but there's a very good chance, like with Kyle Allen, he finishes the season in Binghamton, and then perhaps Arizona. The same ETA holds true for both, Familia could be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

6. LHSP Robert Carson 1/23/89 L/L (A Savannah 8-10, 3.21 era, 25 GS, 2 CG, SO, 131.2 IP, 139 H, 68/47 R/ER, 4 HR, 45/90 BB/K, 1.68 GOFO, .270 BAA)

The Mets drafted Carson in the 14th round of the 2007 draft, and after signing, he pitched in the GCL. He pitched across 2 levels in 2008, the GCL and Kingsport, before spending all of 2009 in Savannah, where he had a stellar season. More then anyone else on the Gnats staff, Carson was victimized by Jefry Marte's 300 error season, leading to 21 UER against him.

Carson is a groundball pitcher who doesn't look to get many Ks, he stays within himself and doesn't try to overthrow. Carson sits 89-91 with his fastball, but there was a report late in the season of him touching 94-95, which, if true, would be extremely encouraging news. Carson also features a 82-85 slider which is a very good pitch, though not plus, yet. This pitch is his out pitch, he buries it in on righties and away from lefties to get weak contact, or strikeouts. His third pitch is a changeup which is 77-80 mph, he needs to further refine this pitch if he's going to remain a starter, which he began to do during the 2nd half of 2009.

THE FUTURE: Carson will start 2010 in St. Lucie, and unlike the higher ceiling Allen and Familia, he should spend the whole season there. He will ascend a level per season, cracking the big league roster sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

7. Eric Niesen A+/AA LHSP Eric Niesen L/L 9/4/85 (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 GOFO, .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 GOFO, .246 BAA, AFL Surprise 0-0, 24.55 era, 4 G, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 10 ER, 2 HR, 3/2 BB/K, 0.14 GOFO, .444 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-11, 4.61 era, 31/27 G/GS, 144.1 IP, 135 H, 81/74 R/ER, 60/136 BB/K, 0.817 GOFO, .247 BAA, 1.351 WHIP, 3.74 BB/9, 8.48 K/9

The Mets drafted Niesen as a reliever out of Wake Forest with their 3rd round pick in 2007, and began the process of converting him to a starter that season. He was not effective starting for St. Lucie in 2008 (6-12, 4.64), but turned that around in 2009, making it to Binghamton.

Niesen began the season in St. Lucie where he pitched very well, with a 3.28 era in 57 innings. He was bumped up to Binghamton, where his K rate went up, but along with that, so did his walk rate. After allowing a .286 BAA in 2008, Niesen kept that to .237 in the FSL, and .246 in the EL in 2009. Niesen got off to a very slow start in Binghamton, going 1-6 with a 6.95 in his first 9 starts, but then turned it around big time, going 3-2 with a 2.53 in his final 8 starts, with a 17/45 BB/K in 46.1 innings.

Niesen is armed with a good low 90s two seam fastball, he also uses a 4 seamer at times, which cuts in on righties. Niesen's secondary pitches include an average slider in the mid 70s which he uses to register strikeouts, against both lefties and righties. He also has a developing/improving changeup which is around 78-82 MPH.

THE FUTURE: Niesen will be opening 2010 in Binghamton, and likely will finish it in Buffalo, but there exists an outside shot of him at some point showing up in the Mets bullpen as a crossover reliever. If that doesn't happen in 2010, it definitely will in 2011.

8. A+ RHSP Scott Moviel R/R 5/7/88 (GCL (rehab) 0-0, 1.00 era, 2 GS, 9 IP, 10 H, 2/1 R/ER, 10 Ks, 1.83 GOFO, .270 BAA, A+ St. Lucie 4-5, 3.92 era, 13 GS, 64.1 IP, 61 H, 37/28 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 0.99 GOFO, .250 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-0, 2.45 era, 8 G, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 7/4 R/ER, 8/9 BB/K, 1.20 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-5, 3.38 era, 23/15 G/GS, 88 IP, 85 H, 46/33 R/ER, 32/65 BB/K, 1.111 GOFO, .252 BAA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.27 BB/9, 6.64 K/9

The Mets drafted Moviel in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft, and he's made a slow ascent through the system, slow due to the fact he twice tore his knee meniscus last year. He spent the majority of 2008 in Savannah and pitched decently, with a 4.43 era over 120 innings.

Moviel spent the first half of the season rehabbing, then the second half in St. Lucie. After a handful of starts middling around, Moviel came on strong over his last 7 starts, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.65 era, and gathering 35 Ks in 37.1 innings, while allowing 31 hits and walking 15.

Moviel sits 90-92 on his fastball, touching 93-94, but he prefers to keep it in the low 90s. His height enables him to get downward run on his fastball, generating groundballs. Moviel began throwing a low to mid 80s slider after returning from his knee injury, and it's rapidly becoming his goto pitch. He also throws a changeup (73-76), and curveball (77-80), two pitches he had prior to 2009.

THE FUTURE: Moviel will begin 2010 back in St. Lucie, but should end it in Binghamton, putting him on track for a late 2011, or more likely 2012, callup to the majors.

9. LHSP Juan Urbina

The Mets signed Urbina as an IFA during the summer of 2009. Reportedly, Urbina sits in the upper 80s to low 90s with his fastball, but observers note he really sits 84-86. Either way, he's still 16 years old, and there's plenty of time for more velocity to come. He also flashes an above average curveball. And remember, he's just 16 years old, there is a TON of time for him to develop.

THE FUTURE: Urbina should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

10. LHSP Steven Matz

The Mets drafted Matz with their first pick in the 2009 draft, 2nd round overall.

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

Matz offers plenty of projection as well as good present stuff. For most of the spring, he sat in the 89-91 mph range, but he routinely ran his fastball up to 93-94, and the pitch has some glove-side life. Scouts particularly like the way he attacks hitters inside with his heater. He also shows a solid-average changeup with good deception that sometimes rates as plus. He began throwing a slider midway through the season, but most scouts prefer his 73-75 mph three-quarters curveball, which flashes average to plus but more often rates as a below-average offering at this stage. Matz has a big, projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds.

THE FUTURE: Matz should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

11. RHSP Dillon Gee R/R 4/28/86 (AAA Buffalo 1-3, 4.10 era, 9 GS, CG, 48.1 IP, 47 H, 22 ER, 5 HR, 16/42 BB/K, 0.77 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Gee with their 21st round pick in 2007, and he's enjoyed a meteroic rise through the farm system, and definitely would've been in line for starts in 2009 if he, too, hadn't gotten injured. Gee spent the majority of 2008 with the St. Lucie Mets, before making a 4 start cameo in Binghamton, and then 10 more starts in Puerto Rico, where he won Pitcher of the Year honors (2.22 era in 48.1 innings). However, 48.1 innings into his AAA career, Gee suffered a torn labrum, derailing his season.

Gee features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, with his 4 seamer reaching into the mid 90s, sitting comfortably in the low 90s. His 2 seamer has good down action, sitting between 89-91. He relies most heavily on his changeup when it comes to offspeed offerings. He added a curveball to his repertoire last season (2008), turning it into the more effective of his 2 breaking pitches. He throws the pitch 76-80. Finally, he also has a slider he relies on a good amount, it's harder then his curve, with 12-6 break on it.

THE FUTURE: Gee, when he's pronounced fit to play, will open back in Buffalo, and injuries/ineffectiveness by any SP in New York should see him as one of the first arms called up. Gee also has the advantage of needing to be placed on the 40 man roster after the season, to protect him from the Rule V.

12. LHSP Zach Dotson

The Mets took Dotson with their 13th round pick in the 2009 draft, and much to the shock of everyone who follows their drafts, signed him for significantly overslot (500k).

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

"Scouts had seen steady improvement from Georgia signee Zach Dotson, who sat from 87-88 mph with his fastball and touches 91. Both his curveball and changeup have flashed potential. Dotson tightened up his body thanks to a distance running program that helped him lose 25 pounds. He didn't show the same velocity this spring that he showed last summer, but he has athletic ability and has three average pitches, so he stands out among the state's pitching prospects."

THE FUTURE: Much like Urbina and Matz, Dotson should open in the GCL, then perhaps take a trip to Tennessee (Kingsport), before spending 4 years in the minors, putting him in line for a 2014-2015 callup.

13. RHSP Eric Beaulac R/R 11/13/86 (A Savannah 7-7, 2.95 era, 26/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 116 IP, 110 H, 53/38 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/133 BB/K, 1.25 GOFO, .250 BAA)

The Mets drafted Beaulac in the 9th round of the 2008 draft, and he spent time with 3 teams that season, Brooklyn, Kingsport and Savannah, getting the bulk of his time in the Sally League.

Beaulac made the transition to starter this season, getting 19 starts and 7 relief outings. As a starter, Beaulac had a 3.42 era, while as a reliever, it was 1.13. Many believe Beaulac's ultimate destination will be as a power reliever, but for now, the Mets are content to let him start.

Beaulac features a good fastball which ranges anywhere from 87 to 95 MPH, depending on if he's sitting 88-91, or 91-93. He also features a slider, which is his primary secondary offering, sitting in the low 80s, he uses this pitch to get strikeouts. His slider is very close to beign a plus pitch for him. He also features a changeup he throws between 78-81, but this is clearly his third pitch, it's a definite work in progress.

14. RHSP Elvin Ramirez R/R 10/10/87 (A Savannah 3-7, 4.09 era, 15 GS, 72.2 IP, 73 H, 40/33 R/ER, 2 HR, 39/48 BB/K, 1.16 GOFO, .261 BAA)

Ramirez was signed during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his pro debut in 2006 with the DSL Mets, posting a 0-1, 2.63 line in 11 games, 6 starts, spanning 27.1 innings. He was jumped to Kingsport for the 2007 season, where he struggled, posting a 1-4, 5.52 line in 12 starts over 45.2 innings. He's spent the past two seasons in Savannah, suffering injuries halfway through both.

Ramirez features one of the best sinkers in the organization, a devastating mid 90s sinker with sharp down break and great side to side movement. Much like Bobby Parnell, he's cleaned up his mechanics and can maintain velocity deep into games now. He can dial a 4 seamer up into the 95-97 range, but very rarely uses this pitch. Ramirez also owns a very good slider, which he throws in the mid 80s, again with a sharp down break. he tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which he is inconsistent with.

THE FUTURE: Ramirez will be moving up to St. Lucie for 2010, and is expected to be part of one of the best bullpens in the FSL. In a pen role, he should move quickly, and could end in Buffalo, but we'll be conservative and say Binghamton. That should put him in position to crack the majors in late 2011 or early 2012.

15. LHSP Angel Calero L/L 9/25/86 (A+ St. Lucie 3-11, 4.61 era, 22 GS, CG, 107.1 IP, 119 H, 68/55 R/ER, 10 HR, 46/93 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .283 BAA, VWL Magallanes 3-1, 7.04 era, 18 G, 15.1 IP, 17 H, 12 ER, 3 HR, 10/18 BB/K, 1.00 GOFO, .293 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 6-12, 4.92 era, 40/22 G/GS, 122.2 IP, 136 H, 80/67 R/ER, 56/111 BB/K, .834 GOFO, .284 BAA, 1.565 WHIP

16. RHSP Scott Shaw R/R 8/3/86 (A+ St. Lucie 8-8, 3.73 era, 26 GS, CG, 149.2 IP, 140 H, 69/62 R/ER, 13 HR, 57/118 BB/K, 0.82 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Shaw in the 13th round of the 2008 draft, and sent him to Brooklyn where he performed very well (2.80 in 74 innings). He was jumped to St. Lucie for the 2009 season and performed well, posting a 3.73 era in 149.2 innings. Nothing about Shaw really jumps out at you, he's an average righty with average stuff, and profiles as a backend of the rotation starter.

Shaw features 4 pitches, a fastball in the low 90s, which can sometimes dip to 87-88, and two breaking pitches, a slider (which he relies on more) which he throws in the upper 70s (77-80), and a curveball which sits 74-76. He rounds out his arsenal with a very good changeup which sits 77-80, the same as his slider.

THE FUTURE: Shaw will open 2010 with Binghamton, and should spend all year there, before moving to Buffalo for 2011. He should be in line for a spot somewhere, in 2012.

17. LHSP Jim Fuller L/L 6/1/87 (A- Brooklyn 3-6, 2.86 era, 12/11 G/GS, CG, 63 IP, 58 H, 24/20 R/ER, 4 HR, 15/67 BB/K, 2.08 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Fuller was drafted in the 21st round, 644th overall, out of the sister college of my alum, Southern Connecticut State. After he was signed, he was sent to Brooklyn where he posted a 1.00 era in 18 innings, his season was bisected by a shoulder strain.

Fuller spent a second season in Brooklyn where he pitched very well, despire a 3-6 record. He's got average velocity from the left side, upper 80s to low 90s, and features a good changeup.

THE FUTURE: Fuller will be pitching for Savannah in 2010, which is curious. The Mets are being very conservative with him, despite results in Brooklyn. Still, we'll say he forces his way up to St. Lucie at some point this season, then opens 2011 in Binghamton, setting him up to crack the Mets as a reliever sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

18. RHSP Eduardo Aldama R/R 12/23/89 (R Kingsport 5-1, 3.79 era, 12 GS, 61.2 IP, 59 H, 31/26 R/ER, 4 HR, 23/57 BB/K, 1.39 GOFO, .253 BAA, A Savannah 0-1, 21 era, GS, 3 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, HR, 2/3 BB/K, 0.50 GOFO, .500 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 4.59 era, 13 GS, 64.2 IP, 68 H, 38/33 R/ER, 5 HR, 25/60 BB/K, 1.33 GOFO, .271 BAA

Aldama was signed by the Mets during the 2006 IFA signing period, and after toiling in the low rookie leagues for the last 3 seasons, he made it up to Savannah in 2009. He spent the vast majority of the season with Kingsport, pitching very well on what was otherwise a pitching staff to forget. Aldama made 12 starts and compiled a 3.79 era and 5 wins, and earned a final start in Savannah (which went awfully). Still, he is one of the handful of very intriguing pitchers who will toe the rubber for the Gnats in 2010.

Aldama features 3 pitches, an average 90-92 MPH fastball that he has good command of, a very good changeup in the in the low 80s which is his goto offspeed offering, and then a 74-76 curveball which he began throwing in earnest this season, for now, this is a total work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Aldama will open 2010 in Savannah and likely move a level per season after that, and be in a position to make the major league team sometime in 2013 or, more likely, 2014.

19. RHSP Armando Rodriguez R/R 1/28/88 (R Kingsport 3-1, 2.96 era, 9 GS, 45.2 IP, 39 H, 20/15 R/ER, 2 HR, 20/36 BB/K, 0.58 GOFO, .227 BAA, A Savannah 2-1, 2.16 era, 3 GS, CG, 16.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 9/24 BB/K, 0.44 GOFO, .094 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 2.74 era, 12 GS, CG, 62.1 IP, 44 H, 24/19 R/ER, 2 HR, 29/60 BB/K, 0.55 GOFO, .196 BAA

Rodriguez was totally unknown to most prospect enthuaists until a breakout season in 2009, including a dominant 3 start stretch with Savannah. Rodriguez was also an unheralded signing in the 2006 IFA class which featured Francisco Pena and Ruben Tejada. Rodriguez spent the 08 season in the DSL, before coming stateside in 2009 and lighting up the Appy League and then the Sally League.

Rodriguez features a really good mid to upper 90s fastball, which sits comfortably 92-94, and touches 97-98. Rodriguez also has a good slider in the 83-87 range that is a rapidly improving pitch for him. He rounds out his arsenal with a 81-84 changeup that is lagging behind his slider, though it, too, is becoming a better pitch with time.

THE FUTURE: Rodriguez will begin 2010 in Savannah, but it wouldn't be surprising, at age 22, to see him end in St. Lucie, and then open 2011 with Binghamton. That would put him on track to make his MLB debut in either late 2012 (as a reliever) or 2013 (in a starting capacity).

20. LHSP Jhonathan Torres L/L 3/20/90 (R GCL 4-0, 0.82 era, 4/3 G/GS, 22 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5/22 BB/K, 1.26 GOFO, .085 BAA, R Kingsport 2-4, 4.87 era, 9 GS, 40.2 IP, 51 H, 35/22 R/ER, 7 HR, 17/33 BB/K, 1.32 GOFO, .309 BAA)

FINAL 2009 Prospect Rankings (Tejesh)

The numbers in paraenthesis are the genesis of the 2009 season, from my preseason 09 list (2/7/09), to the list prior to this one (8/18/09). See who gained/lost in my eyes. This will be my final 2009 ranking.

The lists were as follows: 2/7 (top 30), 5/17 (top 20), 6/6 (top 30), 8/18 (top 60), 1/8 (this one, written on 11/8 - top 20)

1. OF Fernando Martinez (1): Made his MLB debut, showed off some of the tools which have been talked about many times in scouting reports, plus some which weren't expected (good speed, good defense in CF). Was injured in a freak slip&fall in Milwaukee, posted a really good line in AAA. Should open 2010 back in Buffalo

2. RHSP Jenrry Mejia (9,4,4,2): Blew through St. Lucie, had mixed results in AA, and a poor line in the AFL (but his K/9 and GOFO was off the charts good in Zona). Should open 2010 back in Binghamton

3. SS Wilmer Flores (2,2,2,3): After posting a composite .307/.347/.468/.815 line over 280 ABs last year, some were expecting big things out of the 17/18 year old this season, but they didn't materialize, as he hit just .264/.305/.332/.637 over 488 ABs. He probably should repeat Savannah at age 18/19, but chances are he opens 2010 in St. Lucie

4. 1B Ike Davis (15,11,14,5): Davis shut me up something fierce this season, I'd made it very well known I did not like him one bit, but a composite .298/.381/.524/.906 line with 20 HR and 31 2b between St. Lucie and Binghamton vault him into the top 5 of Met prospects. He should open 2010 in Buffalo, after hitting .341/.394/.565/.958 in Arizona.

5. RHSP Brad Holt (5,5,5,4): Holt apparently is in the doghouse for skipping Instructs, but outside of the off the field stuff, his on the field performance left much to be desired. While he did post a 3.12 in St. Lucie, he struggled mightily in AA, with a 6.21 era, and just 45 Ks in 58 innings, after posting 54 Ks in 43.1 St. Lucie innings. His secondary pitches need improvement if he is to remain a starter. He should open 2010 back in Binghamton.

6. RHSP Kyle Allen (20,14,30,10): Allen isn't well known, but I predict that by this time next year, he will be, so while ranking him 6th is a reach right now, I like being ahead of the curve. Allen features a fastball in the 92-95 range, with a good low to mid 80s changeup, and a mid 80s slider. He posted a 3.45 in Savannah, but if you subtract out his April (7.47), his ERA plummets to 2.87 over 109.2 innings. He should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but there exists a good possibility he ends the year in Binghamton, then visits Arizona.

7. SS Reese Havens (7,6,6,7) Havens had a fine season in 2009, with a 247/361/422/784 line, supressed by a very low BABIP, in the pitcher friendly FSL. Havens began making the transition to 2b in Arizona, where he hit 368/478/658/1136 in 38 ABs, and should either be outright playing 2b in 2010, or flip-flopping there with Ruben Tejada (who shouldn't be in Buffalo).

8. OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (UNR,UNR,17,11) Nieuwenhuis, until early July, was a disappointment, but from July 8th to September 2nd, he totally exploded, hitting .340/.411/.602/1.013 in 206 ABs, and earning a promotion to Binghamton, where he should spend most (if not all) of 2010 as a 22 year old. Nieuwenhuis is a 5 tool prospect, though you don't hear much about him, you will. During his torrid streak, his BB/K was a solid 24/48, even though his overall BB/K was nothing special.

9. LHSP Jon Niese (3,8,8,8) Niese posted a sub 1 era in Buffalo over a 8 start span, got promoted, was pitching well, them succumbed to the black death which afflicted so many other Mets in 2009. Featuring a refined arsenal, including a cutter, Niese looked poised to grab a permanent rotation spot and run with it, but it was not to be. He comes into 2010 (if 100% healthy) as the favorite for the 5th SP job.

10. C Josh Thole (8,7,7,6) Thole is as Thole does. A+, AA, MLB, VWL, it doesn't matter. Thole hits. The only question about him is defense, and he threw out ~30% of basestealers in AA this year, though at last check, he was 1 for 19 in the VWL. Thole, solely based on his defense, should open 2010 in Buffalo. It will be a rare case where whatever he does offensively will (or should) mean considerably less then what he does defensively.

11. RHSP Jeurys Familia (19,9,9,9)
12. SS Ruben Tejada (21,UNR,11,12)
13. RHSP Scott Moviel (12,17,15,24)
14. LHSP Robert Carson (14,10,10,13)
15. 3B Zach Lutz (UNR,UNR,26,14)
16. RHP Brant Rustich (22,3,3,21)
17. OF Cesar Puello (29,UNR,37,15)
18. LHSP Steven Matz (16)
19. LHSP Juan Urbina (17)
20. LHSP Zach Dotson (18)

7/18 Minor League Report! NIESE, Holt, Beaulac, HONECK, HARRIS, LUCAS

Buffalo 1, Toledo 0

Jon Niese is a straight up PIMP. He fired another complete game shutout (OK, so this one was of the 7 inning variety), allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks, and lowering his season's ERA underneath 4. Over his last 8 starts, Niese has gone 5-1, with a 0.96 era. Spanning 56.1 innings, Niese has allowed just 40 hits, with 12 walks and 46 strikeouts.

2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 3, .300
lf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 3, .305
cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 3, run, .290
ss Javier Castillo 1 for 3, 2b, K, .277
dh Emil Brown 1 for 2, BB, .256
1b Nick Evans 1 for 2, RBI, .126 (4 for 12 since returning to Buffalo)
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 2, K, .230
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 2, .231
c Rene Rivera 0 for 2, K, .242
Jon Niese 7 IP, 2 H, 2/2 BB/K, 3.82 era, W (5-6), 87:56:29, 15:4:2

Buffalo 2, Toledo 0

Two CG shutouts today for Buffalo, Nelson Figueroa does the honors in the night game.

2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 3, .294
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 3, .309
cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 3, .291
dh Javier Castillo 0 for 3, K, .274
rf Emil Brown 1 for 3, run, .258
1b Nick Evans 0 for 2, K, .124 (4 for 14)
3b Mike Lamb 2 for 2, run, 2 2b, RBI, .237
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 2, K, .217
ss Wilson Valdez 0 for 1, RBI, .206
Nelson Figueroa 7 IP, 7 H, 5 Ks, 2.32 era, W (6-4), 92:69:23, 6:10:5

Binghamton 4, Erie 2

Brad Holt had a very good outing today, giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits with 7 strikeouts in 6.2 innings for his second EL victory. Connor Robertson pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save in Binghamton.

The Mets offense had 11 hits and 2 walks, while going just 2 for 10 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. Ike Davis (2), Caleb Stewart (2), and Jon Malo (2) had multi hit games, while Josh Thole (0 for 3, BB, .342) took the only 0-fer, in his first game off the DL (he's been out since 6/30).

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, .272
1b Ike Davis 2 for 4, run, HR (4), RBI (18), .278
dh Lucas Duda 1 for 4, run, HR (6), RBI (43), K, .284
rf Caleb Stewart 2 for 4, run, 2b, .212
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 3, BB, .291
3b Jon Malo 2 for 4, run, RBI, .261
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, .272
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 2, RBI, .247
Brad Holt 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2/7 BB/K, HR, 5.02 era, W (2-3), 3:8:7
Edgar Alfonzo 1.1 IP, 2 H, K, 3.28 era, 1:2:1
Connor Robertson IP, H, 3 Ks, 3.38 era, SV (4)

St. Lucie 0, Daytona 3

St. Lucie was 2 hit tonight, and despite a decent outing from Scott Moviel, 3 runs in 6 innings, he took the loss, his 3rd without a win. Zach Lutz (1 for 3, K, .275) and Rafael Arroyo (1 for 3, 2 Ks, .098) had the only hits for the Mets, who struck out 14 times tonight, and were 0 for 10 with RISP, leaving 8 on base (4 walks, 2 errors, 2 hits account for the runners).

2b Hector Pellot 0 for 3, BB, K, .272
3b Greg Veloz 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .249
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .240
rf Carlos Guzman 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .263
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 3, BB, K, .422 (snapped an 11 game hitting streak)
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .243
ss Jake Eigsti 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .227
Scott Moviel 6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 HBP, 6.05 era, L (0-3), 9:8:0
Stephen Clyne 2 IP, 2 H, 1/3 BB/K, 1.83 era, 2:1:3
Manuel Alvarez IP, H, 2.25 era, 0:3

Savannah 5, Hickory 2

Eric Beaulac was in command today, allowing just a hit and 2 UER (Rafael Fernandez, Jefry Marte, Jean Luc Blaquiere errors, Marte's 35th) over 5.2 innings for his 6th win of the season. Rhiner Cruz worked 1.2 innings to pick up his 18th save of the season.

The Gnats offense had 9 hits and drew 5 walks (3 of them off our old farmhand Corey Ragsdale, who's pitching now), while going 4 for 13 with RISP (.308), leaving 10 on base. Jefry Marte (2) and Wilmer Flores (2) had multi hit games, while Rafael Fernandez (0 for 5, 3 Ks, .254) and Raul Reyes (0 for 4, .257) took 0-fers. It was Fernandez' first game since 6/28.

3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, run, 2b, BB, .239
dh Jordan Abruzzo 1 for 5, run, 2b, .211
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, .278
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .271
1b Eric Campbell 1 for 3, RBI, .266
2b Josh Satin 1 for 2, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .291
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, .212
Eric Beaulac 5.2 IP, H, 2 R, 2/7 BB/K, 2.44 era, W (6-5), 4:7:7
Manuel Olivares 1.2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 3.17 era, 2:1:2
Rhiner Cruz 1.2 IP, H, K, 1.96 era, SV (18), 1:3:1

Brooklyn 11, Auburn 3

The Cyclones hammered out 11 hits and drew 4 walks en route to an 11-3 pasting of Auburn tonight. The Conies were just 4 for 8 with RISP, and left 4 on base, but blasted 4 homers, 2 by John Servidio, accounting for 5 of their 11 runs. Sam Honeck, Tyler Vaughn and Sevidio had multi hit games, while Luis Rivera (0 for 3, BB, .310), Robbie Shields (0 for 4, .071) and Juan Centeno (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .194) took 0-fers.

Mark Cohoon was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst, he picked up the win, his 5th, going

cf Justin Garber 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2 Ks, .357
2b Andy Green 1 for 2, 3 runs, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BBs, .304
1b Sam Honeck 3 for 5, run, 2b, 3 RBI, .337
dh Dock Doyle 1 for 4, RBI, .261
3b Tyler Vaughn 3 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, .500
rf John Servidio 2 for 3, 3 runs, 2 HR, 3 RBI, K, .218
Mark Cohoon 6 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1/5 BB/K, 2.48 era, W (5-1), 7:4:5
Brandon Sage 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 0.90 era, 1:3:2
Lance Hoge IP, BB, 2.31 era, 2:1

Kingsport 15, Greeneville 5

The Mets overwhelmed Greeneville tonight, scoring in 6 consecutive innings (2 to 7, 2-3-3-4-1-1), and adding 1 in the 9th for good measure. Darrell Ceciliani (2), Richard Lucas (1), and Kurt Steinhauer (1) all homered and had multi hit games. For Steinhauer, it was his first professional homer. Alonzo Harris (3) also had a multi hit game, as every regular contributed with a hit. The Mets were 5 for 14 (.357) with RISP, and left 6 men on base. Eduardo Aldama picked up a cheap win, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings.

cf Darrell Ceciliani 2 for 6, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 3 RBI (6), K, .222
2b Alonzo Harris 3 for 4, 3 runs, 3b (3), RBI (20), 2 BBs, .290
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 5, run, RBI, K, .351
rf Cesar Puello 1 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI (9), K, .291
ss Ryan Mollica 1 for 4, run, RBI, .274
3b Richard Lucas 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Ks (season debut)
lf John Semel 1 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .258
c Tyler Howe 1 for 2, 2 ru ns, 2 BBs, .286
dh Kurt Steinhauer 3 for 5, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, .417
Eduardo Aldama 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 5.18 era, W (2-0), 8:4:1
Jonathan White 2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 7.71 era, 3:1:2
Sam Taveras IP, H, ER, BB, 6.30 era, 1:2
Bobby Gagg IP, 3 Ks, 0.00 era

GCL
Mets 1, Astros 4

ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 4, .267
2b Ray Van Gurp 1 for 4, .255
3b Mark Kiger 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .000
lf Julio Concepcion 2 for 4, K, .294
c Nelfi Zapata 0 for 4, K, .340 (Zapatawwwwwww)
cf Javier Rodriguez 0 for 4, K, .063
dh Charlie Hinojosa 2 for 3, 2b, .405
pr, dh Chase Greene run, BB, .000
1b Marinus Vernooij 2 for 4, K, .233
rf ZeErika Hall 3 for 4, RBI, K, .316
Orlando Tovar 6.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1/5 BB/K, 3.80 era, L (1-1), 10:3:5
Daniel Peralta H, 2 BBs, 3.46 era
William Rackel 1.2 IP, BB, 5.40 era, 4:1

7/5 Minor League Report! NIESE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buffalo 5, Rochester 9, Game 1

Tobi Stoner's had 4 starts in AAA since posting a 2.68 era in AA, and of them, 2 have been quality, and only one has been really good. Today, he had an awful outing, getting raked around for 8 hits and 6 runs in 5.2 innings for his second loss. Jon Switzer came in with 2 on in the 6th inning, and allowed both runners to score, giving Stoner the loss, and taking his 2nd BS.

cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .293
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, K, .304
dh Chip Ambres 0 for 4, .236
rf Emil Brown 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .301
3b Mike Lamb 1 for 4, run, RBI, .226
ss Javier Castillo 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, K, .278
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .241
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 3, RBI, .237
2b Wilson Valdez 0 for 3, run, BB, .194
Tobi Stoner 5.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2/6 BB/K, HR, 5.75 era, L (1-2), 99:67:32, 2:9:6
Jon Switzer 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 3.03 era, BS (2), 25:14:11, 0:2:2
Tim McNab IP, H, BB, 2.61 era, 17:9:8, 2:1
------

dh Justin Huber 0 for 4, BB, K, .278
cf, rf Dustin Martin 1 for 4, RBI, K, .254
c Drew Butera 1 for 4, run, RBI, .220
Phillip Humber 6 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 6.16 era, W (3-6), 95:61:34, 4:8:6

Buffalo 5, Rochester 0, Game 2

Jon. Niese.

First 9 inning complete game of the minor league season for the organization, and he did it in style, striking out 10, including the last batter to face him. He held the Red Wings to just 5 hits, and induced 10 groundball outs, including 2 GIDPs. He threw a career high 126 pitches, 84 of them (66.67%) for strikes. Over his last 6 starts, Niese has gone at least 7 innings in 4 of them, 8 innings or more twice, and has a 4-1 record with a 1.04 era, spanning 43.1 innings, he's given up just 30 hits, walked 10, and struck out 39.

cf Cory Sullivan 2 for 4, 2 RBI, .297
lf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 4, RBI, .299
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 4, K, .232
dh Emil Brown 1 for 4, 2b, K, .299
3b Mike Lamb 1 for 4, .226
ss Javier Castillo 2 for 4, run, K, .282
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 4, run, K, .241
c Rene Rivera 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .241
2b Luis Rivera 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, .308
Jon Niese 9 IP, 5 H, 2/10 BB/K, 4.32 era, W (4-6), 126:84:42, 10:6:10

Binghamton 1, Erie 3

Eric Niesen had his second good outing in his last 3 starts, giving up just a run on 5 hits over 5 innings, but he took a ND. Edgar Ramirez took the loss, giving up the tiebreaking run in the 8th inning (actually an IHR Moy Merritt allowed to score). Merritt also allowed a run of his own, providing the final margin of defeat.

The Mets had just 6 hits and 4 walks, while going 0 for 5 with RISP and leaving 10 on base. The lone run came on Ike Davis' 2nd EL HR. Jon Malo (0 for 5, K, .275), Caleb Stewart (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .176) and Shawn Bowman (0 for 3, BB, 3 Ks, .288) took 0-fers.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .279
1b Ike Davis 1 for 2, run, HR (2), RBI (10), 2 BBs, K, .273
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 4, K, .269
dh DJ Wabick 1 for 3, BB, .287
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, .267
c Salvador Paniagua 1 for 3, 2 Ks, .206
Eric Niesen 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 2/9 BB/K, 6.35 era, 1:3:9
Edgar Ramirez 2.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 2/1 BB/K, 6.17 era, L (0-2), 5:0:1
Roy Merritt 0.2 IP, 3 H, ER, K, 3.43 era, 0:1:1
Jim Warden IP, 2 H, 0.87 era, 0:3

St. Lucie 4, Jupiter 8

Jeff Kaplan got hammered for 9 hits and 6 runs (4 earned; 4 Met errors) in 5 innings for his 3rd loss in the FSL, and 5th overall.

The Mets mounted a late charge with 3 in the 7th and 1 in the 8th, but were down 7-0 beforehand, so they came up well short. They had 7 hits and drew 4 walks, but were just 1 for 5 with RISP and left 4 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 4, .240), Carlos Guzman (0 for 3, BB, .268), Richard Pena (0 for 2, .250, HBP) and Jake Eigsti (0 for 3, .193) took 0-fers. Richard Pena left the game in the 7th after getting hit by a pitch. Greg Veloz had the only multi hit game.

3b Greg Veloz 2 for 3, run, HR (2), RBI (17), BB, .250
1b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .276 (14 game hitting streak)
lf, rf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, RBI, K, .235
pr, c Francisco Pena 1 for 1, run, .231
2b Hector Pellot 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .261
c, lf Rafael Arroyo 1 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .096
Jeff Kaplan 5 IP, 9 H, 6/4 R/ER, 1/3 BB/K, 2 HR, 4.03 era, L (1-3), 4:7:3
Tim Stronach 2 IP, 4 H, R, 2 Ks, 6.97 era, 3:1:2
Jimmy Johnson 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 5.52 era, 4:1:1

Savannah 4, Greenville 2

Chris Schwinden pitched well for 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks for his 5th win of the season. Rhiner Cruz pitched a perfect 9th for his 14th save.

The Gnats offense had 11 hits and drew a pair of walks, while going a putrid 1 for 13 with RISP and leaving 8 on base. Raul Reyes, Sean Ratliff, Stefan Welch and Jefry Marte had multi hit games, while Wilmer, Eric Campbell (0 for 5, K, .273), and Evan LeBlanc took 0-fers.

lf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .250
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, BB, 3 Ks, .280
cf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, run, .274
2b Josh Satin 1 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .291
dh Stefan Welch 3 for 4, 2b, 3b, K, .239
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .240
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, K, .229
Chris Schwinden 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2/6 BB/K, HR, 3.77 era, W (5-4), 7:4:6
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, H, BB, K, 3.07 era, 2:3:1
Rhiner Cruz IP, K, 1.99 era, SV (14), 1:1:1

Brooklyn 3, TriCity 0

Jim Fuller has yet to allow an earned run in the 2009 season, he's gone 19 innings, allowing just 2 unearned runs, with a 1.00 WHIP and 18 Ks. Tonight he went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 5. Mike Lynn picked up the save with 3 innings of 1 hit relief.

The Cones offense had 7 hits and 5 walks in the game, while going just 2 for 10 with RISP and leaving 7 on base. They also hit into 3 DPs. Sam Honeck had a multi hit game, as did Dock Doyle, while John Servidio (0 for 3, run, BB, K, .190), James Ewing (0 for 4, K, .143, E (2)), Nick Giarraputo (0 for 4, K, .218), Nick Santomauro (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .200) and Juan Centeno (0 for 2, 2 BBs, .278, E (2)) all took 0-fers.

1b Sam Honeck 3 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .309
rf Luis Rivera 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .409
dh Dock Doyle 2 for 4, 3b, 2 RBI, .259
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 4, K, .196
Jim Fuller 6 IP, 6 H, 5 Ks, 0.00 era, W (3-0), 9:3:5
Mike Lynn 3 IP, H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (1), 6:1:2

Kingsport 7, Greeneville 9

Yet another late game bullpen malfunction bedeviled the Mets tonight, as Luis Rojas and Julio Bello combined to give up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in the 6th inning, forcing Samuel Taveras to be pushed into 3 innings of work (he is typically a 1 inning closer). Naturally, Taveras, unused to throwing so much in a single outing, gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk in his 3rd inning (the 9th), sending the Mets to the loss.

The offense certainly did it's part with 8 hits, 3 walks and 7 runs. However, they were a beyond putrid 1 for 13 (.077) with RISP and left 7 on base. Joe Bonfe and John Semel had multi hit games, while RJ Harris (0 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .171), John Freeman (0 for 3, BB, K, .212) and Tyler Howe (0 for 3, run, 2 Ks, .227) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, K, .260
rf Darrell Ceciliani 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, 2 Ks, .220
3b Joe Bonfe 2 for 4, run, 2b, .362
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 5, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .375
lf John Semel 2 for 4, run, .281
s Gerad Mochizuki 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .219
Armando Rodriguez 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3/1 R/ER, 3/3 BB/K, 3.38 era, 3:5:3
Travis Babin 1.1 IP, H, 5.40 era, 2:2
Luis Rojas 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 24.75 era
Julio Bello 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 4.82 era, BS (1), 2:
Samuel Taveras 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 8.44 era, L (0-2), 2:3:4

GCL

Mets 9, Cardinals 6

ss Wilfredo Tovar 3 for 5, run, 3 RBI, .325
2b Ray Van Gurp 2 for 3, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .324
cf Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 4, run, RBI, BB, K, .278
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 4, K, .297
>>ph, lf Ruben Martinez 0 for 1, K, .100
c Neifi Zapata 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, K, .414
>>c Orlando Rodriguez 0 for 1, .125
3b Charles Hinojosa 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .391
pr, 3b Marinus Vernooij 0 for 1, run, .133
dh Giovanni Ortiz 2 for 2, 2 RBI, BB, .455
>>pr, dh Zeerika Hall 1 for 2, 2 runs, .111
cf Cody Holliday 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, K, .158
1b Travis Ozga 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .115
Yohan Almonte 4 IP, 4 H, 2/1 R/ER, 4 Ks, 1.17 era, 7:1:4
Adam O Neill 3 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 6.14 era, W (1-2), 5:4
Daniel Carela IP, H, BB, K, 4.50 era, 0:2:1
William Rackel IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 Ks, HR, 27 era, 0:1:2

6/30 Minor League Report! NIESE, Puello!

Buffalo 3, Charlotte 4

Jon Niese had a GREAT outing today, he gave up just 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits over 8 innings, his longest outing of the year. He had his new 2 seamer working, as he generated 14 of his 24 outs via the groundball, and ran his ERA under 5, at 4.85. Brandon Knight allowed an UER to take the loss, his 8th.

dh Cory Sullivan 0 for 3, run, BB, .287
lf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 4, .304
cf Chip Ambres 0 for 4, .244
rf Emil Brown 1 for 4, .310
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 3, run, BB, .241
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 4, 2b, .271
c Rene Rivera 0 for 2, BB, .231
ss Wilson Valdez 1 for 2, run, RBI, BB, .200
2b Luis Rivera 1 for 3, .290
Jon Niese 8 IP, 5 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/4 BB/K, HR, 4.85 era, 102:70:32, 14:6:4
Brandon Knight IP, R, BB, 4.95 era, 17:9:8, 2:0:0

Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 3

Eric Niesen had a rough outing tonight, giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and 4 walks in just 2.2 innings to take the loss, his 4th in the EL. On the bright side, he did strike out 5. Jake Ruckle and Stephen Clyne fired 6.1 innings of 1 hit relief, but the Mets couldn't push the tying run across. They had 8 hits and a walk in the game, but were just 1 for 7 (.143) with RISP and left 6 on base.

Josh Thole left the game with a left hand/wrist injury after being charged with his 8th passed ball of the season in the 4th inning (told you guys he had a future with us). Jose Coronado had the only multi hit game, while Mike Nickeas (0 for 2, BB, .120), Lucas Duda (0 for 4, K, .265) and Ruben Tejada (0 for 3, .279) took 0-fers.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 3, K, .274
c Josh Thole 1 for 1, .346
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .333
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, K, .296
dh DJ Wabick 1 for 4, run, .291
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .279
2b Jose Coronado 2 for 3, 2 RBI, K, .260
Eric Niesen 2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 4/5 BB/K, 7.64 era, L (0-4), 1:2:5
Jacob Ruckle 4.1 IP, 2/4 BB/K, 0.00 era, 9:0:4
Stephen Clyne 2 IP, H, K, 4.78 era, 5:0:1

Savannah 1, Asheville 4

Chris Schwinden gave up all 4 Asheville runs on 10 hits in 7 innings for his 4th loss of the season, and the Gnats went just 1 for 11 with RISP, despite 9 hits and 3 walks, dropping to 37-39 on the season. Raul Reyes (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .245) and Sean Ratliff (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .279) took 0-fers, while Jefry Marte and Wilmer Flores had multi hit games.

3b Jefry Marte 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .230
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, .280
2b Josh Satin 1 for 4, .293
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, BB, K, .234
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, .244
lf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 3, BB, .235
dh Jose Jimenez 1 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .103
Chris Schwinden 7 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 3.86 era, L (4-4), 12:5:4
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, 3.27 era, 3:3

Brooklyn 3, Hudson Valley 1

Jim Fuller had a second straight dominant outing in Brooklyn, giving up just a run on 8 hits in 7 innings for his 2nd win. Michael Powers picked up his first save with a scoreless 9th.

The Cyclones offense had 9 hits and 5 walks, but were just 1 for 7 with RISP and left 8 on base. John Servidio (0 for 4, K, .200) took the only 0-fer, while Nick Giarraputo had the only multi hit game.

2b Matt Bouchard 1 for 3, K, .422
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 3, run, RBI, .270
3b Nick Giarraputo 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .237
dh Dock Doyle 1 for 3, BB, K, .235
lf Alex Gregory 1 for 4, K, .313
rf Nick Santomauro 1 for 1, 3 BBs, .300
c Juan Centeno 1 for 4, .357
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 2, run, BB, K, .219
Jim Fuller 7 IP, 8 H, ER, 1/6 BB/K, 0.69 era, W (2-0), 11:4:6
Matias Carrillo IP, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, 1:0:2
Michael Powers IP, H, K, 0.00 era, SV (1), 0:2:1

Kingsport 8, Danville 5

Eduardo Aldama allowed 3 runs (1 earned, Gered Mochizuki error) on 3 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings, but got the win, despite Luis Rojas allowing 2 runs in 2.2 innings. Travis Babin got the save with 1.1 scoreless innings, he stranded 2 runners in the 8th.

The Mets offense had 9 hits and 5 walks, and were a very good 5 for 14 (.357) with RISP, despite leaving 9 on base. Darrell Ceciliani (0 for 4, BB, 3 Ks, .100), Alonzo Harris (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .300), Ryan Mollica (0 for 2, K, .250), and Gered Mochizuki (0 for 4, K, .176) all took 0-fers, while Jeff Flagg, Cesar Puello and Mike Moras had multi hit games.

lf RJ Harris 1 for 4, run, 3b, BB, .211
3b Joe Bonfe 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2 Ks, .375
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 4, 3 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .333
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, .265
c Mike Moras 2 for 5, 2b, 3 RBI, K, .333
dh John Semel 1 for 3, RBI, 2 BBs, .278
Eduardo Aldama 5 IP, 3 H, 3/1 R/ER, 3/1 BB/K, 0.90 era, W (1-0), 5:9:1
Luis Rojas 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4/2 BB/K, 22.09 era, 2:4:2
Travis Babin 1.1 IP, H, 2 Ks, 11.57 era, SV (1), 2:0:2

GCL

Mets 7, Cardinals 1

ss Wilfredo Tovar 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, .222
2b Ray Van Gurp 0 for 4, run, .286
rf Kurt Steinhauer 3 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .381
lf Julio Concepcion 0 for 3, run, K, .333
c Neifi Zapata 1 for 2, run, 3b, .533, 2 HBP
1b Juan Torres 1 for 2, run, RBI, BB, .429
dh Charles Hinojosa 2 for 4, RBI, K, .429
3b Travis Ozga 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .167
cf Ruben Martinez 0 for 2, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .143
Jhonathan Torres 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 Ks, 0.82 era, W (2-0), 8:6:3
Tony Feliz IP, 0.00 era, SV (1), 3:

6.25 Minor League Report! NIESE, FERNANDEZ, ALDAMA!

Buffalo 5, Gwinnett 1

Jon Niese's run of dominance continued tonight, he allowed a run (after he left) on 6 hits in 6+ innings for his 3rd win of the season, and over his last 4 outings, he has been outstanding. Spanning 26.1 innings, he's allowed 3 runs (1.03 era), on 20 hits and 7 walks, with 25 strikeouts. His June numbers will end up being depressed due to his one horrid outing this month (6 runs on 7 hits in 6.1 innings on the 1st), but he should get one more start on the 30th. Eddie Kunz continued his own resurrection with a scoreless 9th, his ERA stands at 2.48, and he has a ridiculous 2.74 GO/FO this season, and in June, his ERA is a scant 0.93, with an utterly stupid 9.00 GO/FO, to go along with 9 Ks in 9.2 innings. He's thrown up a zero in 7 of his last 8 outings.

cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, 2 BBs, .271
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .314
rf Chip Ambres 1 for 5, RBI, .252
1b Michel Abreu 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .245
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 4, BB, .230
ss Javier Castillo 0 for 4, BB, K, .257
3b Rene Rivera 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .232
2b Luis Rivera 3 for 3, 2 BBs, .327
Jon Niese 6+ IP, 6 H, ER, 2/6 BB/K, 5.18 era, W (3-6), 105:68:37, 6:5:6
Tim McNab 2 IP, BB, K, 1.29 era, 21:13:8, 1:4:1
Eddie Kunz IP, K, 2.48 era, 13:9:4, 2:0:1

Binghamton 0, Bowie 2

The Mets were 5 hit tonight, with Radhames Liz and company doing the honors. Eric Niesen pitched very well tonight, but took the tough luck loss.

Emmanuel Garcia (1 for 4, .284), Josh Thole (2 for 4, 2 2b, K, .349), DJ Wabick (1 for 4, K, .304) and Jon Malo (1 for 3, .312) had the hits for the Mets, everyone else took 0-fers.

1b Ike Davis 0 for 4, K, .400
lf Lucas Duda 0 for 3, BB, .270
c Mike Nickeas 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .100
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 3, .254
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 3, .283
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 6 H, ER, 1/6 BB/K, 7.20 era, L (0-3), 7:3:6
Edgar Ramirez 2 IP, H, R, 3 Ks, 7.04 era, 1:1:3
Connor Robertson IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 0:1:2

St. Lucie 3, Tampa 5

Brant Rustich started this game, but left after 2.2 innings (dunno why yet). Jimmy Johnson replaced him and was awful, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in 3.1 innings to pick up the loss. Johnson, a fringe LOOGY prospect at best, is holding lefties in the FSL to a .176 average (he's faced 17 lefties and allowed 3 hits), and while it's early, righties are teeing off at a .355 clip (11 for 31).

The Mets had 9 hits and 3 walks, and were 3 for 12 with RISP, but left 9 on base. Hector Pellot and Brahiam Maldonado had multi hit games, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .256) and Reese Havens (0 for 5, .226) took 0-fers.

2b Hector Pellot 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .274
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, RBI, .260
c Francisco Pena 1 for 4, K, .220
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .266
dh Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .237
lf Richard Pena 1 for 2, BB, .237
ph Greg Veloz 0 for 1, K, .251
1b Jake Eigsti 1 for 3, K, .237
ph Jordan Abruzzo BB
Brant Rustich 2.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 2.66 era, 6:0:2
Jimmy Johnson 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, K, 6 era, L (1-1), 5:3:1
Jose De La Torre 2 IP, 2 Ks, 3.06 era, 1:3:2

Savannah 5, Charleston 4

Chris Schwinden survived his way through 5 innings, despite allowing 10 hits and 3 runs, to pick up his 4th win of the season. Josh Stinson pitched 2 perfect innings for his 2nd save. None of the pitchers tonight for Savannah are prospects, with the slight exception of Stinson, who may be a fringe relief prospect.

The Gnats had 9 hits and drew 4 walks, and were a decent 3 for 11 with RISP (.273), leaving 7 on base. Rafael Fernandez, Jefry Marte, Sean Ratliff and Raul Reyes had multi hit games, while Wilmer Flores, Josh Satin (0 for 3, run, BB, .298), Stefan Welch (0 for 3, BB, .190) and Jose Jimenez (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .059) took 0-fers.

cf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 3, run, 2 2b, BB, K, .252
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, K, .222
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, K, .268
lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .298
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .236
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 3, run, RBI, K, .248
Chris Schwinden 5 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 1/3 BB/K, HR, 3.67 era, W (4-3), 5:7:3
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 3.13 era, 2:2:2
Josh Stinson 2 IP, 4 Ks, 3.76 era, 1:1:4

Brooklyn 8, Aberdeen 2

The Cyclones exploded for 10 hits and 2 walks, en route to 8 runs off Aberdeen. Matt Bouchard, Luis Rivera and Nick Santomauro had multi hit games, while Nick Giarraputo (0 for 3, run, RBI, .190), Alex Gregory (0 for 3, 2 runs, K, .353), and Luis Nieves (0 for 4, .125) took 0-fers.

Collin McHugh was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst, but he pitched very well tonight, giving up just 3 hits and a walk over 6 innings for the win.

cf John Servidio 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .208
2b Matt Bouchard 3 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, K, .440
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .286
rf Luis Rivera 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, .400
dh Nick Santomauro 2 for 4, 3b, 3 RBI, K, .500
c Dock Doyle 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .111
Collin McHugh 6 IP, 3 H, 1/6 BB/K, 1.64 era, W (2-0), 4:7:6
Matias Carrillo IP, H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, 1:0:2
Darin Gorski 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 9 era, 1:1:4

Kingsport 11, Johnson City 12

The KMets bullpen imploded in a spectacularly epic fashion tonight, as Luis Rojas and Tim Smith combined to take a 9-0 lead and turn it into an 11-9 deficit. Rojas did not retire a single batter in the 7th, this after allowing 2 runs in the 6th. He allowed 5 more in the 7th, then Smith came in and poured 4 runs of gasoline on the fire, and after the Mets actually rallied to tie in the bottom of the 8th, Smith allowed another run in the 9th, and the Mets went down in order in the bottom of the 9th. Pretty sure it's too early, but I'd get rid of both Rojas and Smith, two guys off the street could've done better then that.

Lost in the epic implosion was the outstanding start from Eduardo Aldama, who had struck out 8 of his first 10 batters, and allowed just one hit over 5 innings, striking out 9. He allowed just one ball out of the infield, that was a pop fly single in the first inning. He's just 19 years old, by the way.

The KMets offense certainly wasn't an issue, they hammered out 16 hits and drew 3 walks, and were a great 8 for 17 (.471), leaving 7 on base. Every regular for the Mets had a hit, 6 players had multi hit games, including the 4567 hitters, who went a combined 9 for 19 with 6 runs and 3 RBI.

2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 5, 2b, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .333
ss Ryan Mollica 2 for 5, run, K, .231
cf RJ Harris 1 for 3, run, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, .286
3b Joe Bonfe 2 for 5, run, K, .364
c Mike Moras 3 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .500
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, K, .154
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .308
lf Jon Semel 1 for 5, run, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .200
dh Pedro Zapata 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, K, .333
Eduardo Aldama 5 IP, H, BB, 9 Ks, 0.00 era, 6:0:9
Luis Rojas IP+, 4 H, 7 ER, 5/1 BB/K, 63 era, SUCKS COCK, 0:2:1
Tim Smith 3 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2 HR, 15 era, BS (1), L (0-1), SUCKS MORE COCK, 4:0:5

6/12 Minor League Report! NIESE!!!!!!!!!!!11111

Well, wasn't that fun?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Buffalo 1, Durham 0

Jon Niese had an outstanding outing today, easily his best AAA outing ever, he pitched into the 8th, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 7 for his first win of the season. Over his last two outings, he's allowed just 2 runs on 8 hits with 11 strikeouts over 13.1 innings.

cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, .269
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, .299
dh Javier Valentin 1 for 4, .286
1b Willy Pena 1 for 4, .262
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 3, BB, K, .249
c Rene Rivera 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .231
3b Mike Lamb 2 for 3, 2b, RBI, .195
2b Jon Malo 0 for 2, BB, .189
ss Luis Rivera 1 for 3, K, .375
Jon Niese 7.1 IP, 2 H, 3/7 BB/K, 6.31 era, W (1-6), 105:62:43, 9:5:7
Elmer Dessens 1.2 IP, H, 4 Ks, 1.15 era, SV (9), 29:18:11, 0:1:4

Binghamton 0, Trenton 1

Michael Antonini gave up a solo homer in the first inning, the only blemish either staff made, and on this night, enough to give the lefty his 2nd loss of the season. Antonini had a great outing, scattering 7 hits and that lone run over 7 innings. The Mets were 3 hit in the loss, and were 0 for 1 with RISP, leaving 5 on base.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .279
1b Nick Evans 0 for 1, K, .241 (was replaced in the 5th inning)
lf Josh Petersen 0 for 2, .287
c Josh Thole 1 for 4, .355
rf Matt Watson 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .200
lf, 1b Lucas Duda 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .272
3b Shawn Bowman 0 for 2, BB, .281
dh DJ Wabick 0 for 3, .261
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 3, .281
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 7 H, ER, 1/5 BB/K, HR, 4.95 era, L (4-2), 7:8:5
Edgar Alfonzo IP, BB, 3.91 era, 1:2

St. Lucie 3, Tampa 5

Dylan Owen's first high A start of the year resulted in a loss, despite pitching well (3 runs, 2 earned, over 7 innings). Emary Frederick gave up the eventual deciding runs in the 8th inning (2 of them).

The Mets had 6 hits and 2 walks, but their only offense was a 2 run Ike Davis homer, and a Kirk Nieuwenhuis RBI single. For Davis, it was his 6th of the year, and 2nd in 3 games, 3rd in 5 and 4th in 10. Davis had the only multi hit game, while Matt Bouchard (0 for 4, K, .223), Hector Pellot (0 for 3, .254), Rafael Arroyo (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .105) and Richard Pena (0 for 1, run, 2 BBs, .087) took 0-fers.

lf Seth Williams 1 for 4, K, .294
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, RBI (24), K, .256
1b Ike Davis 2 for 4, run, HR (6), 2 RBI (25), .289
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, .256
dh Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, K, .227
Dylan Owen 7 IP, 6 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/4 BB/K, 2.45 era, L (0-1), 7:10:4
Emary Frederick 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, K, HR, 3.38 era, 3:2:1

Savannah 3, Augusta 2

Chris Schwinden had a good outing today, surrendering just 2 runs on 6 hits in 6.1 innings, but it was Manuel Olivares who got the win with 2.2 scoreless innings of relief, as the Gnats rallied for 2 in the bottom of the 9th to walkoff.

The Gnats had 7 hits and 4 walks in going 2 for 8 with RISP, and they left 8 men on base. Sean Ratliff had the only multi hit game for the Gnats, while Rafael Fernandez (0 for 3, BB, .252), Jefry Marte and Josh Satin (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .309) took 0-fers. The starter for Augusta worked 5 innings, and recorded EVERY SINGLE OUT via groundball. That's right, he went 15:0:0, but he's 24 1/2 years old in the Sally League, with a 11.00 GO/FO ratio.

lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 3, BB, K, .300
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, .259
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, run, .270
2b Matt Gaski 1 for 3, run, RBI, .389
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 3, RBI (walkoff), .200
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, .231
Chris Schwinden 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 3.86 era, 6:8:4
Manuel Olivares 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 2.84 era, W (1-3), 3:4:1

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.

5/1 Minor League Report! FERNANDO, NIESE, HAVENS, RAMIREZ!

Buffalol 3, Louisville 4 in 7 innings

*in that scary announcer dudes voice* Just when you thought it was going to end differently, it's CARLOSSSSS MUNIZZZ! OH NO!!!!!

LOL. Jon Niese has his first outstanding effort of the season, a 6 inning 3 hit gem, Carlos Muniz comes in and blows the save, giving up 3 in the 7th, sending Buffalo to their 400th loss of the season.

The Bisons pounded out 10 hits and drew 2 walks, but were just 2 for 12 with RISP, and left 9 men on base. Jesus Feliciano, Argenis Reyes and Fernando Martinez had multi hit games, while Mike Lamb (0 for 4, .091), Nick Evans and Mike Nickeas (0 for 2, BB, 2 Ks, .000) took 0-fers.

cf, lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, run, .297
2b Andy Green 1 for 2, .182
2b Argenis Reyes 2 for 2, .279
rf Fernando Martinez 3 for 4, run, .260
1b Willy Mo Pena 1 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, .375
lf Nick Evans 0 for 2, BB, 2 Ks, .098
cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 1, .211
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 2, .119
ph Jason Cooper 0 for 1, K, .211
Jon Niese 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/8 BB/K, 6.55 era, 81:60:21, 6:4:8
Carlos Muniz IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 5.73 era, BS (1), L (0-2), 34:20:14, 0:2:2, 2 WP

Binghamton 8, New Hampshire 2, in 6 innings

The Mets exploded for 10 hits and 8 runs in 6 innings to beat the Fisher Cats 8-2 tonight. Emmaneul Garcia had a second straight big game, Lucas Duda, Salvador Paniagua and Josh Petersen also had multi hit games. Shawn Bowman (0 for 3, RBI, 2 Ks, .253) had the only 0-fer.

Fernando Nieve started tonight and wasn't very effective, only going 3.2 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. Eric Brown worked the final 2.1 innings to pick up the win.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 4, run, K, .280
2b Jon Malo 1 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, .400
dh Lucas Duda 2 for 4, 2 runs, 3b, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .308
c Salvador Paniagua 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI
lf DJ Wabick 0 for 1, K, .200
ph, rf Carl Loadenthal 0 for 1, BB, .266
rf, lf Josh Petersen 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .303
1b Mark Kiger 1 for 3, run, 2b, K, .257
ss Ruben Tejada run, 2 BBs, .222
Fernando Nieve 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1/5 BB/K, HR, 6.75 era, 5:1:5
Eric Brown 2.1 IP, H, 3 Ks, 4.80 era, W (2-1), 2:2:3

St. Lucie 4, Sarasota 3

No extra innings tonight, but a win nonetheless for the Mets, 4-3 over the Reds tonight. Brad Holt was decent in his 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, but it was Nick Waechter who picked up the win with 2.2 innings of relief, allowing a run on a hit. Stephen Clyne picked up a 4 out save.

The Mets had 9 hits and drew 6 walks, but were a woeful 2 for 15 with RISP, and left 12 men on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Reese Havens had multi hit games, while Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, K, .287) took the only 0-fer.

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 5, K, .227
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .244
ss Reese Havens 2 for 3, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .289
1b Ike Davis 1 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .298
c Rafael Arroyo run, 3 BBs, .150
lf Seth Williams 1 for 4, run, .263
3b Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, RBI, K, .176
dh Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .230
Brad Holt 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 5.79 era, WP, HBP, 5:6:4
Nick Waechter 2.2 IP, H, ER, 1/4 BB/K, 4.05 era, W (2-0), WP, HBP, 5:0:4
Stephen Clyne 1.1 IP, H, 1.59 era, SV (1), 4:0:0

Savannah 2, Greenville 1

It was an awful offensive showing by the Gnats tonight, as they pounded out 12 hits and drew 5 walks, but only had 2 runs to show for it, going a putrid 1 for 13 with RISP and leaving 12 runners on, in addition to hitting into 3 DPs, and having a runner thrown out at home. 5 players had multi hit games, while Wilmer Flores, and Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .250) took 0-fers.

Elvin Ramirez was brilliant tonight, firing 6 innings of 1 hit shutout ball, but getting a ND. Jimmy Johnson got the win, and Erik Turgeon the save.

cf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 4, run, BB, .263
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, .278
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, K, .280
1b Eric Campbell 2 for 4, BB, .279
lf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .297
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, .217
2b Josh Satin 2 for 4, RBI, K, .370
rf Juan Lagares 2 for 4, .278
Elvin Ramirez 6 IP, H, 2/6 BB/K, 2.96 era, 5:6:6
Manuel Olivares 1.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.05 era, 2:1:2
Jimmy Johnson IP, 1.32 era, W (1-0), 1:1:0
Erik Turgeon 0.1 IP, BB, 2.35 era, SV (3), 0:1:0

MPH System Audit III - Part V (SPs 1-11)

Starting Pitchers

1. Jon Niese 10/27/86 (22.25) L/L (AA Binghamton 6-7, 3.04 era, 22 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 124.1 IP, 118 H, 53/42 R/ER, 5 HR, 44/112 BB/K, 1.50 GO/FO, .253 BAA, 1.30 WHIP, AAA New Orleans 5-1, 3.40 era, 7 GS, 39.2 IP, 34 H, 15 ER, 4 HR, 14/32 BB/K, 1.66 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.21 WHIP, MLB New York 1-1, 7.07 era, 3 GS, 14 IP, 20 H, 11 ER, 2 HR, 8/11 BB/K, 1.38 GO/FO, .333 BAA, 2.00 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 12-9, 3.44 era, 32 GS, 178 IP, 172 H, 79/68 R/ER, 11 HR, 66/155 BB/K, 1,53 GO/FO, .255 BAA, 1.34 WHIP

Niese was drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 draft, after allowing a staggering 1 run in 78 innings, for a 0.11 ERA. He was deemed a tough sign, but after a recruiting call from Gary Carter, he signed for above slot money, $175,000. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-0, 3.65 in 7 games, 5 starts.

In 2006, Niese started in Hagerstown, skipping Kingsport and Brooklyn. He showed no ill effects of the jump, posting a very good line of: 11-9, 3.93 era, 25 GS, 123.2 IP, 121 H, 62 BBs, 132 Ks, 1.48 WHIP, and before late season arm fatigue, was dominating the South Atlantic League. A late promotion to St. Lucie produced mixed results. His first start was decent, as he allowed 3 runs, 1 earned, in 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 5 and allowing 3 hits. His next start, however, was not good, as he surrendered 5 runs, 4 earned, over 5 innings, while walking 2, striking out 5 and allowing 5 hits. Combined, his two starts in St. Lucie yielded the following line: 0-2, 4.50 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 8 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.30 WHIP. Combined for the 2006 season, Niese had an overall line of: 11-11, 3.97 era, 27 GS, 133.2 IP, 129 H, 67/142 BB/K, 1.47 WHIP, 4.51 BB/9, 9.56 K/9.

Niese spent all of the 2007 season in St. Lucie, where he worked on his control, sacrificing all else, work which paid off in a big way in 2008. For the 07 season, Niese posted a line of: 12-7, 4.02 era, 29 GS, 143.1 IP, 155 H, 34/122 BB/K, 1.32 WHIP. He lowered his walk rate from the previous year by over half, from 4.51 per 9 to 2.13 per 9, however he allowed almost a hit more per 9 innings then the previous season. The tradeoff was acceptable to fans of Mr. Niese, as a lowered walk rate would help him in the future.

For the 2008 season, Niese was promoted to Binghamton, where he spent the majority of it dominating the EL. While his overall line in AA is excellent, there was a particularly brutal 4 game stretch where he compiled a diasterous 0-3, 9.17 line. If you removed those 4 starts from his AA season, his line would look like this: 18 GS, 106.2 IP, 96 H, 24 ER, 38/102 BB/K, 6-3, 2.02 era. Obviously this isn't really telling of much, as all pitchers have rough stretches, but it shows one thing, that outside of 4 starts, Niese dominated the EL. Further, if you removed those 4 starts from his entire minor league season, his numbers look like this: 25 GS, 146.1 IP, 130 H, 39 ER, 52/134 BB/K, 11-5, 2.40 era. Keep in mind that he had one tune up start of 2.2 innings before making his major league debut. This start skews his IP/GS down considerably. Taking that start out of the above line yields 24 GS totalling 143.2 innings, an average of just under 6 innings per start.

Niese throws a fastball, curveball and changeup, though he did experiment with a cutter during the season, throwing it in on righties. His 4 seam fastball is in the low 90s, generally sitting 91-93, though he loses velocity on it later in games. He displays good command over this pitch, but it is a mostly straight fastball, hence the cutter he began throwing. Niese's bread and butter is a slow mid 60s-low 70s 12-6 curveball which he uses to get his Ks. He also has a harder, sharper curveball which he throws in the upper 70s. He finishes off his arsenal with a 76-79 changeup which is still in development.

Niese gets his fair share of Ks, but he doesn't try and blow the ball past hitters (as he did during his first 2 seasons in the system). He has learned to use his curveball effectively and spot his fastball, pitching more to contact and lessening his pitch counts. At this point, Niese is pretty much a finished product, he may further refine his changeup/cutter combination, but it is safe to say he will settle in as an above average #4 starter in the NL, or an average #3. Niese, who made his MLB debut in 2008 during the pennant race, should open 2009 in Buffalo, and be on call should a long string of starts be needed from someone. The Mets likely would not want him to just spot start and then return to AAA.

2. Brad Holt 10/13/86 (22.33) R/R (UNC Wilmington 11-1, 3.18 era, 15 GS, 2 CG, 93.1 IP, 78 H, 40/33 R/ER, 8 HR, 36/95 BB/K, .225 BAA, A- Brooklyn 5-3, 1.87 era, 14 GS, 72.1 IP, 43 H, 18/15 R/ER, 3 HR, 33/96 BB/K, 0.98 GO/FO, .171 BAA, 1.05 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 16-4, 2.61 era, 29 GS, 165.2 IP, 121 H, 69/191 BB/K, 1.15 WHIP

The Mets drafted Holt with the 3rd pick in the first round, 33rd overall, out of UNC Wilmington, and after signing for $1,040,000, he was assigned to short season Brooklyn, where he excelled, posting a 1.87 era in 72.1 innings with 96 Ks. Holt as as high of a ceiling as any SP prospect in the system, thanks to his plus fastball which reaches into the upper 90s at times, a velocity he can maintain deep into games.

Holt has one of the most explosive fastballs in the system, sitting in the mid 90s with the ability to dial it into the 96-98 range when he needs to. His command over the pitch is excellent, and his ability to maintain velocity deep into games is very promising (everyone by now should know the story of his 147th pitch of a college game being a 96 MPH fastball). What has most people very excited about Holt is the rapid pace by which his secondary pitches developed. Indeed, his curveball is now very close to being a plus pitch, sitting in the 78-82 range with very good late break. He tops off his arsenal with a fringe-average changeup which he uses very rarely.

Holt has true front of the rotation potential with a deadly fastball/curveball combination. His changeup, while fringy, showed enough improvement throughout the season that starting him off in St. Lucie shouldn't be too big of an issue. Holt was drafted out of college and so there is every chance he could see Binghamton halfway through the season. A split season in 2010 as well would put him on track for an opening day 2011 debut, or the Mets could be conservative and push that date back a year by advancing Holt a level per season.

3. Scott Moviel 5/7/88 (20.75) R/R (A Savannah 9-8, 4.43 era, 24 GS, 120 IP, 128 H, 75/59 R/ER, 9 HR, 36/82 BB/K, 1.71 GO/FO, .271 BAA, 1.37 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 1-0, 0.00 era, GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 1/2 BB/K, 0.86 GO/FO, .133 BAA, 0.60 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 10-8, 4.25 era, 25 GS, 125 IP, 130 H, 75/59 R/ER, 9 HR, 37/84 BB/K, 1.65 GO/FO, .266 BAA, 1.34 WHIP

The Mets selected Moviel in the 2nd round, with their 77th pick in the 2007 draft, out of St. Edward High School in Ohio. Moviel was 6-2 in his senior season with a 1.62 era for the Eagles with 102 strikeouts in 50.1 IP. After drafting him, the Mets sent him to the GCL, where he performed well, with a 3.38 era in 40 innings. As with most tall pitchers (Moviel's 6'10), his delivery can sometimes get out of whack, so the Mets may take a slower approach with Moviel, keeping him in extended spring training to work out any kinks. However, as with Vineyard, it wouldn't be a shock to see Moviel end up in the Sally League sometime this season.

Moviel instead started off the year in Savannah, where he had an absolute miserable start to his season, posting a 1-4 record with a 9.86 era in 5 starts, spanning just 17.2 innings. Removing April from his season, he ended up with this line: 9-4, 3.35 era, 20 GS, 107.1 IP, 100 H, 29/71 BB/K, 1.20 WHIP, 8.39 H/9, 2.43 BB/9, 5.95 K/9, 5.367 IP/GS

Moviel throws 4 pitches, a 4 seam fastball which sits in the low to mid 90s, a sinker which is a few ticks lower in velocity, a curveball and a changeup. His change sits in the mid 70s with good down break, although sometimes he experiments with turning it over, moving it laterally across the zone. His curve was his best pitch during his rookie season, but in 2008, he developed bad habits with it, often bouncing it.

With Moviel's build (6'11/235), and stuff, given time he could develop into a serious innings eater, capable of throwing 210 innings easily in a season. Moviel is a quick worker who doesn't look for alot of Ks, prefering to pitch to contact and allow his defense to work for him (which would explain his awful April, since the Gnats at the time were a very young, raw defensive team). Moviel's fastball, which gained 3 MPH during the season, could eventually top out in the mid 90s, but even if it doesn't, his poise and smarts will serve him well on his climb to the majors.

Moviel will be out until May recovering from knee surgery (to repair his meniscus), and may spend a few weeks rehabbing in the GCL after that, but then he should spend the remainder of the season in St. Lucie, and then one level per year puts him on track for a 2012 debut.

4. Bobby Parnell 9/8/84 (24.42) R/R (AA Binghamton 10-6, 4.30 era, 24 GS, 127.2 IP, 126 H, 66/61 R/ER, 14 HR, 57/91 BB/K, 1.52 GO/FO, .258 BAA, 1.43 WHIP, AAA New Orleans 2-2, 6.64 era, 5 G, 4 GS, 20.1 IP, 25 H, 16/15 R/ER, 9/23 BB/K, 1.06 GO/FO, 1.67 WHIP, .298 BAA, MLB New York 0-0, 5.40 era, 6 G, 5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2/3 BB/K, 1.40 GO/FO, .176 BAA, 1.00 WHIP, AFL Peoria Saguaros 3-1, 2.25 era, 7 GS, 20 IP, 15 H, 5 ER, 9/20 BB/K, 1.20 WHIP, .211 BAA)

Total 2008 Stats: 15-9, 4.37 era, 42 G, 35 GS, 173 IP, 90/84 R/ER, 169 H, 77/137 BB/K, 1.42 WHIP, .255 BAA, 1.40 GO/FO

The Mets selected Parnell in the 9th round of the 2005 draft out of Charleston Southern College, where he had simply an abysmal junior year (3-5, 8.86). However, Met scouts saw something in Parnell, and the Mets drafted and signed him, sending him to Brooklyn. Parnell excelled in Brooklyn, going 2-3, but with a 1.73 era in 15 games, 14 starts. In 2006, the Mets sent Parnell up to Hagerstown, their Sally League affiliate, where he performed decently, 5-10 with a 4.04 era in 18 GS. A 3 game trip to the FSL proved disasterous, leading to an 0-1, 9.26 line in 11.2 innings.

Parnell began 2007 in St. Lucie, where he performed very well, 3-3, 3.25 in 12 GS. The Mets then promoted Parnell to Binghamton, where he struggled, but showed flashes of brillance (0-2, 3.13 era in 4 GS, 18 IP in June and 4-1, 3.24 era in 6 GS, 33.1 IP in August). Indeed, if you removed Parnell's last 4 starts, he would've ended his stint in Binghamton with a 7-7, 3.86 line. Parnell should open the 2008 season right where he ended 2007, in Binghamton, with a mid-season promotion to New Orleans not out of the question.

Parnell did indeed open 2008 back in Binghamton, where he got off to a horrific start with a 0-2, 7.15 era, 5 GS, 22.2 IP, 23 H, 14/13 BB/K, 1.63 WHIP line in April. However, he then posted back to back extremely solid months, with a combined 8-2, 3.04 era, 12 GS, 71 IP, 63 H, 30/56 BB/K, 1.31 WHIP line in May and June. Parnell was promoted to AAA on August 9th, where he struggled mightily, before being promoted to the majors to try and save what was a horrific bullpen situation in New York.

Parnell is one of the harder throwers in the system, his 4 seamer sits in the 92-94 range as a starter (and 95-96 as a reliever), and either way, he can touch the upper 90s on occasion. His 2 seamer is a few ticks slower, with nasty down break in on righties. His top offspeed pitch is a mid-upper 80s slider with nasty down break. He also has a changeup which he has not yet mastered, which has pretty much nixed any chances of him starting with the Mets. During Spring Training, he was learning a splitter from JJ Putz, this is definitely a nascent pitch at this point in time.

Parnell will work as a reliever in spring training, and if he does not make the club, as a starter in Buffalo. However, at this point in time, even if he does get his changeup/splitter down, the Mets would be best served by having him in the bullpen as a dependable 7th inning man, whether this season or next. Parnell should crack into a regular role in the bullpen in 2010.

5. Dillon Gee 4/28/86 (22.75) R/R (A+ St. Lucie 8-6, 3.25 era, 21 GS, 127.1 IP, 117 H, 49/46 R/ER, 6 HR, 19/94 BB/K, 0.86 GO/FO, .245 BAA, 1.07 WHIP, AA Binghamton 2-0, 1.33 era, 4 GS, 27 IP, 18 H, 4 ER, HR, 5/20 BB/K, 0.97 GO/FO, .194 BAA, .85 WHIP, PRWL Ponce 4-0, 2.22 era, 10 GS, 48.2 IP, 43 H, 14/12 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/43 BB/K, 1.15 WHIP, .247 BAA)

Total 2008 Stats: 14-6, 2.75 era, 35 GS, 203 IP, 178 H, 67/62 R/ER, 37/157 BB/K, 1.00 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.06 WHIP, 1.64 BB/9

The Mets drafted Gee with their 21st round pick, 663rd overall, out of the University of Arlington Texas, where he was 4-8, 4.67 in 111.2 innings. After signing, the Mets assigned him to Brooklyn, where he went 3-1, 2.47 in 62 innings. Gee should be a part of the St. Lucie Mets in 2008.

Gee's drafting was pretty unheralded around the prospect community, and rightfully so, a shortish righty with fringe stuff taken in the 21st round doesn't warrant much attention. Gee performed well in Brooklyn, not as well as fellow shortish righty Dylan Owen, but well enough. Coming into 2008, not much was expected from Gee, we ranked him 11th of 15 SP prospects, and that was after deleting Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey, all of whom ranked ahead of Gee. Well, Gee took 2008 by storm and performed exceptionally well, posting a 3.25 era in St. Lucie over 21 starts, then going to Binghamton and flat out dominating over 4 starts, going 7 innings three times and posting a 1.33 era. Then it was off to Puerto Rico for more domination, this time in 10 starts, over 48 innings and a 2.22 era. To say Gee had a great season would be understating it, he posted 14 wins and a 2.75 era over 203 innings, and as of this writing is still pitching in the Puerto Rico playoffs. Look for Gee to either open in Buffalo, or be there very shortly in 2009.

No one in the system (save Daniel Murphy and maybe Michael Antonini) has enjoyed a more meteroic rise through the farm system then Dillon Gee. He began the season outside our top 15, and ended it on the cusp of breaking into the top 10. He accomplished this by performing well at St. Lucie, and then tearing apart the AA level, first in Binghamton, and then Ponce in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Gee features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, with his 4 seamer reaching into the mid 90s, sitting comfortably in the low 90s. His 2 seamer has good down action, sitting between 89-91. He relies most heavily on his changeup when it comes to offspeed offerings. He added a curveball to his repertoire this season, turning it into the more effective of his 2 breaking pitches. He throws the pitch 76-80. Finally, he also has a slider he relies on a good amount, it's harder then his curve, with 12-6 break on it.

Gee has impeccable control, as evidenced by his collective walk total of 37 in 203 innings, a miniscule walk rate of 1.64 per 9 innings. Due to the low walk totals, Gee pitches deep into games, averaging a shade under 7 innings per start in Binghamton, and 6 ip/gs in St. Lucie. There is a very slight possibility he opens in Buffalo, but we'll be conservative and say he opens the season in Binghamton with a quick promotion (on or before May 15th). Depending on need, Gee could end up in New York during September, but a better guess would be a 2010 debut.

6. Robert Carson 1/23/89 (20) L/L (R GCL 1-0, 1.57 era, 5 GS, 23 IP, 11 H, 5/4 R/ER, 6/25 BB/K, 5.29 GO/FO, .138 BAA, .74 WHIP, R Kingsport 2-3, 1.76 era, 6 GS, 30.2 IP, 29 H, 12/6 R/ER, HR, 18/21 BB/K, 2.94 GO/FO, .274 BAA, 1.53 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 3-3, 1.68 era, 11 GS, 53.2 IP, 40 H, 17/10 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 3.65 GO/FO, .215 BAA, 1.19 WHIP

Carson was drafted in the 14th round, 453rd overall, out of Hattiesburg HS, and after signing, was sent to the GCL where he pitched sporadically, getting into 4 games totalling 9 innings. Here is a predraft 2007 scouting report on Carson:

Carson features 4 pitches, a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball. His fastball sits 90-92, and has topped out at 94. His changeup sits around 75-80, while his curveball is low to mid 70s. He feels his curveball needs more bite to it, and he is also working on developing a fifth pitch, a slider.

And here is an inseason 2008 scouting report:

The notable differences have been the improvements in his slider and changeup. Though he entered the organization with a capable off-speed pitch, the effectiveness of both pitches this year has led to his success. Specificially, he fell back on his changeup when he struggled to locate his low to mid 90's fastball. Slider now sweeps away from left handed batters and in under the hands of right-handers. Changeup uses to get his release point back so he can control his fastball better.

Robert Carson is a big lefty who features 3 pitches, a fastball, slider, and changeup. According to some scouting reports, he also has a curveball and cutter. Carson added 2-3 MPH on his fastball this past season, it now sits in the low to mid 90s, and he can dial it up into the 96-98 range rarely. With further refinement, this pitch very well could become a true plus pitch. He also features a mid 80s slider which he uses to generate groundballs (3.77 GO/FO this season, 6.00 in GCL, 2.94 in Kingsport). His changeup is his third best pitch, sitting in the 77-80 MPH range.

Carson is an advanced pitcher for his age, while he can generate a high number of Ks (46 in 53.2 innings), he prefers to dispose of hitters quickly via groundball. While he did walk an alarming amount in Kingsport (18 in 30.2 innings), he has not shown a history of wildness (11 walks in 32 GCL innings over 2 seasons), so no one should be very alarmed. With the tools and makeup Carson possesses, there isn't much question he can, at the very least, be a dependable back end of the rotation starter, but if he were to take the next step, Carson could settle in as a 2 starter.

Carson should open 2009 in Savannah, and could see a late season promotion to St. Lucie. A level per year gets him to the majors on opening day 2013.

7. Jenry Mejia 10/11/89 (19.29) R/R (R GCL 2-0, 0.60 era, 3 GS, 15 IP, 9 H, ER, 3/15 BB/K, 4.60 GO/FO, .164 BAA, .80 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 3-2, 3.49 era, 11 GS, 56.2 IP, 42 H, 22 ER, 4 HR, 23/52 BB/K, 2.47 GO/FO, .209 BAA, 1.15 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 5-2, 2.89 era, 14 GS, CGSO, 71.2 IP, 51 H, 4 HR, 26/67 BB/K, 2.76 GO/FO, .199 BAA, 1.07 WHIP

Mejia was signed by the Mets during the summer of 2006 for just $16,500, and he made his debut in the DSL in 2007, going 2-3 with a 2.47 era in 14 G, 7 GS, over 43.2 innings.

Mejia has one of the most dominant fastballs in the system, it sits in the 93-96 range, and he can dial it up to 97 and 98 on occasion. It has a good down break on it, making it one of the toughest pitches in the system to hit. Mejia compliments his deadly fastball with an equally deadly changeup which sits in the 76-79 range, some people (including me) have mistaken this pitch for a slider due to it's down break and action. He finishes off his arsenal with a developing curveball in the low 70s.

Mejia is definitely a strikeout pitcher (67 Ks in 71.2 innings in 2008), who aggresively uses his stuff to go right after hitters. He also generates a high number of ground balls (2.76 GO/FO ratio in 2008, 1.93 in 2007). Right now, Mejia profiles best as a 2/3 starter, but with continued improvement, he could become a frontline pitching prospect. At absolute worst, he has the stuff to be a big league closer, but the Mets will give him every chance at remaining in the rotation. Mejia should open 2009 in St. Lucie (even if I think he should begin in Savannah, age is certainly on his side), and ascending a level per year, plus adding a half season to be conservative puts his MLB debut in mid 2012.

8. Kyle Allen 2/12/90 (19) R/R (R GCL 1-1, 2.12 era, 11 G, 5 GS, 34 IP, 24 H, 13/8 R/ER, HR, 10/45 BB/K, 1.00 WHIP)

Allen was drafted by the Mets in the 24th round, 734th overall, out of the Pendelton HS. He made his debut in the GCL, flashing an average fastball and above average changeup.

Allen was a steal for the Mets in the 24th round, his talent far surpasses his draft position. Allen throws 3 pitches, a fastball, changeup, and slider. Right now, his fastball is in the low 90s, but it should gain a few ticks as he fills out. His best secondary pitch is definitely his changeup, which sometimes is so good, it surpasses his fastball as his best overall pitch. He throws this pitch in the upper 70s with very good sharp down break. His third pitch is a slider which has a shallow down break, not really a good pitch for the upper levels of the farm system.

Allen is very advanced for someone of his age, he has a very smooth repeatable delievery which he uses to great success. He does not boast the raw stuff of a Brad Holt or Jenrry Mejia, but he does right after hitters with what he does have, rather then nibbling on the corners. As of right now, he projects to be a solid 3rd/4th starter, but further gains in velocity/improvement of his slider would push that projection higher. Allen should start 2009 in Savannah, and then ascend a level per season to make his debut in 2013.

9. Michael Antonini 8/6/85 (23.5) R/L (A Savannah 4-4, 2.71 era, 13 GS, 73 IP, 63 H, 29/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 16/61 BB/K, 1.05 GO/FO, .227 BAA, 1.08 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 4-0, 1.84 era, 7 GS, CG, 44 IP, 34 H, 10/9 R/ER, 3 HR, 7/33 BB/K, 1.18 GO/FO, .211 BAA, .93 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-3, 3.74 era, 8 GS, 45.2 IP, 43 H, 19 ER, 10 HR, 16/32 BB/K, 0.72 GO/FO, .247 BAA, 1.29 WHIP, PRWL Ponce 2-0, 3.45 era, 9/8 G/GS, 47 IP, 42 H, 18 ER, 4 HR, 13/29 BB/K, 1.17 WHIP, .243 BAA, 0.73 GO/FO)

Total 2008 Stats: Total 2008 Stats: 11-7, 2.92 era, 37/36 G/GS, 209.2 IP, 182 H, 76/68 R/ER, 52/155 BB/K, .934 GO/FO, .232 BAA, 1.12 WHIP

If Dillon Gee was unheralded after being drafted, Antonini wasn't even on the radar. An 18th round pick out of Georgia College & State University, he posted a composite 1.96 era between Kingsport (3.71 in 17 innings) and Brooklyn (0.46 in 19.2 innings), again, nothing remarkeble at all. And then, much like Gee, 2008 came around and people began to take notice. First Antonini posted a 2.71 era in 73 innings for Savannah, again, it was largely ignored. However, after rocketting up through St. Lucie (1.84 in 44 innings over 7 starts), people began noticing Antonini. After also pitching well in Binghamton (3.74 in 45.2 innings), Antonini also concluded his season in Puerto Rico, where he again pitched very well, with a 3.45 era in 47 innings. Here is a predraft 2007 scouting report on a lefty:

Antonini features 5 pitches. A two and four seam fastball, slider, change and curve. He feels his slider is his most dominating breaking pitch. He likes to throw his changeup, but it needs work. His fastball sits between 88 and 92, while his slider is 78-81, and his change is 78-80.

This is a scouting report from Antonini's college coach, Chris Calciano, immediately after the 2007 draft.

Antonini is a winner first and foremost!! Tough kid, very ballsy. Velocity is 87-91, fastball has some life. Cutter is a solid secondary pitch for strikeouts and is 79-81. Has an average curveball which he typically just uses as a first pitch get me over. Has a feel for the change with decent run and sink. Solid strike thrower. Slightly above average pickoff move. Average athleticism and fields his position very well.

Since entering the system, Antonini's tightened up his fastball, it now sits in the low 90s, and his changeup has become his best secondary offering. He throws it in the mid 70s and gets good down break on it, the changeup increased in effectiveness once Antonini added 2-3 MPH on his fastball. He also features a slider/cutter as a third pitch, which needs some work.

Antonini is a flyball pitcher, with a 0.934 GO/FO ratio in 2008, along with a solid 155 Ks in 209.2 innings, a K rate of 6.65 per 9. He is a quick worker, but sometimes loses his arm slot when throwing his slider. He improved his slide step and ability to pitch from the stretch last season, but he still needs to work on controlling the running game.

Antonini projects best as a 4-5 starter or a long man/LOOGY out of the pen, and with his impressive rocket ascent through the system in 2008, the Mets will keep him in the rotation for now. He should be on track to open back in Binghamton for 2009, with a very good possibility of seeing significant time in Buffalo. There exists a possibility of Antonini auditioning in September as a LOOGY, but we'll say he makes his MLB debut in mid 2010.

10. Jeurys Familia 10/10/89 (19.29) R/R (R GCL 2-2, 2.79 era, 11 GS, 51.2 IP, 46 H, 20/16 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/38 BB/K, 1.14 WHIP)

The Mets signed Familia as an international free agent in July 2007 out of the Dominican Republic. He debuted in the GCL in 2008.

Familia throws 4 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, slider, and changeup. His 2 seamer sits in the 88-92 range, the same as his 4 seamer, however, he can dial his 4 seamer into the mid 90s when he needs to. His 2 seamer has good horizontal action through the zone, while his 4 seamer acts like a cutter. His best secondary pitch is a low 80s slider he uses to generate strikeouts. He tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which sits in the mid 70s.

Even at a young age, Familia doesn't try and just blow hitters away, he uses his entire arsenal of pitches to put away hitters, though he relies on his 2 seamer and slider as out pitches. Familia is still young enough where these exists a ton of projection with regards to his stuff, which almost certainly will gain refinement, if not velocity. It wouldn't be shocking to see him make the leap from the GCL to Savannah in 2009, and then spend an additional 3.5 seasons in the minors before making his debut sometime in mid 2013.

11. Phillips Orta 5/9/86 (22.75) R/R (R Kingsport 4-4, 2.05 era, 14 G, 3 GS, 44 IP, 35 H, 14/10 R/ER, 2 HR, 21/31 BB/K, 1.85 GO/FO, .222 BAA, 1.27 WHIP, A Savannah 0-1, 2.70 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 5/5 BB/K, 0.71 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.40 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 4-5, 2.17 era, 16 G, 5 GS, 54 IP, 44 H, 17/13 R/ER, 2 HR, 26/36 BB/K, 1.52 GO/FO, .223 BAA, 1.30 WHIP

The Mets selected Orta in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of Western Nebraska Community College. After signing in 2007 as a draft and follow, the Mets sent him to the Venezuelan Summer League, where he appeared in 4 games, pitching 14 innings to a 1.29 era. The Mets brought him stateside and sent him to Kingsport next, where he spent the bulk of the season, starting 11 games (53 IP), pitching to a 2-2, 4.58 line. He spent one relief outing in Savannah, getting bombed due to command issues.

Orta was held back in extended ST this year, starting his year in Kingsport where he excelled, posting a 2.05 era over 44 innings. He should begin the 2009 season in Savannah's rotation, with the possibility of a quick promotion.

Orta has a very good fastball in the mid 90s which he uses to his advantage. He is adept at changing grips on it, adding a little velocity up the zone, throwing a cutter and/or sinker. His command of the pitch needs improvement, but sheer velocity was enough to get him through rookie ball. His best offspeed offering is a curveball in the 78-82 range with tight late break. He rounds out his arsenal with a developing changeup in the low 80s, but he doesn't have good command over this pitch yet.

Orta induces a high number of ground ball outs with his power fastball/curveball combination (1.85 GO/FO in Kingsport). Despite boasting a very good fastball, Orta sometimes pitches backwards, using his curveball to setup his fastball, instead of the reverse. Orta should open 2009 in Savannah, but time is against him as he will be 23 in early May. With the abundance of high upside pitching prospects ahead of and behind him (all of whom are at least 2 years younger), Orta needs to engineer a Michael Antonini esque rocket ship ride through the system, lest he find himself in a bullpen role. A move to the bullpen would mean that Orta would be ready for the majors in late 2010 or early 2011, if he were to stay in the rotation (which would mean he ends the season in Binghamton), he would be ready in mid 2011.