6/27 Minor League Report! WILMER, LAGARES, Ceciliani!

Song of the Night: Derek and the Dominoes - Layla (love it!)

AAA International League: Buffalo 6/9/0, Charlotte 3/11/1

2b Justin Turner 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .270
ss Russ Adams 1 for 5, run, K, .235
cf Juan Padilla 2 for 4, run, 2b, .286
1b Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, run, .253
rf Val Pascucci 1 for 3, 2 runs, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .222
dh Fernando Martinez 1 for 4, K, .248
3b Mike Cervanek 0 for 3, run, K, .225
lf Andy Green 0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .254
c JR House 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .306
Pat Misch 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 3.46 era, W (7-3), 95:67:28, 11:5:2
Mike O'Connor IP, 3 H, ER, 2 KS, 3.38 era, 28:19:9, 0:1:2
Manny Acosta IP, H, 2 Ks, 3.42 era, 15:9:6, 0:1:2
Adam Pettyjohn IP, K, 5.02 era, SV (2), 15:10:5, 2:0:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 8/12/2, Akron 5/12/3

Jenrry Mejia needed 44 pitches to get through 1 inning plus 2 batters, then was removed due to injury, apparently needing assistance to get off the field. The Mets did a terrific job here, from turning him into a reliever, to using him on 3 days rest as a starter...everyone involved deserves a degree in How To Wreck a Pitching Prospect 101. Lets hope we're overreacting, but it doesn't sound good

Chris Schwinden picked up the win by pitching 5 innings of relief, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits. Manuel Alvarez picked up save number 4. The Mets offense had 12 hits and a 3/11 BB/K, while going 4 for 10 with RISP and leaving 6 on base. Luis Hernandez, DJ Wabick, Raul Reyes and Salomon Manriquez had multi hit games, while Josh Satin took the only 0-fer.

ss Luis Hernandez 2 for 5, RBI, 3 Ks, .300
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 5, run, HR (4), RBI (9), K, .245
1b Nick Evans 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .289
2b Josh Satin 0 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .327
dh DJ Wabick 2 for 5, run, 3b, 2 RBI, K, .285
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR (5), RBI (13), K, .269
>>lf Marshall Hubbard 0 for 1, .251
3b Jose Coronado 1 for 4, run, K, .221
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 3, 2 runs, K, .467
c Salomon Manriquez 2 for 3, 2b, RBI, BB, .286
Jenrry Mejia IP+, 2 H, 2/2 BB/K, 2.70 era, 0:1:2, 44 pitches
Chris Schwinden 5 IP, 4 H, 2/1 R/ER, 3 Ks, 5.35 era, W (3-5), 3:7:3
Roy Merritt 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, K, HR, 4.30 era, 4:0:1
Eddie Kunz 0.1 IP, H, 5.37 era, 0:1
Manuel Alvarez IP, 2 H, 2.95 era, 2:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 7/13/1, Jupiter 3/5/1

The Mets used a pair of big innings to win tonight, with 4 in the 6th and 3 in the 9th, overcoming a 2-0 deficit. Jeurys Familia had one of his stronger outings of the season, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in 6.1 innings, earning his first win of the season, though he did walk 4 in the process. Jose Bierd notched save #7.

The Mets offense had 13 hits and a 2/7 BB/K ratio, while going 6 for 14 (.429) with RISP and left 9 on base. Jordany Valdespin left the game in the 9th after being hit on the leg trying to bunt. Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares and Joey August had multi hit games, while Valdespin and Rafael Fernandez took 0-fers.

2b Jordany Valdespin 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .295
>>pr, 2b Hector Pellot run, .184
rf Rafael Fernandez 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .100
1b Michael Fisher 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .375
dh Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .305
ss Wilmer Flores 4 for 5, run, RBI (1), .412 (7 for 17)
cf Juan Lagares 3 for 5, run, 2 RBI (4), .353 (6 for 17)
lf Joey August 2 for 5, run, RBI, K, .297
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 3, 3b (2), 2 RBI (33), K, .208
c Mike Moras 1 for 4, run, .111
Jeurys Familia 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4/5 BB/K, 5.95 era, W (1-4), 6:4:5
Jimmy Johnson IP, K, 4.93 era, 1:1:1
Jose Bierd 1.2 IP, H, K, 3.69 era, SV (7), 2:2:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah SUSPENDED

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 6/13/0, Aberdeen 3/10/0

Mitch Houck had a very very good outing tonight, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings for the win (Houck is not a prospect). Darrell Ceciliani had a multi XBH game, while Rylan Sandoval, Jeff Flagg, and Joe Bonfe also had multi hit games. Kurt Steinhauer took the only 0-fer for Brooklyn.

ss Rylan Sandoval 2 for 5, K, .333
dh Darrell Ceciliani 2 for 4, run, 2b (3), 3b (3), RBI (6), .375 (15 for 40)
cf cory Vaughn 1 for 4, run, HR (2), 2 RBI (7), K, .222 (8 for 36, 6/5 BB/K)
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .317
lf, rf Will Cherry 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, 2 Ks, .259
3b Joe Bonfe 3 for 4, 2 2b, RBI, K, .333
rf Kurt Steinhauer 0 for 3, K, .000
>>lf Cody Holliday 0 for 1, .190
2b James Schroeder 1 for 4, run, K, .250
c Juan Centeno 1 for 4, K, .278
Mitch Houck 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2/8 BB/K, 1.32 era, W (2-0), 8:4:8
Hunter Carnevale 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 1/3 BB/K, 9 era, 1:2:3

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 0/4/2, Elizabethon 8/12/0

Gonzalez Germen got crushed for 5 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits in 5.2 innings for his first loss of the season as the KMets got blown out for a second straight game by the Twins, by identical 8-0 scores. In this game, the Mets were held to 4 hits and a walk, against 12 strikeouts, and they went hitless in 8 ABs with RISP and left 5 on base.

cf ZeErika McQueen 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .345
dh Justin Schafer 0 for 3, BB, K, .278
3b Aderlin Rodriguez 0 for 3, .280
>>Amauris Valdez 1 for 1, 1.000
c Nelfi Zapata 1 for 4, 2b (1), .278, 2 E (2)
ss Brandon Brown 1 for 4, .182
1b Eddie Lora 0 for 3, 3 Ks, .000
rf John Semel 0 for 3, .154
lf Charlie Hinojosa 0 for 3, 3 Ks, .000
2b Ismael Tijerina 1 for 3, 2b, 2 Ks, .250
Gonzalez Germen 5.2 IP, 10 H, 5/4 R/ER, 4 Ks, 4.09 era, L (1-1), 6:7:4
Richard Pena 0.1 IP, 6.75 era
Adam Kolarek IP, H, 3 ER, 2/1 BB/K, HR, 12 era, 2:0:1
Michael Waldon IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 0:0:1

R Gulf Coast League: GCL Mets 6/13/2, Nationals 4/8/4

ss Randoll Santana 1 for 1, RBI (4), BB, .286
>>ss Miguel Tejada 0 for 2, BB, 2 Ks, .231
2b Yucarybert De La Cruz 2 for 5, RBI (2), .240, CS (2)
rf Gilbert Gomez 1 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .250
1b Alexander Sanchez 2 for 5, K, .261
cf Dylan Brown 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .250
dh Robbie Shields 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .167
lf Julio Concepcion 2 for 4, run, .227
3b Marinus Vernooij 1 for 3, run, .200
c Jeyckol De Leon 2 for 3, 2 runs, RBI (1), .429
Carlos Vasquez 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 6 Ks, HR, 5.06 era, W (1-0), 3:5:6
Jeremy Gould IP, 1/2 BB/K, 0.00 era, 0:1:2
Steve Winnick IP, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1
Peter Birdwell IP, 2/1 BB/K, 0.00 era, 0:2:1
Daniel Carela IP, K, 0.00 era, SV (2), 1:1:1

6/20 Minor League Report! LAGARES, MARTE, Cuan!

AAA International League: Buffalo 3/13/2, Indianapolis 7/12/2

cf Juan Padilla 2 for 6, .286
ss Justin Turner 2 for 5, 2 RBI, K, .273
1b Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, 2b, BB, K, .255
3b Mike Cervanek 1 for 5, .230
rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .254
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 5, 2b (3), .208
c JR House 4 for 4, run, 2b, .305
>>rf Val Pascucci 0 for 1, .220
2b Russ Adams 1 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, .232
>>ph, c Josh Thole 0 for 2, .282
TObi Stoner 5.1 IP, 7 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/7 BB/K, 5.16 era, 100:68:32, 7:2:7
Mike O'Connor 1.2 IP, H, 1/3 BB/K, 3.54 era, 29:16:13, 1:1:3
Jose De La Torre IP, H, 4.24 era, 8:6:2, 2:1
Bobby Parnell IP, K, 4.14 era, 16:10:6, 2:0:1
Manny Acosta IP, BB, K, 3.91 era, 22:13:9, 1:1:1
Adam Pettyjohn 2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 3/1 BB/K, 5.35 era, L (1-3), 40:24:16, 4:1:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 3/6/0, Trenton 4/5/1

The Mets bullpen has been flat awful the last two days, today it was Derrick Ellison, a 30 something journeyman who got roughed up for 2 runs on a hit and walk in 0.1 innings to blow the save and take his 2nd loss. Really, if he's going to put up a 5+ era in AA at 31 years of age, the Mets should just cut him and get someone who doesn't suck to take his place. Ellison's horrible outing ruined a very good one from Michael Antonini, who gave up 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings and should've gotten his 5th win.

The Mets offense had 6 hits and 2 walks, but struck out 15 times, 10 of them against the Thunder starter David Phelps. The went 1 for 7 with RISP (.143) and left 7 on base. Luis Hernandez had the only multi hit game, while Marshall Hubbard (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .253), DJ Wabick (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .280), Josh Satin (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .320) and Brahiam Maldonado all took 0-fers.

ss Luis Hernandez 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .297
cf sean Ratliff 1 for 4, run, HR (1), RBI (3), 2 Ks, .269
1b Nick Evans 1 for 4, RBI (38), K, 285
3b, lf Eric Campbell 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .317
lf, rf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 4, K, .259
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 4.11 era, 4:9:6
Derrick Ellison 0.1 IP, H, 2 ER, BB, HR, 5.04 era, 1:
Manuel Alvarez 1.2 IP, K, 3.86 era, 2:2:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 5/13/2, Palm Beach 3/5/2

Eric Beaulac had a solid outing today, but was a bit wild in getting his 3rd FSL victory. He allowed 4 hits, 3 walks and 3 WP, but just 3 runs (2 earned). Rhiner Cruz picked up his 2nd save. The Mets offense had 13 hits and 2 walks against 6 strikeouts, and were 3 for 9 with RISP, and left 6 on base. Ryan Mollica, Jordany Valdespin, Joey August, Juan Torrees and Richard Lucas had multi hit games, while Wilfredo Tovar and Stefan Welch took 0-fers.

ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 5, K, .277
dh Ryan Mollica 2 for 4, run, BB, K
2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, .305
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 2, run, BB, .301
lf Joey August 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, K, .317
c Juan Torres 2 for 4, run, 2 RBI (5), K, .462
3b Richard Lucas 2 for 2, RBI (28), .215 (ejected in 3rd)
>>3b Hector Pellot 1 for 2, .162
cf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, .200
rf John Semel 1 for 4, 2 Ks
Eric Beaulac 6.2 IP, 4 H, 3/2 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, HR, 3.63 era, W (3-1), 8:8:4
Jose Bierd 1.1 IP, H, 2 BBs, 4.08 era, 1:2:0
Rhiner Cruz IP, 1/3 BB/K, 3.40 era, SV (2)

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 9/13/2, Augusta 5/10/3

The Gnats avoided a Detroit Tigers-esque collapse by winning today and clinching their division in the first half. The Gnats scored early and often, withstanding one powerful Augusta rally, a 4 run bottom of the 5th, to close the game to 6-5. The Gnats responded with 1 in the 7th and 2 in the 9th to ice it. Jim Fuller picked up the win, and Michael Powers pitched a scoreless 9th to end things. The Gnats had five players (3 through 7 in the order) with multi hit games, those five combined to go 12 for 22 with 5 RBI and 7 runs scored. Michael Fisher (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .354), Alex Gregory (0 for 3, run, RBI, BB, K, .252) and Cesar Puello took 0-fers.

dh Pedro Zapata 1 for 5, RBI (34), 2 Ks, .290, CS (5)
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, run, 2b (18), RBI (44), BB, K, .278
cf Juan Lagares 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (13), RBI (39), .300
lf Rafael Fernandez 2 for 5, run, RBI (14), .253
3b Jefry Marte 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI (26), .253
c Kai Gronauer 2 for 4, run, RBI (23), .267
rf Cesar Puello 0 for 2, RBI (15), BB, K, .249
Jim Fuller 5 IP, 7 H, 5/1 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 1.94 era, W (6-2), 8:4:2
Lance Hoge 3 IP, 2 H, K, 3.86 era, 7:1:1
Michael Powers IP, H, K, 2.01 era, 0:2:1

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 1/2/1, Staten Island 2/7/2

Brooklyn was held to a run on 2 hits, and despite Angel Cuan pitching brilliantly, it wasn't enough as the Yankees won 2-1.

lf Cody Holliday 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .143
cf Darrell Ceciliani 0 for 4, K, .286
dh Cory Vaughn 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .077
1b Jeff Flagg 0 for 4, .250
2b JB Brown 0 for 3, .100
3b Jet Butler 0 for 2, BB, K, .400
rf RJ Harris 1 for 3, 2b, K, .333
c Juan Centeno 0 for 3, .143
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 3, run, .333
Angel Cuan 6 IP, 5 H, ER, K, 1.50 era, 8:7:1
A. J. Pinera 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 4.50 era, L (0-1), 4:1:1

5/14 Minor League Report! WILMER FLORES, Lagares, too...

Just got word Reese Havens has been promoted to Binghamton

AAA International League: Buffalo 5/10/1, Norfolk 3/9/2

RA Dickey had another outstanding outing today, with 8 innings of 8 hit, 3 run (all UER) ball for his 4th win. Elmer Dessens picked up his 5th save.

cf Jason Pridie 0 for 4, K, .281
rf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, BB, K, .357
1b Mike Jacobs 0 for 4, .257
3b Mike Hessman 2 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .305
dh Val Pascucci 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K
lf Russ Adams 1 for 3, run, BB, .280
c JR House 1 for 4, run
2b Alex Cintron 1 for 2, run, .228
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, RBI (7), .300
RA Dickey 8 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2/3 BB/K, 2.23 era, W (4-2), 121:85:36, 12:4:3
Elmer Dessens IP, H, K, 2.57 era, SV (5), 18:13:5, 2:0:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 0/1/1, Trenton 3/3/0

Mike Nickeas has the lone hit for the Mets today, a 2nd inning single. The Mets did, however, draw 7 walks, but were obviously hitless with RISP, going 0 for 5 and leaving 6 on, while striking out 9 times. Dylan Owen was just as good as his opposite number, but the relievers that followed him were not, Roy Merritt walked 2 and gave up 3 UER in the 7th inning to take the loss, thanks to his own error.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .303
ss Luis Hernandez 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .284
1b Nick Evans 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .284
dh Marshall Hubbard 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .289
3b Zach Lutz 0 for 3, BB, .271
rf Carlos Guzman 0 for 3, .275
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 2, BB, K, .273
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 3, .310
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 1, 2 BBs, .235
Dylan Owen 6 IP, H, 8 Ks, 2.82 era, 6:3:8
Roy Merritt IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2/2 BB/K, 2.52 era, L (1-3), 0:1:2
Edgar Ramirez IP, 2 Ks, 3.04 era, 0:1:2

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 3/7/1, Jupiter 2/6/0

The Mets trailed this one 2-0 after 6.5, but rallied for 2 in the 7th and 1 in the 8th to win it 3-2. Josh Satin tied it with a single, and then Reese Havens solo shot in the 8th provided the lead for the Mets. Overall, the Mets had 7 hits, but struck out 14 times versus no walks, while going 3 for 7 (.429) with RISP, and leaving 3 on base. Eric Campbell had ANOTHER multi hit game, his 7th in his last 10 games, and is now hitting a totally ridiculous .453/.483/.679/1.162 in May (24 for 53, 15 runs, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 6 RBI, 4/8 BB/K). Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .250), Richard Lucas and Juan Centeno took 0-fers.

Kyle Allen had his second straight excellent outing, scattering 5 hits and a run over 6 innings, but he got a ND tonight. While his last two outings have been very encouraging, he's still walked 6 in 12.1 innings, with only 7 strikeouts. Stll, over the last 2 trips through the rotation, the entirety of the Savannah quartet has pitched much better. Jimmy Johnson got one out in the 8th, enough for the win, and Manuel Alvarez picked up his 8th save.

2b Reese Havens 1 for 4, run, HR (3), RBI (7), 2 Ks, .281
lf Eric Campbell 2 for 4, run, 2b (10), 2 Ks, .347
cf sean Ratliff 1 for 3, run, 2b (8), K, .287
dh Josh Satin 1 for 3, RBI, 2 Ks, .336
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, RBI (26), .328
3b Richard Lucas 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .190
c Juan Centeno 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .267
ss Wilfredo Tovar 1 for 3, 2b (3), K, .400 (12 for 30)
Kyle Allen 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 3/4 BB/K, HR, 5.40 era, 11:2:4
Rhiner Cruz 1.2 IP, H, ER, K, 5.03 era, 2:2:1
Jimmy Johnson 0.1 IP, 6.50 era, W (2-1), 1:
Manuel Alvarez IP, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (8), 0:1:2

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 8/14/0, Rome 3/9/1

Wilmer continues to just oblierate SAL pitching, and I feel it is now time to promote him to St. Lucie. Wilfredo Tovar should stay and play second base, with the promotion of Reese Havens to Binghamton after the game tonight. Flores had 4 more hits, including his 14th double, and 3 more RBI to give him 30 on the season, and is now batting .359/.405/.592/.998 in 142 ABs. It's time. He wasn't alone in ripping Braves pitching today, Pedro Zapata, Juan Lagares and Alonzo Harris also had multi hit games. After a 1/17 BB/K month of April, Lagares has that under much better control so far in May, with a 3/7 ratio, and he's hitting .357/.383/.607/.990 this month.

Overall, the Gnats had 14 hits and drew 2 walks, while going 5 for 17 (.294) with RISP, leaving 8 on base, and striking out 10 times. Jefry Marte and Rafael Fernandez took 0-fers. Jim Fuller benefitted from the offensive explosion, he pitched well, though, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings for his 5th win.

dh Pedro Zapata 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI (12), 2 Ks, .261
cf Juan Lagares 3 for 4, 3 runs, 3b (8), RBI (27), BB, .305
ss Wilmer Flores 4 for 5, 2b (14), 3 RBI (30), .359
lf Nick Santomauro 1 for 5, run, 4 Ks, .133
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 2, 2 RBI (11), BB, .217
rf Rafael Fernandez 0 for 4, K, .308 (first game since April 23rd)
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 2, RBI (14), K, .286
1b Alex Gregory 1 for 4, run, .298
2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .260
Jim Fuller 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 Ks, 1.81 era, W (5-1), 4:9:4
John Church 2 IP, K, 0.90 era, 3:2:1
Lance Hoge IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, 5.19 era, 0:1:2

5/12 Minor League Report! NIEUWENHUIS, WELCH, CAMPBELL, LAGARES!

Song of the Day: Meatloaf - I Would Do Anything for Love (12 minute version)

AAA International League: Buffalo 8/15/0, Louisville 7/9/0

Dillon Gee was pitching very well into the 7th, but then the wheels came off, as he allowed 3 runs on a hit, a walk, and a HBP. John Lujan came in with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 down, but allowed both IHR to score, along with one of his own to blow the save. Elmer Dessens picked up his 5th win with 2 scoreless innings of relief.

Ruben Tejada bounced back from his 0-fer yesterday with a 2 hit game today. Jason Pridie, Jesus Feliciano, Mike Jacobs and Tony Maccani also had multi hit games.

cf Jason Pridie 2 for 4, RBI, BB, 2 Ks, .297
rf Jesus Feliciano 3 for 4, run, RBI, .360
1b Mike Jacobs 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, K, .273
3b Mike Hessman 1 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, .295
2b Russ Adams 1 for 4, .250
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 4, run, K, .304
c Tony Maccani 2 for 4, run, 2b, .400
Dillon Gee 6.2 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 3/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 4.39 era, 95:63:32, 9:7:2
John Lujan 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 5.40 era, BS (1), 8:5:3, 1:
Elmer Dessens 2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.77 era, W (5-0), 21:14:7, 2:1:2

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 2/10/0, Portland 7/8/0

Michael Antonini was roughed up for 5 runs on 6 hits in 5.2 innings for his 3rd loss of the season today, and the Mets offense had 10 hits and 6 walks, but were a woeful 2 for 14 (.143) with RISP, left 10 on base, along with 5 strikeouts. Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Brahiam Maldonado had 3 hit games, while Nick Evans, Carlos Guzman and Jon Malo (0 for 3, BB, .238) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 3 for 5, .313
ss Luis Hernandez 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .293
1b Nick Evans 0 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, K, .304
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 2, 2 BBs, .279
dh Marshall Hubbard 1 for 3, 2 RBI, .316
lf Brahiam Maldonado 3 for 4, 2b (2), .250
rf Carlos Guzman 0 for 4, .291
c Mike Moras 1 for 3, BB, 2 Ks
Michael Antonini 5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 Ks, HR, 4.54 era, L (3-3), 3:9:5
Josh Stinson 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, K, HR, 3.68 era, 3:3:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 5/11/2, St. Lucie 10/19/1

The Mets had one of their biggest offensive games of the season, with 10 runs on 19 hits and 4 walks, while going 5 for 16 (.313) with RISP, and leaving 9 on base. Every Met had at least one hit, five players had multi hit games, three had 3 hit games.

Robert Carson pitched very well today, scattering 6 hits and 2 walks, while giving up a run in 5.1 innings, for his first win of the season. Four relievers followed.

rf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 5, run, 2b, .273
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .192
2b Reese Havens 1 for 3, run, BB, .286
>>ph, 2b Rylan Sandoval 1 for 1, run, .250, E (2)
lf Eric campbell 3 for 4, 2 runs, HR (4), 2 RBI (15), K, .339
>>ph, lf Raul Reyes 1 for 1, 2b, .197
cf Sean Ratliff 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, K, .281
dh Josh Satin 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .333
1b Stefan Welch 3 for 5, run, 2b (9), RBI (23), K, .323
ss Wilfredo Tovar 1 for 3, .364
c Taylor Freeman 1 for 3, 3b, 2 RBI, BB
Robert Carson 5.1 IP, 6 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 5.86 era, W (1-3), 7:7:2
Jose Bierd 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, 5.49 era, 0:2:2
Angel Cuan 0.1 IP, H, K, 0.00 era
Emary Frederick IP, 3 Ks, 0.66 era
Rhiner Cruz IP, 2 H, 2/1 R/ER, BB, 5 era, 2:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 3/10/0, Rome 2/8/1 in 10 innings

Wilmer Flores was again intentionally walked today, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs, but Nick Santomauro's walkoff single made the Braves pay, and gave the Gnats a 3-2 10 inning victory. Pedro Zapata, Juan Lagares and Santomauro all had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte, Cesar Puello and Alonzo Harris took 0-fers. The win went to Erik Turgeon in relief, after he worked 3 scoreless innings of relief. The Gnats were 4 for 9 (.444) with RISP, but left 10 on base and struck out 13 times, while walking 3 times and gathering 10 hits.

cf Pedro Zapata 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (6), K, .258
lf Juan Lagares 3 for 5, 2 RBI (26), K, .295
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, BB, K, .331
dh Nick Santomauro 2 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .143
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 3, BB, .218
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .280
rf Cesar Puello 0 for 4, K, .241
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .162
2b Alonzo Harris 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .252
Mark Cohoon 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 9 Ks, HR, 1.76 era, 9:3:9
Erik Turgeon 3 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 1.33 era, W (1-0), 4:3:2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4/16 Minor League Report! EVANS, MALDONADO, LAGARES!

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 9/12/1, New Hampshire 5/10/1

The Mets poured 9 runs across in the first 2 innings and cruised from there to a 9-5 victory behind 3 hits from Nick Evans and 6 RBI from Lucas Duda. Evans, Duda, Marshall Hubbard and Luis Hernandez had multi hit games for the Mets, who were 3 for 12 with RISP and left 9 on base. They drew 4 walks and struck out 5 times. Carlos Guzman and Jose Coronado (0 for 5, .286) took 0-fers. Michael Antonini picked up the win with 5 innings of 4 hit 2 run ball for his first victory of 2010.

cf Kirok Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .302
1b Nick Evans 3 for 5, 2 runs, .395
dh Marshall Hubbard 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .424
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (4), HR (3), 6 RBI (14), K, .265
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, run, HR (3), RBI (5), BB, K, .333
rf carlos Guzman 0 for 4, run, K, .207
ss Luis Hernandez 2 for 4, 2b, BB, .375
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 5, 2 RBI, K, .250
Michael Antonini 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2/5 BB/K, HR, 7.27 era, W (1-1), 1:8:5
Edgar Ramirez 3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 4.15 era, 4:1:4
John Lujan IP, H, BB, K, 3.24 era, 1:1:1

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 5/8/2, Bradenton 14/14/3

Scott Moviel got torched for 9 runs on 9 hits, 2 walks and 2 HBP in 4 innings to take the loss. Jose Bierd added 5 hits and 5 runs (1 earned) to the fire. The Mets offense had 8 hits and 2 walks while going 2 for 8 with RISP, leaving 7 on base and striking out 8 times. Brahiam Maldonado (3) had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Eric Campbell (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .238), Richard Lucas, Josh Satin (0 for 2, BB, K, .346), and Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 3, .240) all took 0-fers.

ss Jordany Valdespin 1 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (1), K, .270
lf Brahiam Maldonado 3 for 5, run, 2b (3), HR (2), 2 RBI (5), K, .414
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 5, K, .233
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, .179
3b Richard Lucas 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .310, E (4)
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 3, .240
Scott Moviel 4 IP, 9 H, 9 ER, 2/2 BB/K, HR, 15.75 era, L (0-1), 2 HBP, WP, 4:3:2
Jose Bierd 3 IP, 5 H, 5/1 R/ER, 2 Ks, HR, 1.23 era, 3:3:2
Jimmy Johnson IP, K, 4.70 era, 2:0:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 4/7/2, Rome 1/8/0

Collin McHugh and Brandon Moore, two older pitchers, combined to hold the Braves to a run on 8 hits tonight. The former got the win, the latter, the save. The Gnats offense hd 7 hits and 3 walks, while going 2 for 11 (.182) with RISP, leaving 6 on base and striking out 6 times. Pedro Zapata, Jeff Flagg (0 for 3, BB, .287), Kai Gronauer (0 for 2, 2 BBs, .263) and Luis Rivera (0 for 3, .083) took 0-fers, while Juan Lagares (3) had the only multi hit game.

cf Pedro Zapata 0 for 5, 2 Ks, .129
dh Juan Lagares 3 for 4, 3 runs, 3b (1), .324
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 4, run, K (1), .351
lf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 3, 3b (1), 3 RBI (7), 2 Ks, .257
rf Cesar Puello 1 for 4, RBI (2), .222
2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 4, K, .233
Collin McHugh 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/3 BB/K, 4.50 era, W (1-1), 11:1:3
Brandon Moore 4 IP, 4 H, 4 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (2), 4:1:4

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.

8/6 Minor League Report! PENA, LAGARES, CARSON!

New Orleans 2, Las Vegas 4

cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, 2 Ks, .323
2b Andy Green 1 for 4, K, .286
lf Chris Aguila 1 for 4, K, .290
rf Val Pascucci 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .283
1b Ramon Martinez 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .270
ss Anderson Hernandez 1 for 3, BB, K, .202
c Mike Nickeas 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .226
3b Abraham Nunez 1 for 3, RBI, K, .208
Willie Collazo 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 Ks, 3 HR, 4.07 era, L (4-7)
Ivan Maldonado IP, H, 2 BBs, K, 3.93 era
Eddie Camacho IP, K, 3.52 era
Nate Field IP, 2 Ks, 4.98 era

Binghamton 8, Bowie 9

What happens when you move a piece or two of St. Lucie's bullpen north and combine it with an already bad bullpen? You give up 7 runs in 3+ innings, of course. Bobby Parnell only went 5 innings today, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs, leaving with an 8-2 lead, but saw Joe Hietpas (3), Casey Hoorelbeke (2 in 2 ip) and Tim LaVigne (2 in 0.0 ip) blow it, with LaVigne taking the loss.

Fernando Martinez was once again taken out after his final PA, (0 for 4, BB, K - must be some sort of weird plan). Aside from him, Anderson Machado (0 for 4, run, BB, K, .190) and Mike Carp took 0-fers, while Caleb Stewart had the only multi hit game.

dh Fernando Martinez 0 for 4, BB, K, .287
lf Mike Carp 0 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, .294
rf Caleb Stewart 2 for 2, 3 runs, 2b, 2 BBs, .283
cf Ambi Concepcion 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, K, .250
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, K, .345
1b Josh Petersen 1 for 3, run, HR, 5 RBI, K, .331
c Salvador Paniagua 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .231
Bobby Parnell 1 for 2, BB, K, .271; 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 Ks, 4.30 era
Joe Hietpas IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, K, 2 HR, 6.67 era
Casey Hoorelbeke 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, HR, 2.70 era
Tim LaVigne 0.0 IP, H, 2 ER, BB, HR, 5.09 era, BS (4), L (2-4)

St. Lucie 0, Jupiter 9

Eric Niesen got hammered for 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits (2 homers) and 2 walks in 6 innings to take his 11th loss of the season. It's too bad he's STILL A RELIEVER STARTING GAMES. Figured the Mets would've figured that out a while ago, but guess not. Nick Abel gave up 3 in his inning of work, then Josh Stinson pitched 2 hitless innings to finish the game.

The offense managed just 5 hits, with Ezequiel Carrera getting 2 of them (both singles, 2 for 4, .281). Carrera's now hitting .333 (9 for 27) in August with 2 3b and 2 HR. The other hits were by DJ Wabick (2 for 4, K, .283), Jason Jacobs (1 for 4, .223)

2b Luis Castillo 0 for 1, 2 BBs, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .233
dh Victor Mendez 0 for 2, BB, K, .283
1b Lucas Duda 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .265
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .241
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2/4 BB/K, 2 HR, 4.46 era, L (6-11)
Nick Abel IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, HR, 16.88 era
Josh Stinson 2 IP, BB, 3 Ks, 2.45 era

Savannah 6, Columbus 8 in 11 innings

A bullpen meltdown turned a 5-1 lead into a 6-5 deficit in the 8th, but the Gnats responded with 1 to tie in the bottom half of the inning. However, Stephen Puhl gave up a pair in the top of the 11th to seal Savannah's fate, as they lost 8-6. Eric Beaulac started and was brilliant for 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and an UER, striking out 6. Jason LaVorgna and Jose Bierd combined to give up 5 in the top of the 8th, blowing that 5-1 lead, and Stephen Puhl completed the nightmare by allowing a pair in the 11th, taking his 2nd loss.

Francisco Pena continued his hot streak with 3 more hits, including his 3rd triple of the season. Juan Lagares also had a 3 hit game, and Jefferies Tatford had a 2 hit game. Brad Hubbert took the only 0-fer (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .174).

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 5, BB, K, .288
lf Casey Craig 1 for 6, 2 runs, .281
c Francisco Pena 3 for 5, run, 3b, RBI, 2 Ks, .266
dh Sean McCraw 1 for 5, K, .292
ss Juan Lagares 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .269
cf Carlos Guzman 1 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, 4 Ks, .291
1b Jefferies Tatford 2 for 5, RBI, .257
3b Joaquin Rodriguez 1 for 5, RBI, .245
Eric Beaulac 5 IP, 2 H, R, 3 BBs, 6 Ks, 0.00 era
Jason LaVorgna 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, K, 4.26 era
Jose Bierd 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 3.20 era, BS (1)
Stephen Puhl 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 4.70 era, L (0-2)
Manuel Olivares 0.1 IP, H, K, 4.43 era

Brooklyn 7, Lowell 0

One of those rare games this season where everything went right for the Conies, as they beat the Spinners 7-0, behind solid pitching from Pedro P Martinez and Jeff Kaplan, and a 9 hit 8 walk attack from the offense. JR Voyles and Jose Jimenez had multi hit games, and Sean Ratliff (0 for 4, BB, 3 Ks, .200) and Matt Smith (0 for 5, run, K, .179) took 0-fers. Martinez allowed just 3 hits over 6.1 innings.

rf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .276
2b JR Voyles 2 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .255
c Jordan Abruzzo 1 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .264
1b Ike Davis 1 for 2, run, 2b, 3 BBs, .241
3b Eric Campbell 1 for 4, run, K, .279
dh Jose Jimenez 2 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .286
lf John Servidio 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .248
Pedro P Martinez 6.1 IP, 3 H, 3 BBs, 6 Ks, 3.20 era, W (1-2)
Jeff Kaplan 2.2 IP, BB, 2 Ks, 4.71 era, SV (2)

Kingsport 6, Princeton 2

Robert Carson keeps on walking way too many, and keeps on not paying for it. He walked 5 this morning (yeah, morning), in 6 innings, also allowing 5 hits, but no runs and 4 Ks for his 1st Appy League victory. Thru 8 starts split over the GCL and Kingsport, Carson is 2-1, 1.18, and in 38 innings, he's allowed just 22 hits, but 19 walks, striking out 35 and putting up a ridiculous 4.62 go/fo (4.62 groundouts per flyout). Manuel Alvarez finished off the game for his 3rd save.

Wilmer Flores now has 4 straight games with 2+ hits, as he fights his way out of a 2 for 20 slump, he's now 9 for his last 19 with 3 2b, 4 RBI, and a 1/2 BB/K ratio. Kyle Suire and Jean Luc Blaquiere also had multi hit games, while Rafael Fernandez (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .299), Doug McNulty (0 for 3, 2 BBs, .205), and Imbewer Alvarez (0 for 3, .210) took 0-fers.

2b Kyle Suire 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, K, .294
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 5, 2b, RBI, .333
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, 2b, BB, .271
cf Pedro Zapata 1 for 4, 2 runs. .217
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 3 for 4, run, 2 2b, 2 RBI, K, .271
Justin Garber 1 for 3, RBI, K, .255
Robert Carson 6 IP, 5 H, 5 BBs, 4 Ks, 0.60 era, W (1-1), 8:3:4, 3 PO
Manuel Alvarez 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, K, 7.91 era, SV (3)

7/1 Minor League Report! CARP, Coronado, Duda, Veloz, Lagares, Stinson!

Lookout for the June Hotsheet, which I will be posting on July 5th.

New Orleans 3, Oklahoma 1

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 2 for 5, RBI, .311
Argenis Reyes (2b) 1 for 4, .281
Chris Aguila (lf) 0 for 1, 3 BBs, K, .293
Val Pascucci (1b) 1 for 3, BB, .300
JOhn Rodriguez (rf) 0 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .229
Robinson Cancel (c) 3 for 4, run, 2 2b, .400
Michel Abreu (dh) 2 for 3, RBI, K, .260
Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 4, run, K, .183
Abraham Nunez (3b) 0 for 3, .195
Ruddy Lugo 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 2 BBs, 8 Ks, HR, 5.01 era, W (6-7)
Nate Field IP, 2 Ks, 7.03 era
Ivan Maldonado IP, BB, 4.24 era, SV (2)

Binghamton 5, Altoona 2

Each of the Big Four in the Mets order (that would be the Trinity + Fernando) had at least a hit, each was on base at least twice, Mike Carp was on base 4 times, as he begins to fight his way out of a nightmarish slump. Every regular not named Emmanuel Garcia had a hit today, Garcia was 0 for 4 with an RBI, and is batting .229 on the season. Jose Sanchez was good today in getting his 8th win, lowering his ERA under 4. Eddie Kunz bailed out Joe Hietpas in the 9th to pick up his 22nd save.

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 4, run, BB, .298
Nick Evans (1b) 1 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .309
Dan Murphy (3b) 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .321, SB (9 - home)
Caleb Stewart (rf) 2 for 5, 2 Ks, .291, SB (3)
Mike Carp (lf) 1 for 2, 2 runs, 3 BBs, K, .320
Saloman Manriquez (c) 1 for 4, run, 2b, BB, 2 Ks, .284
Jose Coronado (ss) 3 for 5, RBI, .267
Jose Sanchez 6 IP, 6 H, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, 3.86 era, W (8-4)
Joe Hietpas 2 IP+, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, K, 5.22 era
Eddie Kunz IP, BB, 3.68 era, SV (22)

St. Lucie 6, Daytona 7 in 10 innings

Dillon Gee, fresh off a sub 1 era month, got lit up for 7 hits and 5 runs in 5 innings today, but the Mets offense rallied to get him off the hook, scoring thrice in the 8th to tie it, before Emary Frederick allowed a run in the bottom of the 10th. Lucas Duda broke out of a June swoon with 3 hits to open his July, he scored twice and drove in another. Jordan Abruzzo, who PH for Josh Thole and stayed in the game to catch, went 0 for 2 with an RBI. DJ Wabick (0 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .280), Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 5, 4 Ks, .194) and Luis Rivera (0 for 4, .229, E (9)) also took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 2 for 5, run, 2 Ks, .265, E (6)
Ruben Tejada (ss) 1 for 5, run, .250, E (22)
Lucas Duda (1b) 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, K, .273
Victor Mendez (rf) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, HR, RBI, BB, K, .267
Josh Thole (c) 1 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .293
Shawn Bowman (3b) 1 for 4, BB, 3 Ks, .324, E (1)
Dillon Gee 5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 Ks, 2 HR, 3.49 era, 2 WP
Elvyz Quezada 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 3.15 era
Casey Hoorelbeke 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 4.34 era, 1 HBP
Emary Frederick 0.2 IP, 2 H, R, BB, K, 3.43 era, L (1-1)

Savannah 7, Charleston 0

Josh Stinson got his first start in a long while, and he made it a very good one, tossing 6 innings of 5 hit shutout ball to lead the Gnats to a 7-0 whitewashing of Charleston. Nick Abel closed it out with 3 shutout innings in relief for his first save.

The Gnats offense had 12 hits and drew 3 walks, scoring 7 times. The top 3 in the order (Veloz, Lagares, Craig) were a combined 6 for 13 with 2 runs, 3 RBI and 2 BBs. Sean McCraw and Carlos Guzman also had multi hit games, while Jose Jimenez (0 for 5, K, .236) and Richard Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .217) took 0-fers.

Greg Veloz (2b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K, .261
Juan Lagares (ss) 2 for 4, 2b, BB, K, .280
Casey Craig (lf) 2 for 5, RBI, .317
Sean McCraw (c) 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 Ks, .333
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .212, SB (1)
Joaquin Rodriguez (1b) 1 for 4, run, K, .236
Carlos Guzman (cf) 2 for 3, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, .243
Josh Stinson 6 IP, 5 H, BB, 3 Ks, 2.96 era, W (2-4), 7:8:3
Nick Abel 3 IP, H, BB, 4 Ks, 1.64 era, SV (1)

Brooklyn 1, Hudson Valley 2

Another lost offensive night for the Cyclones, they managed just a run on 5 hits tonight, losing 2-1. Kirk Nieuhenwuis (0 for 3, 2 BBs, K, .226), Sean Ratliff (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .222), Eric Campbell (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .283), Jacob Elgsti (0 for 3), and Brandon Richey (0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .087) all took 0-fers, while John Servidio had the only multi hit game and RBI.

Brad Holt had a rough outing, lasting just 3.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks, but just 2 runs (1 earned). Matias Carrillo, Rhiner Cruz, Roy Merritt and Wendy Rosa combined for 4.1 innings of 2 hit shutout relief, but the offense got nothing going. All in all, Brooklyn pitching walked ELEVEN, while allowing 6 hits.

David Reese Havens (dh) 1 for 5, 2b, 3 Ks, .111
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 4, .308
John Servidio (rf) 2 for 4, RBI, .245
Cesar Cordido (c) 1 for 3, .111
Brad Holt 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 4 BBs, 3 Ks, 2.45 era, L (1-2)
Matias Carrillo 1.2 IP, H, 4 BBs, 2 Ks, 0.87 era
Rhiner Cruz 0.1 IP, 2.57 era
Roy Merritt 0.2 IP, H, BB, 1.17 era
Wendy Rosa 1.2 IP, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 0.93 era

Kingsport 3, Bluefield 2, Game 1

Wilmer Flores homered in his first AB, but otherwise went hitless, as Kingsport won 3-2. It was his 8th XBH, 4th HR and 18th RBI. And yeah, he's 16 years old (for another month and change). What he's doing is otherworldly right now. It's Fernando-esque in it's dominance. Stefan Welch also had a hit, Pedro Zapata had 2. Dock Doule (0 for 1, run, 2 BBs, .227) and Rafael Fernandez (0 for 1, run, 2 BBs, .212) took 0-fers. Doyle, taken in the 5th round this year, has 5 walks in 7 games, including back to back 2 walk games.

Mark Cohoon was decent over his 4 innings, he allowed 2 hits, 2 runs and 3 walks. Zach Rosenbaum got the win with 2 shutout innings in relief, Manuel Alvarez got the save.

Ignacio Medrano (2b) 1 for 3, BB, K, .311
Dan Stegall (lf) 1 for 3, BB, .327
Wilmer Flores (ss) 1 for 4, run, HR (4), RBI (18), .377
Stefan Welch (3b) 1 for 3, K, .396
Pedro Zapata (cf) 2 for 3, RBI, K, .176
Gabriel Zavala (dh) 1 for 2, 2b, K, .351
Mark Cohoon 4 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 5 Ks, 7 era
Zach Rosenbaum 2 IP, H, BB, 2 Ks, 12.79 era, W (1-2)
Manuel Alvarez IP, 5.79 era, SV (2)

Kingsport 7, Bluefield 5, Game 2

Stop the presses, Wilmer Flores...drew a walk. And had his 9th XBH (a 2b). He really is unbelieveable, he should be in between his junior and senior years in HS (I believe he'd be among the youngest of the class of 09...). Instead, he's playing pro ball and dominating in a league where the average age is around 21. Oh yeah, and he's got braces and looks like he's 12. Unreal. Anyway, outside of Flores, Ignacio Medrano and Dock Doyle had multi hit games, while Imbawer Alvarez (0 for 3, BB, .067) and 34th round pick Justin Garber (0 for 4, run, .077) took 0-fers.

Collin McHugh started and was extremely ineffective, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs in 3 innings. Michael Danger Powers pitched 2 innings of scoreless relief for the win, Erik Turgeon got his 2nd save with a scoreless 7th.

Ignacio Medrano (2b) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, K, .327
Wilmer Flores (ss) 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, .375
Dock Doyle (dh) 2 for 3, 2 runs, RBI, BB, .280
Jean Luc Blaquiere (c) 1 for 2, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .233
Stefan Welch (1b) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .385
Pedro Zapata (cf) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .182
Gabriel Zavala (rf) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .341
Collin McHugh 3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 2 HR, 6.75 era
Michael Danger Powers 2 IP, 3 H, K, 1.29 era, W (1-0)
Jorge Rodriguez IP, H, R, BB, 3 Ks, 0.84 era
Erik Turgeon IP, H, 2 Ks, 1.80 era, SV (2)

6/20 Minor League Report! Parnell, THOLE, GEE, LAGARES,

Tonight's Song: DaRude - Sandstorm

New Orleans 12, Iowa 8

The final score was not indicative of how much of a blowout this game was. Ruddy Lugo bounced back off 2 straight disasterous starts (9.2 ip, 17 h, 14 er, 5/5 bb/k, 0-2, 13.03 era), with a good one tonight. He went 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. Nate Field had a disasterous monumental meltdown in the 9th inning, allowing 5 hits (including a homer), 2 walks, and 6 runs, all while getting just ONE out, turning a 12-2 laugher into a 12-8 heart attack. Tim McNab came in to get the final 2 outs, preventing the disaster from culminating.

Every regular position player had at least one hit, with 3 recording multi hit games. The Zs are now back to .500 at 38-38.

Anderson Hernandez (ss) 1 for 5, RBI, K, .182
Argenis Reyes (2b) 1 for 4, run, BB, .290
Chris Aguila (lf) 2 for 4, 2 runs, .306
Val Pascucci (1b) 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, K, .314
Raul Gonzalez (rf) 1 for 3, run, 2 RBI, BB, .333
Pornstache (ph) 1 for 1, run, HR, RBI, .182
Jesus Feliciano (cf) 3 for 5, 3 runs, 3b, 3 RBI, .298
Gustavo Molina (c) 1 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, BB, K, .241
Abraham Nunez (3b) 3 for 4, 3 RBI, BB, K, .205
Ruddy Lugo 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 5 Ks, HR, 4.74 era, W (5-6)
Brandon Knight IP, H, K, 1.54 era
Nate Field 0.1 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 2 BBs, K, HR, 8.23 era
Tim McNab 0.2 IP, H, 2.84 era

Binghamton 3, Trenton 1

Another good outing for Bobby Freakin Parnell tonight, he bounced back off a subpar start his last time out (5.2 ip, 10 h, 5 er). Tonight, he went 6, allowing just 4 hits and a run, and more importantly, only one walk, and 6 Ks. Walks have plagued Parnell this season, he'd walked 14 in 22.2 innings in April, and then 19 in 35.2 innings in May. However, in June, in 21.2 innings, he's walked just 7, a very good sign. Eddie Kunz worked a scoreless 9th to pick up his 17th save of the season.

Mike Carp, coming off a torrid 100 AB stretch (5/19-6/17, 40 for 97, 14 runs, 7 2b, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 19/16 BB/K, .412/.509/.577), is 0 for his last 12 with 3 Ks. Mike Nickeas was the only Met with more then one hit, and 4 Mets took 0-fers. Eric Reed (0 for 5, 3 Ks, .237), Nick Evans (0 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .298), Mike Carp (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .344), and Jon Malo (0 for 3, BB, .241). The Mets are now a season high 8 over .500 at 40-32.

Jose Coronado (ss) 1 for 3, 2 BBs, .264, SB (6)
Nick Evans (lf) 0 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .298
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .344, E (7)
Caleb Stewart (rf) 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .274
Ambi Concepcion (dh) 1 for 4, run, K, .252
Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 1 for 3, RBI, K, .215, SB (11)
Mike Nickeas (c) 2 for 4, run, 2 Ks, AA debut
Bobby Freakin Parnell 6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 6 Ks, 4.39 era, W (6-4), 8:4:6
Joe Hietpas 1.2 IP, H, K, 5.09 era
Eddie Camacho 0.1 IP, 2.16 era
Eddie Kunz IP, BB, 4.18 era, SV (17)

St. Lucie 4, Vero Beach 1

Dillon Gee was in complete control tonight, he took a no hitter into the 7th, losing it with 2 outs to JT Hall on a 2b. More on Gee later, but he went 8 innings tonight, allowing 3 hits, striking out 5. Emary Frederick, Edgar Alfonzo and German Marte pitched the 9th, Marte getting his first save.

The top 5 in the order went a combined 2 for 18 with 2 walks, but the offense came from the bottom of the lineup. Josh Thole had a huge game going 3 for 3 with 3 runs, Shawn Bowman drove in a run, and DJ Wabick drove in 3. Ezequiel Carrera (0 for 3, BB, .256), Ruben Tejada (0 for 3, BB, K, .244), Lucas Duda (0 for 4, K, .271), and JR Voyles (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .241) all took 0-fers. The Mets sank to 21-50.

Victor Mendez (rf) 1 for 4, .385
Jordan Abruzzo (dh) 1 for 4, run, K, .222
Josh Thole (c) 3 for 3, 3 runs, .278
Shawn Bowman (3b) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .357
DJ Wabick (lf) 2 for 4, 3 RBI, .284
Dillon Gee 8 IP, 3 H, 5 Ks, 3.46 era, W (5-5), last 10 GS, 64.1 IP, 56 H, 19 ER, 8/46 BB/K, 5-3, 2.66 era
Emary Frederick 0.1 IP, H, ER, K, 4.15 era
Edgar Alfonzo 0.0 IP, H, 3.93 era
German Marte 0.2 IP, 1.59 era, SV (1)

Savannah 1, Rome 10

Brant Rustich's first pro start went about as disasterously as it could have, he allowed a run in the 2nd, and didn't escape the 3rd, allowing 6 more. The final line was unpretty: 2.1 ip, 7 h, 7 r, 5 er, k, hr. Bradley Burns made his A debut with 2.2 innings of 2 hit, 2 run (0 earned) relief, and Julio Polanco finished off the disasterous game.

Juan Lagares made his season debut today, and it was a good one, he went 3 for 4. Not much else to smile about tonight, the lone RBI came off the bat of Francisco Pena (RBI 2b), with the run scored going to Jose Jimenez. Casey Craig (0 for 4, K, .329), Joaquin Rodriguez (0 for 4, K, .246), Richard Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .240) and Jacob Elgsti (0 for 4, .232) all took 0-fers. The Gnats are now 34-38.

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 4, K, .257
Juan Lagares (ss) 3 for 4, season debut
Jose Jimenez (1b) 1 for 4, run, 2b, .249
Francisco Pena (c) 1 for 3, 2b, RBI, BB, .252
Carlos Guzman (rf) 1 for 3, BB, K, .247
Brant Rustich 2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, K, HR, 7.27 era, L (1-3)
Bradley Burns 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BBs, 2 Ks, 0.00 era
Julio Polanco 3 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 3 Ks, 5.17 era

Brooklyn 3, Aberdeen 2

The Cyclones managed just 7 hits, but with 4 walks thrown in, they parlayed those hits into 3 runs, good enough for a 3-2 win tonight. Eric Campbell (8th round Boston College) had 2 hits, and John Servidio (26th round Barry University) had hit first pro homer to lead the offense. 3 players took 0-fers, Josh Satin (6th round U of Cal Berkeley, 0 for 3, BB, .000), Michael Parker (0 for 3, K, .000) and Cesar Cordido (0 for 4, K, .182).

Chris Schwinden started for the Cones, and went the first 2.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. Roy Merritt finished the 3rd, and then Scott Shaw pitched 4 tremendous innings piggybacking Schwinden, he allowed just a hit and walk, striking out EIGHT. Shaw was our 13th round pick this year from U of Illonis Champaign (looks like it wasn't the sweet stuff Willie was on about last year, huh?). Wendy Rosa and Jimmy Johnson (not the guy on FOX) worked the 8th, and Yury Santana got his second save with a scoreless 9th. The Cyclones are now 3-1.

Matt Bouchard (ss) 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .231
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 1 for 3, BB, K, .286
Zach Lutz (dh) 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .429
Eric Campbell (3b) 2 for 3, run, 2b, BB, .364
John Servido (rf) 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .200
Jefferies Tatford (1b) 1 for 2, BB, K, .333
Chris Schwinden 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 7.71 era
Roy Merritt 0.2 IP, BB, 0.00 era
Scott Shaw 4 IP, H, BB, 8 Ks, 0.00 era
Wendy Rosa 0.1 IP, 0.00 era
Jimmy Johnson 0.2 IP, H, 0.00 era
Yury Santana IP, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, SV (2)

Kingsport 4, "Hey, It Looks like a Giant" Johnson City 5

Guess who likes Austin Powers? ;)

The Mets put up 3 in the first, only to watch Zachary Rosenbaum (19th round UNC Charlotte, no relation to TVs Lex Luthor) give it all back in the 2nd. Rosenbaum allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and 4 runs over his 1.2 innings, taking his first loss of the season. Jorge Rodriguez, Michael Powers (31st round U of "Especially In" Michigan), Erik Turgeon (25th round, U of Connecticut) pitched 6.1 innings of 3 hit 1 run relief, though the run Rodriguez gave up ended up being the difference in the end.

Offensively, the Mets managed just 6 hits, but drew 3 walks (all from the top 2 in the order). 4 players took 0-fers, also including the top 2 in the order. Dan Stegall (0 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .467), Rafael Fernandez (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .167), Pedro Zapata (0 for 4, .125), and Stefan Welch (0 for 4, .100). Dock Doyle had the only multi hit game for the Mets, who fell to 1-3.

Wilmer Flores (ss) 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .421
Richard Lucas (3b) 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .188
Dock Doyle (c) 2 for 4, 2 RBI, .375
Gabriel Zavala (rf) 1 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .167
Kyle Suire (2b) 1 for 3, 2b
Zachary Rosenbaum 1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 21.60 era, L (0-1)
Jorge Rodriguez 3.1 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 5 Ks, HR, 1.69 era
Michael Powers 2 IP, BB, 3 Ks, 0.00 era
Erik Turgeon IP, 2 Ks, 4.50 era
--------------------------------------------------------

(This writeup/analysis on Dillon Gee courtesy "acerimusdux" on NYFS) Last time I saw Dillon Gee in Vero, he went 7IP 5H 1R 8SO. So this is the second time I've seen him look pretty dominant. Actually, I think the only guy with a really good hit off him last time was J.T. Hall, the same guy who broke up the no-hitter tonight with a double down the 3B line.

Last time, I think he was doing it with mostly the fastball and a real nice slider. This time, I also saw more of both a slow breaking pitch with straight drop, and a changeup with some nice screwball action.

Scouting reports I've seen had him as FB, SL, CU, but it looks to me like he's throwing 4 pitches now, all of them looking good, with outstanding command. Really pounds the zone and gets guys out a lot of different ways.

I think we may have our next Brian Bannister. Throws a bit harder too.