Florida State League Leaderboard

Florida State League (A+)

Josh Thole .300/.382/.427/.808 (104 for 347, 49 runs, 25 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 56 RBI, 45/38 BB/K)

AVG (T-5th), OBP (T-3rd), SLG (T-13th), OPS (T-9th), 2b (10th), HR (T-15th), BB (15th)

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

AVG (T-25th), OBP (T-9th), SLG (22nd), OPS (19th), 2b (9th), HR (T-9th), BB (1st), K (4th)

Ezequiel Carrera .263/.344/.393/.737 (113 for 430, 61 runs, 11 2b, 12 3b, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 46/86 BB/K, 28/37 SBs)

AVG (T-25th), OBP (T-17th), SLG (26th), OPS (23rd), 2b (24th), 3b (1st), HR (T-13th), BB (14th), SBs (4th)

Dylan Owen 12-6, 3.43 era, 24 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 133.2 IP, 135 H, 55/51 R/ER, 12 HR, 33/116 BB/K, 1.26 WHIP

W (T-1st), L (T-8th), ERA (9th), GS (T-3rd), IP (9th), H (10th), HR (T-7th), BB (T-25th), K (4th), WHIP (8th)

Dillon Gee 8-6, 3.25 era, 21 GS, 127.1 IP, 117 H, 49/46 R/ER, 6 HR, 19/94 BB/K, 1.07 WHIP

W (T-5th), L (T-8th), ERA (6th), GS (T-6th), IP (14th), H (T-18th), HR (T-13th), BB (T-39th), K (T-16th), WHIP (3rd)

July Edition - Hotsheet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Greg Veloz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not hot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/4 Minor League Report! CARRERA! NIEUWENHUIS!

Jon Niese tonight:

New Orleans 3, Las Vegas 2

Jon Niese moved to 2-0 in AAA with 6 solid innings today, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. As has been the case this season with Niese, it was one bad inning which befell him, the second, where he allowed 3 hits and 2 runs, throwing 18 pitches. The Zs got him on the long side of the game with 3 run bottom of the 4th, RBI singles by Michel Abreu, Raul Casanova, and Ramon Martinez plated the runs.

cf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, .323
2b Andy Green 0 for 3, BB, K, .292
lf Chris Aguila 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .292
rf Val Pascucci 0 for 3, run, BB, .283
1b Michel Abreu 2 for 3, run, RBI, .274
c,1b Raul Casanova 1 for 3, RBI, .277
ss Anderson Hernandez 0 for 3, K, .200
3b Ramon Martinez 1 for 2, RBI, K, .270
Jon Niese 6 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 2 k, 95:57:38, 11:4:2 (with a pickoff)
Ivan Maldonado ip, h, bb, k, 4 era
Eude Brito ip, bb, k, 6.10 era
Nate Field ip, 5.09 era

Breakdown of Niese's outing inning by inning:

ip, k, 17:11:6, 1:1:1 (pitches:strikes:balls, groundout:flyout:strikeout)
2 ip, 3 h, 2 er, k, 35:21:14, 3:2:1
3 ip, 3 h, 2 er, bb, k, 49:27:22, 4:4:1
4 ip, 5 h, 2 er, bb, k, 65:39:26, 7:4:1
5 ip, 6 h, 2 er, bb, k, 79:49:30, 10:4:1
6 ip, 6 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 2 k, 95:57:38, 11:4:2 (with a pickoff)

Binghamton 6, Bowie 3 in 12 innings

Caleb Stewart's RBI 2b in the top of the 8th inning tied the game at 3, where it remained until the Mets poured 3 runs across in the top of the 12th to take a 6-3 lead, winning by that same count. The top 3 in the order, (Coronado, Machado, Carp) were a combined 0 for 14 with 7 Ks, most of that done by Chris Tillman, who struck out 11 in 6 innings. The top of the order was picked up by the bottom, as Salomon Manriquez, Josh Petersen and Jon Malo each had 2 hits.

On the good guy's side, Michael Antonini worked 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5, getting an ND. Elvys Quezada pitched the 11th and 12 innings to pick up his 2nd AA win.

lf Mike Carp 0 for 5, BB, 3 Ks, .296
rf Caleb Stewart 2 for 5, run, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, .277
cf Ambi Concepcion 1 for 5, run, 3 Ks, .252
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .360
c Salomon Manriquez 2 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .286
dh Josh Petersen 2 for 5, run, RBI, 2 Ks, .327
2b Jon Malo 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, K, .269
Michael Antonini 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 Ks, HR, 4.76 era
Casey Hoorelbeke 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 0.00 era
Tim LaVigne 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 Ks, 4.58 era
Elvys Quezada 2 IP, BB, K, 3.38 era, W (2-0)

St. Lucie 2, Vero Beach 1

Both of St. Lucie's run came via an unlikely source, a pair of solo homers from Ezequiel Carrera, #5 and #6 on the season. Carrera since May 31st has been on fire, hitting .309/.377/.486/.864, 56 for 181, 34 runs, 2 2b, 6 3b, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 12/16 SBs, 16/38 BB/K. The rest of the offense was more muted, though Lucas Duda continued his August resurrection with 2 more hits, pushing his average back to .268. DJ Wabick (0 for 3, .283), Peeter Ramos (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .209) and Luis Rivera (0 for 3, .231) took 0-fers, while Carrera and Duda had multi hit games.

Julio Polanco got a start for the Mets, and was good, giving up just 2 hits over 4 innings. Nick Waechter allowed aa homer in 2.2 innings, the lone run off him. Nick Abel picked up the win with 1.1 innings of relief, with German Marte picking up his 7th save with a scoreless 9th.

cf Ezequiel Carrera 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 HR (5,6), 2 RBI (26), .278
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, K, .234
1b Lucas Duda 2 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .268
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, 3 Ks, .239
c Josh Thole 1 for 2, BB, .305
dh Victor Mendez 1 for 3, .290
Julio Polanco 4 IP, 2 H, 3 Ks, 5.14 era
Nick Waechter 2.2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 3 Ks, HR, 3.27 era
Nick Abel 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 14.54 era, W (1-2)
German Marte IP, 3.15 era, SV (7)

Savannah 1, Augusta 4

Despite pitching well, John Holdzkom took the loss for the Gnats, as they managed just a single run, despite 8 hits and 2 walks, leaving 7 on base and grounding into 2 DPs. Francisco Pena and Juan Lagares had multi hit games, with the lone RBI coming on a Carlos Guzman 5th inning homer. Rhiner Cruz finished out the game, with 3 innings of bad relief, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned.

2b Greg Veloz 0 for 3, BB, K, .287
rf Casey Craig 0 for 4, K, .283
c Francisco Pena 2 for 4, 2b, .258
dh Sean McCraw 1 for 4, K, .298
ss Juan Lagares 2 for 4, .260
1b Jefferies Tatford 1 for 3, BB, .222
cf Carlos Guzman 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, K, .294
lf Darren Clark 1 for 4, 2b, K, .250
3b Joaquin Rodriguez 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .246
John Holdzkom 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 7 Ks, HR, 7.47 era, L (2-2)
Rhiner Cruz 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 3 Ks, 3.71 era

Brooklyn 4, Staten Island 9

A complete bullpen failure denied Jenrry Mejia his 3rd NYPL victory. After a very rough start to his NYPL career, over his last 4 GS, Mejia has allowed 13 hits over 21 innings, 4 earned runs (2.77 era), and 7 walks, while striking out 20. The bullpen failure started with Roy Merritt who allowed 2 UER, then Erik Turgeon allowed 2 runs, 1 UER to blow the save and take the loss. To cap the failure, Wendy Rosa and Jim Fuller allowed 3 runs in the final 2.1 innings.

The Conies pounded out 10 hits and 4 runs, also drawing 3 walks, with Kirk Nieuwenhuis having a huge game with 3 hits and a walk. Ike Davis continued his rough season with an 0 for 3, dropping his average to .237. Matt Smith was the only other 0-fer, going 0 for 4 with a K, he's hitting .194 now.

rf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 3 for 4, 2 runs, 3b, RBI, BB, .277
2b JR Voyles 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .240
lf Eric Campbell 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 3 Ks, .280
1b Ike Davis 0 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .237
3b Jose Jimenez 1 for 4, K, .267
dh Jordan Abruzzo 2 for 4, run, K, .265
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, 3 Ks, .207
c Cesar Cordido 1 for 4, K, .161
Jenrry Mejia 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 5 Ks, HR, 4.03 era
Roy Merritta 0.2 IP, 2 R, K, 1.48 era
Erik Turgeon 0.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 2.31 era, BS (1), L (0-1)
Wendy Rosa 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 2.74 era
Jim Fuller IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 2.08 era

Kingsport 6, Elizabethon 5

Kingsport almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Almost - were it not for a walkoff homer from Jean Luc Blaquiere, his second such feat of heroism this season. Earlier, Zach Rosenbaum's nightmare season continued when he gave up 3 runs in the top of the 9th to blow a excellent outing from Raul Batis (6 ip, 6 h, 2 er). Michael Powers pitched the rest of the game to pick up the win (2.2 innings).

Rafael Fernandez, Wilmer Flores, Blaquiere and Justin Garber had multi hit games, while Gabriel Zavala was the only 0-fer victim, going 0 for 5 to drop his average to .270.

rf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 6, 2 runs, RBI, K, .308
2b Kyle Suire 1 for 6, K, .290
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 5, 2b, BB, K, .321
1b Doug McNulty 1 for 6, RBI, K, .217
3b Stefan Welch 1 for 6, run, HR, RBI, K, .272
cf Pedro Zapata 1 for 6, 2 Ks, .209
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 3 for 5, run, HR, RBI, BB, K, .247
lf Justin Garber 3 for 5, 2 runs, K, .250
Raul Batis 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 Ks, HR, 4.42 era
Zach Rosenbaum 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 Ks, HR, 5.97 era, BS (1)
Michael Powers 2.2 IP, 2 Ks, 1.06 era

7/19 Minor League Report! CARRERA, VELOZ, DOYLE, ALVAREZ!

New Orleans 5, Albuquerque 1

Anderson Machado (3b) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, .226
Andy Green (ss) 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .224
Chris Aguila (cf, lf) 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .297
Val Pascucci (rf) 1 for 2, 2 runs, HR, RBI, 2 BBs, .293
Michel Abreu (1b) 2 for 3, 2 RBI, BB, .259
Josh Petersen (lf) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .214
Gustavo Molina (c) 1 for 3, BB, .237
Abraham Nunez (2b) 0 for 3, BB, K, .207
Brandon Knight 6 IP, 3 K, 3 BBs, 12 Ks, 1.60 era, W (5-1), 110:73:37, 2:3:12
Ivan Maldonado IP, 4.26 era
Willie Collazo IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 4.19 era
Nate Field IP, 2 Ks, 5.77 era

Binghamton suspended, to be resumed 7/28

St. Lucie 9, Lakeland 1, Game 1

Ezequiel Carrera had a great day out of the leadoff spot, smashing his 4th homer of the season, part of a 4 hit day. The middle 3 in the order (Duda, Mendez, Thole) each drove in a pair, as the Mets routed the Tigers in game 1 of a doubleheader. Michael Antonini went the distance, allowing just a run on a hit, picking up his 4th FSL victory.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 4 for 4, 3 runs, HR, RBI, .277
Ruben Tejada (ss) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, K, .242
Lucas Duda (1b) 1 for 3, 2 runs, HR (6), 2 RBI, BB, K, .263
Victor Mendez (rf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, .277
Josh Thole (c) 0 for 3, 2 RBI, .299
Shawn Bowman (3b) 2 for 4, .333
DJ Wabick (dh) 1 for 3, .283
Brahiam Maldonado (lf) 0 for 3, .194
Peeter Ramos (2b) 0 for 3, K, .185
Michael Antonini 7 IP, H, ER, 7 Ks, HR, 1.84 era, W (4-0)

St. Lucie 1, Lakeland 4, Game 2

Rick Porcello, the 27th pick in the 2007 draft (was a consensus top 5 pick who fell), no hit the Mets today, but gave up an earned run in his 5 innings of work, 2 relievers finished off the no hitter. Nick Carr gave up 2 runs in 2.1 innings, taking his 8th loss in the FSL, without any wins.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 0 for 2, run, BB, K, .276
Ruben Tejada (ss) 0 for 3, .240
Lucas Duda (1b) 0 for 2, BB, K, .261
Victor Mendez (rf) 0 for 2, RBI, K, .271
Josh Thole (dh) 0 for 3, .296
DJ Wabick (lf) 0 for 2, BB, .282
Jason Jacobs (c) 0 for 3, K, .241
Luis Rivera (3b) 0 for 3, .227
Peeter Ramos (2b) 0 for 2, .179
Nick Carr 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 Ks, 7.15 era, L (0-8)
Edgar Ramirez 1.2 IP, 2 H, BB, K, 5.19 era
Emary Frederick 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 4.44 era

Savannah 6, Greensboro 5

The Gnats poured across 4 in the top of the 9th, rallying from 5-2 down to win it 6-5. Greg Veloz, who had a HUGE day, had the go ahead 2 run single during the rally. Veloz was 4 for 5 with 4 RBI, raising his average to a season best .276. Jose Jimenez and Carlos Guzman also had multi hit games. Juan Lagares (0 for 4, .257), Casey Craig (0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .290), Sean McCraw (0 for 3, run, BB, K, .261), and Brad Hubbert (0 for 2, 2 runs, 2 Ks, .149) took 0-fers.

Scott Moviel had a rough outing today, his first since May 29th, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits in 4.1 innings. Jose Bierd, removed from the closers role after struggling, pitched an excellent 3.2 innings of long relief, allowing just a hit, striking out 3. Junior Guerra got his 1st save with a scoreless 9th.

Greg Veloz (2b) 4 for 5, run, 2b, HR, 4 RBI, K, .276
Jose Jimenez (1b) 3 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .245
Francisco Pena (c) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .255
Carlos Guzman (cf) 2 for 4, run, K, .259
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .279
Scott Moviel 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 5 Ks, HR, 4.53 era
Jose Bierd 3.2 IP, H, BB, 3 Ks, 2.95 era, W (3-1)
Junior Guerra IP, H, 3 Ks, 1.93 era, SV (1)

Brooklyn 4, Staten Island 5

Stephen Clyne allowed a walkoff 3 run homer in the bottom of the 9th, taking his first loss in Brooklyn. Reese Havens suffered a leg injury while running the bases in the first, and had to be PH for. Havens and his replacement at DH both took 0-fers, as did Jacob Elgsti (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .143). Brad Holt was impressive again, allowing just a run in 5.1 innings, striking out 7.

Reese Havens (dh) 0 for 1, .261
Ralph Henriquez (ph, dh) 0 for 2, BB, .217
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .290
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 4, run, .253
Jordan Abruzzo (c) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, K, .292
Eric Campbell (3b) 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .273
Josh Satin (2b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .260
Sean Ratliff (lf) 1 for 3, BB, K, .183
John Servidio (rf) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .228
Brad Holt 5.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BBs, 7 Ks, HR, 1.91 era
Roy Merritt 2.2 IP, H, ER, BB, 4 Ks, 1.08 era
Stephen Clyne 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, HR, 15 era, BS (1), L (0-1)

Kingsport 10, Burlington 3

Dock Doyle and Imbewer Alvarez, hitting 3rd and 7th respectively, each went 4 for 5, powering a 17 hit (5 HRs) attack for the KMets, as they had yet another offensive outburst. John Holdzkom was the beneficiary of the outburst, picking up his 3rd win in the Appy League.

Rafael Fernandez (rf) 1 for 5, run, HR, RBI, BB, 3 Ks, .351
Dan Stegall (lf) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .295
Gabriel Zavala (lf) 1 for 2, run, HR, RBI, K, .317
Dock Doyle (c) 4 for 5, run, .295
Stefan Welch (3b) 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .282
Pedro Zapata (cf) 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .229
Seth Williams (dh) 2 for 3, 3 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .400
Imbewer Alvarez (ss) 4 for 5, 2 runs, .280
Doug McNulty (1b) 2 for 5, run, 2b, HR, 5 RBI, .190
Kyle Suire (2b) 1 for 4, 2b, BB, .191
John Holdzkom 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 5 Ks, 3.55 era, W (3-1)
Travis Babin 2 IP, H, K, 3.38 era
Jorge Rodriguez 2 IP, K, 3.78 era

GCL

Mets 4, Dodgers 1

Miguel Tejada (ss) 1 for 3, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .200
Jefry Marte (3b) 1 for 4, .323
Cesar Puello (rf) 0 for 3, .254
Robert Carson 6 IP, H, 4 Ks, 1.57 era, W (1-0)
Kyle Allen 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 0.90 era

7/12 Minor League Report! NIESE, Carrera, MALDONADO, Giarraputo, Satin!

I will be taking the next couple of weeks "off", to work on the Draft Database for 2008. David will be posting the Minor League Reports EXCLUSIVELY on MetsProspectHub, starting either tomorrow, of the day after tomorrow (so either Sunday the 13th, or Monday the 14th will be my first off day). David's on the left coast, so the reports will be up late, around 2-3am ish. I apologize for any inconvenience. I should return to posting around the 25th or 26th.

New Orleans 7, Nashville 0 in 6.5 innings (lightning)

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 0 for 2, run, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .299
Andy Green (2b) 0 for 3, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .257
John Rodriguez (lf) 2 for 4, run, K, .319
Val Pascucci (rf) 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, K, .289
Michel Abreu (1b) 2 for 2, run, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .252
Gustavo Molina (c) 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .246
Anderson Hernandez (ss) 0 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .193
Abraham Nunez (3b) 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .198
Brian Stokes 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, 4.67 era, W (9-8), 106:67:39, 7:4:6

Binghamton 3-7-1, Trenton 1-9-1

The Mets held a 1-0 lead into the 8th, when Tim LaVigne was greeted rudely with 3 consecutive singles, tying the game and ruining a great start from Jon Niese. Niese pitched 7 brilliant innings, allowing just 6 hits and striking out 5, but due to LaVigne, didn't get his 6th win of the season. The top 4 in the Mets order were just 1 for 16 with 4 Ks, the lone hit being Dan Murphy. Emmanuel Garcia and Mike Nickeas had 2 hits a piece hitting 7-8. Jose Coronado (0 for 4, BB, K, .255), Jon Malo (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .234), Ambi Concepcion (0 for 4, K, .247), and Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, .216) took 0-fers.

Dan Murphy (2b) 1 for 3, BB, .310, 2 DP turned 643
Mike Carp (lf) 1 for 3, BB, K, .311
Caleb Stewart (rf) 1 for 4, run, .275
Emmanuel Garcia (dh) 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, BB, .223
Mike Nickeas (c) 2 for 3, 2b, RBI, BB, .237
Jon Niese 7 IP, 6 H, 2 BBs, 5 Ks, 3.09 era
Tim LaVigne IP, 3 H, ER, K, 3.62 era, BS (2), W (2-1)
Eddie Kunz IP, 3.24 era, SV (25)

St. Lucie 7, Dunedin 8

Nick Carr had another very disappointing outing in the FSL, giving up 5 hits, walks and runs in 4.1 innings, ballooning his ERA to 7.13. The offense spared Carr his 8th FSL loss, but Edgar Ramirez was not so lucky. The Mets had taken a 7-6 lead after 5, but Ramirez allowed runs in the 6th and 7th, and the offense got no more. Ramirez took his first loss of the season.

The Mets poured out 7 runs and 11 hits in the first 5 innings, but afterwards, managed just a hit and 2 walks. Ezequiel Carrera, Josh Thole, Shawn Bowman, and Brahiam Maldonado had multi hit games, while Lucas Duda (0 for 3, 2 BBs, .268), and Peeter Ramos (0 for 4, run, K, .203) took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .268
Ruben Tejada (ss) 1 for 5, RBI, .242
Victor Mendez (rf) 1 for 4, 3 RBI, .247
Josh Thole (c) 2 for 5, run, 2b, .297
Shawn Bowman (3b) 2 for 4, run, BB, K, .305
DJ Wabick (dh) 1 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, .282
Brahiam Maldonado (lf) 3 for 4, run, RBI, .198
Nick Carr 4.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 5 BBs, 2 Ks, HR, 7.13 era
Edgar Ramirez 2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, K, HR, 6.43 era, L (0-1)
Elvys Quezada 2.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 3 Ks, 2.67 era
Emary Frederick 0.1 IP, K, 4.07 era

Savannah 3, Lexington 2

Greg Veloz' walkoff single in the bottom of the 9th won it for the Gnats, plating Michael Parker, who was running for Nick Giarraputo. Junior Guerra picked up the win with 3 scoreless innings in back of a decent outing from Josh Stinson. Casey Craig (0 for 4, .305), Juan Lagares (0 for 3, K, .276), Sean McCraw (0 for 3, run, BB, K, .275), and Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .224) took 0-fers, while Francisco Pena, Giarraputo, and Richard Pena had multi hit games.

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .270
Francisco Pena (c) 2 for 4, run, .249
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 3 for 4, .294
Richard Pena (cf) 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .215
Joaquin Rodriguez (1b) 1 for 3, BB, .235
Josh Stinson 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 3.03 era
Junior Guerra 3 IP, H, 4 Ks, 1.69 era, W (1-0)

Brooklyn 0-3-0, State College 1-9-1

More ineptitude from the Brooklyn offense, they were 3 hit (2 hit, really). The hits came from Zach Lutz (1 for 4, 2b, .322), Jordan Abruzzo (who was demoted from St. Lucie to "stack" the Cyclones, which is why I do not count his hit (1 for 3, BB)), and Kirk Nieuwenhuis (1 for 4, K, .265). Scott Shaw started and was brilliant for 6 innings, allowing just a run on 8 hits, but that was enough for him to take the loss.

Reese Havens (dh) 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .239
Angel Pagan (lf) 0 for 3, BB
Ike Davis (1b) 0 for 4, .275
Sean Ratliff (rf) 0 for 3, K, .186
Jacob Elgsti (ss) 0 for 3, K, .036
Ignacio Medrano (2b) 0 for 2, BB, K, .083
Scott Shaw 6 IP, 8 H, ER, 6 Ks, 1.42 era, L (1-1)
Chris Schwinden 3 IP, H, 2 Ks, 1.88 era

Kingsport 7, Pulaski 8

Guillaume LeDuc had a miserable outing today, surrendering 8 hits and 7 runs (5 earned) in 4.2 innings, but it was Phillips Orta who took the loss, his 3rd, giving up an UER in 3 innings of relief. Orta's comical line now stands at 0-3, 0.69 era.

The Mets offense had 10 hits and 7 runs, but only 1 of those runs, and 3 of those hits, came after the 3rd inning. Stefan Welch (0 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .315), Pedro Zapata (0 for 4, K, .229), and Doug McNulty (0 for 3, RBI, BB, .162) took 0-fers, while Rafael Fernandez, Dan Stegall and Josh Satin had multi hit games.

Rafael Fernandez (rf) 2 for 5, run, 2 2b, .328
Dan Stegall (lf) 2 for 4, run, BB, .286
Wilmer Flores (ss) 1 for 4, RBI, .337
Josh Satin (2b) 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, .583
Dock Doyle (c) 1 for 4, run, RBI, K, .235
Gabriel Zavala (dh) 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .302
Guillaume LeDuc 4.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, BB, 5 Ks, 4.09 era
Travis Babin 0.1 IP, 4.32 era
Phillips Orta 3 IP, H, R, BB, K, 0.69 era, L (0-3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Lucie 5, Dunedin 8 in 10 innings

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

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

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

Savannah 5, Lexington 1 in 7 innings, rain

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

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

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

Brooklyn 2, Jamestown 3

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

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

Kingsport 5, Pulaski 6

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

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

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

GCL Mets 4, GCL Cardinals 8

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

June 2008 Hotsheet

Written June 30th (St. Lucie), July 1st (all else)

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

Before June: 45 for 211, 23 runs, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 17 RBI, 1/5 SBs, 19/36 BB/K, .213/.279/.270/.549

June: 32 for 96, 12 runs, 4 2b, 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 9/8 BB/K, 3/3 SBs, .333/.393/.427/.820

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

After middling around for 2 months in high A, 18 year old Ruben Tejada found his stroke in June, torching the FSL to the tune of an .820 OPS in June. If you factor out his 0 for 4 on June 1st, and his 1 for 13 to end the month, from June 2nd to June 25th, Tejada's performance was even more impressive (31 for 77, 12 runs, 4 2b, 3b, HR, 9 RBI, SB, 7/4 BB/K, .403/.452/.519/.972). What makes it even more impressive is that he was in the VSL/GCL last year.

2. A/A+ LHSP Michael Antonini R/L 8/6/85

Before June: 4-2, 2.51 era, 12 GS, 61 IP, 50 H, 15/51 BB/K, 1.07 WHIP

June: 2-2, 2.35 era, 6 GS, 38.1 IP, 33 H, 7/29 BB/K, 1.04 WHIP

Season: 6-4, 2.45 era, 17 GS, 99.1 IP, 83 H, 3 HR, 22/80 BB/K, 1.06 WHIP, .223 BAA

Antonini's pretty much come from nowhere to have one of the best statistical seasons in the minors. A pretty unheralded 18th round pick in 2007, he put up a 1.96 era between Kingsport and Brooklyn last year, largely discounted due to only 36.2 innings pitched, and the level of competition he faced. Even earlier this year, he was ignored by the prospect community at large, due to beating up on the Sally League. However, his extremely impressive 4 start showing in the FSL *should* begin to generate some buzz about Mr. Antonini. He was promoted on June 9th, after 2 June starts in the Sally League, and has continued to pitch brilliant baseball, with a scant 1.71 era in 26.1 innings at the high A level. It would be a shock, but it is within the range of possibility to see him join Binghamton for a playoff push in early August. Even if he stays in the FSL, he is on the upper edge of age/level, he turns 23 in early August.

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

Before June: 41 for 168, 21 runs, 9 2b, 5 3b, 10 RBI, 14/31 BB/K, 10/13 SBs, .244/.312/.357/.669

June: 27 for 91, 15 runs, 2b, 4 3b, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6/17 BB/K, 7/8 SBs, .297/.365/.462/.827

Season: 88 for 259, 36 runs, 10 2b, 9 3b, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 20/48 BB/K, 17/21 SBs, .263/.331/.394/.725

Carrera was jumped basically from the GCL to the FSL, the same as Ruben Tejada, and after the same uneven first 2 months, Carrera has also responded with an outstanding June. A very good sign for Carrera this year has been his ability to handle LHP, he's batting .281/.378/.359/.738 vs LHP in 64 ABs. Carrera hit .329/.408/.406/.813 between the GCL and a 70 AB stint in Brooklyn, most of it done after he'd turned 20 (he turned 21 on 6/11 this year).

4. A+ RHSP Dillon Gee R/R 4/28/86

Before June: 3-5, 4.28 era, 11 GS, 61 IP, 63 H, 13/48 BB/K, 1.25 WHIP

June: 3-0, 0.92 era, 4 GS, 29.1 IP, 18 H, 2 HR, 1/17 BB/K, 0.65 WHIP, .178 BAA

Season: 6-5, 3.19 era, 15 GS, 90.1 IP, 81 H, 3 HR, 14/65 BB/K, 1.05 WHIP, .242 BAA

Uh, wow. One of the most dominating months you'll ever see from any prospect at any level. Dillon Gee failed to complete 7 innings ONCE in his 4 starts (6.1 innings), he went 8 innings twice, and averaged 7.1 innings per start. It wouldn't be a shock at all to see Gee in Binghamton sometime in August, perhaps joining Antonini for that playoff push.

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

Before June: 33 for 120, 18 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 17/13 BB/K, .275/.370/.417/.786

June: 26 for 82, 5 2b, HR, 9 RBI, 11/9 BB/K, .317/.406/.415/.821

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

After a miserable April (.228/.323/.386/.709), Thole's posted back to back .820+ OPS months, turning his season around and vaulting up the prospect lists (at least MY prospect list). He had a decent season last year in Savannah, backing up Francisco Pena and Sean McCraw (.267/.372/.311/.683 in 389 ABs), and a very good 61/57 BB/K ratio, but hit for no power whatsoever, with just 17 2b in 389 ABs. Already this year in 202 ABs, he's got 14 2b, and 3 HR, his SLG is up 105 points from last season. And he is only 21 years old, right in line with age/level. I would hope the Mets are cautious with Thole, and keep him in St. Lucie all season.

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

Before June: 4-4, 3.47 era, 12 GS, 59.2 IP, 57 H, 23/52 BB/K, 1.34 WHIP

June: 1-1, 2.53 era, 5 GS, CG, 32 IP, 25 H, 11/27 BB/K, .223 BAA

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

Niese would be being talked about a whole lot more were it not for a stretch of games in late April into mid May where he pitched awful baseball. In a span of 4 starts, he put up 3 starts with ERAs over 8 (4.1 ip, 4 er; 4.1 ip, 7 er; 3 ip, 6 er). Those starts have significantly skewed his ERA skyward. In fact, if you took those starts out, his line would be: 5-3, 1.69 era, 14 GS, 80 IP, 62 H, 25/72 BB/K, 1.09 WHIP. He would be being mentioned among the top pitching prospects in baseball. So basically, outside of 3 starts in a 4 start span, he's significantly dominated the Eastern League.

7. AA RHSP Bobby Parnell R/R 9/8/84

Before June: 4-3, 4.78 era, 11 GS, 58.1 IP, 52 H, 33/35 BB/K, 1.46 WHIP

June: 4-1, 2.80 era, 6 GS, 35.1 IP, 34 H, HR, 11/34 BB/K, .248 BAA

Season: 8-4, 4.04 era, 17 GS, 93.2 IP, 86 H, 10 HR, 44/69 BB/K, 1.39 WHIP, 244 BAA

While the beginnings of Parnell's turnaround were seen as early as May, his periphs were still slightly out of line with his numbers (4-1, 3.28 in May with 19 walks in 35.2 innings). His June numbers were much better, across the board. He had the same 4-1 record, his lone loss coming in a horrific start on June 15th (5.2 ip, 10 h, 5 er). He similarly had a disasterous outing on May 18th (5 ip, 7 h, 6 er, 5 bb). In fact, if you take those two starts out, his May+June numbers are: 8-0, 1.94 era, 10 GS, 60.1 IP, 46 H, 24/47 BB/K, 1.16 WHIP (3.58 BB/9). While his BAA did go up from .223 to .248 in June, I think most people would take that if it meant less walks (11 in 35.1 innings in June, 2.80 per 9, versus 19 in 35.2 innings in May, 4.80 per 9).

8. AA 1B/3B/LF Nick Evans R/R 1/30/86

Before June: 50 for 171, 30 runs, 8 2b, 5 3b, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 17/32 BB/K, .292/.356/.538/.894

June: 32 for 94, 18 runs, 6 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 8/25 BB/K, .340/.392/.606/.999

Season: 82 for 265, 48 runs, 14 2b, 7 3b, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 25/57 BB/K, .309/.369/.562/.931

Evans had a brief 23 AB cup of coffee in the majors, and aside from his first game (3 for 4, 3 2b), did very little, but he really wasn't expected to. Upon rejoining the BMets in June, he proceeded to put on a show, OPSing 1.000 and getting 13 XBH in 94 ABs. Remember, this is Evans rookie season in AA, and he's excelling at it. His numbers vs LHP are as insanely high as they've always been throughout his career (.368/.439/.690/1.128), but it is his numbers vs RHP this year which are impressing (.281/.333/.500/.833). We would expect the Mets to keep Evans in Binghamton for the duration of the season, unless they fall out of it, in which case you may see Evans, along with other AA prospects, up in the majors.

9. A RHSP Scott Moviel

Before June: 3-7, 6.24 era, 11 GS, 49 IP, 63 H, 20/34 BB/K, 1.69 WHIP

June: 5-0, 2.76 era, 5 GS, 29.1 IP, 24 H, 2 HR, 6/19 BB/K, .218 BAA

Season: 8-7, 4.94 era, 16 GS, 78.1 IP, 87 H, 7 HR, 26/53 BB/K, 1.44 WHIP, .274 BAA

Moviel bounced around the bottom for 2 months in the Sally League, understandable after pitching in HS last season (!). However, much like the other rushees (Carrera and Tejada), Moviel turned it on in June, SWEEPING THE LEG!, and putting up good numbers while doing it. His BB/9 for June was cut in half from the previous 2 months combined (3.673 in April+May, 1.841 in June). He averaged almost 6 IP/GS, versus 4.455 in April+May. His hits per 9 were 2/3 lower in June, his WHIP plunged from 1.69 to 1.02. It was a great month for the righty, it remains to be seen if he can buuld off it.

10. A RHSP Maikel Cleto R/R 5/1/89

Before June: 1-4, 4.04 era, 11 G, 8 GS, 55.2 IP, 62 H, 16/36 BB/K, 1.40 WHIP

June: 1-2, 2.72 era, 6 GS, 39.2 IP, 37 H, 2 HR, 8/22 BB/K, .252 BAA

Season: 2-6, 3.49 era, 17 G, 14 GS, CGSO, 95.1 IP, 99 H, 3 HR, 24/58 BB/K, 1.29 WHIP, .273 BAA

Cleto jumped onto many prospect radars with a complete game 3 hit shutout on May 22nd, and that game seemed to energize him, as he hasn't looked back since, with a 2.63 era from that game and forward, in 8 GS, with an average of 6.833 IP/GS, including 5 games of 7 innings or more. Cleto's been doing it with a heavy power sinker, generating a better then 2:1 go/fo ratio in June, where he averaged 6.61 IP/GS. He needs to K more batters, but his walk rate is very low for someone so young, at just 1.815 per 9 in June, and 2.266 overall on the season. Cleto is definitely one to keep an eye on, he could vault up prospect lists with a good season this year, at just age 19.

Not Hot

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

Before June: 63 for 216, 24 runs, 14 2b, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 23/51 BB/K, .292/.365/.426/.791

June: 18 for 88, 6 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 8 RBI, 17/26 BB/K, .205/.336/.284/.621

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

Yeesh. Lucas Duda had about as nightmarish a month as you could imagine, he struck out once per game, and didn't do much hitting. Luckily for him, he did walk 17 times during the month, the most of any month for him, that was the only thing which saved him from a sub .600 month. It was nice to see that BB/K ratio firm up, but his last 2 months combined have been brutal. In addition, Duda's struggling mightily vs LHP, hitting just .195/.300/.253/.553 in 87 ABs. It is a long jump from Brooklyn to St. Lucie, but he has to rebound in July.

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

Before June: 33 for 129, 21 runs, 8 2b, 8 RBI< 9/12 SBs, 17/30 BB/K

June: 12 for 74, 7 runs, 4 RBI, 13/28 BB/K, 5/6 SBs, .162/.297/.162/.459

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

Pena was having a decent season before June, albeit with very little power, but a respectable walk rate. Pena spent the balance of the 2007 season in Kingsport, where he hit .227/.365/.357/.722 in 154 ABs. And whether it's a coincidence or not, he fell apart after hitting the 175 AB mark this year, which was 18 fewer then he had last season (he's 2 for his last 28 with 11 Ks, a very good .071 average). Pena obviously needs to find his second wind, and quickly.

Not Enough PT to Qualify

1. R SS Wilmer Flores R/R

22 for 57, 13 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 0/8 BB/K, .386/.410/.632/1.041

He's 16. Nuff said.

2. R 1B/3B Stefan Welch L/R 8/12/88

18 for 45, 12 runs, 2 2b, 4 3b, 9 RBI, 4/2 BB/K, .400/.451/.622/1.073

He's 19. He was signed out of Australia in the 2006 IFA period, and played in the GCL last year, where he hit .288/.346/.353/.699 in 139 ABs, with an 11/22 BB/K ratio.

3. R OF Gabriel Zavala R/R 5/14/87

12 for 35, 6 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 7 RBI, 0/13 BB/K, .343/.361/.571/.933

Zavala was signed during the 2004 IFA period out of Valencia, Venezuela. 2007 was his first season in the states, he hit .285/.364/.479/.843 in 165 ABs in the GCL. He's playing for Kingsport this season.

4. A- IF Zach Lutz

11 for 32, 3 runs, 3 2b, 6 RBI, 6/6 BB/K, .344/.447/.438/.885

Lutz was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 draft, but missed all of the minor league season with a foot injury.

5. R 3B Jefry Marte R/R

8 for 26, run, 4 2b, 3b, 5 RBI, 1/6 BB/K, .308/.345/.538/.883

Marte comes from the same IFA class as Wilmer Flores, but he is playing in the GCL, where he is doing very well in 26 ABs.

Just Missed:

AA 1B/LF Mike Carp

June: 30 for 98, 13 runs, 4 2b, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 17/19 BB/K, .306/.409/.469/.878

A late month swoon for the ages (6 for 50) prevented Carp from nabbing the top spot in this month's hotsheet, and the longer the slump went on, the further he fell, until he fell completely out of the top 10. Still, I wanted to acknowledge Carp, and his ridiculous hot streak which, unfortunately for him, bridged perfectly the months of May and June. Between May 19th and June 17th, you could not get Mike Carp out. At all.

May 19th - June 17th: 40 for 97, 14 runs, 7 2b, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 19/16 BB/K, .412/.509/.577/1.086

A+ RHSP Dylan Owen

June: 4-1, 4.39 era, 5 GS, CG, 26.2 IP, 33 H, 4 HR, 4/26 BB/K, 1.39 WHIP, .297 BAA

Like Carp, it was a late month swoon that prevented him from cracking the top 10. Owen got demolished for 8 hits and 6 runs in just 3.1 innings in his final start, which pushed his monthly ERA to that bloated 4.39 you see, up from the 2.70 it was before that start. Owen was 4-0, 2.70 prior to that awful outing, and much like Carp, I wanted to acknowledge that fine pitching.