June Hotsheet

Barebones version, sorry about missing May.

1. Eric Beaulac

June: 1-1, 2.63 era, 4 GS, 24 IP, 18 H, 16/7 R/ER, HR, 8/21 BB/K, 2.33 BAA, .196 BAA

2. Armando Rodriguez

June: 3-1, 1.57 era, 5 GS, 28.2 IP, 21 H, 6/5 R/ER, 2 HR, 5/23 BB/K, 0.49 GOFO, .202 BAA

3. Jim Fuller

June: 2-0, 1.63 era, 5 GS, 27.2 IP, 26 H, 12/5 R/ER, HR, 8/21 BB/K, 1.27 GOFO, .245 BAA

4. Eric Niesen

June: 4-1, 2.55 era, 5 GS, 24.2 IP, 18 H, 7 ER, 2 HR, 13/17 BB/K, 0.83 GOFO, .209 BAA

5. Mark Cohoon

June: 4-0, 1.38 era, 4 GS, 32.2 IP, 21 H, 5 ER, 4/23 BB/K, 1.89 GOFO

6. Jordany Valdespin

June: .310/.349/.450/.799, 31 for 100, 18 runs, 7 2b, 2 3b, HR, 14 RBI, 3/14 BB/K, 7/10 SBs

7. Nick Evans

June: .292/.356/.481/.837, 31 for 106, 15 runs, 11 2b, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 11/20 BB/K

8. Lucas Duda

June: .277/.370/.521/.892, 26 for 94, 11 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 11/16 BB/K

9. Stefan Welch

June: .293/.383/.424/.807, 27 for 92, 16 runs, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 9/19 BB/K

10. Darrell Ceciliani

June: .404/.415/.635/1.050, 21 for 52, 16 runs, 4 2b, 4 3b, 9 RBI, 1/9 BB/K, 2/4 SBs

7/2 Minor League Report! VALDESPIN, P. ZAPATA, Ceciliani, TIJERNIA, MCQUEEN, JA ROD, CORDERO!

AAA International League: Buffalo 12/13/2, Rochester 4/8/2

2b Justin Turner 3 for 5, 3 runs, RBI, .274
ss Luis Hernandez 1 for 3, run, .308
cf Jorge Padilla 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .345
1b Mike Jacobs 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b, 3 RBI, BB, .257
rf Fernando Martinez 1 for 5, run, HR (5), 2 RBI (19), K, .250
3b Mike Cervanek 1 for 4, RBI, .232
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b (5), HR (6), 3 RBI (16), 2 BBs, .328 (.328/.409/.759/1.168, 19 for 58, 10 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 8/8 BB/K in 16 games)
dh Russ Adams 1 for 3, 2 BBs, K, .240
c JR House 1 for 3, run, BB, .300
Pat Misch 7 IP, 7 H, 4/2 R/ER, 1/5 BB/K, HR, 3.40 era, W (8-3), 105:73:32, 9:4:5
Manuel Alvarez IP, H, 0.00 era, 8:6:2, 2:1
John Lujan IP, K, 5.14 era, 15:10:5, 2:0:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 10/11/0, Portland 0/2/1, Game 1

Chris Schwinden had a CG two hit shutout, and the Mets used two big innings (3 run 4th, 7 run 5th) to crush the SeaDogs in the first game of a twinight doubleheader, 10-0. Sean Ratliff had the only multi hit game, while DJ Wabick (0 for 1, run, K, .280) took an 0-fer after PHing for Marshall Hubbard. The Mets had 11 hits and a 5/6 BB/K ratio, while going 6 for 11 (.556) with RISP and leaving 4 on base.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 3, run, HR (11), RBI (42), BB, K, .273
lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, run, 2 2b (5), K, .310
1b Josh Satin 1 for 4, run, K, .292
dh Marshall Hubbard 1 for 2, RBI, BB, .249
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, run, HR (5), RBI (11), K, .394
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2 RBI, BB, .313
3b Jose Coronado 1 for 2, 2 runs, RBI, BB, .222
ss Jon Malo 1 for 2, run, HR, 3 RBI, BB, .235
2b Michael Fisher 2 for 3, RBI, K, .500
Chris Schwinden 7 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks, 4.53 era, W (4-5), 5:11:5

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 2/5/1, Portland 10/13/0, Game 2

One blowout deserves an equal but opposite blowout, and in Game 2, the SeaDogs dealt one to the Mets, crushing 4 pitchers for 10 runs on 13 hits and 4 walks. Scott Shaw spot started and was terrible, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings, and no one who followed was particularly better, except for Edgar Ramirez. The Mets offense had 5 hits and a 2/7 BB/K ratio, while going 1 for 7 (.143) with RISP and leaving 5 on base.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 2, RBI (43), BB, K, .271
lf Sean Ratliff 0 for 2, .301
>>1b Mike Nickeas 0 for 1, .311
1b, 3b Josh Satin 0 for 2, BB, .284
dh DJ Wabick 1 for 3, 2b, K, .281
rf Raul Reyes 0 for 3, K, .361
3b, ss Jose Coronado 1 for 3, run, K, .224
c Saloman Manriquez 1 for 3, K, .357
2b Michael Fisher 1 for 3, run, K, .429
ss, lf Jon Malo 1 for 3, RBI, K, .237
Scott Shaw 3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3/1 BB/K, HR, 6.92 era, L (4-6), 2:4:1
Edgar Ramirez 2.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 Ks, 4.25 era, 1:2:4
Roy Merritt 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, HR, 4.79 era, 2:
Emary Frederick IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, K, 5.27 era, 0:2:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 3/7/1, Fort Myers 2/5/2, Game 1

Wilmer Flores had an RBI single in the top of the 8th to put the Mets ahead, but it was a Carlos Beltran sac fly which provided the ultimate winning run as the Mets hung on to win 3-2. Jordany Valdespin and Beltran had the multi hit games, while Kai Gronauer, Juan Lagares, Richard Lucas and Rafael Fernandez took 0-fers. Eric Beaulac started and gave up a run on 3 hits in 5 innings but got a ND. Elvin Ramirez pitched 2 hitless innings for the win, Jose Bierd allowed a run in the 8th but got his 8th save. The Mets had 7 hits and struck out 5 times, while going 1 for 4 with RISP and leaving 5 on base.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, run, 2b (11), .313
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, RBI (3), .444
dh Carlos Beltran 2 for 3, 2b, RBI (4), .423
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, run, 2b (21), .299
c Kai Gronauer 0 for 4, K, .364
cf Juan Lagares 0 for 3, .188
lf Joey August 1 for 3, K, .306
3b Richard Lucas 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .205
rf Rafael Fernandez 0 for 3, run, K, .200
Eric Beaulac 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/3 BB/K, 3.45 era, 5:5:3
Elvin Ramirez 2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 4.23 era, W (3-2), 1:2:2
Jose Bierd IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BBs, 3.83 era, SV (8), 2:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 7/8/1, Fort Myers 3/5/2, Game 2

The Mets swept the Miracle in the doubleheader, winning the nightcap with a 4 run 7th. Jordany Valdespin, Wilmer Flores and Hector Pellot had multi hit games in the nightcap, while Juan Lagares, stefan Welch, Joey August (0 for 3, .299), Richard Lucas and Mike Moras (0 for 2, run, BB, .161) took 0-fers. The Mets overall had 8 hits and a 1/5 BB/K, while going 4 for 12 with RISP and leaving 3 on base. Erik Turgeon picked up the win with 2 scoreless after Brandon Moore gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits in 5 innings.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b (12), RBI (23), K, .317
cf Juan Lagares 0 for 4, run, .167
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, 2 RBI (5), K, .450
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 3, K, .296
3b Richard Lucas 0 for 2, run, K, .203
lf Hector Pellot 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, .214
dh Ryan Mollica 2 for 3, 3 RBI, .308
Brandon Moore 5 IP, 5 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/6 BB/K, 3.27 era, 7:1:6
Erik Turgeon 2 IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 1:3:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 3/9/3, Greenville 8/12/0

Pedro Zapata and Wilfredo Tovar had multi hit games, but it wasn't enough as Darin Gorwki got crushed for 6 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings to take his 4th loss. Oveall, the Gnats had 9 hits and a 2/8 BB/K ratio, while going 1 for 6 with RISP and leaving 6 on base.

cf Pedro Zapata 3 for 4, 2b (14), RBI (38), .291, CS (6)
lf RJ Harris 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .156
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 4, run, K, .234
dh Nick Santomauro 1 for 3, run, 2b (7), BB, .179
rf Cesar Puello 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .259
c Dock Doyle 0 for 4, RBI, .184
2b Jet Butler 1 for 3, BB, K
1b Alex Gregory 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .236
ss Wilfredo Tovar 2 for 4, run, 2b (2), .393
Darin Gorski 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 6 Ks, 3 HR, 3.79 era, L (2-4), 5:3:6
Gabriel Zavala IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0.00 era, 1:2
Marcos Tabata 2 IP, H, BB, K, 2.57 era, 4:1:1

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 1/9/2, Staten Island 2/7/2 in 10 innings.

Prospect wrap up for Brooklyn: Darrel Ceciliani, Cory Vaughn and Luis Nieves each had one hit today, while Juan Centeno took an 0-fer. Ceciliani got base 3 times, and Vaughn stole his 3rd base.

dh Cody Holliday 1 for 3, run, 2 Ks, .257
>>ph, dh Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 2, K, .133
>>>>ph, dh JB Brown 0 for 1, .150
cf Darrell Ceciliani 1 for 3, 2 BBs, .414 (24 for 58, 17 runs, 5 2b, 4 3b, 11 RBI, 7/9 BB/K, .414/.450/.638/1.098)
rf Cory Vaughn 1 for 4, BB, K, .268, SB (3)
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .322
lf Will Cherry 0 for 5, 4 Ks, .200
3b Joe Bonfe 1 for 2, 3 BBs, K, .366
2b Rylan Sandoval 1 for 3, 2 BBs, .326
c Juan Centeno 0 for 3, .238
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .350
Mitch Houck 7 IP, 4 H, R, 2/4 BB/K, 0.87 era, 7:4:4
Hamilton Bennett 2 IP, 2/3 BB/K, 1.13 era, 2:1:3
AJ Pinera 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 3.68 era, L (0-2), 1:
Johan Figereo 0.1 IP, H, 5.06 era, 0:1

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 13/22/2, Pulaski 1/5/2

The Mets offense exploded for 22 hits and a 2/5 BB/K, oblierating Pulaski 13 to 1. The Mets went 5 for 14 (.357) with RISP and left 10 on. Ismael Tijernia, ZeErika McQueen, Javier Rodriguez and Albert Cordero had 3 or more hits, Amauris Valdez and John Semel had 2 hits apiece.

2b Ismael Tijernia 4 for 6, .375
ss Justin Schafer 1 for 6, 2 runs, RBI, K, .258
cf ZeErika McQueen 5 for 5, 4 runs, 2b (4), .400
3b Lucas Stewart 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, BB, K, .308
rf Javier Rodriguez 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (2), HR (2), 5 RBI (7), .395
c Albert Cordero 3 for 5, run, 2b (3), 3 RBI (5), .250
1b Eddie Lora 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K, .071
dh Amauris Valdez 2 for 5, RBI, .500
lf John Semel 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .172
Jacob DeGrom 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1/2 BB/K, 6.75 era, 8:2:2
Samuel Taveras 2.2 IP, H, ER, 3 Ks, HR, 2.61 era, W (1-1), 3:2:3
Peter Birdwell 2 IP, H, 2/1 BB/K, 0.00 era, 3:1:1

6/29 Minor League Report! WILMER, VALDESPIN, VAUGHN!

AAA International League: Buffalo 6/12/1, Syracuse 1/3/1

Dillon Gee continues his yoyo pattern lately with a very good outing tonight, giving up a run on 3 hits in 7 innings for his 7th win, and Fernando Martinez had a multi hit game for the Bisons.

cf Jason Pridie 0 for 1, .280
>>lf Lucas Duda 1 for 3, run, HR (3), RBI (11), BB, .306
ss Justin Turner 2 for 5, run, 2b, K, .273
lf, cf Jorge Padilla 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .295
1b Mike Jacobs 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .256
rf Fernando Martinez 2 for 4, run, 2b (10), RBI (17), BB, K, .255
3b Mike Cervanek 1 for 5, run, .225
2b Russ Adams 0 for 3, K, .239
c JR House 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .316
Dillon Gee 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/6 BB/K, 5 era, W (7-5), 96:67:29, 11:3:6
Jose De La Torre IP, 2 Ks, 3.60 era, 13:8:5, 1:0:2
Manny Acosta IP, BB, 3.29 era, 11:6:5, 2:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 9/9/3, Altoona 5/9/2

Eric Niesen had an uneven outing today, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings, but he picked up his 4th win of the season. Manuel Alvarez fired 2 more scoreless innings, and now hasn't given up a run in his last 12.1 innings, with 16 strikeouts and no walks in that span, and just 6 hits. Buffalo much?

The Mets offense had 9 hits and drew 2 walks against 7 strikeouts, while going 4 for 9 (.445) with RISP and leaving 4 on base. Nick Evans, Mike Nickeas and Raul Reyes had multi hit games, while Marshall Hubbard (0 for 3, run, RBI, K, .247) and Josh Satin (0 for 3, RBI, K, .309) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (17), K, .276
ss Luis Hernandez 1 for 4, run, .299
3b Nick Evans 2 for 4, run, .288
lf Sean Ratliff 1 for 2, run, RBI (7), BB, .259
c Mike Nickeas 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, BB, .312
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, run, HR (3), 5 RBI (9), K, .455 (10 for 22, .455/.478/.955/1.433)
Eric Niesen 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3/3 BB/K, HR, 2.96 era, W (4-3), 3:7:3
Eddie Kunz 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2/1 R/ER, BB, K, 5.40 era, 0:3:1
Emary Frederick 0.2 IP, K, 1.50 era, 1:0:1
Manuel Alvarez 2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 2.70 era, 3:1:2

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 7/15/1, Jupiter 3/6/0

dh Carlos Beltran 1 for 5, .368 (5 games, 7 for 19, 2 runs, 2 2b, 2 RBI, 2/1 BB/K, .368/.429/.474/.902)

Brad Holt's second FSL outing was very uneven, he gave up a run on 2 hits, but walked 5, hit another, and threw a wild pitch. Scott Moviel relieved him and wasn't much better then he's been in the rotation, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings.

The Mets offense, on the other hand, was outstanding, hammering out 15 hits and a stellar 5/1 BB/K, though they were just 4 for 16 with RISP and left 11 on base. Jordany Valdespin, Wilmer Flores, Stefan Welch, Rafael Fernandez and Mike Moras had multi hit games, while Juan Lagares took the only 0-fer.

2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 5, run, 2 RBI (22), .305
ss Wilmer Flores 3 for 5, run, .481 (13 for 27)
dh Carlos Beltran 1 for 5, .368
1b Stefan Welch 2 for 5, RBI (46), K, .301
cf Juan Lagares 0 for 3, 2 runs, RBI (5), BB, .240
lf Joey August 1 for 4, run, .305
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 2, run, 2b (5), 2 RBI (35), 2 BBs, .207
rf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 2, run, RBI (1), BB, .250
c Mike Moras 2 for 2, BB, .172
Brad Holt 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 5/5 BB/K, 5 era, W (1-1), 6:3:5
Scott Moviel 3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 6.32 era, 3:5:1
Rhiner Cruz IP, K, 3.18 era, 1:1:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 6/9/2, Greenville 1/3/5

It was a bullpen day today, with John Church (4), Luis Rojas (3) and Gabriel Zavala (2) combining to hold Greenville to a run on 3 hits. The Gnats had 9 hits and a 5/7 BB/K ratio, while going 3 for 11 (.273) with RISP and leaving 8 on base. Cesar Puello and Alonzo Harris had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte and Juan Torres took 0-fers.

cf Pedro Zapata 1 for 5, 2 RBI (37), 2 Ks, .283
lf RJ Harris 1 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .150
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 3, 2 BBs, K, .239
dh Nick Santomauro 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .172
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 5, run, RBI (18), .250
c Juan Torres 0 for 3, K, .091
1b Travis Ozga 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .300
2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR (4), 3 RBI (32), .234, CS (5), E (18)
ss Wilfredo Tovar 1 for 4, .389, E (2)
John Church 4 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 1.34 era, 6:2:3
Luis Rojas 3 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 2:4:3
Gabriel Zavala 2 IP, H, R, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, 1:3:2

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 8/12/2, Hudson Valley 6/8/2

Cory Vaughn had another very good game today (2 hits, 4th HR, 7th walk), and Chris Hilliard picked up the win, while Darrell Ceciliani contributed with a hit and run scored.

ss Rylan Sandoval 1 for 2, run, RBI, BB, .351
>>ph, ss Luis Nieves 0 for 2, K, .143
dh Darrell Ceciliani 1 for 4, run, 2b (4), RBI (7), BB, 2 Ks, .396
cf Cory Vaughn 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR (4), 2 RBI (12), BB, .279
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 3, run, BB, .340
lf, rf Will Cherry 1 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .229
rf Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 5, 2b, K, .077
>>pr, lf Cody Holliday run, .208
3b Joe Bonfe 3 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .406
c Taylor Freeman 1 for 4, run, K, .160
2b James Schroeder 1 for 4, run, .250
Chris Hilliard 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4/2 R/ER, 6 Ks, 2.04 era, W (3-0), 7:4:6
Jon Kountis IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1
Nelson Pereira 2 IP, 2 H, 2/1 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, 2.25 era, 1:3:2
Johan Figuereo 0.1 IP, K, 5.40 era, SV (4)

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 2/3/0, Greenville 7/10/0

Kingsport was being no hit thru 6, before putting 2 runs on 3 hits up in the 7th, they still lost, 7-2. Michael Hebert got tagged got 5 runs on 7 hits to take his first loss. The Cyclones were 1 for 3 with RISP and left 4 on base.

cf ZeErika McQueen 0 for 3, .313
2b Ray Van Gurp 0 for 3, K, .353
1b Lucas Stewart 0 for 2, K, .267
3b Aderlin Rodriguez 0 for 2, BB, .259
dh Nelfi Zapata 0 for 2, BB, K, .250
rf Javier Rodriguez 1 for 3, run, 2b (1), K, .286
c Albert Cordero 1 for 3, RBI (2), K, .263
ss Brandon Brown 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, .214
lf John Semel 0 for 3, .125
Michael Hebert 4 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 5/5 BB/K, 2 HR, 6 era, L (0-1), 4:2:5
Orlando Tovar 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2/3 BB/K, HR, 2.84 era, 2:3:3

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 1/7/1, Greenville 9/12/1

The second game of the DH didn't go well, either, KPort was held to a run on 7 hits and a 1/7 BB/K, while Lachlan Hodge got ripped for 6 runs (4 earned, Nelfi Zapata error, passed ball) on 4 hits and 3 walks in 1.1 innings for the loss. The Mets were 2 for 14 (.143) with RISP and left 9 on base.

cf ZeErika McQueen 2 for 4, 2b (2), K, .333
2b Ray Van Gurp 0 for 4, K, .286
ss Justin Schafer 1 for 3, run, 2b, K, .286
dh Aderlin Rodriguez 1 for 4, 2b (2), RBI (4), .258
c Nelfi Zapata 0 for 3, .217
rf Javier Rodriguez 2 for 3, .333
1b Eddie Lora 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .000
lf John Semel 1 for 3, .158
3b Ismael Tijerina 0 for 2, BB, 2 Ks, .200
Lachlan Hodge 1.1 IP, 4 H, 6/4 R/ER, 3/1 BB/K, 2 HR, 16.62 era, L (0-2), 2 HBP, 1:1:1
Samuel Taveras 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, 2.35 era, 3:3:2
TJ Chism 0.1 IP, K, 3.86 era
Josh Edgin 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 3 era, 3:1:2

April 2010 Hotsheet

1. 1b Ike Davis - Buffalo (AAA), New York (MLB)

April: 23 for 67, 13 runs, 6 2b, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15/13 BB/K

2. RHSP Dillon Gee - Buffalo (AA)

April: 3-0, 2.78 era, 4 GS, 22.2 IP, 19 H, 7 ER, HR, 3/22 BB/K, 0.97 WHIP

3. CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis - Binghamton (AA)

April: .319/.361/.484/.844, 29 for 91, 19 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 6/19 BB/K, 6 SBs

4. 1b Nick Evans - Binghamton (AA)

April: .318/.387/.591/.978, 21 for 66, 14 runs, 6 2b, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 8/11 BB/K

5. 3b Zach Lutz - Binghamton (AA)

April: .307/.447/.600/1.047, 23 for 75, 15 runs, 4 2b, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 17/21 BB/K

6. 1b/LF Lucas Duda - Binghamton (AA)

April: .273/.412/.519/.932, 21 for 77, 19 runs, 7 2b, 4 HR, 19 RBI

7. 2b Jordany Valdespin - St. Lucie (A+)

April: .300/.327/.480/.807, 15 for 50, 10 runs, 3 2b, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2/4 BB/K, 1/4 SBs

8. SS Wilmer Flores - Savannah (A)

April: .341/.388/.560/.948, 31 for 91, 15 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 7/10 BB/K, CS

9. cf Rafael Fernandez - Savannah (A)

April: .328/.382/.443/.825, 20 for 61, 8 runs, 3 2b, 2 3b, 9 RBI, 6/15 BB/K, 3/4 SBs

10. c Kai Gronauer - Savannah (A)

.317/.406/.483/.889, 19 for 60, 10 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 6 RBI, 8/5 BB/K

Note: As I understand it, the Mets are extremely high on Gronauer.

4/20 Minor League Report! TIBERIUS, Duda, Valdespin, Lagares, WILMER, GRONAUER!

AAA International League: Buffalo 11/13/0, Scranton 7/12/0

I guess the Bisons offense isn't that bad, huh? They hammered out 13 hits and drew 5 walks en route to a wild 11-7 victory over the Yankees this afternoon. Prospects Josh Thole and Fernando Martinez were a combined 3 for 7 with 4 runs and 3 RBI. Fernando crushed his first homer of the season. Ruben Tejada chipped in with a pair of doubles for the Bisons, who were 6 for 14 (.429) with RISP, and left 6 on base, while striking out 3 times.

Pat Misch started and was meh (yes, I just used the word 'meh'), giving up 6 hits and 3 runs in 5.2 innings. Elmer Dessens blew the save for him, however, when he allowed one of Mike O'Connor's IHR to score. He picked up the win after Buffalo put up a 4 run bottom of the 8th.

cf Jason Pridie 4 for 5, 3 runs, 2b, HR, 5 RBI, .286
c Josh Thole 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, .143
rf Fernando Martinez 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR (1), 3 RBI (4), .277
dh Mike Hessman 2 for 3, 2 2b, 3 RBI, 2 BBs, K, .359
1b Chris Carter 0 for 5, .214
3b Mike Cervanek 1 for 4, K, .200
2b Alex Cintron 0 for 3, run, BB, .250
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 3, run, .333
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b, K, .152
Pat Misch 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2/3 BB/K, HR, 2.76 era, 103:66:37, 6:6:3
Kiko Calero 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB, HR, 6.14 era, 25:13:12, 1:3
Mike O'Connor 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 3.38 era, 9:7:2, 1:
Elmer Dessens IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 1.29 era, BS (2), W (3-0), 22:13:9, 0:1:2
Manny Acosta 0.2 IP, H, 2.16 era, 10:6:4, 0:2

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 15/14/0, Portland 3/6/0

It has been entirely too long since Kirk Nieuwenhuis made the headline, huh? Well...how's a 5 for 6, 3 XBH night sound? He led the charge from atop the Mets lineup with those 5 hits. Lucas Duda (3), and Brahiam Maldonado (2, AA debut) also had multi hit games for the Mets, while Zach Lutz and Mike Nickeas (0 for 2, run, 3 BBs, K, .167) took 0-fers. The Mets overwhelmed the Sea Dogs pitching tonight, hammering out 14 hits, drawing 8 walks, and going a blistering 6 for 13 (.462) with RISP. On the flip side, they left 6 on base and struck 10 times.

Scott Shaw was the beneficiary of the offensive outpouring, he went the first 5, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks for the win. Jose De La Torre and Derrick Ellison finished off the game with 2 scoreless each.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 5 for 6, 4 runs, 2 2b (4), HR (2), 4 RBI (10), .333
dh Nick Evans 1 for 5, 2 runs, HR (4), 3 RBI (13), BB, .354
3b Zach Lutz 0 for 5, run, BB, 3 Ks, .333
1b Lucas Duda 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b (7), 2 RBI (16), BB, K, .298
rf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .154
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 5, run, HR, 4 RBI, K, .250
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 4, run, 2b (1), BB
2b Hector Pellot 1 for 5, 2 runs, 3 Ks, .188
Scott Shaw 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4/2 BB/K, 9.49 era, W (2-0), HBP, 4:8:2 (Story of Living Right, 9.49 and a 2-0 record, lol)
Jose De La Torre 2 IP, 2 H, 4 Ks, 1.04 era, 0:2:4
Derrick Ellison 2 IP, 3 Ks, 8.31 era, 0:3:3

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 7/11/2, Palm Beach 5/8/1

Hit parades around the minors tonight! St. Lucie poured across 11 of them tonight, along with 3 walks, while going 3 for 7 (.429) with RISP, leaving 4 on base, and striking out 10 times. Jordany Valdespin, Emmanuel Garcia and Josh Satin each had multi hit games, while Andy Green (0 for 2, BB, 2 Ks, .333) took the only 0-fer.

Jeurys Familia started and cruised through 4, before getting smacked around for 5 hits, a walk and 5 runs in the 5th inning, he ultimately took a ND. Manuel Alvarez pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th to pick up his first win of the season.

ss Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, run, BB, K, .300
cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 5, run, 2 RBI, K, .286
lf sean Ratliff 1 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .244
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, 2b (1), K, .279
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .211
dh Josh Satin 2 for 3, BB, .361
3b Eric Campbell 1 for 4, run, .250
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .242
Jeurys Familia 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2/7 BB/K, 9.95 era, 5:1:7
Jose Bierd 2.1 IP, H, BB, K, 0.93 era, 4:1:1
Manuel Alvarez 2 IP, H, 5 Ks, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 1:0:5

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 11/18/0, Augusta 3/11/1

Between all 4 affiliates tonight, the system scorched the opposition for 56 hits and 44 runs. Savannah completed the 5 game sweep by hammering out 18 and 11, along with 7 walks. The Gnats went 10 for 24 (.417) with RISP, left 14 on base, and struck out 9 times. Six of the nine hitters in the Gnats lineup had multi hit games, with Wilmer Flores highlighting the group. Rylan Sandoval (0 for 2, run, 3 BBs, .115) took the only 0-fer. MarK Cohoon was the benefit of the Gnats outburst, going 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits.

cf Pedro Zapata 2 for 5, 2 runs, BB, K, .188
lf Juan Lagares 3 for 6, 2b (3), 3b (3), K, .309
ss Wilmer Flores 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (4), HR (1), 5 RBI (8), BB, K, .380
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .262
rf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 5, run, RBI (8), BB, K, .277
c Kai Gronauer 4 for 6, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, .394
dh Cesar Puello 2 for 4, run, 2 2b (3), 2 RBI (4), K, .262
2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 5, run, 3 Ks, .217
Mark Cohoon 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2/6 BB/K, 1.53 era, W (3-0), 9:2:6
Erik Turgeon 2 IP, H, 3 Ks, 1.04 era, 0:3:3
Lance Hoge IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 7.50 era, 0:2:1

MPH System Audit IV Part III: Middle Infielders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prospect Focus: Jordany Valdespin

Splits courtesy www.minorleaguesplits.com

Valdespin is a lefty batter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prospect Focus: Jordany Valdespin

Splits courtesy www.minorleaguesplits.com

Valdespin is a lefty batter

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

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

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

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

5/30 Minor League Report! Thole, Duda, Tejada, VALDESPIN!

Buffalo 2, Durham 10

cf Cory Sullivan 2 for 4, K, .259
ss Alex Cora 1 for 4, .222
1b Javier Valentin 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .315
lf Willy Pena 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .225 (Nothing Mo about him!)
rf Emil Brown 0 for 4
3b Mike Lamb 1 for 4, .188
c Rene Rivera 1 for 4, run, HR (2), 2 RBI (4), K, .231
dh Michel Abreu 2 for 4, 2b, .227
2b Jon Malo 1 for 4, .209
Brandon Knight 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4/2 BB/K, 4.47 era, L (3-4), 87:47:40, 4:7:2
Connor Robertson 0.2 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, K, 2 HR, 5.11 era, 32:24:8, 0:1:1
Eddie Kunz 2.2 IP, 3.13 era, 22:15:7, 7:1

Binghamton 5, New Britain

Another Dylan Owen start, another multi run performance. Another Binghamton game, another 2 hits for Josh Thole. And so it goes for the Mets, who saw Owen plummet to 0-5 with a 6.97 era after today's rough 5 inning 6 run performance, but on the flip side, saw Thole collect 2 more hits, raising his average to .369. Almost as, if not more, impressive was Ruben Tejada, who had 2 hits himself, and is now batting .281 in Binghamton. Emmanuel Garcia, Lucas Duda and DJ Wabick also had multi hit games for the Mets, but it was to no avail. Nick Evans, Shawn Bowman (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .271), and Jose Coronado (0 for 4, .240) took 0-fers for the Mets, who collected 11 hits and 3 walks, and were an impressive 5 for 12 with RISP, and left 8 on base.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 5, 2b (7), RBI (21), K, .272
c Josh Thole 2 for 4, RBI (16), BB, .369
1b Nick Evans 0 for 4, run, BB, K, .194
dh Lucas Duda 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b (9), HR (2), 2 RBI (25), BB, K, .290
lf DJ Wabick 2 for 4, 2b (16), RBI (25), .320
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, run, K, .278
2b Ruben Tejada 2 for 4, run, 2b, .281 (PLEASE LEAVE HIM HERE ALL YEAR!)
Dylan Owen 5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 3/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 6.97 era, L (0-5), 6:5:2
Stephen Clyne I.1 IP, H, BB, K, 7.27 era, 1:2:1
Roy Merritt 1.2 IP, 1/4 BB/K, 3.96 era, 1:0:4

St. Lucie 4, Clearwater 3

Luis Rivera's 2 run walkoff double made a winner out of Emary Frederick, as the Mets rallied for 2 in the 9th. The Mets scored single runs in the 5th and 8th innings, each time trailing by 2 runs (2-0 and 3-1), before Rivera's double. The Mets had 9 hits and 2 walks on the day, but were just 1 for 7 with RISP (the one being Rivera's 2b), and left 7 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Francisco Pena had multi hit games, while Reese Havens (0 for 2, K, .228; removed in the middle of the game, no info...), Zach Lutz (0 for 4, RBI, .232), and Ike Davis (0 for 3, BB, K, .276) took 0-fers.

Angel Calero started and for the second straight start, gave up 3 runs in 7 innings, this time getting a ND, instead of a loss.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, run, .261
2b Greg Veloz 1 for 2, K, .236
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .306
c Francisco Pena 2 for 4, 2b, K, .218
dh Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, run, .212
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, run, K, .216
2b, ss Luis Rivera 1 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .125
Angel Calero 7 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2 HR, 3.61 era, 5:9:5
Emary Frederick 2 IP, 2 H, K, 2.75 era, W (2-3), 3:2:1

Savannah 11, Asheville 8, Game 1

The Gnats roared out to an 8-1 lead after 4 innings, and had to watch Elvin Ramirez and Jacob Goldberg try their damndest to give it away, hanging on for a 3 run victory. Every starter except Sean Ratliff (0 for 3, BB, K, .309) had a hit in the 13 hit outburst, Jordany Valdespin, Josh Satin, Raul Reyes and Daniel Stegall had multi hit games.

Ramirez staggered through the requisite 5 innings for a win, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks. Goldberg allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits.

2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 4, 3 runs, 2 2b, RBI, BB, .308
cf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 5, run, 3b, RBI, K, .253
1b Josh Satin 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 5 RBI, BB, K, .325
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, 2b, .248
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, run, RBI, .303
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 2, 2 runs, .224
dh Dan Stegall 2 for 3, run, HR, 2 RBI, .250
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 3, run, RBI, K, .205
Elvin Ramirez 5 IP, 8 H, 5/4 R/ER, 2/2 BB/K, 3.40 era, W (3-3), 10:3:2
Jacob Goldberg 2 IP, 4 H, 3/2 R/ER, 3 Ks, 12 era, 3:0:3

Savannah 2, Asheville 5, Game 2

Eric Beaulac got pounded for 7 hits and 5 runs (3 earned) in 5.2 innings, as the Gnats dropped the back end of the doubleheader, 5-3. Jordany Valdespin put together another multi hit game, giving him a 5 for 8 on the day. Sean Ratliff and Wilmer Flores also had multi hit games, while Luis Alen (0 for 3, BB, K, .118) and Dan Stegall (0 for 3, .200) took 0-fers. The Gnats hammered out 10 hits and drew 4 walks, but they went just 2 for 13 with RISP, and left 11 on base.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .313
cf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .253
1b Josh Satin 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .327
lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, 2 Ks, .313
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 3, RBI (12), BB, .257
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, RBI, .300
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 3, 2b, K, .207
Eric Beaulac 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5/3 R/ER, 1/4 BB/K, 2 HR, 3.66 era, L (2-3), 7:6:4
Rhiner Cruz 0.1 IP, K, 2.28 era

5/29 Minor League Report! THOLE, COULTAS, VALDESPIN, MARTE!!!!!

Buffalo 9, Durham 3

cf Cory Sullivan 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .252
ss Alex Cora 1 for 5, 2b
1b Javier Valentin 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, .320
dh Willy Mo Pena 1 for 5, RBI, K, .224
3b Mike Lamb 2 for 5, 2 runs, HR, RBI, .186
c Rene Rivera 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, BB, .229
lf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .282
rf Jason Cooper 2 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, RBI, K, .192
2b Jon Malo 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, BB, .207
Fernando Nieve 6.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1/7 BB/K, HR, 3.44 era, W (3-0), 105:70:35, 6:5:7
Jon Switzer 1.2 IP, 1/3 BB/K, 2.42 era, 31:18:13, 2:0:3
Connor Robertson IP, BB, K, 3 era, 16:9:7, 0:2:1

Binghamton 6, New Britain 0

Josh Thole and Ryan Coultas had HUGE games today for the Mets, as they blanked the Rock Cats 6-0 to move to 21-24, 5 games back of Connecticut for the Northern Division lead. Thole, Emmanuel Garcia, Shawn Bowman and DJ Wabick had multi hit games for the Mets, while Coultas had his longest professional pitching outing of his career, a 2 hitter over 8 innings for his 4th win.

Garcia drove in 3 runs for the Mets, who pounded out 12 hits and drew 5 walks, en route to 6 runs, and a very good 5 for 14 showing with RISP. They did leave 10 on base, though. Lucas Duda (0 for 3, 2 BBs, .285), and Jose Coronado (0 for 4, K, .261) took 0-fers for the Mets.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 5, 3 RBI, .268
c Josh Thole 3 for 4, BB, .366
lf Nick Evans 1 for 4, BB, K, .219
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, K, .277
dh DJ Wabick 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 2b, RBI, .315
rf Carl Loadenthal 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .243
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, 2 RBI, .275
Ryan Coultas 8 IP, 2 H, 2/4 BB/K, 2.55 era, W (4-2), 3:17:4
Edgar Alfonzo IP, BB, K, 4.76 era, 0:2:1

Savannah 2, Asheville 3

Two Jefry Marte homers weren't enough tonight, as the Gnats fell 3-2 to Asheville, dropping to 24-23, 3 games behind Charleston in the Southern Division. Marte broke out of a long long slump in a HUGE way with 3 hits, including his second and third homers of the season, but it was in a losing cause. Jordany Valdespin also had a 3 hit game atop the lineup, but in between were 6 0-fers and a 1 fer (Sean Ratliff went 1 for 4 with 2 Ks, he's hitting .314 on the season).

Kyle Allen's third start (in 9 APPs) of the year was uneven, he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) over 4 innings, but allowed 7 hits and 2 walks, and had 2 wild pitches.

2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 5, 2b, K, .295
cf Rafael Fernandez 0 for 4, .254
1b Josh Satin 0 for 3, BB, K, .321
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 3, BB, .248
rf Raul Reyes 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .292
c Kai Gronauer 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .224
dh Dan Stegall 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .111
3b Jefry Marte 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI (17), K, .203
Kyle Allen 4 IP, 7 H, 3/2 R/ER, 2/2 BB/K, 4.91 era, L (3-2), 5:4:2
Manuel Olivares 3 IP, H, BB, K, 2.55 era, 4:4:1
Rhiner Cruz IP, H, K, 2.31 era, 2:0:1

5/27 Minor League Report! TEJADA, NIEUWENHUIS, NIESEN, VALDESPIN!

Buffalo 3, Lehigh Valley 5

Jon Niese had yet another godawful performance for the Bisons this season, tonight giving up 5 runs in 6 innings. As a sign of how beyond pathetic he's been this year, tonight's outing lowered his ERA under 8. (By the way, if you think I'm being overtly critical, keep in mind I LOVE Jon Niese, have since we drafted him in 2005).

The Bisons had 9 hits on the night, and went 2 for 6 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. Argenis Reyes and Jesus Feliciano had multi hit games, while Michel Abreu (0 for 4, .214) and Mike Lamb (0 for 4, .183) took 0-fers.

ss Argenis Reyes 2 for 4, K, .283
cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, run, 2b, .244
1b Javier Valentin 1 for 4, .333
rf Willy Mo Pena 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .211
c Rene Rivera 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .227
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .289
Jon Niese 1 for 2, .200; 6 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 7.96 era, L (0-4), 106:72:34, 11:5:2
Tim McNab IP, 2 H, 1.72 era, 19:12:7, 2:1
Connor Robertson 2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 3.13 era, 24:17:7, 2:2:2

Binghamton 6, Connecticut 5

The Mets faced one of the Giants best prospects, Tim Alderson today, and Ruben Tejada was 3 for 3 off him, great sign for the 19 year old shortstop. In fact, the 4 thru 8 hitters for the Mets each had multi hit games, and were a combined 13 for 22 with 5 runs scored and 5 RBI. Every Met had a hit, but they were a putrid 4 for 17 with RISP, and left 14 of their 21 runners on base.

Michael Antonini had a GREAT first 6 innings, allowing just a run on 3 hits with 8 Ks. Then he came out for the 7th and allowed 2 hits and a walk, runners which Adam Bostick allowed to score, blowing a 3-1 Met lead. After Bostick, the Mets bullpen shut down the Defenders, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings as the offense came back from 5-3 down with runs in the 8th and 9th to tie, and 11th to win.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 6, 2b, 2 Ks, .260
c Josh Thole 1 for 6, K, .349
1b Nick Evans 1 for 6, run, 2b, K, .208
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 5, run, BB, 3 Ks, .297
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 4, 3 runs, BB, K, .280
rf DJ Wabick 3 for 5, run, 2b, K, .304
ss Jose Coronado 3 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, .289
2b Ruben Tejada 3 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .270
Michael Antonini 6.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2/8 BB/K, 5.02 era, 3:8:8
Adam Bostick 0.2 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 2.60 era, BS (1), 0:1:1, balk
Eric Brown IP, K, 4.08 era, 2:0:1
Julio De La Cruz 2 IP, 2 H, 2/2 BB/K, 2.88 era, 2:2:2
Edgar Alfonzo IP, 5.06 era, W (2-1), 2:1

St. Lucie 5, Brevard County 6, Game 1 - 8 innings

Jenrry Mejia had a rough 4th inning today, giving up 2 hits and 2 walks and 3 runs (2 earned, due to an Ike Davis error), but on the positive side, he did strike out 8. Manuel Alvarez inherited two runners from Nick Waechter and allowed 1 to score to blow a save, and then Jose De La Torre allowed one in the bottom of the 8th (on a wild pitch strike 3) to take the loss.

The Mets were held to just 6 hits, but did draw 4 walks and hit 3 homers, while going 1 for 7 with RISP and leaving 5 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, K, .283), Ike Davis (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .275), Francisco Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .207), and Luis Rivera (0 for 4, K, .125) all took 0-fers.

dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, 2b, .255
ss Reese Havens 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .231
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 2, run, HR (3), 3 RBI (13), 2 BBs, .254
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR (4), RBI (18), K, .209
rf Daniel Stegall 1 for 2, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB
Jenrry Mejia 4 IP, 4 H, 3/2 R/ER, 4/8 BB/K, 2.06 era, 2:3:8
Nick Waechter 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, 4.56 era, 2:1:1
Manuel Alvarez 1.2 IP, 2 H, K, 3.68 era, BS (1), 3:1:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, H, ER, BB, K, 5.40 era, L (1-3), 2:0:1

St. Lucie 5, Brevard County 0

Eric Niesen was fantastic yet again, allowing just 5 hits in 6 innings for his 3rd win of the season, and the Mets exploded in Game 2 with 12 hits and a walk in their win over the Manatees. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Carlos Guzman, Ike Davis and Brahiam Maldonado had multi hit games, while Rafael Arroyo (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .107) and Dan Stegall (0 for 3, K, .200) took 0-fers in Game 2.

dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, run, K, .261
ss Reese Havens 1 for 4, run, .232
cf Carlos Guzman 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, .294
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, run, RBI, K, .257
1b Ike Davis 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .282
2b Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .218
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 3, .220
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 5 H, 2/6 BB/K, 2.16 era, W (3-2), 3:9:6
Edgar Ramirez IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1

Savannah 1, Lexington 3

Jeff Kaplan had his best outing of the season, throwing a 6 hit shutout over 7.2 innings, but Josh Stinson allowed 3 runs on a hit and 2 walks in 0.2 innings (Jimmy Johnson allowed 2 of his IHR to score), to blow a 1-0 lead and take the loss.

The Gnats had 11 hits and a walk, while going just 1 for 13 with RISP and leaving 11 men on base. Sean Ratliff snapped a very long 0-fer (0 for 30) with a multi hit game. Wilmer Flores, and Jordany Valdespin also had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte (0 for 5, run, K, .190) and Raul Reyes (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .277) took 0-fers.

rf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .254
1b Josh Satin 1 for 4, BB, .325
cf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, RBI, .255
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, K, .232
2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 4, 2b, K, .295
dh Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, K, .216
Jeff Kaplan 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2/3 BB/K, 1.05 era, 12:6:3
Josh Stinson 0.2 IP, H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 3.91 era, BS (1), L (1-2), 2:0
Jimmy Johnson 0.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 0.71 era, 1:
Rhiner Cruz 0.1 IP, 2.42 era, 0:1

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.

Jordany Valdespin vs The Career Never Was Scrub (Hint: Scrubs win in the Mets organization)

Warning: Excessive and pointless and needless abundant cursing (but it's soooo much fun!)

Um, wow. So much for the hope Jordany Valdespin gave us, and the fun first 3 weeks of the season we had trying to dig up information on him. Apparently hitting .385/.406/.615/1.021 isn't enough in the eyes of the Mets. What a fucking joke, he was booted to Extended Spring Training to make room for Jake fucking Eigsti, who's done precisely jack fucking shit in his career. Valdespin did more in 3 weeks for Savannah then Eigsti did in 150 ABs in 2008, and I'm NOT being facetious.

Valdespin 2009: .385/.406/.615/1.021 (25 for 65, 15 runs, 2 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 3/10 BB/K)

Eigsti (WHO BLOWS!) 2008 Savannah: .253/.309/.347/.655 (38 for 150, 17 runs, 5 2b, 3 3b, HR, 10 RBI, 11/25 BB/K)

Clearly the scrub 25 year old (with a career .241/.300/.314/.614 line in 573 ABs) needs another shot at this level, and we cannot let the "who the heck is this 21 year old?" kid keep playing and see what we have. No, no clearly not. See - it's moves like this that make me think the directors of the minor leagues are cum guzzling piss drinking ass monkeys.

They did the same fucking shit with Jake Ruckle in 2006, he was flat out dominating the FSL at age 20 (1.60 era in 50.2 innings) - but because he was just "filling in", they demoted him to Brooklyn, DESPITE those numbers.

What the fuck. I mean What. The. Fuck.

Links up in a while.

4/24 Minor League Report! THOLE, VALDESPIN!

Buffalo 0-3-1, Syracuse 4-9-1

Nick Evans is truly having a disasterous season so far, after his 0 for 4 tonight, he is now 5 for 53 (.094) with 18 Ks and a nifty .509 OPS. The Bisons had just 3 hits on the night (Jesus Feliciano, Jon Malo and Brandon Knight). Everyone else took 0-fers in another ugly offensive showing. Knight took the loss despite giving up 3 runs in 7 innings, he fell to 0-2. Eddie Kunz gave up a run in his inning of work, and Jon Switzer finished off the game.

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, .227
1b Nick Evans 0 for 4, K, .094
rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 4, K, .271
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .261
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 3, .271
Jon Malo 1 for 3, .157
2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 3, .212
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 3, K, .098
Brandon Knight 1 for 2, 2b, K, .333; 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3/5 BB/K, 5.50 era, L (0-2), 105:60:45, 8:5:5
Eddie Kunz IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 2.89 era, 16:8:8, 2:0
Jon Switzer IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 5.06 era, 25:16:9

Binghamton 411-1, New Hampshire 2-10-3 in 13 innings

Josh Thole went 4 for 6 and scored a run in the decisive 2 run 13th as the Mets outlasted the Fisher Cats 4-2. Emmanuel Garcia also had a multi hit game, while Shawn Bowman (0 for 6, 3 Ks, .250) and Mark Kiger (0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .250) took 0-fers.

Ryan Coultas started for the Mets, and worked into the 7th inning (faced one batter in the 7th), he was charged with 2 runs on 7 hits in 6+ innings, taking a ND. John Madden allowed Coultas' lone IHR to score in his inning of work, he was tagged with a BS. Edgar Alfonzo, Tim McNab, Nick Abel and Roy Merritt worked 6 shutout innings in relief, allowing 2 hits, striking out 5. Abel got the win, Merritt his 7th save.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 6, RBI, .286
rf Carl Loadenthal 1 for 4, run, RBI, BB, K, .298
c Josh Thole 4 for 6, run, .386
dh Caleb Stewart 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .161
ph, dh, 1b Josh Petersen 0 for 1, .313
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 5, BB, 2 Ks, .139
ph Lucas Duda RBI, BB, .300
2b Matt Bouchard 1 for 6, run, K, .173
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 5, run, BB, .205
Ryan Coultas 6+ IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2/3 BB/K, 3.45 era
John Madden IP, H, BB, 0.00 era, BS (2)
Edgar Alfonzo 1.2 IP, H, BB, K, 0.00 era
Tim McNab 2.1 IP, H, 2 Ks, 3.72 era
Nick Abel IP, 1/2 BB/K, 2.16 era, W (1-1)
Roy Merritt IP, BB, 0.00 era

St. Lucie 1-7-2, Charlotte 3-7-1

Angel Calero pitched very well tonight, giving up just a run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings, but that was enough for him to be tagged with a loss, as the Mets offense generated just a run on 7 hits themselves. Brant Rustich gave up 2 runs (1 earned) in his 3 innings of work, as he works up his pitch count.

Greg Veloz (0 for 5, .288), Zach Lutz (0 for 4, K, .271), and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 4, K, .256) all took 0-fers, while Carlos Guzman had the only multi hit game.

ss Reese Havens 1 for 5, 2b, .309
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, 3b, BB, 2 Ks, .281
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, K, .226
c Francisco Pena 1 for 3, .205
rf Carlos Guzman 2 for 3, 2b, BB, .320
dh Hector Pellot 1 for 4, 2b, .156
Angel Calero 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 2/3 BB/K, 1.13 era, L (1-1), 3:7:3
Brant Rustich 3 IP, 5 H, 2/1 R/ER, 1/3 BB/K, 1.13 era, 4:2:3

Savannah 5-11-1, Rome 8-14-2

It was a tale of 2 starts for Robert Carson tonight. There was the first inning, in which he surrendered 6 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits (thanks to a Jordany Valdespin error (about the only thing he's done wrong this season, lol)). And then there was the rest of his outing, in which he allowed a run on 6 hits in 5 innings. So while his total line looks putrid, it was one awful inning compounded by an error which did him in.

The offense certainly came to play, pounding out 11 hits and 5 runs, but the Gnats were 3 for 12 with RISP and left 7 on base. Valdespin, Eric Campbell and Jean Luc Blaquiere had multi hit games, while Rafael Fernandez (0 for 5, run, 4 Ks, .240), Josh Satin (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .370), and Jose Jimenez (0 for 3, 3 Ks, .050) all took 0-fers.

ss Jordany Valdespin 3 for 5, K, .397
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, 2 RBI, .262
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .279
1b Eric Campbell 2 for 3, RBI, BB, .276
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 2 for 4, K, .200
lf Juan Lagares 2 for 4, 2 runs, .255
Robert Carson 6 IP, 12 H, 7/5 R/ER, 3 Ks, 4.91 era, L (1-2), 11:2:3
Jimmy Johnson 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 1.93 era, 2:2:2
Erik Turgeon IP, 2 Ks, 1.69 era, 1:0:2

4/23 Minor League Report! VALDESPIN!

Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 3

Jose Sanchez gave up 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in 4.2 innings. Adam Bostick, Julio De La Cruz and John Madden worked 3.1 innings of hitless relief, but the offense fell a run short.

The Mets had 7 hits, and drew 5 walks, but they went 2 for 12 with RISP and left 10 men on base. Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 4, BB, .280) and Carl Loadenthal (0 for 4, run, BB, K, .302) took 0-fers, everyone else had 1 hit today.

c Josh Thole 1 for 5, K, .342
lf Josh Petersen 1 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .333
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, K, .280
dh Caleb Stewart 1 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .154
1b Mark Kiger 1 for 3, 2b, .313
2b Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .174
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, RBI, 3 Ks, .305
Jose Sanchez 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 9.88 era, L (1-2), 5:4:5
Adam Bostick IP, 2/2 BB/K, 1.13 era, 0:1:2
Julio De La Cruz 1.1 IP, 2 Ks, 1.50 era, 2:0:2
John Madden IP, BB, 0.00 era, 1:1:0

St. Lucie 2, Jupiter 3

The Mets had 5 hits and drew 5 walks, but only had 3 ABs with RISP, they were 1 for 3 in those situations and left 6 runners on base. The top 2 in the lineup went 2 for 5 with 2 runs, 2 2b and 3 walks. Zach Lutz (0 for 3, RBI, BB, .295), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 4, .220), Francisco Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .194) and Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, K, .298) all took 0-fers.

Scott Shaw allowed 3 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings to pick up the loss, though he did strike out 7. Nick Carr worked 2 innings in relief, walking 2 and King 3.

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, 2 Ks, .315
ss Reese Havens 1 for 2, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .320
1b Ike Davis 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .283
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, K, .286
dh Hector Pellot 1 for 3, 2 Ks, .143
Scott Shaw 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1/7 BB/K, 2 HR, 2.50 era, L (1-1), 5:5:7
Nick Carr 2 IP, 2/3 BB/K, 2.25 era, 0:3:3

Savannah 5, Rome 2

Jordany. Valdespin. Yeah, exactly, you're not supposed to know who he is (I barely do). He's 21 years old, and he is ripping it up in the early going, hitting a blistering .377/.393/.660/1.053 with 7 XBH in 53 ABs. He's a lefty batter who put up a pedestrian .284/.319/.440/.760 line in 134 ABs in the GCL last year, so to say he's come from nowhere is entirely accurate.

Aside from Valdespin, Josh Satin had the other multi hit game tonight, while Rafael Fernandez (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .267), Sean Ratliff (0 for 4, K, .281), Jefry Marte (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .268), Eric Campbell (0 for 3, run, BB, .255) and Jose Jimenez (0 for 2, K, .059) all took 0-fers.

Jeff Kaplan worked 5 shutout innings to pick up the win, he struck out 8. Rhiner Cruz picked up the save with a perfect 9th.

2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 4, 2 runs, 3b, HR, 3 RBI, .377
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, .345
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, run, 2b, .241
dh Josh Satin 2 for 4, run, RBI, K, .405
Jeff Kaplan 5 IP, 5 H, 1/8 BB/K, 0.60 era, W (1-0), 5:1:8
Wendy Rosa 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 7.27 era, 4:3:3
Rhiner Cruz IP, K, SV (3), 1:1:1
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Oh yes, if you wanna actually hear my voice, I'll be on SNY.tv's post game show tomorrow night on BlogTalkRadio. Listen live beginning at 11pm, I should be on around 11:24pm talking about our top 5 prospects.

Link to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/SNY
Number to call in: (718)-664-6176