6/12 Minor League Report! Fernando, Harris, FERNANDEZ, Marte, Puello!

AAA International League: Buffalo 2/5/0, Lehigh Valley 6/11/0

rf Russ Adams 1 for 4, run, K, .249
2b Justin Turner 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .280
1b Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .270
3b Mike Cervanek 0 for 4, .229
cf Fernando Martinez 2 for 4, run, HR (3), RBI (10), K, .256
c Josh Thole 0 for 4, K, .254
lf Marshall Hubbard 0 for 3, .000
ss Andy Green 0 for 2, BB, .259
Bobby Livingston 5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 4.90 era, L (2-7), 80:52:28, 4:9:1
John Lujan IP, BB, 5.56 era, 17:8:9, 2:0:0
Manny Acosta IP, 3 Ks, 4.12 era, 15:9:6
Bobby Parnell 2 IP, H, BB, K, 4.21 era, 27:15:12, 5:0:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 0/2/0, Trenton 6/4/0

Chris Schwinden had a decent outing today, but he did give up 4 runs on 2 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings, so took his 4th AA loss. The Mets offense had just 2 hits and 4 walks, while going hitless in 4 ABs with RISP, leaving 6 on, and striking out 5 times.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 2, BB, K, .282, SB (11)
>>1b Omir Santos 0 for 1, .118
ss Luis Hernandez 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .288
1b, rf Nick Evans 0 for 4, K, .271
lf Lucas Duda 0 for 3, BB, .287
dh DJ Wabick 0 for 3, .257
>>ph, dh Juan Centeno 0 for 1 (???)
3b Eric Campbell 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .312 (7 for his last 30, 3 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, 4/3 BB/K)
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 3, .284
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 3, .226
rf, cf Jon Malo 0 for 3, K, .234
Chris Schwinden 6 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 4/5 BB/K, HR, 7.01 era, L (1-4), 1:11:5
Roy Merritt IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, HR, 3.98 era, 0:3
Emary Frederick IP, 2 Ks, 2.70 era, 1:0:2

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 11/12/0, Greensboro 2/6/4

Armando Rodriguez had a very good outing today, giving up just 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings to even his record at 4 and 4. The Gnats offense exploded with 12 hits and 5 walks, while going 5 for 14 (.357) with RISP, leaving 8 on base, and striking out 8 times. Alonzo Harris, Rafael Fernandez, Jefry Marte and Kai Gronauer had multi hit games, while Michael Fisher (0 for 4, RBI, K, .389) and Nick Santomauro took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 5, 2 2b (12), 3 RBI (29), BB, .248
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 5, 2 runs, HR (7), RBI (42), K, .285
cf Juan Lagares 1 for 5, 2 runs, 2 Ks, .294, SB (15; home)
rf Rafael Fernandez 3 for 5, 2 runs, HR (2), RBI (13), K, .252, SB (6)
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b (9), 2 RBI (22), 2 BBs, .233
lf Nick Santomauro 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .156
c Kai Gronauer 2 for 5, run, RBI (18), K, .259
dh Cesar Puello 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, .245
Armando Rodriguez 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 Ks, HR, 3.26 era, W (4-4), 7:6:3
Darin Gorski 3 IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.94 era, SV (3), 3:3:2

FSL ASG

North 4, South 5

2b Josh Satin 3 for 5, run, HR, 3 RBI, K
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 2, K
rf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, K

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.

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

6/5 Minor League Report! BOWMAN, Holt, VELOZ, FERNANDEZ, MARTE, HENRIQUEZ!

Binghamton 4, Connecticut 7

Brad Holt's AA debut was a solid outing, he gave up 3 runs (2 earned, due to his own error) on 2 hits and 3 walks in 6.1 innings, taking a ND after Edgar Alfonzo blew the save, allowing 3 runs in his 1.1 innings. One down, Jenrry Mejia to go for Binghamton tomorrow.

The Mets offense certainly did their job, with 12 hits and 4 walks off CT pitching, though they went just 1 for 9 with RISP and left 11 men on base. Josh Thole took the only 0-fer, while Nick Evans, Shawn Bowman and Carl Loadenthal had multi hit games.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, run, BB, 3 Ks, .281
1b Nick Evans 2 for 5, run, 2b, .217
c Josh Thole 0 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .350
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .288
3b Shawn Bowman 3 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .276
rf Carl Loadenthal 2 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .247
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 3, BB, .221
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, K, .281
Brad Holt 6.1 IP, 2 H, 3/2 R/ER, 3/3 BB/K, 2.84 era, 11:5:3
Edgar Alfonzo 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3/1 R/ER, BB, 4.22 era, BS (1), L (3-2), 2:1
Edgar Ramirez 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 5.40 era
Nick Abel IP, H, 7.54 era, 2:1

St. Lucie 5, Lakeland 3

The Mets fell behind 3-1 after 3 innings, but scored single runs in the 4th (Greg Veloz RBI single) and 6th (Carlos Guzman HR) to tie, then 2 in the 7th (Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 run HR) to take the lead. The Mets had 10 hits and 3 walks, and were 2 for 7 with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Veloz, Guzman and Hector Pellot had multi hit games, while Ike Davis (0 for 4, run, K, .283), Francisco Pena (0 for 3, BB, .206) and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .213) took 0-fers.

Brant Rustich's first start of the season was an uneven one, but he did strike out 7 over 4 innings, if you want to look for positives. Jose De La Torre worked 3 scoreless innings for the win, and Emary Frederick picked up his 4th save.

2b Greg Veloz 3 for 5, run, 2b (9), RBI (11), .264
cf, 1b Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, HR (8), 2 RBI (20), BB, .266
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, 3b (2), RBI (19), .238
rf, cf Carlos Guzman 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR (7), RBI (20), .293
ss Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, .212
dh Hector Pellot 2 for 3, BB, .259
Brant Rustich 4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 7 Ks, 2.57 era, 2:3:7 ----> late addition: 91 pitches, 57 strikes, 34 balls
Jose De La Torre 3 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 4.64 era, W (2-3), 2:5:2
Emary Frederick 2 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 2.49 era, SV (4), 1:3:2

Savannah 3, Charleston 5

Elvin Ramirez had a flat out awful outing today, surrendering 5 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits, but the real egregious stat is the 7 walks in just 3.2 innings, to take his 4th loss of the season. In the loss, the Gnats committed 4 errors: Wilmer Flores (6, fielding), Ralph Henriquez (1, throw), Jefry Marte (22, throw), Rafael Fernandez (4, fielding).

Offensively, the Gnats had 12 hits and drew 4 walks, and were 3 for 8 with RISP, but left 9 men on and grounded into 2 double plays. Fernandez and Marte combined to go 6 for 10 out of the top 2 spots in the order, and Ralph Henriquez also had a 3 hit game for the Gnats, while Josh Satin (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .312), Wilmer Flores and Daniel Stegall (0 for 4, K, .129) took 0-fers.

cf Rafael Fernandez 3 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, K, .257
3b Jefry Marte 3 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .224 (13 for last 34)
dh Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .313
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 3, BB, K, .299
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, .244
c Ralph Henriquez 3 for 4
2b Matt Gaski 1 for 4, run, 2b, .444
Elvin Ramirez 3.2 IP, 4 H, 5/2 R/ER, 7/3 BB/K, 3.50 era, L (3-4), 2:4:3
Michael Powers 2.1 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 2.92 era, 1:3:3
Jacob Goldberg 2 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 7.20 era, 1:2:3
Sam Martinez IP, H, 3 Ks (A debut), 0.00 era

6/4 Minor League Report! Evans, Brown, DAVIS, NIEUWENHUIS, Fernandez!

Buffalo 1, Norfolk 0

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, .253
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 3, RBI, BB, .302
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 3, BB, .230
dh Willy Pena 1 for 4, .248
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 4, K, .191
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 3, .204
rf Matt Watson 0 for 3
ss Jon Malo 1 for 3, .204
2b Luis Rivera 1 for 2, run, K, .600 (3 for 5)
Brandon Knight 4 IP, H, 4 Ks, 4.15 era, 41:28:13, 2:5:4
Kyle Snyder 2.2 IP, K, 3.82 era, 23:14:9, 4:3:1
Jon Switzer IP, H, 2.28 era, 13:7:6, 2:1
Elmer Dessens 1.1 IP, H, K, 1.29 era, SV (7), 24:14:10, 1:2:1

Binghamton 2, Portland 3

Eric Brown had a no hitter going through 7, but was pulled from a 1-1 tie, and Julio De La Cruz gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th after being handed a 2-1 lead, leading to the Mets loss. The Mets had just 6 hits of their own, and drew 2 walks, and were just 1 for 3 with RISP, leaving 4 on base. Nick Evans had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Josh Thole (0 for 4, .354), Jacob Eigsti (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .222), DJ Wabick (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .293 (0 for 17 in June)), and Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, K, .167) all took 0-fers.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, run, HR (3), RBI (24), 2 Ks, .282
lf Nick Evans 2 for 3, RBI, BB, .200
1b Lucas Duda 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .291
ss Jose Coronado 1 for 3, run, .215
2b Ruben Tejada 1 for 2, BB, .281
Eric Brown 7 IP, 0 H, R, 3/6 BB/K, 4.84 era, 11:5:6
Julio De La Cruz IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 4.61 era, BS (1), L (0-3)

St. Lucie 4, Lakeland 2, Game 1

Scott Shaw had a very good outing for the Mets, scattering 4 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) over 5.2 innings to pick up his 2nd win. Manuel Alvarez worked 1.1 innings for his 3rd save. The Mets had 6 hits and 3 walks en route to 4 runs, while going 1 for 5 with RiSP and leaving 4 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while zach lutz (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .234), Francisco Pena (0 for 2, RBI, .211), Matt Bouchard (0 for 3, .196) and Hector Pellot (0 for 3, K, .252) took 0-fers.

dh Greg Veloz 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, K, .255
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, .261
1b Ike Davis 1 for 2, BB, K, .284
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 2, BB, .292
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, .221
Scott Shaw 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2/1 R/ER, 2/2 BB/K, HR, 3.54 era, W (2-3), 3:10:2
Manuel Alvarez 1.1 IP, H, BB, 3.12 era, SV (3), 2:2

St. Lucie 5, Lakeland 6, Game 2

The Mets fell behind early in Game 2 as Angel Calero had a very bad outing, then rallied for 3 in the top of the 7th, only to fall a run short, losing 6-5. Calero gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in just 4 innings, but the deciding run was given up by Nick Waechter.

The Mets offense came to life in Game 2 with 8 hits and 6 walks, but they were just 2 for 10 with RISP and left 9 on base. Each of the top 5 in the order had hits, 3 had multiple hits, while the bottom 5 all took 0-fers: Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 2, 2 BBs, .219), Rafael Arroyo (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .118), Hector Pellot (0 for 2, .248), Carlos Guzman (who PH for Pellot and stayed in DHing; 0 for 2, K, .289), and Richard Pena (0 for 3, .071).

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 4, RBI (10), .254
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, run, 2b (11), .267
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .237
1b Ike Davis 2 for 4, 2 runs, 3b (3), HR (4), 3 RBI (21), .289
ss Matt Bouchard 2 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .210
Angel Calero 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3/2 BB/K, HR, 4.21 era, L (1-5), 6:4:2
Nick Waechter 2 IP, H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 4.56 era, 1:2:2

Savannah 7, Charleston 4

Kyle Allen was betrayed by his defense tonight, though only one official error was charged to the Gnats, several balls were misplayed by infielders and outfielders alike. Allen gave up 5 hits and 4 runs (1 earned, Matt Gaski error), while striking out 6 in 4.1 innings. Eric Beaulac earned the win with 4 innings of 1 hit shutout relief.

The Gnats offense had 13 hits and a walk, and were a very good 5 for 14 with RISP, and left 7 on base. The top 3 in the order all had multi hit games, and combined to go 7 for 13 with 2 2b and 3 RBI. Gaski also had a multi hit game, while Raul Reyes (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .298), Wilmer Flores and Luis Alen (0 for 4, K, .160) took 0-fers.

cf Rafael Fernandez 3 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, K, .249
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .215 (10 for last 29)
dh Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .314
1b Josh Satin 1 for 4, 2 RBI, .315
ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .250
lf Daniel Stegall 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .148
2b Matt Gaski 4 for 4, 3 runs, RBI, .500
Kyle Allen 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4/1 R/ER, 2/6 BB/K, 4.61 era, 2:5:6
Manuel Olivares 0.2 IP, 2.30 era, 1:1
Eric Beaulac 4 IP, H, 2/5 BB/K, 3.32 era, W (3-3), 3:3:5

5/17 Minor League Report! GEE, Duda, FERNANDEZ!

Buffalo 2, Pawtucket 3 in 11 innings

Guess we know why Eddie Kunz hasn't been closing games lately for the Bisons, wow. Handed a 2-0 lead heading to the bottom of the 11th, Kunz registered one out, allowed 5 hits and a walk, along with 3 runs. Dillon Gee started this game, and was brilliant for 6.1 innings, outside of some very uncharacteristic wildness (he walked 5!), allowing just 3 hits, while striking out 8.

The Bisons were held to just 5 hits and 5 walks in the game, and were 0 for 5 with RISP, leaving 4 on base. Fernando Martinez, Javier Valentin (0 for 4, .273), Mike Lamb (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .164), Rene Rivera (0 for 3, K, .143), and Jon Malo (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .194) took 0-fers, while Argenis Reyes had the only multi hit game.

cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, run, BB, .211
2b Argenis Reyes 2 for 5, run, HR (1), 2 RBI (4), K, .271
rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 5, K, .274
dh Willy Mo Pena 1 for 4, K, .233
lf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 3, 2b, BB, .275
Dillon Gee 6.1 IP, 3 H, 5/8 BB/K, 3.65 era, 107:63:44, 4:7:8
Jon Switzer IP, 2/2 BB/K, 2.50 era, 22:11:11, 0:1:2
Elmer Dessens 2.2 IP, 2 Ks, 0.86 era, 34:20:14, 2:4:2
Eddie Kunz 0.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, K, 3.94 era, VBBS (1), L (3-2), 20:10:10, 0:0:1

Binghamton 2, Trenton 1 - Game 1

Ryan Coultas had another good outing for the BMets, scattering 4 hits and a run over 5.1 innings for his 3rd win of the season. Julio De La Cruz picked up the save with 1.2 perfect innings.

The Mets had 8 hits and 2 walks, and were 1 for 4 with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .235) and Mark Kiger (0 for 2, BB, K, .246) took 0-fers, Jose Coronado had the only multi hit game.

c Josh Thole 1 for 3, .357
rf, lf Josh Petersen 1 for 3, .288
1b Lucas Duda 1 for 3, run, .284
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 3, run, .292
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 2, RBI, .263
ss Jose Coronado 2 for 2, RBI, BB, .333
2b Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, .243
Ryan Coultas 5.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 4/4 BB/K, 2.54 era, W (3-1), 3:8:4
Julio De La Cruz 1.2 IP, 2 Ks, 4.30 era, 1:2:2

Binghamton 4, Trenton 3 - Game 1, 8 innings

Stephen Clyne got his AA victory with 3 shutout innings in relief of Tobi Stoner, who gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in 5+ innings. The Mets had just 6 hits on the day, but drew 4 walks, however, they were just 1 for 5 with RISP and left 5 on base. Lucas Duda had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Carl Loadenthal (0 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .250), Josh Petersen (0 for 3, K, .276), Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .182), and Ruben Tejada (0 for 1, run, 2 BBs, .241) all took 0-fers.

2b Jose Coronado 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, K, .333
dh Josh Thole 1 for 3, run, RBI, .356
1b Lucas Duda 2 for 4, RBI, K, .292
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 3, 2 Ks, .293
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 3, .265
Tobi Stoner 5+ IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2/4 BB/K, HR, 2.25 era, 4:7:4
Stephen Clyne 3 IP, H, K, 1.80 era, W (1-0), 5:3:1

Savannah 8, Lexington 7, in 10 innings

Eric Beaulac started for the Gnats, but went just 2 innings, giving up 3 hits and 2 runs, walking 3. No immediate word on why he only went 2. Kyle Allen, who was scheduled to piggyback, came on after 4 innings, and had a very uneven outing, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits, but generating 12 groundouts of the 15 he got (the other 3 were Ks). He picked up the win after the Gnats scored one in the top of the 10th.

The Gnats pounded out 14 hits and drew 6 walks, and were 4 for 11 with RISP, leaving 12 men on base. Jefry Marte, Sean Ratliff, Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 3, BB, .194) and Luis Alen (0 for 4, RBI, .182) were the Gnats who failed to record multi hit games.

cf Rafael Fernandez 4 for 5, 3 runs, 2b, BB, .268
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, .209, E (16)
2b Josh Satin 2 for 5, run, RBI, K, .339
lf Sean Ratliff 1 for 5, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .356
1b Eric Campbell 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .268
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, 3b, 2 RBI, .308
ss Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .293
Eric Beaulac 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 3.25 era, 5:0:1
Michael Powers 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 Ks, 4.50 era, 4:0:2
Kyle Allen 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3/3 BB/K, 5.16 era, W (3-1), 12:0:3
Jimmy Johnson IP, H, K, 0.93 era, SV (2), 1:1:1

4/25 Minor League Report! Fernandez!

Buffalo 5, Syracuse 6

Another game, another loss, another very rough outing for Jon Niese. Niese lasted just 3.2 innings today, allowing 4 hits and 4 runs (3 earned, due to a Michel Abreu error), his ERA through 4 starts stands at a very inflated 8.44. Kyle Snyder took the loss, allowing 2 runs in 2.1 innings.

Offensively, every regular except Jason Cooper (0 for 3, K, .214) had a hit, with Jon Malo and Argenis Reyes recording multi hit games. The Bisons are now 2-13 on the season, and 12 games behind Scranton in the division.

cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .269
3b Andy Green 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .200
lf Fernando Martinez 1 for 4, RBI, .270
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .205
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 3, run, .269
ss Jon Malo 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .182
2b Argenis Reyes 2 for 4, run, RBI, K, .243
Jon Niese 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4/3 R/ER, 1/4 BB/K, 8.44 era, 83:54:29, 4:3:4
Kyle Snyder 2.1 IP, H, 2 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 5.25 era, L (0-1), 50:21:29, 0:5:1
Ken Takahashi IP, 2 H, 0.77 era, 19:13:6, 2:1:0
Elmer Dessens 2 IP, 3 H, 0.90 era, 26:20:6, 2:3:0

Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 7

Eric Brown had a very rough outing for the BMets today, surrendering 5 runs on 7 hits in 4 innings to take the loss, as the Mets fell 7-2, dropping them to 8-6 on the season, 2 games behind the division leading Fisher Cats.

The Mets had just 5 hits and 3 walks on the day, going 2 for 6 with RISP and leaving 4 on base. Lucas Duda (0 for 3, BB, K, .273), Caleb Stewart (0 for 3, BB, .147), Mike Nickeas (0 for 2, BB, .077) and Matt Bouchard (0 for 3, K, .164) took 0-fers.

cf Emmnauel Garcia 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .283, E (2)
1b Mark Kiger 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .250
lf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, K, .300
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 2, run, 2b, .217, SB (2)
Eric Brown 4 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 5.68 era, L (1-1), 3:5:3
Adam Bostick 3 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 Ks, 1.64 era, 2:2:4
Julio De La Cruz IP, 2 H, ER, 2.57 era, 2:1:0

St. Lucie 2, Charlotte 4

Eric Niesen has been a victim of little to no run support early this season. Despite a sparkling 2.81 era, he is 0-2 to start 2009. And yeah, while I still think he's a reliever masquerading as a starter, he's pitched much better this year then he did at any point in 2008. Tonight he went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits (including a homer), striking out 6. Stephen Clyne allowed an unearned run in his 2 innings of relief, providing the final margin of defeat.

The Mets had 7 hits and drew 3 walks, but were just 1 for 5 with RISP and left 8 runners on. Reese Havens, Ike Davis and Rafael Arroyo (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .167) took 0-fers, while Jacob Elgsti had a multi hit game. The Mets dropped to 7-8 on the season, and are 3 games behind division leading Fort Myers.

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 4, RBI, K, .286
ss Reese Havens 0 for 3, BB, K, .288
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, K, .269
1b Ike Davis 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .271
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 4, 2b, K, .315
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 1, K, .222
ph, lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, K, .262
lf, cf Seth Williams 1 for 3, run, 2b, .333
dh Jacob Elgsti 2 for 4, .308
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 2.81 era, L (0-2), 8:4:6
Stephen Clyne 2 IP, R, 2/3 BB/K, 1 era, 3:0:0

Savannah 5, Charleston 7

Much like Robert Carson yesterday, while Kyle Allen's start looks bad on the surface, digging deeper into the numbers yields the fact that Allen allowed just 1 hit over the first 4.1 innings, before running into massive 5th inning trouble. Allen allowed 4 hits, a walk and 4 runs after that, recording just one more out along the way (understandable, since this was his longest outing of the season). Eric Beaulac took the loss, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) over his 3 innings of relief.

The Gnats pounded out 11 hits and drew 3 walks, but despite scoring 5 runs, they were 3 for 12 with RISP and left 8 men on base. Eric Campbell (0 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .254) and Stefan Welch (making his A debut; 0 for 4, 2 Ks) took 0-fers, while Rafael Fernandez, Josh Satin and Juan Lagares (hitting 6-7-8 in the order), all had multi hit games (combining to go 7 for 11 with 2 2b and 3 RBI). The loss dropped the Gnats to 10-5, good for a 1 game lead over both Lexington and Greenville in the division.

ss Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .387
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 4, K, .262
rf Sean Ratliff 1 for 5, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .273
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, K, .242
cf Rafael Fernandez 3 for 4, run, K, .278
2b Josh Satin 2 for 3, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .388
lf Juan Lagares 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .275
Kyle Allen 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2/3 BB/K, 9.53 era, HBP, 8:3:3
Josh Stinson 0.1 IP, 4.82 era, 1:0:0
Eric Beaulac 3 IP, 3 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 1.50 era, BS (1), L (1-1), 2:1:6

MPH System Audit III - Part I

OK, well - I realized that outside of 2 SP writeups, I'm done with the Audit, so rather then continue my silence, and the blogs downtime, I decided to post this now. Here is the introduction to the Audit, and Part I - Outfielders. Expect Part II to be posted on 3/1.
--------------

MPH System Audit III

Over the past year, we've seen our blog explode onto the scene and really take on a legitimacy that we never could have envisioned, and we hope that is reflected in this Audit, a comprehensive look at not only the 2008 season, but the farm system as a whole. It was a VERY crucial, some would say pivotal, year for the system, with 4 of our top 10 prospects deleted in one fell swoop (for Johan), everyone knew the lower levels would have to step up, and boy did they ever do just that. Of course, the year was pretty much bookended with prospects being traded away, with 3 more prospects being deleted (for Putz), 2 more in the revised top 10.

We'll be doing something a little different this year, we'll post a section every 4 days, to allow you time to read through everything. Six official sections means it'll take roughly a month, so we hope you enjoy this look at our farm system.

MPH's Position by Position Prospect Analysis and Ranking
-cowritten by David and Tejesh (something something Dock Doyle)
-with contributions from Charlie aka The Man formerly of MetsProspectus and now MPH (YAY!)
-thanks to NYFS (www.nyfuturestars.com) for having up to date player profile capsules with relevant information handy!
-ages are in paranthesis next to the players name, and are as of 2/1/09
-B/T is next to age and is in that order
-prospect eligibility for MPH is hitherto defined as 200 ABs or 100 IP in the majors, without regard to days spent on the roster
-winterball stats cutoff at 2/1/09

Affiliate Guide (2009):

Buffalo: AAA International League (new)
Binghamton: AA Eastern League
St. Lucie: A+ Florida State League
Savannah: A South Atlantic League (Sally)
Brooklyn: A- New York Penn League (Penn)
Kingsport: R Appalachian League (Appy)
GCL Mets: R Gulf Coast League
DSL Mets: R Dominican Summer League
VSL Mets: R Venezuelan Summer league

Outfielders

A strength of the farm system just 2 seasons ago, outfield prospects are now very hard to find. Fernando tops the list, but it's very thin after him.

1. Fernando Martinez 10/10/88 (20.33) L/R (AA Binghamton .287/.340/.432/.772, 101 for 352, 48 runs, 19 2b, 4 3b, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 27/73 BB/K, 6/8 SBs, DWL Escogido .314/.376/.542/.919, 48 for 153, 26 runs, 7 2b, 5 3b, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 14/32 BB/K, 4/5 SBs, VWL Caracas .160/.250/.320/.570, 4 for 25, 4 runs, 2b, HR, RBI, 3/7 BB/K)

Total 2008 Stats: .289/.347/.458/.805, 153 for 530, 78 runs, 27 2b, 9 3b, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 10/13 SBs, 44/112 BB/K, .211 K rate, .3929 BB/K ratio

Splits courtesy www.minorleaguesplits.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fernando missed about 5 weeks with a hamstring injury this year, the third consecutive year he's missed time with injuries. While concerning, the one thing in his favor is his age, he's still just 20 years old, and will play all of the 2009 season at age 20, likely in Buffalo, the new AAA affiliate of the Mets. And don't forget, our very own franchise shortstop battled leg injuries for the better part of 3 years before turning into an iron man.

He finished off his 2008 season playing for Escogido in the Dominican Winter League, and excelled to the tune of a .314/.376/.542/.919 line in 153 ABs, flashing off the raw power that makes many salivate over his future. He also, for the first time in his career, displayed vastly above average platoon splits, hitting .318/.362/.591/.953 in 44 ABs vs LHP, and hitting .312/.382/.523/.905 in 109 ABs vs RHP.

Fernando has yet to remain healthy for a full minor league season, so despite having 3 seasons worth of experience in the system, much of his value remains projection. He did show off what he can do when healthy and in a groove during the 2008 Dominican Winter League season, where he hit a blistering .314/.376/.542/.919 with 18 XBH in just 153 ABs, but then he injured his right elbow during the CWS and had to be shut down. Still, it can be considered a good season for the still 20 year old, he blasted 15 HRs and 27 2b in 520 ABs. As he matures and fills out, it wouldn't be out of the question for him to develop 30+ HR power, along with hitting for a high average. Even if his numbers don't show it, Fernando can control the strike zone very well.

Fernando, who played a majority of LF for Escogido, profiles there as a major leaguer. His arm is above average, but not suited for right field, and he does not possess the range to play CF. He also does not possess blazing speed, most, if not all, of his steals will come due to smarts. Martinez will develop into a good+ offensive force, capable of hitting in the middle of a lineup, but the hype has reached such proportions that he'll be hard pressed to ever meet expectations.

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

2. Cesar Puello 4/1/91 (17.83) R/R (R GCL .305/.350/.364/.714, 46 for 151, 24 runs, 6 2b, HR, 17 RBI, 5/32 BB/K, 13/18 SBs, .212 K rate, .1563 BB/K ratio)

Puello was signed in the International Free Agent class which produced Wilmer Flores and Jefry Marte, and while yes, a lot of the press went to Flores, and then Marte, make no mistake, Met officials are very high on this young outfielder.

After a disasterous June in which Puello hit .242/.265/.273/.537 with 14 Ks in 33 ABs (.424 K rate), he turned around to hit .322/.372/.390 the rest of the way, with just 18 Ks in 118 ABs (a very good .153 K rate, and an equally impressive .2778 BB/K ratio (for a 17 year old))

Puello is a physical prospect who projects to have average tools across the board. He's an instinctive player who learns quickly. He fits best as a right fielder with a strong arm and the requisite power for the position.

Puello's obviously very raw in all facets of his game, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Puello needs to work on his timing, especially on breaking pitches, as he chases too many out of the zone. He has a good swing on balls in on him, and his swing is also conducive to hitting balls the other way (in time). He is still young, but his frame (6'2/195) should be conducive to power as he grows and fills out. Puello has some of the best raw speed in the system, and he stole 13 bases in 18 tries in 2008. That speed enables him to cover a plethora of ground in the outfield, and his plus plus arm makes him a perfect candidate for RF, where he played in the GCL.

It is much too soon to predict what type of player Puello will ultimately become, we should get a better sense of that after the 2009 season, which he will play at 18 years old, likely in Savannah. A level per year after that should put him on track for a 2013 debut, at age 22.

3. Kirk Nieuwenhuis 8/7/87 (21.5) L/R (Azusa Pacific .400/.496/.724/1.220, 90 for 225, 84 runs, 20 2b, 4 3b, 15 HR, 68 RBI, 34/34 BB/K, 8/11 SBs, A- Brooklyn .277/.348/.396/.744, 79 for 285, 34 runs, 15 2b, 5 3b, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 29/70 BB/K, 11/18 SBs)

Total 2008 Stats: .331/.415/.541/.956, 169 for 510, 118 runs, 35 2b, 9 3b, 18 HR, 97 RBI, 19/29 SBs, 63/104 BB/K, .204 K rate, .6057 BB/K ratio

Nieuwenhuis was drafted by the Mets in the 3rd round, 100th overall, out of Azusa Pacific University, where as a junior, he hit .400/.496/.724/1.220 in 225 ABs. After signing (for $360,000), he was sent to Brooklyn, where he hit .277/.348/.396, showing a decent eye at the plate (.4143 BB/K, .246 K rate), and decent power (keep in mind he bats lefty and Keyspan Park is death on lefty hitters, especially powerwise).

Nieuwenhuis should be opening 2009 in the St. Lucie outfield, potentially playing a corner, depending on if the Mets move Greg Veloz to center field.

Despite 70 Ks in 285 ABs, Nieuwenhuis has good plate discipline (he had a 1:1 BB/K in college). The reason for his high K rate is tied to his swing, which he needs to adjust for pro ball. As with most college players, he has some holes which metal bats covered up - and wood bats exposed. He has the frame for additional power (23 XBH in Brooklyn), which will come when he adjusts his swing to pro ball. He is a good runner who has above average speed, but needs to hone his instincts in steals (11 for 18). There's no reason why he couldn't eventually blossom into a 25+ SB man.

Due to his speed and athleticism, Nieuwenhuis can remain in CF for the time being, but it would behoove the Mets to get him experience in both corner OF spots to prepare him for an Endy Chavez like utility role in the majors. He has the arm and accuracy to play RF, and did so rarely in Brooklyn. If all breaks right, Nieuwenhuis could become a hitter (once again) in the Daniel Murphy/Josh Thole mold, high average, good OBP, line drive gap power, but unlike Murphy and Thole, Nieuwenhuis can also steal 25+ bases in a season. He should open 2009 in St. Lucie, then ascend a level per year, breaking into the majors on opening day 2012 as a backup.

4. Javier Rodriguez 4/4/90 (18.83) R/R (R GCL .193/.258/.237/.495, 26 for 135, 17 runs, 3 2b, HR, 20 RBI, 10/27 BB/K, .200 K rate, .3704 BB/K ratio)

The Mets took Rodriguez in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft, 68th overall, out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. After signing (for $585,000), he was sent to the GCL, where he had a miserable third of a year, hitting for an OPS under .500, driving just 4 XBH in 135 ABs. Here is a predraft scouting report on Rodriguez:

Considered one of the better prospects in Puerto Rico heading into the Excellence Tournament that annually draws scouts to see the island's best talent each May, Rodriguez elevated his status after his strong showing there. He is the best pure hitter from Puerto Rico and has good bat speed. With a lean, athletic body, Rodriguez should have the ability to add muscle to his long frame. He shows above-average raw power to the pull side, though there is some length to his swing. Rodriguez is an average to above-average runner, clocking in at 6.7 seconds in the 60-yard dash. Reviews of his fielding are mixed, though his arm is above-average for both the length and carry he gets on the ball and for its accuracy.

It really would behoove the Mets to hold him back in extended ST and then place him either back in the GCL, or move him up to Kingsport (and even that may be too aggresive considering his line in the GCL), but knowing the Mets, there is a very good chance he ends up in Savannah to start the season.

5. Brahiam Maldonado 9/18/85 (23.43) R/R (A+ St. Lucie .232/.284/.327/.611, 63 for 272, 18 runs, 11 2b, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 15/76 BB/K, 6/7 SBs, .279 K rate, .1973 BB/K ratio)

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Raul Reyes 12/30/86 (22.08) L/L (A Savannah 14 for 47, 2 runs, 3 2b, 3b, HR, 5 RBI, 2/15 BB/K, .298/.327/.468/.795, .319 K rate, .1333 BB/K ratio)

The Mets signed Reyes prior to the 2005 season, then sent the 18 year old to the Dominican Summer League, where he hit .263 in 71 games, with 33 runs scored, 30 RBI, 12 2b, 3 3b, 4 HR, and 6 SB. In 2006, Reyes played for the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League, hitting .273/.393/.413 in 37 games. He had 10 2b, 2 3b, HR, 18 RBI, 20/34 BB/K, and 3 steals in 5 tries.

For the 2007 season, Reyes was bumped up to the New York Penn League, where he struggled, hitting .233/.321/.423, and striking out an alarming 94 times in just 253 ABs. In twice the ABs he got in Kport, Reyes had 13 2b, 4 3b, 9 HR, 33 RBI, and 9 steals in 15 tries. He projects best as a .265-.280 hitter with considerable power at the top of the order. Reyes has very good speed, which like the other parts of his game, is still raw and unrefined (career 60% SB success rate (12 of 20)). He uses his speed to cover huge swaths of ground in the outfield.

Despite struggling mightily in Brooklyn, the Mets saw fit to promote Reyes to Savannah for the 2008 season, where he got off to a good start, hitting .298/.327/.468/.795 in 47 ABs before fracturing his right ankle on April 16th, and missing the remainder of the season.

7. Dan Stegall 9/24/87 (22.33) L/R (A Savannah .196/.252/.308/.561, 21 for 107, 13 runs, 2b, 4 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 6/33 BB/K, 2/4 SBs, R Kingsport .295/.365/.418/.783, 36 for 122, 16 runs, 6 2b, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 13/26 BB/K)

Total 2008 Stats: .249/.313/.367/.680, 57 for 229, 29 runs, 7 2b, 4 3b, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 19/59 BB/K, 3/6 SBs, .257 K rate, .3220 BB/K ratio)

The Mets drafted Stegall in the 7th round of the 2006 draft, 214th overall, out of Greenwood High School in Arkansas, after hitting .500 his senior year. A two sport star in high school, Stegall featured a low to mid 90s fastball from the right side, but the Mets were drawn to his outfield abilities, not the power arm.

Upon drafting him, they sent him to the Gulf Coast League, where he hit .214/.324/.262/.586 in 40 games, 145 ABs. He split the 2007 between full season A ball Savannah, and short-season rookie ball Kingsport, hitting a combined .213/.293/.280/.573, 130 games, 103 for 483, 55 runs, 16 2b, 8 3b, 41 RBI, 20/29 SBs, 51/122 BB/K, with a decent enough .253 K rate, and a acceptable .4180 BB/K ratio.

8. Rafael Fernandez 8/3/88 (20.5) L/L (R Kingsport .259/.332/.399/.731, 59 for 228, 41 runs, 10 2b, 5 3b, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 24/69 BB/K, 4/8 SBs, .303 K rate, .3478 BB/K ratio)

The Mets signed Fernandez as an international free agent during the 2006 International Free Agent signing period. He played in the DSL in 2006, hitting .216/.316/.320/.636 (50 for 231, 30 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 34/53 BB/K, 6/8 SBs, .229 K rate, .6415 BB/K ratio.

He missed virtually all of the 2007 season, getting just 8 ABs in the GCL, before returning to action in 2008 with Kingsport at age 19/20, where he hit .259/.332/.399/.731 in 228 ABs, with a much too high .303 K rate, and a significantly lowered .3478 BB/K ratio.

9. Gabriel Zavala 5/14/87 (21.75) R/R (R Kingsport .250/.289/.475/.764, 30 for 120, 18 runs, 13 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 3/48 BB/K, .400 K rate, .0625 BB/K ratio)

The Mets signed Zavala as an International Free Agent in 2004, and after spending 2 seasons with the VSL Mets, he came stateside in 2007, playing for the Gulf Coast League Mets, and having a very good "rookie" season. He showed good tools with his bat, hitting .285, and also flashed very good power, hitting 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 6 hr in only 165 AB.

10. Pedro Zapata 10/3/87 (21.33) R/R (R Kingsport .221/.257/.248/.505, 50 for 226, 24 runs, 4 2b, 3b, 15 RBI, 8/56 BB/K, 12/14 SBs, .248 K rate, .1429 BB/K ratio)

Zapata was signed prior to the 2007 season out of the Dominican Republic. While playing in the DSL, Zapata displayed his excellent speed and ability to hit for average. We should know more about Zapata once he starts playing in the states.

July Edition - Hotsheet

1. AA LHSP Jon Niese L/L 10/27/86

Before July: 5-5, 3.14 era, 17 GS, CG, 91.2 IP, 82 H, 3 HR, 34/79 BB/K, 1.27 WHIP, .240 BAA

July AA/AAA: 2-2, 2.50 era, 6 GS, CG, 39.2 IP, 39 H, 11 ER, 3 HR, 12/40 BB/K

Season: 7-7, 2.95 era, 23 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 131.1 IP, 121 H, 54/43 R/ER, 6 HR, 46/119 BB/K, 1.27 WHIP, .246 BAA

Niese spent most of the month with AA Binghamton, posting a 1-2, 2.76 era line, before earning a promotion to AAA New Orleans, where he utterly dominated the Tucson Sidewinders, firing 7 innings of 3 hit 1 run ball to run his monthly record to 2-2, 2.50. Niese had his best month stamina wise, and struck out a batter per inning. It's good to see Niese shaking that "6 inning pitcher" routine he had going for most of the season, too.

2. RHRP Eddie Kunz 4/8/86 R/R

Before July: 1-4, 3.79 era, 33 G, 21 SVs, 35.2 IP, 33 H, 22/33 BB/K, 1.54 WHIP

July: 0-0, 0.00 era, 10 G, 5 SVs, 11.1 IP, 5 H, 1/8 BB/K, .135 BAA, 5.50 GO/FO, 0.53 WHIP

Season: 1-4, 2.87 era, 43 G, 26 SVs, 47 IP, 38 H, 23/41 BB/K, .227 BAA, 1.30 WHIP
Eddie Kunz hasn't given up an earned run since June 18th, when he surrendered 3 hits and 2 runs in an appearance. Spanning the 15.2 innings since then, he's allowed 0 runs on 12 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 14. His GO/FO on the season is a ridiculously absurd 3.45, and he's holding EL batters to a .222 BAA. He is walking (or was) too many, although he only walked 1 batter in 11.1 innings in July. He also has some trouble with LHB, they are hitting .274 off him in 18 innings (54 outs + 20 hits + 11 walks = 85 + some reaching on HBP, errors = ~93 LHB faced). Still, he has not allowed a HR in his minor league career.

3. A+ OF Ezequiel Carrera L/L 6/11/87

Before July: 68 for 259, 36 runs, 10 2b, 9 3b, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 20/48 BB/K, 17/21 SBs, .263/.331/.394/.725

July: 23 for 70, 15 runs, 2b, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 9/19 BB/K, 4/7 SBs, .329/.405/.429/.834

Season: 91 for 329, 51 runs, 11 2b, 9 3b, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 21/28 SBs, 29/67 BB/K, .277/.347/.401/.748

Carrera makes his third hotsheet (really shouldn't have made April's, but I was impressed with his .257/.336/.404/.740 line after playing the majority of 2007 in the GCL). Well, his performance the last 2 months has been totally legit, he's ripping up the league to the tune of .311/.383/.447/.830 from May 31st (50 for 161, 30 runs, 2 2b, 4 3b, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 11/15 SBs, 15/36 BB/K. And, in July, he improved his BB/K ratio from .3529 to .4737, although there was an increase in both walks and Ks, and he was less efficent stealing bases. However, those are both minor nitpicks, the real story here is his rapid adjustment to very advanced pitching, and his improvement vs LHP. After hitting just .208 (5 for 24) vs them in April, he is now hitting .318/.408/.412/.820 (27 for 85, 22 for 61 (.361) since May 1st).

4. A+ C Josh Thole L/R 10/28/86

Before July: 59 for 202, 32 runs, 14 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 28/22 BB/K, .292/.385/.416/.800

July: 25 for 75, 9 runs, 8 2b, HR, 12 RBI, 8/5 BB/K, .333/.388/.480/.868

Season: 84 for 277, 41 runs, 22 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 44 RBI, 36/27 BB/K, .303/.386/.433/.819

Josh Thole makes his third consecutive hotsheet with his third consecutive month batting over .315. Thole set season highs in AVG, SLG and OPS, and has taken over the #1 catchers role with the St. Lucie Mets. His season totals are nothing to sneeze at, but they include a terrible month of April (.228/.323/.386/.709). Factoring April out of the equation, Thole has ripped up the FSL to the tune of a .323/.402/.445/.847 line (71 for 220, 34 runs, 18 2b, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 29/19 BB/K). Did I mention he's 21, right in line with age/level. The 2005 draft is yielding a good number of these late round gems, with Parnell and now Thole headlining that list.

5. Greg Veloz

Before July: 81 for 314, 44 runs, 17 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 24/31 SBs, 18/65 BB/K, .258/.308/.360/.668

July: 39 for 106, 20 runs, 8 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 2/7 SBs, 10/18 BB/K, .368/.427/.566/.993

Season: 120 for 420, 64 runs, 25 2b, 5 3b, 6 HR, 49 RBI, 26/38 SBs, 28/83 BB/K, .286/.338/.412/.750

Greg Veloz has very quietly been putting together a good season, but his prior two months (May .287/.314/.383/.697), and June (.275/.333/.392/.725) have obviously been quiet, with OPS' in the .690-.730 range. Well, Veloz put it all together in July, having his best pro month ever. Only a late month 0 for 9 (7/27, 7/28), kept him from posting a .400/1.000 month (AVG/OPS). Still, Veloz posted his best BB/K ratio, and best power month of his career, though oddly he only stole 2 bases in 7 attempts. Veloz has stark splits L/R, he's batting just .238/.278/.373/.651 vs LHP, and .306/.361/.429/.790 vs RHP, but he's more efficent (10/11 vs 16/27) stealing bases vs LHP. This late season surge should put him on track to open 2009 in St. Lucie, but with the Mets, one never knows, and a repeat of these numbers in August might cause Met brass to have him skip St. Lucie and proceed to Binghamton (that would be a mistake, obviously).

6. R GCL 3B Jefry Marte 6/21/91 R/R

July: 28 for 79, 15 runs, 8 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 7/15 BB/K, .354/.435/.595/1.030

Marte's from the same class of IFA as Wilmer Flores, and he turned 17 first, not that that matters at all, considering he is torching the GCL. One wouldn't be surprised to see him in Savannah next year, and then Kingsport if he struggles.

7. R OF Rafael Fernandez L/L 8/3/88

July: 36 for 105, 24 runs, 7 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 13/33 BB/K, .343/.420/.552/.973

Season: 45 for 144, 28 runs, 8 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 16/42 BB/K, 3/5 SBs, .313/.385/.472/.857

An excellent month for the 20 year old (happy birthday, by the way) outfielder. Fernandez began getting 4 hits a night in mid July, which really helps your average. For a while there, you could not get him out at all, he routinely went 4 for 5 and 5 for 5. Still, even with the torrid month, he's hitting just .190/.227/.286/.513 vs LHP, 4 for 21 with 8 Ks.

Not hot

1. A+ 1B/OF Lucas Duda L/R 2/3/86

Before July: 81 for 304, 30 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 40/77 BB/K, .266/.356/.385/.741

July: 18 for 81, 12 runs, 3 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 14/24 BB/K, 2 SBs, .222/.351/.383/.733

Season: 99 for 385, 42 runs, 22 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 54/101 BB/K, .257/.355/.384/.739

Duda's numbers improved across the board from June. That's about the only thing that went right for the lefty slugger in July, he posted his second straight sub .230 month, and his third straight sub .260 month. Since a rip roaring start to his FSL career (.330/.415/.447/.862 in April), Duda's gone straight into the tank, posting a putrid line of .230/.333/.362/.695 from May 1st to July 31st. Here's hoping he can manage to have himself a bounceback August.

2. A+ SS Ruben Tejada R/R 9/1/89

Before July: 77 for 307, 35 runs, 11 2b, 2 3b, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 28/44 BB/K, 4/8 SBs, .251/.315/.319/.634

July: 16 for 91, 6 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 7 RBI, 3/13 BB/K, SB, .176/.200/.253/.453

Season: 93 for 398, 41 runs, 16 2b, 3 3b, 2 HR, 33 RBI, 5/9 SBs, 31/57 BB/K, .234/.290/.304/.594

After a great month of June (.333/.393/.427/.820), 18 year old Ruben Tejada proceeded directly into the tank with his worst month of the season, posting season lows in AVG, OBP, SLG and OPS. It would do well for people to remember Tejada is still just 18 years old, and was massively rushed (some would call it irresponsible, they wouldn't be wrong) to the FSL.

3. A OF Richard Pena R/R 8/15/87

Before July: 45 for 203, 28 runs, 8 2b, 12 RBI, 30/58 BB/K, 14/18 SBs, .222/.328/.261/.589

July: 5 for 41, 2 2b, 2 RBI, 17 Ks, .122/.143/.171/.314

Season: 50 for 244, 28 runs, 10 2b, 14 RBI, 14/18 SBs, 30/75 BB/K, .205/.300/.246/.546

Wow. Not much else to say. Coming off a .162/.297/.162/.459 line in June, Pena was hard pressed to do much worse in July, but he managed to anyway. Yikes.

4. A- Brooklyn 1b/OF Ike Davis L/L 3/22/87

July: 23 for 101, 7 runs, 6 2b, 6 RBI, 5/20 BB/K, .228/.262/.287/.549

Early returns for the 18th pick in the draft: bad. Keep in mind, however, that Keyspan Park (home of the Cyclones) is death to lefty power hitters, so much so that Mike Carp skipped it in 2005, jumping from the GCL to Hagerstown (Sally League). A good sign for Davis is that he's handling LHP (11 for 34, .324/.378), but remember Lucas Duda tore up LHP in Brooklyn last year, and he's hitting to a .500 OPS this year vs them in St. Lucie. Not very many conclusions can be drawn by a player's first half season adjusting to wood, anyway, it is way too premature to call him a bust, which I have seen some people do on message boards.

5. R 3b/1b Stefan Welch L/R 8/12/88

July: 28 for 118, 11 runs, 5 2b, 2 3b, HR, 13 RBI, 2/23 BB/K, 3 SBs, .237/.250/.339/.589

Rough month for the about-to-turn 20 year old Aussie. After a roaring start to his Kingsport career (18 for 45 June), Welch has fallen into a deep 8 for 41 slump, and is striking out a ton. Still, he's age appropriate for the league, and there is still a month to go, where he can right his season once again.

7/11 Minor League Report! Carrera, DUDA, FERNANDEZ!

New Orleans 4-9-0, Nashville 5-10-0

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .301
Andy Green (2b) 1 for 4, run, .281
John Rodriguez (lf) 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI< .310
Josh Petersen (lf) 0 for 1, K, .125
Val Pascucci (rf) 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .288
Michel Abreu (1b) 0 for 3, RBI, K, .248
Gustavo Molina (c) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .245
Anderson Hernandez (ss) 3 for 4, run, 3b, K, .195
Abraham Nunez (3b) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .197
Ruddy Lugo 5.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 5.27 era
Casey Hoorelbeke 2.1 IP, H, BB, 0.00 era
Tim McNab 0.1 IP, H, ER, HR, 3.38 era, L (2-1)

Binghamton 1-4-0, Trenton 2-7-1

The Mets offense has gone to sleep the last few games, with just 12 runs in the last 6 games (7 of them coming in yesterday's 7-4 victory). The lone run today came on Jon Malo's RBI groundout, plating Ambi Concepcion. Dan Murphy (1 for 4, 2 Ks, .310), Mike Carp (1 for 4, K, .311), Concepcion (1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .250) and Emmanuel Garcia (1 for 2, BB, .219) had the hits, all singles. Jose Sanchez pitched a gem, but didn't factor in the decision. Eddie Camacho allowed a run in the bottom of the 9th, taking his 3rd loss. Tim LaVigne actually came in and allowed a walkoff single, after Camacho had loaded the bases.

Fernando Martinez (cf) 0 for 3, BB, .294
Jose Coronado (ss) 0 for 4, .258
Caleb Stewart (lf) 0 for 3, BB, .275
Saloman Manriquez (c) 0 for 3, .288
Jon Malo (3b) 0 for 3, RBI, K, .242
Jose Sanchez 7 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 2 Ks, 4.15 era
Eddie Camacho 1.2 IP, ER, 4 BBs, 2 Ks, 2.15 era, L (3-3)
Tim LaVigne H, 3.42 era

St. Lucie 5, Dunedin 8 in 10 innings

The Mets held leads of 2-0 (after 5), and 5-3 (after 8), but German Marte got wrecked for 5 runs (3 earned) over 2 innings, blowing his 2nd save and taking his first loss. El Duque made his 2nd rehab start, pitching into the 6th, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. Both runs were given up by Emary Frederick, after Duque left the game.

Marte's outing served as a bit of a damper on what had otherwise been a very good night for the Mets. Duque's rehab start, and a potential breakout game for Lucas Duda, who was not retired once, with 3 hits and 2 walks. Ezequiel Carrera also had a big day with 3 hits in 4 trips, including his 11th 2b (22nd XBH overall). Angel Pagan, also rehabbing, was 0 for 4 with a walk. Shawn Bowman (0 for 4, .291) and Ruben Tejada (0 for 4, RBI, 3 Ks, .243) also took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 3 for 4, run, 2b, .264
Lucas Duda (1b) 3 for 3, run, 2 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .270
Jordan Abruzzo (dh) 1 for 5, K, .303
Victor Mendez (rf) 2 for 5, 2 2b, 3 Ks, .246
Josh Thole (c) 2 for 5, run, 2b, .294
Peeter Ramos (2b) 1 for 3, run, BB, .218
El Duque 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 Ks, 3.38 era
Emary Frederick 1.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 4.13 era, BS (2)
Ryan Coultas IP, K, 4.79 era
German Marte 2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BBs, K, HR, 3 era, BS (2), L (1-1)

Savannah 5, Lexington 1 in 7 innings, rain

Brant Rustich had his first good start in the pros, with 5 good innings, allowing just a run on 2 hits, striking out 7. Steven Cheney struck out 5 over 2 innings to wrap up the game.

The offense had 10 hits and 5 runs in 7 innings, with Michael Parker and Nick Giarraputo having multi hit games. Carlos Guzman (0 for 2, RBI, .231) took the only 0-fer.

Michael Parker (2b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, K, .200
Casey Craig (dh) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .310
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 4, RBI, .286
Joaquin Rodriguez (1b) 1 for 4, run, .234
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 2 for 4, run, K, .266
Francisco Pena (c) 1 for 3, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .245
Richard Pena (cf) 1 for 4, K, .209
Bradley Hubbert (lf) 1 for 3, run, K, .171
Brant Rustich 5 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 7 Ks, 4.81 era, W (2-4)
Steven Cheney 2 IP, H, 5 Ks, 2.33 era

Brooklyn 2, Jamestown 3

More utter ineptitude by the Brooklyn offense today, where 3 of 9 regulars had hits, 6 took 0-fers. Reese Havens (1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .262), Zach Lutz (1 for 4, run, K, .327) and Ike Davis (2 for 4, RBI, K, .292) had the hits for the Mets. Brandon Moore got the loss in relief, allowing a run, but Jimmy Johnson allowed 2 IHRs to score (one of Moore's and one of Matias Carrillo's), taking his 2nd BS. Jeff Kaplan started and was very good over 5 innings.

Ignacio Medrano (2b) 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .100
Seth Williams (rf) 0 for 2, RBI, 2 Ks, .100
Sean Ratliff (lf, rf) 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .000
Ralph Henriquez (c) 0 for 2, BB, .227
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 0 for 2, BB, .266
Jacob Elgsti (ss) 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .040
Jeff Kaplan 5 IP, 4 H, BB, 5 Ks, 0.75 era
Matias Carrillo 1.1 IP, H, 2 ER, BB, 2 Ks, 4.26 era
Brandon Moore ER, 2 BBs, 4.50 era, L (2-1)
Jimmy Johnson 1.2 IP, H, BB, 3 Ks, 2.79 era, BS (2)

Kingsport 5, Pulaski 6

Rafael Fernandez had a HUGE game out of the leadoff spot, the 19 year old outfielder went 5 for 5, shooting his average up 63 points. Wilmer Flores had the other multi hit game, while Josh Satin (0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .500), Stefan Welch (0 for 4, K, .329) and Josh Servidio (0 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .000) took 0-fers.

Oscar Melendez got tagged for 5 of the 6 runs, taking his 1st loss.

Rafael Fernandez (rf) 5 for 5, run, 2 RBI, .322
Dan Stegall (lf) 1 for 5, 4 Ks, .276
Wilmer Flores (ss) 2 for 5, run, 2b, K, .341
Pedro Zapata (cf) 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .241
Dock Doyle (c) 1 for 4, RBI, .234
Doug McNulty (1b) 1 for 4, run, 2b, .176
Oscar Melendez 4.2 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 2 HR, 4.35 era, L (2-1)
Jason LaVorgna 0.1 IP, K, 2.84 era
Zach Rosenbaum 3 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 Ks, HR, 9.24 era

GCL Mets 4, GCL Cardinals 8

Miguel Tejada (ss) 1 for 5, K, .212
Jefry Marte (3b) 0 for 3, K, .340
Javier Rodriguez (cf) 1 for 3, run, BB, .250
Cesar Puello (rf) 0 for 4, run, .212
Eduardo Aldama 5.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, BB, 6 Ks, 4.58 era, L (1-3)
Sam Martinez 0.1 IP, K, 1.17 era
Kyle Allen 2 IP, H, 2 R, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 0.00 era

6/26 Minor League Report! FLORES, WELCH, FERNANDEZ!

This is our 1000th post on MPH.

New Orleans 6, Memphis 8

The Zs trailed 6-0 after 1, as Ruddy Lugo got bombed for 4 hits (including a homer), 3 walks and 6 runs in just 1.1 innings. Tim McNab pitched a decent 3.2 innings of long relief, allowing 5 hits and 2 walks, but just 2 runs, unfortunately, those runs ended up being the difference. Nate Field and Ivan Maldonado finished off the game with 3 scoreless innings.

The Zs offense managed 8 hits and 6 hits, but struck out 13 times, 10 of those coming from Cardinal prospect Jaime Garcia. Chris Aguila (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .287) and Michel Abreu (0 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .257) took 0-fers.

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 1 for 5, run, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .301
Argenis Reyes (2b) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .279
Val Pascucci (rf) 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, .301
Robinson Cancel (c) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, K, .364
Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 4, run, .185
Abraham Nunez (3b) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .199
Ruddy Lugo 1.1 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 3 BBs, K, HR, 5.33 era, L (5-7)
Tim McNab 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3.09 era
Nate Field IP, 2 Ks, 7.67 era
Ivan Maldonado 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 Ks, 4.15 era

Binghamton 4, Altoona 3

Jose Sanchez had a good start today, giving up a run on 7 hits in 6 innings for his 7th win of the season. Eddie Kunz bailed out Eude Brito, coming into a bases loaded situation (up 3), and stranding the tying run on base, despite allowed 2 of the IHR to score.

Eric Reed and Jon Malo had multi hit games, while Caleb Stewart (0 for 3, BB, K, .290) took the only 0-fer.

Eric Reed (cf) 2 for 4, run, .239
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 4, K, .313
Mike Carp (lf) 1 for 4, K, .331
Saloman Manriquez (c) 2 for 4, run, .289
Jon Malo (3b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, .244
Emmaneul Garcia (2b) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .222
Jose Coronado (ss) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 3 Ks, .255
Jose Sanchez 6 IP, 7 H, ER, 6 Ks, HR, 4.15 era, W (7-4)
Eric Brown IP, 2 Ks, 6.22 era
Eude Brito 1.2 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 3.03 era
Eddie Kunz 0.1 IP, H, 3.89 era, SV (20)

Brooklyn 4, Aberdeen 2

Before I start the recap, thanks to Adam Rubin for posting Brad Holt's pitch count on his blog (http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets).

Holt was in complete command today, giving up just a walk in 5 innings, striking out 6. He had a 2:1 strike to ball ratio (54, 27), and got 6 groundouts and 3 flyouts along with 6 Ks. Brandon Moore pitched no part of an inning, giving up 2 runs (1 earned). Rhiner Cruz, Matias Carrillo and Yury Santana finished off the game, Santana getting his 4th save.

The offense had 15 hits tonight, as opposed to the 6 in 12 innings last night, but only 4 after the 5th inning (mirror image of the Mets, much?). 5 players had multi hit games, all of them were sorely needed, for different reasons. Ryan Church, making his first appearance since a PH AB a few weeks ago, went 3 for 3 with a run, 2b and RBI, and he played the field. Good to see, hope he is back tomorrow (DH in the YS game). Matt Bouchard, Zach Lutz, Eric Campbell and Josh Satin also had multi hit games, while Will Vogl (who took over for Church after the 5th - 0 for 1, run, K, .150), and Luis Alen (0 for 4, .000) took 0-fers.

Matt Bouchard (ss) 2 for 5, K, .243
John Servidio (lf, rf) 1 for 5, run, 2b, K, .286
**RYAN CHURCH (RF) 3 for 3, run, 2B, RBI
Zach Lutz (3b) 2 for 4, K, .381
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 4, run, 2b, .250 (guess he's got something to talk about, huh?)
Eric Campbell (dh) 3 for 4, 2 RBI, K, .258
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 1 for 3, BB, .200
Josh Satin (2b) 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .160
Brad Holt 5 IP, BB, 6 Ks, 2.45 era, W (1-1), 81:54:27, 6:3:6
Brandon Moore 0.0 IP, H, 2 R, ER, BB, HR, 9 era
Rhiner Cruz 0.1 IP, K, 1.93 era
Matias Carrillo 2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 Ks, 1.04 era
Yury Santana 1.1 IP, K, 0.00 era, SV (4)

Kingsport 8, Pulaski (the doctor on the Enterprise D????)3

Another night, another romper room day for Teen Sensations Wilmer Flores (16) and Stefan Welch (19). Tonight, they combined for 7 hits and 7 RBI, and are now batting .400 and .364 on the season, respectively. See folks, this is what Pedro Martinez' signing got you, high end Latin talent signing for less to join the Mets. Now if only...(something something slotting system, something something cheap). Ahem, right. Oh yeah, lest I forget, 19 year old Rafael Fernandez also had 3 hits, so the Three Teens combined for 10 of Kingsports 12 hits. Nice. Ignacio Medrano (0 for 4, run, BB, K, .333), Pedro Zapata (0 for 2, K, .077), Gabriel Zavala (0 for 3, .231), Mike Moras (0 for 5, K, .091), and Doug McNulty (0 for 4, .077) took 0-fers.

Collin McHugh started and went 3, allowing 2 hits and 5 runs while walking 3. Mark Cohoon got the win with 3 scoreless innings of relief, Michael Danger Powers got his first save.

Dan Stegall (lf) 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, .385
Wilmer Flores (ss) 4 for 5, run, 3b, 3 RBI, .400
Jean Luc Blaquiere (dh) 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, K, .300
Stefan Welch (3b) 3 for 5, 2b, 3b, 4 RBI, .364
Rafael Fernandez (rf, cf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, .286
Collin McHugh 3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 3 Ks, 3.60 era
Mark Cohoon 3 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 9 era
Jason Lavorgna IP, H, 0.00 era
Michael Danger Powers 2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BBs, K, 1.80 era, SV (1)

GCL Mets 5, GCL Cardinals 3 in 4.5 innings (rain)

Fernando Martinez (cf) 2 for 3, run, 2b, .462
Darren Clark (lf) 1 for 2, RBI, K, .533
Jefry Marte (3b) 0 for 1, RBI, .364
Miguel Tejada (ss) 1 for 2, run, K, .143
Juan Centeno (c) 1 for 2, 2b, .333
Robert Carson 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BBs, 3 Ks, 2.57 era
Tony Feliz 2 IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, W (1-0)