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

5/9 Minor League Report! THOLE, LAGARES, HARRIS!

AAA International League: Buffalo 4/12/1, Indianapolis 5/12/2

RA Dickey had his second rough outing of the season, and so took his 2nd loss, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits. The Bisons offense did their jobs, banging out 12 hits and drawing 4 walks, while going just 3 for 16 (.188) with RISP and leaving a small army, 15 strong, on base. Jason Pridie, Chris Carter, Josh Thole and Ruben Tejada all had multi hit games.

cf Jason Pridie 2 for 6, K, .296
rf Jesus Feliciano 0 for 2, K, .333
>> rf, 2b Alex Cintron 0 for 2, BB, .213
1b Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, BB, K, .278
3b Mike Hessman 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, .294
lf Fernando Martinez 0 for 1, .244 (left game due to injury...)
>>pr, lf Chris Carter 2 for 4, run, HR (6), RBI (20), .339 HELLO HELLO HE'S RIGHT HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2b, rf Russ Adams 0 for 5, run, K, .271
c Josh Thole 3 for 4, 3b (1), 3 RBI (10), BB, K, .203 (yay off the Interstate!)
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 4, 2b (4), BB, .278
RA Dickey 6 IP, 9 H, 4/3 R/ER, 1/5 BB/K, HR, 2.56 era, L (3-2), 103:72:31, 7:5:5
Adam Pettyjohn 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 6.60 era, 34:22:12, 0:2:2

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 5/10/0, New Hampshire 3/7/1

Dylan Owen had another good outing today, giving up just a run on 3 hits in 6 innings for his 2nd win of the season. Josh Stinson had a rough outing in relief, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 2.1 innings, but Jose De La Torre bailed him out to earn his 2nd save of the season.

The Mets offense had 10 hits and drew 3 walks, while going 3 for 9 with RISP, leaving 7 on base and striking out 9 times. Lucas Duda, Carlos Guzman, Jon Malo and Hector Pellot each had multi hit games, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Nick Evans, and Mike Nickeas (0 for 3, run, BB, .326) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 4, K, .300
1b Nick Evans 0 for 3, BB, 3 Ks, .319
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 4, K, .291
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, K, .290
dh Marshall Hubbard 1 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, K, .314
rf Carlos Guzman 2 for 3, run, BB, .284
ss Jon Malo 2 for 3, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .250
2b Hector Pellot 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .194
Dylan Owen 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/4 BB/K, 3.34 era, W (2-1), 4:9:4
Josh Stinson 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 3.33 era, 4:2:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, H, 2.45 era, 2:

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 11/16/3, Lakewood 12/19/3 in 15 innings

I'm really not sure where to begin with this one. 4 Gnats took 0-fers, Pedro Zapata was one of them, but he left after 2 ABs with an injury. 5 Gnats had multi hit games, two had 4+ hits. Darin Gorski was terrible, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in 3.1 innings, and Taylor Whitenton was equally dreadful, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings. John Church allowed the tying run in the 9th, then Brandon Sage did the same in the 13th, after Savannah had gone ahead 11-10. Michael Powers took the loss, giving up an uER in the 15th (Cesar Puello error). Overall, Gnat pitching gave up 19 hits and walked 8 in 14.2 innings on the mound\, while striking out 15.

The Gnat hitters fared as well as their counterparts, with 16 hits and 3 walks in 15 innings. They went 7 for 17 (.412) with RISP, left 8 on base, and struck out 14 times. Pedro Zapata, Nick Santomauro, Mike Moras (0 for 5, run, BB, 2 Ks, .000), and Jeff Flagg (0 for 7, 4 Ks, .158) took 0-fers. Juan Lagares, Wilmer Flores, Jefry Marte, Kai Gronauer and Alonzo Harris had multi hit games.

cf Pedro Zapata 0 for 2, .261
>>rf Cesar Puello 1 for 4, 2 runs, RBI (9), BB, K, .250, SB (12), E (1)
rf, cf Juan Lagares 5 for 7, 2b (7), 4 RBI (23), K, .277, SB (8)
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 6, BB, .328, SB (1), E(7)
lf Nick Santomauro 0 for 7, run, 2 Ks, .083
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 7, 2 runs, 2b (4), 2 Ks, .222
c Kai Gronauer 2 for 7, 2 runs, 2b (6), HR (2), 4 RBI (11), K, .267
2b Alonzo Harris 4 for 7, 3 runs, 2 2b (8), RBI (13), K, .268
Darin Gorski 3.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3/3 BB/K, HR, 3.71 era, 2:4:3
Lance Hoge 0.2 IP, BB, 4.96 era, 2:
Taylor Whitenton 4 IP, 5 H, 5/4 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, 3.47 era, 4:4:4
John Church 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 Ks, 1 era, BS (1), 3:2:4
Brandon Sage 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 Ks, 2.40 era, 2:3:3
Michael Powers 0.2 IP, 2 H, R, BB, K, 2.19 era, L (0-2), 1:0:1

MPH System Audit IV Part III: Middle Infielders

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MIDDLE INFIELDERS
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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

9/2 Minor League Report! KIRK NIEUWENHUIS!!!!!!!, NIESEN, Harris!

INT AAA: Buffalo 6/12/2, Scranton 8/14/1

2b Argenis Reyes 3 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, K, .292
ss Andy Green 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .242
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, BB, .300
1b Mike Lamb 2 for 5, 2b, 2 RBI, .260
rf Chip Ambres 1 for 4, BB, K, .258
c Rene Rivera 0 for 5, 3 Ks, .237
dh Jason Dubois 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K, .198
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .252
lf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .269
Adam Pettyjohn 6 IP, 10 H, 6/4 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.20 era, L (4-10), 92:61:31, 5:11:2
Jon Switzer 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 3.18 era, 24:16:8, 0:3:1
Tim McNab IP, 2 H, ER, 4.18 era, 13:7:6, 3:

EL AA: Binghamton 6/10/0, Bowie 1/5/1

Kirk Nieuwenhuis...I really don't know what to say. Wow. 4 more hits, 3 for XBH (2 2b, HR), 2 RBI, .538 (7 for 13) in AA. He led the Mets 10 hit, 7 walk attack from the leadoff spot, powering the Mets to a 6-1 victory over the Baysox tonight. Carlos Guzman made his AA debut and went 1 for 5, Zach Lutz notched his first career AA hit.

All of that was in support of Eric Niesen, who had his best outing of the season, pitching into the 8th inning for the first time. He allowed a run on 5 hits in 7.1 innings for his 4th win in Binghamton.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 4 for 5, 3 runs, 2 2b (2), HR (1), 2 RBI (2), K, .538
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 3, BB, .288
1b DJ Wabick 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, BB, .288
c Salvador Paniagua 0 for 2, 3 BBs, K, .200
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 5, RBI, K
dh Zach Lutz 1 for 4, RBI (1), BB, K, .077
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 4, .266
lf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 4, run, 2b, .245
3b Mark Kiger 0 for 3, BB, K, .227
Eric Niesen 7.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 3/5 BB/K, 4.86 era, W (4-6), 8:9:5
Jose De La Torre 1.2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.22 era, 0:3:2

FSL A+: St. Lucie 4/8/1, Fort Myers 8/9/0 - Game 1

An Eric Campbell error, combined with awful pitching from Angel Calero and Manuel Alvarez, led to 8 runs against St. Lucie in the 5th inning, turning a 3-0 lead into an 8-3 deficit in short order. Calero gave up 5 runs in his outing, though only 1 was earned, he took his 11th loss of the season.

The Mets had 8 hits and drew 6 walks, while going 2 for 10 with RISP and leaving 9 on base. Francisco Pena had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Eric Campbell (0 for 2, 2 BBs, E), and Richard Pena (0 for 2, BB, K, .234) took 0-fers.

ss Reese Havens 1 for 4, K, .246
dh Josh Satin 1 for 1, 2 runs, HR, RBI, 3 BBs
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, 2 Ks
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI (36), .281
c Francisco Pena 2 for 4, K, .223
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, run, HR (18*), 2 RBI (68), 2 Ks, .266
2b Hector Pellot 1 for 2, K, .272
Angel Calero 4.2 IP, 4 H, 5/1 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, 4.61 era, L (3-11), 2:8:4
Manuel Alvarez 1.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, K, HR, 4.64 era, 1:2:1
William Rackel IP, 0.00 era, 2:1

FSL A+: St. Lucie 2/4/0, Fort Myers 1/8/3

The Mets rallied for 2 in the 7th to beat the Miracle in Game 2 of their twinight doubleheader, with the winning run scoring on an error. Will Morgan, who allowed a run in the top of the 7th, picked up the win. Nick Waechter started and allowed just 5 hits in 5 shutout innings. The Mets had just 4 hits and a walk on the day, going 1 for 5 with RISP and leaving 3 on base.

ss Reese Havens 1 for 3, K, .247
2b Josh Satin 0 for 3, K, .250
cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .143
lf Eric Campbell 1 for 3, run, 2b, .200
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, run, .281
rf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, .266
3b Jake Eigsti 0 for 2, BB, .225
c Tony MaCcani 0 for 3, RBI, .190
dh Richard Pena 0 for 2, K, .228
Nick Waechter 5 IP, 5 H, 3/4 BB/K, 5.40 era, 4:7:4
Will Morgan 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 Ks, 2.70 era, W (1-1), 1:1:4

SAL A: Savannah 4/10/0, Augusta 5/11/0

Eric Beaulac had a good second to last outing, but Jimmy Johnson got tagged for a pair of runs in the bottom of the 9th to blow Beaulac's win and take his first Sally League loss. Beaulac went the first 6, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with 8 Ks.

The Gnats offense had 10 hits and a walk, while going 1 for 3 with RISP and leaving 4 on base. Alonzo Harris, Wilmer Flores and Mike Moras had multi hit games, while Jeff Flagg (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .000), and Juan Lagares (0 for 4, .270) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 3, 2 RBI (2), BB, .375
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, .264
3b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 4, run, K, .368
cf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, .252
dh Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, K, .247
c Mike Moras 2 for 4, run, K, .421
lf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 3, run, 2b, .193
Eric Beaulac 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1/8 BB/K, HR, 2.97 era, 5:4:8
Brad Burns IP, K, 1.98 era, 1:1:1
Jimmy Johnson 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 1.10 era, BS (1), L (1-1), 2:1:1
Rhiner Cruz H, BB, 1.82 era

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 2/9/0, Hudson Valley 4/11/0

Carlos Beltran began his rehab tonight, going 1 for 3 with an RBI, walk and strikeout. He was the DH.

Wes Wrenn had a very bad outing, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits in 4.2 innings for his first loss of the season. Lance Hodge had a great outing in long relief, allowing just 3 hits in 4.1 innings, but the Cyclones couldn't manage to tie the game.

The Conies had 9 hits and a pair of walks on the game, while going 1 for 7 (.143) with RISP and leaving 7 on base. Matt Gaski (3) had the only multi hit game, while Luis Rivera (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .294) and Richard Lucas (0 for 4, .280) took 0-fers.

ss Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .278
2b Matt Gaski 3 for 4, .297
DH CARLOS BELTRAN 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 4, K, .250
lf Nick Santomauro 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, K, .239
c Dock Doyle 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .256
cf RJ Harris 1 for 3, K, .300
>>ph Ralph Henriquez 0 for 1, .248
Wes Wrenn 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 1/5 BB/K, 4.15 era, L (2-1), 5:3:5
Lance Hodge 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1/5 BB/K, 2.66 era, 5:3:5

8/31 Minor League Report! STONER, NIEUWENHUIS, TEJADA, Harris, PUELLO!

INT AAA: Buffalo 6/11/1, Rochester 1/5/1

SS Argenis Reyes 2 for 4, run, RBI, .284
2b Andy Green 1 for 5, K, .250
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, run, .301
1b Mike Lamb 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, .256
rf Chip Ambres 2 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .258
lf Jason Dubois 1 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .192
3b Javier Castillo 0 for 4, K, .254
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 4, run, 2b, .250
dh Josh Petersen 2 for 4, run, .270
Tobi Stoner 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 1/3 BB/K, HR, 3.93 era, W (6-7), 106:68:38, 14:10:3
-----
lf Justin Huber 1 for 4, .268
rf Dustin Martin 0 for 3, .254
Phil Humber 6 IP, 6 H, 4/2 R/ER, 1/3 BB/K, HR, 5.17 era, L (7-8), 87:58:29, 11:4:3

EL AA: Binghamton 7/15/1, Akron 10/11/1

Kirk Nieuwenhuis saw AA pitching tonight, and was not impressed. Nieuwenhuis had 3 more hits, including a triple, in his Binghamton debut, leading a 15 hit, 3 walk attack, but it was in vain, as Michael Antonini got shelled into oblivion, allowing 8 runs in 5.2 innings on 10 hits and 4 walks. The Mets were 5 for 14 (.357) with RISP and left 10 on base. Zach Lutz took the only 0-fer, also in his AA debut.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 3 for 5, run, 3b, 2 Ks
ss Ruben Tejada 3 for 4, 2b (22), 3 RBI (42), .289
1b Ike Davis 2 for 5, run, HR (13), 2 RBI (43), 2 Ks, .309
rf Caleb Stewart 2 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .233
dh DJ Wabick 1 for 5, run, 3 Ks, .288
3b Zach Lutz 0 for 5, 2 Ks
2b Jose Coronado 2 for 5, run, RBI, 3 Ks, .269
lf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 5, run, RBI, .245
c Salvador Paniagua 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .203
Michael Antonini 5.2 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 4/4 BB/K, 5.25 era, L (7-4), 4:9:4
Emary Frederick 0.2 IP, H, 2 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 6.31 era, 1:0:1
Edgar Alfonzo 1.2 IP, BB, 4.01 era, 1:4

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 5/10/2, Lowell 8/10/0

The Cyclones were down 8-0 heading to the 8th, then exploded for 5 runs, but fell short in their comeback, falling 8-5 to the Spinners. Darin Gorski got oblierated for 7 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings for his 4th loss of the season.

The Conies offense had 10 hits and 6 walks, while going 3 for 10 with RISP and leaving 11 on base. Matt Gaski (3), and Ralph Henriquez (2) had multi hit games, while Jordany Valdespin (0 for 2, .296), Dock Doyle (0 for 4, BB, .256), Luis Rivera (0 for 2, 2 Ks, .301), and John Servidio (0 for 3, BB, K, .181) took 0-fers.

>>ph, 2b Matt Gaski 3 for 3, RBI, .258
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .333
>>cf RJ Harris 1 for 3, 2 Ks (A- debut)
dh Ralph Henriquez 2 for 4, run, BB, K, .243
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 3, run, 2 RBI (26), 2 BBs, .252
lf Alex Gregory 1 for 5, run, .286
ss Robbie Shields 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI (9), K, .176
Darin Gorski 3+ IP, 8 H, 7/5 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, 5.24 era, L (3-4), 2:1:4
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, 2 H, R, 1/4 BB/K, 1.50 era, 1:1:4
Tim Chism 2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 4:0:2
Bobby Gagg IP, 3.52 era, 2:1

APPY R: Kingsport 12/16/0, Danville 2/6/2

The top 6 players in the Kingsport lineup had multi hit games, combining to go 14 for 29. Luis Nieves (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .265) took the only 0-fer. The Mets overall had 16 hits and 7 walks, while going 8 for 25 (.320) with RISP and leaving 15 on base.

Zach Von Tersch benefitted from the offensive explosion, he went 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits (2 homers) and 4 walks for his 3rd win, while lowering his ERA under 4.

2b Alonzo Harris 3 for 6, 2 runs, 3b (5), K, .273
cf Kurt Steinhauer 2 for 4, 3 runs, 2b, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BBs, K, .370
3b Joe Bonfe 2 for 6, run, 2 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .333
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 6, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .301
dh Ryan Mollica 2 for 2, 2 runs, 2b, 3 BBs, .288
rf Cesar Puello 3 for 5, run, 2 RBI (23), K, .293
c John Freeman 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, 3 Ks, .221
lf Pedro Zapata 1 for 4, run, 2 RBI (21), BB, .324
Zach Von Tersch 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4/3 BB/K, 2 HR, 3.92 era, W (3-0), 11:6:3
Tyler Howe IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1
Travis Babin IP, K, 3.63 era, 0:2:1

7/25 Minor League Report! Evans, DAVIS, FAMILIA, HARRIS, ZAVALA!

Buffalo 6, Indianapolis 3

2b Argenis Reyes 0 for 5, .263
3b Andy Green 3 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, 3 RBI, .231
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 5, .306
1b Mike Lamb 1 for 4, BB, .228
lf Nick Evans 2 for 4, run, 2b, BB, K, .155 (.268/.286/.414 since returning to Buffalo)
c Ninja Turtle (YAY KEITH, lol) 2 for 4, run, 3b, RBI, BB, .226
rf Josh Petersen 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .222
ss Wilson Valdez 1 for 4, run, .216
Lance Broadway 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 5.51 era, W (3-6), 110:66:44, 11:5:5
Jon Switzer 2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.72 era, SV (1), 31:19:12, 2:2:2

Binghamton 6, Erie 9

Jacob Ruckle got oblierated for 9 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 2.2 innings for his 2nd EL loss, but unlike last night, the Mets bullpen tonight held Erie right there (granted, it was 9-0, lol), with Jim Warden and Emary Frederick combining for 3 hit relief over 5.1 innings, and the Mets did get the tying run to the plate in the 9th inning, but Caleb Stewart popped out to end the game.

The Mets hammered out 13 hits and drew 3 walks, but were just 3 for 12 with RISP and left 10 on base. Emmauel Garcia (2), Ruben Tejada (2), Ike Davis (3), and DJ Wabick (2) had multi hit games, while Josh Thole (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .337) took the only 0-fer - I can hear the people on the chatbox at MPH now...

cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 4, run, BB, K, .266
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 5, run, 2b (18), RBI (29), .280
dh Ike Davis 3 for 5, run, 2b (7;24), HR (7;14), 2 RBI (24;52), K, .308
1b Lucas Duda 1 for 4, run, HR (8), RBI (47), BB, .280
lf DJ Wabick 2 for 5, 3b (1), RBI (35), K, .296
rf Caleb Stewart 1 for 5, K, .198
3b Mark Kiger 1 for 4, .250
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 3, 2 runs, BB, .256
Jacob Ruckle 2.2 IP, 7 H, 9 ER, 3/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 7.50 era, L (1-2), 2:4:2
Jim Warden 3.1 IP, H, 2/3 BB/K, 1.69 era, 2:5:3
Emary Frederick 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 6.30 era, 3:2:1

Savannah 5, West Virginia 6

Jeurys Familia, since giving up 6 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks in 4.2 innings on July 9th, had gone 3 starts, allowing just 3 runs on 12 hits and 5 walks, with 16 strikeouts in 20 innings (2-0, 1.35 era). He was in line for the win, until the bullpen came in and blew it to hell, giving up 4 runs in 1.1 innings. Rhiner Cruz in particular had a very bad outing, coming in with 2 outs and the bases loaded in the 8th, and walking in 2 runs.

The Gnats offense had 9 hits and 2 walks, while going 2 for 8 with RISP, leaving 5 on base. Josh Satin (2), Jefry Marte (2) and Imbewer Alvarez (3) had multi hit games, while Raul Reyes (0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .247), Wilmer Flores, Jordan Abruzzo (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .203), and Kai Gronauer (0 for 4, .245) all took 0-fers.

ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 4, K, .279 (3 for his last 20, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, 1/3 BB/K)
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .277
1b Josh Satin 2 for 4, run, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, .300
>>pr, lf Joey August run, .098
lf, 1b Eric Campbell 1 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .264
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b (17), HR (6), 2 RBI (35), .240 (.272/.316/.435/.751 in July)
2b Imbewer Alvarez 3 for 3, RBI, .250
Jeurys Familia 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 2.87 era, 13:5:1
Manuel Olivares 0.2 IP, H, 3 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 3.63 era, 0:1:1
Rhiner Cruz 2 BBs, 1.90 era, BS (1)
John Church 0.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 2.61 era, L (0-1)

Brooklyn 5, Staten Island 4

Darin Gorski had a perfect game thru 4, but ended up giving up 4 runs on 4 hits and a walk in 6 innings. Brandon Sage picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings in relief, Michael Powers bounced back from last night's hiccup with a perfect 9th, striking out a pair for his 7th save.

The Conies offense had just 7 hits, but drew 6 walks and went 3 for 9 with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Justin Garber (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .222), Luis Rivera (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .320), Juan Centeno (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .158) and Luis Nieves (0 for 4, K, .143) took 0-fers, while Tyler Vaughn (2), and Ralph Henriquez (2) had multi hit games.

3b Tyler Vaughn 2 for 4, 2 runs, .357
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .321
dh Ralph Henriquez 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .222
lf Nick Santomauro 1 for 3, run, HR (2), RBI (8), BB, K, .264
ss Robbie Shields 1 for 4, 2 RBI, K, .114
Darin Gorski 6 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 4.03 era, 4:10:3
Brandon Sage 2 IP, H, 2/2 BB/K, 0.75 era, W (1-0), 3:1:2
Michael Powers IP, 2 Ks, 2.51 era, SV (7), 1:0:2

I know the Wilpons demand the Cyclones win, at virtually all costs (including prospect development), but that makes it very very difficult to judge players on the Cyclones. For example, Brandon Moore at 23 has a 1.32 era in 6 starts spanning 41 innings, but what exactly does it mean? Is he taking advantage of younger competition, or is he a real prospect? Ditto James Fuller (age 22, 1.75 era), Luis Rivera (age 22 3/4, .320, .943 OPS), Tyler Vaughn (age 24, .357, .844 OPS), just to name a few. And that's why I am down on Brooklyn, it's due to the Wilpons ridiculously idiotic love for Brooklyn, and the fact they have to win at all costs, resulting in an average roster age of around 2-3 years older then any of the other NYPL teams.

Kingsport 5, Elizabethon 6

Same old same old. At least Angel Cuan wasn't a culprit tonight, he turned in a second straight good outing, this time going just 5 innings, but they were shutout innings, Cuan's allowed just a a run on 9 hits in his last 2 outings, spanning 11 innings, after getting off to a miserable start in his first 5 stateside starts. Zach Von Tersch allowed 3 runs in 0.1 innings to blow the save, and Brian Needham allowed 3 runs in 1.2 innings to take the loss. GOOOO PITCHERS!

The offense kept on keeping on, with 8 hits and a walk, while going 2 for 6 with RISP, leaving 3 on base. Alonzo Harris (3), and Cesar Puello (2) had multi hit games, while Richard Lucas (0 for 2, run, RBI, BB, K, .385), John Freeman (0 for 4, .143), John Semel (0 for 4, RBI, .224) and Gerad Mochizuki (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .221) took 0-fers.

cf Darrell Ceciliani 1 for 4, run, K, .293
2b Alonzo Harris 3 for 4, run, .313
lf RJ Harris 1 for 4, run, RBI, 3 Ks, .235
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 4, RBI, K, .319
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 4, run, 2 2b (5), .286
Angel Cuan 5 IP, 7 H, 4 Ks, 4.05 era, 5:6:4
Zach Von Tersch 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 7.24 era, BS (1), 1:
Brian Needham 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 6.16 era, L (1-2), 1:3:1
Zach Rosenbaum IP, 4.91 era, 1:2
Bobby Gagg IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1

Sidebar: John Freeman is hitting .143 and Gerad Mochizuki is hitting .221. Can we get rid of them and call up Nelfi Zapata and Wilfredo Tovar from the GCL? Please? What's the point of having these older players stink up the joint? For that matter, get Jeff Flagg to Brooklyn and call up Charles Hinojosa to play 1b.

GCL (from 7.20 Suspended Game)
Mets 3, Cardinals 0

ss Wilfredo Tovar 2 for 4, run, K
rf ZeErika Hall 1 for 1, 2b
>>rf Chase Greene 0 for 2, K
cf Scott Grimes 0 for 3, BB
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 3, run, BB
dh Charlie Hinojosa 0 for 1, run, RBI, BB
1b Marinus Vernooij 0 for 3, K
3b Mark Kiger 0 for 1, K
>>3b Josh Dunn 1 for 2, 2b, 2 RBI, K
c Amauris Valdez 1 for 3, K
2b Ray Van Gurp 0 for 3, K
Gabriel Zavala 8 IP, 2 H, 3/4 BB/K, 1.40 era, W (2-0), 9:10:4
William Rackle IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 4.50 era, SV (2)

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

Buffalo 1, Toledo 0

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

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

Buffalo 2, Toledo 0

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

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

Binghamton 4, Erie 2

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

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

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

St. Lucie 0, Daytona 3

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

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

Savannah 5, Hickory 2

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

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

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

Brooklyn 11, Auburn 3

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

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

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

Kingsport 15, Greeneville 5

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

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

GCL
Mets 1, Astros 4

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

7/13 Minor League Report! TEJADA, HOLT, Beaulac, HARRIS!

Binghamton 14, New Britain 1

Not sure what the bigger story is, the Mets putting a severe beat down on the Rock Cats, or Brad Holt's 7 shutout innings, but either way, it was a good afternoon for the BMets. The Mets hammered out 16 hits and drew 7 walks en route to dismantling the Rock Cats 14-0, and Brad Holt struck out 7 over 7 shutout innings for his first EL victory.

Five players, Emmanuel Garcia (3), Josh Petersen (3), Jose Coronado (2), Ruben Tejada (3), and Mike Nickeas (3), had multi hit games, while Ike Davis (0 for 5, run, RBI, BB, K, .256) took the only 0-fer. The Mets were a stellar 12 for 22 (.545) with RISP, while they left 8 on base.

cf Emmanuel Garica 3 for 6, run, 2b, RBI, .270
3b Jon Malo 1 for 6, run, .262
rf Josh Petersen 3 for 6, 3 runs, 2b, RBI, .318
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .275
dh Caleb Stewart 1 for 3, 3 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, K, .183
2b Jose Coronado 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b, 3 RBI, BB, K, .247
ss Ruben Tejada 3 for 4, run, 2b, 3 RBI, BB, .278
c Mike Nickeas 2 for 5, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .167
Brad Holt 7 IP, 4 H, 1/7 BB/K, 5.73 era, W (1-3), 7:7:7
Emary Frederick IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 1:0:2
Jose De La Torre IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 3.86 era, 1:0:2

St. Lucie 1, Jupiter 5

Scott Moviel didn't get nearly the run support his 3 predecessors did, and he himself had a meh outing (due to the length) so took his second loss. Josh Stinson had his first rough outing in the FSL, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in just 0.2 innings, putting the game out of reach.

The Mets had just 7 hits and a run tonight, while going 0-fer with RISP (0 for 8), leaving 6 on base. Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .257), Seth Williams (0 for 4, .281), and Rafael Arroyo (0 for 3, .086) took 0-fers. while Greg Veloz (2) had the only multi hit game.

2b Hector Pellot 1 for 4, 3b, .279
3b Greg Veloz 2 for 4, 2b, K, .247
dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .245
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, run, .433
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, .244
ss Jake Eigsti 1 for 2, RBI, .229
Scott Moviel 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1/6 BB/K, 6.75 era, L (0-2), 6:3:6
Josh Stinson 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4.91 era, 1:0:0
Stephen Clyne 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 1.15 era, 1:1:2
Nick Waechter IP, K, 7.28 era, 2:0:1

Savannah 2, Kannapolis 3

Eric Beaulac had a fantastic outing today, the best of his pro career, giving up just 3 runs on 5 hits in 8 innings, but the Gnats couldn't push the tying run across, despite 2 warning track/fence blasts by Wilmer Flores.

The Gnats offense garnered 9 hits and 3 walks, but were just 2 for 12 (.167) with RISP, and left 11 on base. Raul Reyes (2) and Wilmer Flores (2) had multi hit games, while Josh Satin (0 for 5, 4 Ks, .296) and Sean Ratliff (0 for 4, K, .266) took 0-fers.

rf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, 3b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .265
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 4, BB, 3 Ks, .235
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 5, .282
1b Eric Campbell 1 for 3, .272
dh Jordan Abruzzo 1 for 4, run, .300
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, .235
lf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .167
Eric Beaulac 8 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3/7 BB/K, 2.63 era, L (5-5), 8:6:7
Tim Smith IP, H, 3 era, 2:1

Kingsport 4, Bristol 7

Angel Cuan's disasterous 2009 continued tonight, with another 4 runs given up in 6 innings. Cuan is now a combined 0-3 in 5 starts between Brooklyn and Kingsport, and has given up 17 earned runs in 23.2 innings (6.46 era). Oscar Melendez gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in 1.1 innings, Sam Taveras and Bobby Gagg pitched 1.2 scoreless to finish it off for Kingsport.

The Mets offense had 11 hits and a walk, while going just 2 for 9 (.222) with RISP, leaving 5 on base. Alonzo Harris (3), Pedro Zapata (2) and Juan Torres (2) had multi hit games, while John Semel (0 for 3, .259), Jeff Flagg (0 for 4, K, .383), and John Freeman (0 for 3, K, .163) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, HR (5), RBI (16), .287
>>rf Darrell Ceciliani run, BB, .179
lf Justin Garber 1 for 4, 2 RBI, K, .400
3b Tyler Vaughn 1 for 4, K, .333
cf Pedro Zapata 2 for 4, 2 Ks, .364
>>ph Kurt Steinhauer 1 for 1, .286 (2 for 7)
dh Juan Torres 2 for 4, .333
ss Gerad Mochizuki 1 for 4, run, K, .255
Angel Cuan 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2/2 BB/K, 6.32 era, L (0-1), 10:6:2
Oscar Melendez 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3/2 R/ER, 10.38 era, 3:1
Sam Taveras 0.2 IP, H, 6 era, 2:
Bobby Gagg IP, 2 H, K, 0.00 era, 2:0:1

GCL
Mets 7, Astros 6

ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .322
2b Marshal 0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .250
3b Richard Lucas 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, RBI, K, .429
>>3b Josh Dunn .111
c Nelfi Zapata 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .378
lf Julio Concepcion 2 for 4, 2 runs, .309
1b Travis Ozga 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .121
rf Cody Holliday 0 for 2, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, .167
dh Orlando Rodriguez 2 for 4, run, 2 2b, 3 RBI, .278
cf ZeErika Hall 1 for 4, RBI, K, .308
Ramiro Peralta 4 IP, 3 H, 3/2 R/ER, 2/3 BB/K, 3.46 era, 5:4:3
Orlando Tovar 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/4 BB/K, 3 era, W (1-0), 6:2:1
Santiago Valdez 0.2 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 5.40 era, 0:2
William Rackel 0.1 IP, 8.10 era, SV (1), 0:1

7/10 Minor League Report! Stoner, Harris, VERNOOIJ!

Buffalo 1, Pawtucket 0

Tobi Stoner had his best AAA outing tonight, giving up just 1 hit over 7 innings for his 2nd AAA win (4th overall).

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, K, .292
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, 2b, .304
rf Chip Ambres 0 for 4, K, .231
dh Emil Brown 0 for 4, .252
1b Mike Lamb 2 for 4, run, 2b, .230
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .280
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 4, K, .228
ss Wilson Valdez 2 for 3, .210
2b Luis Rivera 0 for 3, K, .313
Tobi Stoner 7 IP, H, 2/3 BB/K, 4.28 era, W (2-2), 105:73:32, 2:16:3
Kyle Snyder 2 IP, H, 2/3 BB/K, 3.86 era, SV (1), 37:23:14, 0:3:3

Binghamton 7, New Britain 10

Eric Niesen had another very poor outing in Binghamton, his 4th in 6 starts, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs while walking 3 in 4 innings, but it was Edgar Alfonzo taking the loss after surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk in 1.1 innings. Every Met pitcher gave up runs tonight, overall surrendering 17 hits and 4 walks.

The Mets had 12 hits and 3 walks themselves, while going 6 for 11 (.556) with RISP, leaving 10 on base. Jon Malo, Josh Petersen, and Caleb Stewart had multi hit games, while Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 3, 2 runs, BB, K, .274) took the only 0-fer for the Mets.

3b Jon Malo 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .274
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 4, run, RBI, .246
1b Ike Davis 1 for 5, run, K, .270
lf Josh Petersen 2 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .300
rf Caleb Stewart 3 for 5, 2b, 3 RBI, .188
dh Lucas Duda 1 for 4, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .269
c Salvador Paniagua 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .211
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 5, run, 2b, K, .267
Eric Niesen 4 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3/3 BB/K, 6.75 era, WP, 3:6:3
Edgar Ramirez 1.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, K, 6.66 era, 2:1:1
Edgar Alfonzo 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 3.45 era, L (4-3), 2:1:1
Jim Warden 1.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 1.54 era, 1:1:2

Savannah 5, Lexington 2

Chris Schwinden was in command today, giving up just a run on 5 hits in 7 innings for his 6th win, Rhiner Cruz picked up his 15th save, a 5 out effort, despite giving up a run on a hit and 2 walks. He came in with the bases loaded in the 8th and didn't allow any of those runs to score.

The Gnats offense garnered 10 hits and a walk, while going 1 for 8 (.125) with RISP and leaving 5 on base. Eric Campbell had a HUGE night going 4 for 4 with a double, homer and 2 RBI, his was the only multi hit effort, while Josh Satin (0 for 4, K, .295), and Joey August (0 for 3, K, .100) took the only 0-fers.

rf Raul Reyes 1 for 5, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .265
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 3, run, BB, .231
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .270
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, run, .280
dh Jordan Abruzzo 1 for 4, .364
1b Eric Campbell 4 for 4, run, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, .270
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, run, 2b, .216
Chris Schwinden 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 Ks, 3.52 era, W (6-4), 6:8:4
John Church 0.1 IP, H, 2 BBs, 3.86 era, 1:
Rhiner Cruz 1.2 IP, H, ER, 2/1 BB/K, 2.13 era, SV (15), 2:2:1

Brooklyn 4, Staten Island 0, Game 1

Brandon Moore fired a 7 inning 5 hit CGSO for his 3rd win, and the Cyclones had 3 hits and 3 walks, and took advantage of 2 Yankee errors to win the opener of the twinight DH, 4-0. The Conies were 0 for 6 with RISP and left 4 on base. Dock Doyle (1 for 4, .244), Ralph Henriquez (1 for 3, run, 3b, .214), and Luis Rivera (1 for 2, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .361) had the hits for the Conies, everyone else took 0-fers.

cf John Servidio 0 for 4, K, .210
**ss Robbie Shields 0 for 3, K**
3b Nick Giarraputo 0 for 2, run, .187
1b Alex Gregory 0 for 2, run, BB, K, .273
lf Nick Santomauro 0 for 2, RBI, BB, K, .167
2b Luis Nieves 0 for 3, RBI, .169
Brandon Moore 7 IP, 5 H, 1/8 BB/K, 0.62 era, W (3-0), 6:6:8

Brooklyn 2, Staten Island 3, Game 2

The Cyclones took a 2-0 lead to the last of the 6th, but Jim Fuller gave up 1 in the 6th and 2 in the 7th to take his first loss of the season, his ERA went from 0.00 to 1.08 in the loss.

The Conies had 5 hits and 3 walks in the nightcap of the twinighter, while going a pathetic 0 for 8 with RISP, leaving 5 on base. John Servidio (0 for 4, .210), Matt Gaski (0 for 2, BB, K, .235), Luis Rivera (0 for 1, run, 2 BBs, .350), and Luis Nieves (0 for 3, .169) all took 0-fers.

c Dock Doyle 1 for 3, .250
3b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 3, run, 2 Ks, .197
dh Ralph Henriquez 1 for 3, K, .214
lf Nick Santomauro 1 for 3, RBI, .194
1b Alex Gregory 1 for 3, .286
Jim Fuller 6+ IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1/7 BB/K, HR, 1.08 era, L (3-1), 9:1:7
Matias Carrillo H, BS (2), 0.00 era

Kingsport 10, Elizabethon 9

The KMets pitching staff is atrocious, fortunately, it appears every other staff in the Appy League is equally brutal. The Mets had 9 hits and drew 4 walks, while going 3 for 9 with RISP and leaving 4 on base. Alonzo Harris and Ryan Mollica had 3 hit games, while Joe Bonfe (0 for 3, run, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .338), John Semel (0 for 4, .255), Kurt Steinhauer (0 for 2, run, .000) and Gerad Mochizuki (0 for 2, run, RBI, .271) took 0-fers.

Three of the four Met pitchers gave up multiple runs, but Jonathan White, who gave up 6 hits and 4 runs in 5 innings, picked up a cheap win thanks to his offense. Oscar Melendez and Luis Rojas gave up 5 runs in 2.1 innings, before Travis Babin pitched 1.2 scoreless to pick up his 3rd save.

2b Alonzo Harrias 3 for 5, 3 runs, HR (3), 3 RBI (14), .260
cf RJ Harris 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, 2 Ks, .226
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 4, 2 RBI, K, .391
dh Ryan Mollica 3 for 3, run, 2b, 3 RBI, BB, .313
c Tyler Howe 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, .250
Jonathan White 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 8.79 era, W (1-2), 7:5:2
Oscar Melendez IP, 2 H, 2 ER, HR, 9 era, 0:2:0
Luis Rojas 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB, K, 21.32 era, 2:1:1
Travis Babin 1.2 IP, H, K, 2.89 era, SV (3), 2:2:1

GCL

Mets 10, Cardinals 0

cf ZeErika Hall 1 for 3, 2 runs, RBI, 2 BBs, .368
dh Andy Green 1 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .167
2b Ray Van Gurp 2 for 4, 2b, 3 RBI, .310
>>ph, 2b Marshal Davis 1 for 1, 2 RBI, .400
lf Julio Concepcion 0 for 4, .298
>>ph, lf Ruben Martinez BB, .087
rf Cody Holliday 1 for 5, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .156
3b Josh Dunn 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .125 (1 for 8)
c Cameron Maron 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB
1b Marinus Vernooij 3 for 3, 3 runs, 2 RBI, BB, .263
>>Travis Ozga 0 for 1, .133
ss Miguel Tejada 0 for 3, run, BB, 3 Ks, .083
Yohan Almonte 6 IP, 3 H, 1/10 BB/K, 0.66 era, W (1-0), 3:5:10
Adam O'Neill 2 IP, BB, K, 4.82 era, 1:4:1
Bobby Gagg IP, H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, 1:0:2

6/28 Minor League Report! TEJADA, GUZMAN, HARRIS

Buffalo 3, Charlotte 7

cf Cory Sullivan 0 for 4, .279
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, run, .311
dh Chip Ambres 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .249
rf Emil Brown 3 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, .290
1b Mike Lamb 0 for 4, .224
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 4, .267
c Rene Rivera 0 for 2, BB, K, .236
ss Wilson Valdez 0 for 4, .188
2b Luis Rivera 0 for 3, K, .304
Lance Broadway 5 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 6.80 era, L (1-5), 75:44:31, 10:4:1
Ken Takahashi 2 IP, H, 3 Ks, 0.53 era, 26:19:7, 1:2:3
Adam Bostick 2 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 24:13:11, 3:3

Binghamton 6, Akron 4

It was another bullpen by committee day for the BMets, with 4 relievers pitching the game, the win went to Michael Antonini (3 innings, 1 hit), the save to 30 year old Jim Warden (why exactly is he in Binghamton...or for that matter, in the organization?)

The offense for the Mets had 9 hits, but more importantly, 12 walks, en route to 6 runs. However, they were an atrocious 2 for 13 (.154) with RISP, and left 14 men on base. Ruben Tejada and Jon Malo had multi hit games, while Jose Coronado (0 for 3, 2 BBs, .252), and Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .213) took 0-fers.

c Josh Thole 1 for 3, 2 BBs, .343
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, K, .400
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, run, BB, .297
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .283
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 4, run, 2b, BB, .265
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 3, run, BB, .283
cf Jon Malo 2 for 2, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 3 BBs, .314
Edgar Ramirez 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 6.87 era, 3:4:2
Edgar Alfonzo 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 3.34 era, 3:3
Michael Antonini 3 IP, H, BB, K, 5.02 era, W (5-2), 4:4:1
Jim Warden IP, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1

St. Lucie 5, Tampa 4, Game 1

Jeff Kaplan was victimized by his defense a ton today, as 3 errors (2 on Pellot, 1 on Eigsti) led to 4 UER off him, denying him a complete game. Manuel Alvarez picked up his 7th save, despite allowing one of Kaplan's IHR to score.

The Mets offense had 9 hits and 3 walks, and were a good 3 for 8 (.375) with RISP, despite leaving 6 on base, and having 2 runners thrown out stealing. Carlos Guzman and Brahiam Maldonado had much needed breakout multi hit games, while Greg Veloz (0 for 4, K, .247), Hector Pellot (0 for 1, BB, .272), and Jake Eigsti (0 for 3, K, .220) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .256
ss Reese Havens 1 for 3, 2b, BB, 2 Ks, .228
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .262
rf Carlos Guzman 3 for 4, 2 runs, .273
c Francisco Pena 1 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, .222
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 2, 3 RBI, .244 (10 for his last 28, 2 2b, HR, 5 RBI, 6/13 BB/K)
Jeff Kaplan 6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2/6 BB/K, 3.12 era, W (1-2), 9:4:6
Manuel Alvarez 0.1 IP, H, 1.89 era, SV (7), 1:

St. Lucie 0, Tampa 3

Tim Stronach gave up 3 runs on 8 hits in 3.2 innings to take the loss in his first start of the season. The Mets were held to just 3 hits and a walk. Zach Lutz (.263), Carlos Guzman (.274) and Jordan Abruzzo (.100) each went 1 for 3 with a single for the lone hits, everyone else took 0-fers.

2b Greg Veloz 0 for 3, .244
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 1, .255
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 2, K, .242
ss Reese Havens 0 for 2, BB, K, .225
3b Hector Pellot 0 for 3, K, .267
lf, cf Richard Pena 0 for 2, K, .225
c Rafael Arroyo 0 for 2, .082
Tim Stronach 3.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 Ks, 8.64 era, L (0-1), 3:5:2
Emary Frederick 2.1 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 2.83 era, 5:1:1

Savannah 2, Charleston 9

Elvin Ramirez had yet another poor outing today, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits in 3.1 innings to take the loss, his 7th of the season. His June ERA stands at 5.64, and he's 0-4 in the month. Over his last 6 starts, dating back to May 30th, he's given up 18 earned runs in 27.1 innings, a 5.93 era. Phillips Orta and Manuel Olivares followed with equally poor outings, putting the game well out of reach.

The Gnats offense had 10 hits on the game, but were a pathetic 0 for 8 with RISP and left 9 on base. Rafael Fernandez, Wilmer Flores, Jefry Marte and Stefan Welch (aka the important offensive people on the team) all had multi hit games, while Imbewer Alvarez (0 for 2, .125), Raul Reyes (0 for 5, K, .250), Sean Ratliff (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .286), took 0-fers.

rf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 3, run, 2b, .259
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 3, RBI, .281
2b Josh Satin 1 for 4, K, .294
3b Jefry Marte 2 for 4, run, K, .227 (.277/.304/.362/.666 in June (it's a start...)
1b Stefan Welch 2 for 4, .229 (.250/.288/.393/.681 in June (it's also a start.....)
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 3, .225
c Luis Alen 0 for 1, .138
dh Evan LeBlanc 0 for 4, K, .200
Elvin Ramirez 3.1 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 3/3 BB/K, HR, 4.09 era, L (3-7), 4:3:3
Phillips Orta 1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2/2 BB/K, 9.64 era, 0:3:2
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, 3.43 era, 2:2:2
Jake Goldberg 2 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 4.30 era, 3:1:2

Brooklyn 13, Hudson Valley 3

Oliver Perez threw 5 innings of 2 hit shutout ball in his first rehab outing, he struck out 6 and walked 1.

The ringers did their job tonight, pounding out 10 hits and drawing 5 walks en route to 13 runs, on 5 for 11 with RISP (.455), leaving just 3 on base. John Servidio, Matt Bouchard and Luis Rivera had multi hit games, while Nick Santomauro (an actual prospect; 0 for 2, 2 runs, 2 BBs, .222) and Matt Gaski (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .111) took 0-fers.

cf John Servidio 2 for 3, 3 runs, HR, 5 RBI, .226
3b Matt Bouchard 2 for 4, 3 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .405
1b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .172
c Ralph Henriquez 1 for 5, run, RBI, .214
rf Luis Rivera 2 for 4, 3b, 2 RBI, .407
lf Alex Gregory 1 for 4, run, .304
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 4, run, RBI, .222
Oliver Perez 5 IP, 2 H, 1/6 BB/K, 0.00 era, W (1-0), 3:5:6
Eric Turgeon IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 13.50 era, 2:1
Wes Wrenn 3 IP, 1/2 BB/K, 5.40 era, SV (1), 4:3:2

Kingsport 4, Bluefield 10

The KMets pitching and defense has been absolutely putrid to start the season, they surrendered 10 more runs tonight, and have now given up a staggering 59 runs in their first 6 games, 12 of then unearned. It was Guillaume LeDuc tonight, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) in 4.1 innings to take his first loss. Julio Bello allowed 3 runs in 3.2 innings for good measure.

The Mets offense had 11 hits and 2 walks, but were just 3 for 15 with RISP and left 12 on base. Alonzo Harris, Joe Bonfe and Cesar Puello had multi hit games, while Darrell Ceciliani (0 for 3, run, BB, K, .167), RJ Harris (0 for 4, run, RBI, 2 Ks, .200) and Tyler Howe (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .273, E (3)) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 3 for 5, run, 2b, K, .375
3b Joe Bonfe 3 for 5, run, 2b, .458
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .259
c Mike Moras 1 for 3, RBI, BB, .333
lf Jon Semel 1 for 4, .250
ss Gered Mochizuki 1 for 4, K, .250
Guillaume LeDuc 4.1 IP, 7 H, 7/6 R/ER, 4/1 BB/K, HR, 9.64 era, L (1-1), 7:3:1
Julio Bello 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3/2 R/ER, 4/2 BB/K, 2.70 era, 5:3:2
Tim Smith IP, BB, 11.25 era, 2:1

GCL

Mets 7, Astros 3

ss Wilfredo Tovar 1 for 6, run, .182
2b Ray Van Gurp 2 for 3, run, RBI, 2 BBs, .250
rf Kury Steinhauer 2 for 5, run, .278
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 3, 2b, 3 RBI, .421
c Neifi Zapata 2 for 4, run, BB, .538
1b Juan Torres 2 for 4, 2b, BB, K, .417
dh Charles Hinojosa 0 for 3, .444
3b Marinus Vernooij 1 for 2, BB, K, .125
ph, 3b Travis Ozga 0 for 1, run, BB, K, .100
cf Ruben Martinez 1 for 5, run, 3b, 2 RBI, K, .182
Scott Moviel 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 6 Ks, 2 era, 6:3:6
Lachlan Hodge 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 1.80 era, BS (1), W (2-0), 1:2:2
Gabriel Zavala 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.50 era, 1:2:2

MPH System Audit III - Part III (Middle Infielders)

Middle Infielders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gulf Coast League Mets Leaderboard

First game tonight is 10pm EDT, so between now and then, expect some goodies from the 2008 regular season ;) This is first, the GCL Leaderboard. I think a Fernando prospect focus will be next up in 3 or 4 hours, and then something else, maybe an unofficial end of season top 15 from me. We'll see, but enjoy, lol. Oh yeah, don't forget to check out the chat box, since we sometimess report some things in there that are pertinent to our discussions/posts.

Jefry Marte .325/.389/.532/.930 (50 for 154, 29 runs, 14 2b, 3 3b, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 13/30 BB/K)

AVG (5th), OBP (13th), SLG (2nd), OPS (1st), 2b (3rd), 3b (T-4th), HR (T-7th)

Alonzo Harris .308/.379/.510/.889 (32 for 104, 23 runs, 6 2b, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 9/23 BB/K, 7/9 SBs)

AVG (T-12th), OBP (17th), SLG (4th), OPS (8th), 2b (T-11th), HR (T-6th)

Cesar Puello .305/.350/.364/.714 (46 for 151, 24 runs, 6 2b, HR, 17 RBI, 5/32 BB/K, 13/18 SBs)

AVG (15th), OBP (T-28th), SLG (43rd), OPS (39th), 2b (T-11th), HR (T-10th)

Jeurys Familia 2-2, 2.79 era, 11 GS, 51.2 IP, 46 H, 20/16 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/38 BB/K, 1.14 WHIP

W (T-6th), L (T-6th), ERA (10th), GS (T-2nd), IP (T-11th), H (T-16th), HR (T-6th), BB (T-14th), K (T-16th), WHIP (11th)

Kyle Allen 1-1, 2.12 era, 11 G, 5 GS, 34 IP, 24 H, 13/8 R/ER, HR, 10/45 BB/K, 1.00 WHIP

W (T-7th), L (T-7th), ERA (4th), GS (T-8th), IP (T-41st), HR (T-7th) BB (T-17th), K (T-9th), WHIP (T-4th)

MPH August 2008 Hotsheet

For the purposes of the minor leaguers, "August" will include all regular season games played in September.

1. LF Daniel Murphy L/R 4/1/85 MLB New York

What a banner month for Daniel Murphy. He makes his major league debut, has his first homer, first double, first RBI, and oh yeah - he's played out of his mind all the while manning a position, that of the Trinity, he played the least amount of (LF). Murphy's extremely above average eye has helped him to a first month line of .333/.420/.493/.913 (23 for 69, 13 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 11/14 BB/K). He's played so well, that he's solidified his standing as pretty much the everyday LFer (he's in a strict platoon, with the limited LHP out there, he plays virtually everyday). Not only that, but in limited ABs against LHP, he's been virtually perfect (4 for 6, run, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BBs, .667/.667/1.167).

And as he told us, his name is Daniel, NOT Dan or Danny. So there.

2. 1b Mike Carp L/R 6/30/86 AA Binghamton

Before August: 115 for 379, 51 runs, 19 2b, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 53/68 BB/K, .303/.393/.449/.842

August: .283/.438/.556/.994 (28 for 99, 16 runs, 10 2b, 3b, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 26/20 BB/K)

Season: .299/.403/.471/.874 (143 for 478, 67 runs, 29 2b, 3b, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 79/88 BB/K)

Mike Carp ended a banner bounceback season with his best offensive month of the year (.289/.435/.567/1.002 in August proper). Most notable in his turnaround campaign is his newfound ability to handle lefties (.268/.354/.438/.792, 41 for 153, 21 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 19/32 BB/K), while still keeping the ability to mash righties (.314/.425/.486/.911, 102 for 325, 46 runs, 23 2b, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 60/56 BB/K). Not to mention his dramatic improvement in plate discipline. While last year he had a respectable 39/75 BB/K ratio, this year he had an off the charts great 79/88 BB/K and an equally great 104 IsoD. Carp is eligible for the Rule V Draft, so it is a safe bet he'll conclude his great season with an addition to the team's 40 man roster.

3. 1b Lucas Duda L/R 2/3/86 A+ St. Lucie

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

August: .286/.368/.449/.817 (28 for 98, 16 runs, 4 2b, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 12/28 BB/K)

Season: .263/.358/.398/.755 (127 for 483, 58 runs, 26 2b, 3 3b, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 66/129 BB/K, 2/9 SBs)

Duda bookended his season with good offensive months (.862 OPS April, .817 OPS August), but it was the middle 3 months which sunk his season (.724 May, .621 June, .733 July). In addition, his complete inability to handle LHP (.187/.281/.247/.527, 28 for 150, 11 runs, 4 2b, 3b, HR, 13 RBI, 18/55 BB/K) led to the crumbling of his stats. He hit very well against RHP (.298/.393/.468/.861, 98 for 329, 47 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 10 HR, 52 RBI, 48/72 BB/K). Still, Duda likely showed enough to be promoted to Binghamton next season, after what will likely be a second straight winterball trip to Hawaii.

4. RHSP Dillon Gee R/R 4/28/86 A+ St. Lucie/AA Binghamton

Before August: 7-6, 3.36 era, 19 GS, 115.1 IP, 105 H, 18/81 BB/K

August: 3-0, 1.62 era, 6 GS, 39 IP, 30 H, 6/33 BB/K, 0.92 WHIP

Season: 10-6, 2.92 era, 25 GS, 154.1 IP, 135 H, 53/50 R/ER, 7 HR, 24/114 BB/K, 1.03 WHIP

Gee performed significantly better then expected, posting a very solid 8-6, 3.25 line in 21 starts, over 127.1 innings. However, it was his late season promotion to Binghamton, and performance there that really raised eyebrows across the prospect loving community. Gee went 2-0 with a ridiculous 1.33 era in 4 starts, pitching 7 innings in 3 of them, and not allowing more then 1 earned run in any. Gee didn't hit his innings total from last season (178.2), but he significantly bettered his performance (7-9, 3.78 between college/Brooklyn). This season, split between high A and AA, Gee was 10-6 with a 2.92 era. Gee should open 2009 right back in Binghamton, bridging that talent gap between the Jenrry Mejia/Scott Moviel/Brad Holt etc wave and the Jon Niese/Bobby Parnell/Eddie Kunz etc wave.

5. RHSP Scott Moviel R/R 5/7/88 A Savannah/A+ St. Lucie (one start)

Before August: 9-8, 4.54 era, 21 GS, 105 IP, 113 H, 31/71 BB/K, 1.37 WHIP

August: 1-0, 2.70 era, 4 GS, 20 IP, 17 H, 6/13 BB/K

Season: 10-8, 4.25 era, 25 GS, 125 IP, 130 H, 75/59 R/ER, 9 HR, 37/84 BB/K

Season minus April: 9-4, 3.35 era, 20 GS, 107.1 IP, 100 H, 29/71 BB/K, 1.20 WHIP, 2.43 BB/9

Moviel started off his first pro season in utterly disasterous fashion, compiling an ugly 1-4, 9.68 line in April. However, from May 1st on, he pitched very very well, as you can see above. Moviel hit a bit of a wall around the 90-105 inning marker, which coincided with his career high in IP, set last season. However, he pushed through it to set a new career high in innings, with 125. Look for Moviel to begin the 2009 season in St. Lucie, right on pace for a prospect at age 21.

6. OF Cesar Puello R/R 4/1/91 R GCL

Before August: 21 for 81, 10 runs, 2 2b, 7 RBI, 7/9 SBs, 2/22 BB/K, .259/.294/.284/.578

August: .357/.410/.457/.867 (25 for 70, 14 runs, 4 2b, HR, 10 RBI, 3/10 BB/K, 6/9 SBs)

Season: .305/.350/.364/.714 (46 for 151, 24 runs, 6 2b, HR, 17 RBI, 5/32 BB/K, 13/18 SBs)

Puello started off slow, hitting just .259 thru his first 81 ABs, but turned it on in August with a blistering .357 clip. He was signed during the IFA period of 2007, and was one of Omar's Big Three of 2007 (the other's being Wilmer Flores and Jefry Marte). Expect Puello to possibly open in Savannah next year, at age 18.

7. 2b Alonzo Harris R/R 1/16/89 R GCL

Before August: .321/.345/.396/.742, 17 for 53, 11 runs, 2b, HR, 4 RBI, 1/9 BB/K, 1/1 SBs

August: .294/.410/.627/1.037 (15 for 51, 12 runs, 5 2b, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 8/14 BB/K, 6/8 SBs)

Season: .308/.379/.510/.889 (32 for 104, 23 runs, 6 2b, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 9/23 BB/K, 7/9 SBs)

Harris was hitting for a high average all season, but he put on a very impressive power display in August, blasting 9 XBH in just 51 ABs to end with an impressive .889 OPS. It wouldn't be that shocking to see Harris in Savannah next year, especially with the Mets penchant for pushing prospects.

8. RHSP Jenrry Mejia R/R 10/11/89 A- Brooklyn

Before August: 4-1, 2.84 era, 8 GS, 38 IP, 24 H, 14/36 BB/K, 1 WHIP

August: 1-1, 2.94 era, 6 GS, 33.2 IP, 27 H, 12/31 BB/K, 1.16 WHIP

Season: 5-2, 2.89 era, 14 GS, CGSO, 71.2 IP, 51 H, 4 HR, 26/67 BB/K, 1.07 WHIP

Mejia had a great first season stateside, posting career highs in IP (71.2), Ks (67), and wins (5). And he was one of a a handful of teenagers to finish their seasons in Brooklyn, something very rare for the Mets, they usually want Brooklyn overtly stacked to win (really stupid, but whatever). Mejia's on track to begin 2009 in Savannah at age 19, well ahead of the game. It's not inconceivable that he could end his age 19 season in St. Lucie, either.

9. OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis L/R 8/7/87 A- Brooklyn

Before August: 39 for 147, 13 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 11 RBI, 3/6 SBs, 18/34 BB/K, .265/.349/.333/.683

August: .293/.352/.474/.825 (39 for 133, 20 runs, 10 2b, 4 3b, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 8/12 SBs, 11/36 BB/K)

Season: .279/.350/.400/.750 (78 for 280, 33 runs, 15 2b, 5 3b, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 29/70 BB/K, 11/18 SBs)

Nieuwenhuis was drafted in the 3rd round (100th overall) this year. He posted a pretty good line for a lefty in Brooklyn, and should be in St. Lucie to open the 2009 season.