6/30 Minor League Report! Antonini, AR ROD!

AAA International League: Buffalo 9/13/0, Syracuse 4/9/3

ss Justin Turner 1 for 5, 2 runs, RBI, K, .271
2b Andy Green 2 for 3, 2 runs, BB, .268
cf Jorge Padilla 3 for 4, run, 2 2b, 4 RBI, K, .333
1b Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, 2b, BB, .256
rf Val Pascucci 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .231
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 3, run, HR (4), RBI (12), 2 BBs, .308 (16 for 52, 6/8 BB/K, .308/.379/.654/1.033)
3b Mike Cervanek 3 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .236
c JR House 0 for 5, .298
Tobi Stoner 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2/3 BB/K, HR, 5.28 era, W (4-7), 80:53:27, 6:4:3
Mike O'Connor 2 IP, K, 3.18 era, 27:16:11, 5:0:1
Dylan Owen 2 IP, 2 H, 3 Ks, 6.17 era, 26:18:8, 1:1:3
>>ph, rf Fernando Martinez 1 for 2, run, 2b (11), .259

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 3/7/0, Altoona 6/8/0

Michael Antonini had a very good outing today, but he look his 6th loss of the season, after Emary Frederick gave up 3 runs in the 8th inning to turn a 3-2 game into a 6-2 game. The Mets offense had 7 hits and a bad 2/12 BB/K ratio, while going 2 for 7 (.286) with RISP and leaving 5 on base. Sean Ratliff had the only multi hit game, while Raul Reyes took a golden sombrero, and Jon Malo had the other 0-fer.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, run, HR (10), RBI (41), 2 Ks, .275
ss Luis Hernandez 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .298
3b Nick Evans 1 for 3, run, 2b (24), BB, .289
1b Josh Satin 1 for 4, RBI, K, .305
lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, run, 2b (3), K, .274
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 4, RBI, K, .310
rf Raul Reyes 0 for 4, 4 Ks, .385
2b Jon Malo 0 for 2, BB, .230
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1/7 BB/K, 4.05 era, L (5-6), 5:9:7
Emary Frederick 0.2 IP, H, 3 ER, BB, HBP, 3.55 era, 2:
Roy Merritt 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4.27 era, 1:
Derrick Ellison IP, 4.50 era, 1:2

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 3/9/0, Jupiter 8/9/0

cf Carlos Beltran 2 for 4, RBI (3), .391

Oliver Perez started today and wasn't good, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and a walk in 6 innings for the loss, he gave up 2 homers. Kyle Allen gave up 4 runs in his 3 innings, but remember, he's unused to relieving. The Mets had 9 hits and a 2/6 BB/K, while going 2 for 8 with RISP and leaving 8 on base. Jordany Valdespin, Wilmer Flores and Carlos Beltran had multi hit games, while Stefan Welch, Juan Lagares and Michael Fisher (0 for 4, run, 3 Ks, .313) took 0-fers.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 5, run, 3b (2), K, .308
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 5, RBI (2), K, .469
cf Carlos Beltran 2 for 4, RBI (3), .391
1b Stefan welch 0 for 3, BB, K, .298
rf Juan Lagares 0 for 4, .207
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 3, .444
lf Joey August 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, .306
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 4, .207
Oliver Perez 6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 1/7 BB/K, 2 HR, 6 era, L (0-1), 3:8:7
Kyle Allen 3 IP, 4 H, 4 E,R, 2/2 BB/K, 5.09 era, 6:0:2

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 1/8/0, Greenville 2/8/1

Armando Rodriguez had one of his best outings of the season, giving up just a run on 4 hits in 7 innings with 9 strikeouts, but he took a ND. Sam Martinez took the loss, giving up a run in the 9th. The Gnats were held to 8 hits and a 2/11 BB/K, while going just 1 for 9 (.111) with RISP and leaving 9 on base.

2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 5, 3 Ks, .233, CS (6)
cf RJ Harris 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .167
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .235
lf Nick Santomauro 2 for 4, run, K, .183 (5 gm hitting streak, 7 for 19, 3 2b)
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 3, .255
dh Travis Ozga 1 for 3, .308
c Dock Doyle 1 for 4, RBI, .191
1b Alex Gregory 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .243
ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 3, BB, .333
Armando Rodriguez 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/9 BB/K, 2.79 era, 5:6:9
Sam Martinez 1.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2/1 BB/K, 3.68 era, L (0-1), 0:3:1

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 8/12/1, Hudson Valley 3/8/0

Darrell Ceciliani and Cory Vaughn each had 2 hit games with triples to lead Brooklyn's 12 hit attack from the 2-3 holes. Luis Nieves had 3 hits from the 9 hole, and Angel cuan gave up 2 runs in 5 innings for his first win.

lf Cody Holliday 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .214
cf Darrell Ceciliani 2 for 4, run, 3b (4), 2 RBI (9), .404
rf Cory Vaughn 2 for 4, run, 3b (3), RBI (13), .298
1b Jeff Flagg 1 for 3, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .340
dh Joe Bonfe 0 for 3, BB, K, .371
3b Jet Butler 2 for 4, run, 2b, .250
2b JB Brown 1 for 3, .114
c Taylor Freeman 0 for 3, run, BB, .143
ss Luis Nieves 3 for 4, 2 runs, HR (1), 2 RBI (2), .364
Angel Cuan 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 2.25 era, W (1-0), 5:5:4
Hunter Carnevale IP, 2 H, ER, K, 9 era, 2:0:1
Hamilton Bennett IP, H, BB, 1.50 era, 2:1
Brian Needham IP, 2 BBs, 10.13 era, 2:1
Daniel Carela IP, K, 0.00 era, 0:2:1

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 0/8/2, Greeneville 2/5/1

Brett Mitchell gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits in 4.2 innings for his first loss tonight, and the KMets were held to 8 hits and a 2/8 BB/K, while going hitless in 7 ABs with RISP and leaving 11 on base.

cf ZeErika McQueen 1 for 5, 2b (3), 3 Ks, .317
2b Justin Schafer 1 for 4, BB, .280
3b Aderlin Rodriguez 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .229
1b Lucas Stewart 2 for 4, K, .316
rf Javier Rodriguez 2 for 4, K, .357
c Albert Cordero 0 for 4, .217
dh Nelfi Zapata 1 for 3, .231
ss Brandon Brown 1 for 3, 2b, BB, .235
lf John Semel 0 for 3, K, .136
Brett Mitchell 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2/1 R/ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 1.86 era, L (1-1), 6:4:6
Adam Kolarek 2.1 IP, 3 Ks, 6.75 era, 1:3:3
Richard Pena 2 IP, 3.86 era, 6:

R Gulf Coast League: GCL Mets 10/14/4, Astros 6/13/3

ss Randoll Santana 2 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .276, SB (5)
dh Robbie Shields 3 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .259
3b Brian Harrison 1 for 4, K, .333
>>ph, rf Breiner Soto run, BB, .000
1b Alexander Sanchez 1 for 3, run, .300
>>1b Marinus Vernooij 2 for 2, 2 runs, 2b (1), 2 RBI (3), .286
cf Dylan Brown 1 for 4, run, K, .250
lf Julio Concepcion 1 for 5, RBI (6), .226, CS (1)
rf Gilbert Gomez 1 for 2, run, 2b (3), .233
>>rf, 3b Miguel Tejada 1 for 3, RBI (3), 2 Ks, .250
c Cam Maron 0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .333
2b Yucarybert De La Cruz 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .206, CS (3)
Edioglis Villasmil 5 IP, 8 H, 2/1 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, 1.86 era, 6:7:2
Eduardo Aldama IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 12 era, BS (1), 0:3
Ramiro Peralta IP, BB, 0.00 era, 1:2
Estarlin Morel IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 9 era, BS (1), W (1-0), 1:2
Steve Winnick IP, 0.00 era, 3:

6/10 Minor League Report! Antonini, Cohoon!

AAA International League: Buffalo 1/5/1, Durham 6/9/0

lf Russ Adams 0 for 5, K, .249
2b Justin Turner 2 for 3, run, 2 2b, .287
dh Mike Jacobs 1 for 4, RBI, K, .277
rf Val Pascucci 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .234
3b Mike Cervanek 0 for 3, K, .228
ss Andy Green 0 for 4, K, .272
1b Marshall Hubbard 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .000
c JR House 2 for 3, BB, .275
cf Emmanuel Garcia 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .163
Dylan Owen 6 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2/7 BB/K, HR, 6.11 era, L (2-2), 104:69:35, 4:6:7
Manny Acosta IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 4.34 era, 29:15:14, 2:0:0
Mike O'Connor IP, H, K, 4.30 era, 23:14:9, 2:0:14

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 3/8/0, Bowie 1/4/1, Game 1 in 7 innings

Michael Antonini fired a complete game 4 hitter today, lowering his ERA to 4 and evening his record at 4-4. The Mets had 8 hits, while going just 1 for 5 with RISP, leaving 6 on base, and striking out 3 times. Luis Hernandez had the only multi hit game, while Reese Havens, DJ Wabick (0 for 3, .263), Eric Campbell and Jon Malo (0 for 1, K, .235) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 3, run, HR (9), 2 RBI, .287 (10 for his last 28, 5 runs, 3 2b, HR, 10 RBI, 2/4 BB/K, .357/.387/.571)
2b Reese Havens 0 for 3, .328
1b Nick Evans 1 for 3, .279
dh Lucas Duda 2 for 3, K, .299
ss Luis Hernandez 2 for 3, run, HR, RBI, .288
3b Eric Campbell 0 for 2, .329
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 1, .259
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 3, run, 2b, K, .283
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 7 Ks, HR, 4.02 era, W (4-4), 5:9:7

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 0/3/1, Binghamton 2/7/1

Josh Stinson's 3rd start of the season was his best, 5 shutout innings, just 2 hits allowed, for his first win since joining the rotation. He hasn't pitched poorly in any start, just hadn't gotten the W til today. Roy Merritt picked up his 6th save with a perfect 9th. Reese Havens had the only multi hit game in the 2nd game, while Nick Evans, Eric Campbell and Jose Coronado (0 for 2, .232) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 2, RBI, K, .289
dh Reese Havens 2 for 3, K, .343
1b Nick Evans 0 for 2, BB, .277
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 3, run, 2b (17), .300
rf DJ Wabick 1 for 3, 2b, .265
3b Eric Campbell 0 for 1, RBI, .324
c Omir Santos 1 for 2, run, 2b, BB, .103
2b Jon Malo 1 for 3, .238
Josh Stinson 5 IP, 2 H, 2/5 BB/K, 2.83 era, W (3-1), 6:4:5
Clint Everts IP, H, BB, K, 6.75 era, 1:1:1
Roy Merritt IP, K, 3.64 era, SV (6), 0:0:1

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

Kyle Allen pitched 5 shutout innings today with a bad back, giving up just 3 hits and walking NONE for his 5th win. Emary Frederick picked up his 3rd save. The Mets offense had just 6 hits, but drew 6 walks, while striking out 11 times, and going 2 for 8 with RISP, and leaving 8 on base. Stefan Welch had the only multi hit game, while Fernando, Brahiam Maldonado, Sean Ratliff and Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 3, K, .189) took 0-fers.

dh Fernando Martinez 0 for 3, BB, K, .267
ss Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, run, K, .309, SB (5)
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .286
1b Stefan Welch 2 for 4, run, 3b (5), RBI (42), K, .296
2b Josh Satin 1 for 2, 2 BBs, .317
cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 2, run, RBI (29), BB, K, .271
3b Richard Lucas 1 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .216
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .198
Kyle Allen 5 IP, 3 H, 3 Ks, 4.55 era, W (5-3), 67:41:26, 5:7:3
Rhiner Cruz 2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 Ks, 3.68 era, 2:1:4
Jimmy Johnson 0.2 IP, 5.46 era, 0:2
Emary Frederick IP, H, BB, K, 2.35 era, SV (3), 2:0:1

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 7/12/0, Greensboro 0/3/2

Wilmer Flores had a badly needed big game today with 2 hits, including a double, and the Gnats broke out overall with 12 hits and a walk leading to 7 runs. They went 3 for 11 (.273) with RISP, left 7 on, and struck out 8 times. Pedro Zapata, Michael Fisher, Wilmer, and Cesar Puello had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte and Juan Lagares took 0-fers. Mark Cohoon fired a CG 3 hit shutout.

cf Pedro Zapata 2 for 4, run, RBI (28), K, .271, SB (18)
1b Michael Fisher 3 for 4, run, 2b, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K, .429 (not a prospect)
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 5, run, HR (6), RBI (41), K, .287
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 5, K, .231
lf Juan Lagares 0 for 5, .296
dh Rafael Fernandez 1 for 4, .240, CS (3)
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .255
rf Cesar Puello 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b (11), K, .243, 2 SB (21)
2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 3, run, HR (3), 3 RBI (26), K, .248
Mark Cohoon 9 IP, 3 H, 1/5 BB/K, 14:6:5

8/26 Minor League Report! Antonini, Ratliff!

INT AAA: Buffalo 2/7/1, Pawtucker 3/7/0

ss Argenis Reyes 2 for 5, 2b, .284
rf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 3, BB, .306
cf Chip Ambres 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .252
1b Mike Lamb 0 for 4, .251
c Robinson Cancel 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 3b, .246
lf Jason Dubois 0 for 3, BB, .148
3b Andy Green 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .262
dh Josh Petersen 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, .269
2b Luis Rivera 0 for 4, K, .295
Tobi Stoner 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 3/5 BB/K, 4.25 era, 95:63:32, 4:9:5
Tim McNab 2 IP, 3 H, R, 4.17 era, BS (2), 29:21:8, 3:3
Eddie Kunz 0.2 IP, H, ER, 4.92 era, L (4-4), 11:7:4, 1:1

EL AA: Binghamton 3/5/0, Portland 2/9/1

Michael Antonini had his best outing in a long long time (if not the whole season), allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings for his 7th win. Jose De La Torre picked up his first save of the season, after Ike Davis, returning from a few games off with sore ribs, homered in the 7th to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.

The Mets had just 5 hits and a walk on the game, and were 0 for 2 with RISP, but won anyway. Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .248), Caleb Stewart (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .228), Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, K, .202), Jose Coronado (0 for 2, RBI, .268), and Jon Malo (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .240) all took 0-fers. No Met had a multi hit game.

c Josh Thole 1 for 4, 2b, .324
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 3, run, .297
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 1, run, .284
>>1b Ike Davis 1 for 2, run, HR (11), 2 RBI (37), .308
1b, lf, 2b Mark Kiger 1 for 3, 2 Ks, .246
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3/3 BB/K, 4.84 era, W (7-3), 3:12:3
Roy Merritt 1.1 IP, 2 H, K, 3.55 era, 1:2:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, 2/1 BB/K, 2.66 era, SV (1), 1:0:1

FSL A+: St. Lucie 1/3/1, Fort Myers 3/7/0, Game 1

Kirk Nieuwenhuis took an 0-fer. On with the recap?

The Mets were cooled off by the rain out, and then iced on by the Miracle in the opener of a twinight doubleheader, managing just 3 singles, and 1 run, after scoring 104 runs in their previous 14 games. Angel Calero allowed 3 runs (2 earned) over 5 innings, a decent enough outing, but fell to 3-10 on the year. The Mets were 0 for 5 with RISP and left 6 on base.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .268
ss Reese Havens 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .240
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, .282
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 3, K, .287
c Francisco Pena 0 for 3, K, .218
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 2, BB, .284
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 2, run, BB, .263
2b Hector Pellot 0 for 2, RBI, BB, .269
Angel Calero 5 IP, 6 H, 3/2 R/ER, 2/7 BB/K, HR, 4.73 era, L (3-10), 3:4:7
Jose Sanchez IP, H, 3.68 era, 1:2 (assigned to Buffalo after the game)

FSL A+: St. Lucie 5/9/2, Fort Myers 4/9/2, Game 2

Chris Schwinden's high A debut was not a good one, he surrendered 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in just 4.1 innings, but his offense was doing their job tonight, so he got off with a ND. Edgar Ramirez picked up his 3rd win, allowing a run on 3 hits in 2.2 innings.

The Mets offense, as I mentioned, did their job, with 9 hits and 4 walks in the nightcap, despite going just 2 for 12 (.167) with RISP, and leaving 9 on base. Stefan Welch and Brahiam Maldonado had homers tonight, going back to back as part of a 4 run 3rd inning. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (2) had the only multi hit game, while Hector Pellot (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .267) took the only 0-fer.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, K, .270
ss Reese Havens 1 for 2, run, BB, K, .242
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, run, RBI (60), BB, .282
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .284
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, HR (4), 3 RBI (32), .287
dh Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR (17*), RBI (65), BB, 2 Ks, .263
lf Seth Williams 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .264
c Tony MacCani 1 for 3, .222
Chris Schwinden 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 6.23 era, 4:7:1
Edgar Ramirez 2.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/4 BB/K, 2.32 era, W (3-1), 2:2:4

SAL A: Savannah 4/13/1, Augusta 3/6/1 in 11 innings

Wilmer Flores' walkoff RBI single in the 11th inning salvaged what was otherwise a forgetful day for the recently turned 18 year old shortstop, it was his first hit in 6 ABs. Jefry Marte left the game after making an awkward slide into home, no word on why (the way 2009 has gone...:whistles: (which I cannot actually do)). Jose Jimenez replaced him and went 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .155. Eric Campbell (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .245) took the other 0-fer, while Sean Ratliff (4), Raul Reyes (2), and Mike Moras (A debut; 2) had multi hit games. The Gnats had 13 hits and drew 5 walks while going 6 for 16 (.375) with RISP, but left 13 on base.

Robert Carson had a good outing tonight, giving up just a run on 4 hits in 5 innings. John Church picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings, despite walking a pair in the 11th.

2b Josh Satin 1 for 5, run, RBI, BB, K, .287
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 1, .233
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 6, RBI, K, .261
cf Sean Ratliff 4 for 5, run, K, .269
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 5, run, K, .248
dh Nick Giarraputo 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .394
lf Joey August 1 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, .214
c Mike Moras 2 for 5, K
Robert Carson 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2/4 BB/K, 2.89 era, 5:5:4
Mike Lynn 4 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, 2.25 eras, 9:2:1
John Church 2 IP, 2/1 BB/K, 5.48 era, W (1-2), 2:4

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 6/9/1, Vermont 7/16/2 in 10 innings

Wes Wrenn had a very poor outing tonight, getting oblierated for 7 hits and 5 runs in 2.1 innings, but the Conies battled back and got him off the hook. Brandon Sage took the loss, allowing a run in the top of the 10th.

The Conies had 9 hits and drew 4 walks tonight, while going 4 for 12 (.333) with RISP and leaving 6 on base. Jordany Valdespin (2), Richard Lucas (2) and Dock Doyle (3) had multi hit games, while Luis Rivera (0 for 5, K, .295), Sam Honeck (0 for 2, run, BB, K, .254), Nick Santomauro (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .234) and John Servidio (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .184) took 0-fers.

ss Robbie Shields 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, 2 Ks, .176
2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 3, run, 2b (2), .303
3b Richard Lucas 2 for 5, 2 2b (4), 3 RBI (6), K, .357
dh Alex Gregory 1 for 4, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB, .283
c Dock Doyle 3 for 4, 2b, RBI, .259
Wes Wrenn 2.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1/2 BB/K, 3 HR, 3.77 era, 3:2:2
Lance Hoge 4.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 2/4 BB/K, 3.26 era, 7:3:4
Bobby Gagg 2 IP, H, 3 Ks, 4.05 era, 2:1:3
Brandon Sage IP, 2 H, ER, 1.67 era, 1:1:0

APPY R: Kingsport 3/12/0, Greeneville 5/7/1

The Mets came from 3-1 down to tie it in the 9th, only to see Travis Babin give up a pair in the bottom of the 10th inning, giving him his first loss, and the Mets their 32nd. Zach Von Tersch had a good start, giving up a run on 4 hits in 6 innings, but it was for naught.

The Mets offense had 12 hits and drew a pair of walks, while going 3 for 10 with RISP, and leaving 10 on base. Ryan Mollica (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .269) took the only 0-fer, while Joe Bonfe (2), and Kurt Steinhauer (4) had multi hit games.

2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 5, RBI, 2 Ks, .264
3b James Schroeder 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .133
1b Joe Bonfe 2 for 5, .326
cf RJ Harris 1 for 5, run, K, .302
rf Cesar Puello 1 for 3, run, BB, .278
lf Kurt Steinhauer 4 for 5, run, RBI, .350
c John Freeman 1 for 2, BB, K, .223
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 4, RBI, .264
Zach Von Tersch 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 2/8 BB/K, 4.22 era, 2:6:8
Tyler Howe IP, 0.00 era, 2:1
Brian Needham 0.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 6 era, 2:
Tim Smith 1.1 IP, 2 H, 4.09 era, 2:2
Travis Babin 0.1 IP, H, 2 ER, HR, 3.80 era, L (1-1), 1:

8/15 Minor League Report! Antonini, HAVENS, GUZMAN, MALDONADO, COHOON, RODRIGUEZ! EDIT: IKE DAVIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight's song: Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

Thoughts go out to David Wright and Hiroki Kuroda, who took a line drive off his temple today.

INT AAA: Buffalo 7/13/2, Lehigh Valley 5/7/1

2b Argenis Reyes 3 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .291
cf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 4, 2 runs, .307
lf Nick Evans 1 for 4, run, HR (8), 4 RBI (24), .196
1b Mike Lamb 3 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .257
rf Chip Ambres 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, .253
c Rene Rivera 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .246
3b Andy Green 2 for 4, .269
ss Wilson Valdez 1 for 4, run, .245
Pat Misch 6 IP, 5 H, 3/2 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.64 era, W (1-1), 87:58:29, 8:6:2
Ken Takahashi 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2/1 BB/K, 2.77 era, 45:25:20, 2:4:1
Jim Warden 0.2 IP, K, 1.17 era, 8:5:3, 1:0:1

EL AA: Binghamton 3/9/1, Reading 4/5/0, Game 1

Michael Antonini had one of his finest outings of the season, scattering 3 hits and a run over 6 innings, but Connor Robertson coughed up the lead by allowing 3 in the 7th, without recording an out, though it was officially Jose De La Torre who blew the save by allowing all of Robertson's runs to score.

The Mets offense had 9 hits and 2 walks in the 7 inning contest, while going just 1 for 8 with RISP, and leaving 6 on base. Ruben Tejada (2), Ike Davis (2), and Shawn Bowman (2) had multi hit games, while Caleb Stewart (0 for 3, K, .197), DJ Wabick (0 for 3, .283), and Jose Coronado (0 for 2, BB, .264) took 0-fers.

Edit (The Man): Time to stop the games, Ike Davis is a monster and needs his props. He hit his 17th homerun of the year tonight (combined A+/AA) and has an OPS over .900 during his time in AA. He's currently performing better than the other 4 1B (Alonso, Smoak, Cooper, Wallace) taken ahead of him in last years draft. So much for being a bust and hating on college picks.

ss Ruben Tejada 2 for 3, run, .295, SB (16)
c Josh Thole 1 for 3, run, BB, .332
1b Ike Davis 2 for 4, run, HR (10), 2 RBI (34), K, .305
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 3, 2b (19), .292
cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 3, K, .250
Michael Antonini 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 6 Ks, HR, 5.08 era, 5:7:6
Connor Robertson H, 3 ER, BB, 3.18 era, L (2-1)
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, H, BB, 1.83 era, BS (2), 2:

EL AA: Binghamton 4/6/0, Reading 0/3/0, Game 2

Chris Mason got a spot start in the 2nd game of the Mets doubleheader, and did well, giving up just 3 hits over 5 innings for his first win in Binghamton. Derrick Ellison finished the game with 2 perfect innings. The Mets offense managed 6 hits and 4 walks in the nightcap, while going 2 for 8 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. Jose Coronado (2), had the only multi hit game, while Ruben Tejada (0 for 3, .292), Salvador Paniagua (0 for 3, K, .187) and Mark Kiger (0 for 2, BB, K, .223) took 0-fers.

2b Jose Coronado 2 for 4, run, RBI (32), K, .267
1b Ike Davis 1 for 4, 2b (12), RBI (35), K, .304
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, run, 2b (27), .283
rf Jon Malo 1 for 1, run, RBI, BB, .249
cf Emmanuel Garcia 2 BBs, .250
Chris Mason 5 IP, 3 H, 1/5 BB/K, 0.84 era, W (1-0), 6:4:5
Derrick Ellison 2 IP, K, 0.00 era, 0:5:1

FSL A+: St. Lucie 7/11/0, Jupiter 3/8/3

Angel Calero had a subpar outing tonight, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits in 5 innings, but that was enough to pick up his 2nd win of the season, as the Mets offense accumulated 11 hits and 3 walks, while going 4 for 15 (.267) with RISP, and leaving 8 on base. Reese Havens (3), Carlos Guzman (3) and Brahiam Maldonado (3) each had multi hit games, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 4, BB, .247), Stefan Welch (0 for 4, run, .294), Hector Pellot (0 for 4, .253) and Luis Rivera (0 for 4, .167) all took 0-fers.

ss Reese Havens 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI (39), BB, .232
dh Zach Lutz 1 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .296
rf Carlos Guzman 3 for 4, 2 runs, HR (14), 2 RBI (58), .276
c Francisco Pena 1 for 4, run, HR (8), RBI (40), .222
lf Brahiam Maldonado 3 for 4, run, 2b (16), 2 RBI (47), K, .259
Angel Calero 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1/6 BB/K, HR, 4.86 era, W (2-9), 3:4:6
Nick Waechter 4 IP, H, 8 Ks, 6.39 era, SV (1), 1:3:8

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 1/4/0, Oneonta 2/5/0 in 10 innings

Mark Cohoon had an excellent outing today, giving up a run on 4 hits with 9 Ks in 8 innings, but he would've taken a loss, if not for the Conies scoring a run in the 9th to tie it. Matias Carrillo then gave up a solo shot in the 10th to suffer the eventual loss, 2-1.

The Cyclones had just 4 hits, but drew 7 walks, while going 0-fer (0 for 9) with RISP, and leaving 11 on base. Jake Eigsti (2 for 5, 2b, .259), Scott Grimes (1 for 2, run, HR, RBI, K, .286), and Dock Doyle (1 for 4, 2b, .250) had the only Cyclone hits.

cf Justin Garber 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .239
1b Sam Honeck 0 for 4, BB, .271
rf Luis Rivera 0 for 4, K, .291
3b Tyler Vaughn 0 for 3, BB, .261
lf Nick Santomauro 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .250
dh Alex Gregory 0 for 2, 2 BBs, K, .281
ss Robbie Shields 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .144
Mark Cohoon 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/9 BB/K, 2.59 era, 10:5:9
Brandon Sage IP, K, 1.38 era, 1:1:1
Matias Carrillo IP, H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 2.42 era, L (1-2), 0:1:2

APPY R: Kingsport 11/14/0, Johnson City 0/3/1

For the first time all season, a participant in a Kingsport Mets game did not score, and it was the correct side of the ledger doing the blanking, with Armando Rodriguez and Travis Babin combining on a 3 hitter.

The Mets hammered out 14 hits and drew 4 walks, while going 8 for 17 (.471) with RISP, leaving 7 on base. Cesar Puello (0 for 4, .255) took the only 0-fer, there were 5 players with multi hit games, Pedro Zapata (3) had the lone 3 hit game.

2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 5, 2 runs, RBI (33), .280
cf RJ Harris 1 for 3, 3b (3), 2 BBs, 2 Ks, .302
dh Richard Lucas 1 for 4, 2b (12), RBI (21), BB, 2 Ks, .372
1b Jeff Flagg 2 for 4, 3 runs, 3b, BB, 2 Ks, .310
3b Joe Bonfe 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 4 RBI, .344
lf Pedro Zapata 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b (7), RBI (13), .333
c Mike Moras 2 for 5, run, 2b, 3 RBI, .259
ss Luis Nieves 1 for 5, run, 2b (1), RBI (2), .333
Armando Rodriguez 8 IP, 3 H, 2/4 BB/K, 2.58 era, W (3-0), 8:12:4
Travis Babin IP, 2.84 era, 2:1

GCL R: Mets 3/5/1, Nationals 4/7/3

cf Chase Greene 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .273
2b Jordany Valdespin 0 for 4, .200
3b Charlie Hinojosa 1 for 4, 2b (11), K, .365
lf Julio Concepcionm 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .303
rf Javier Rodriguez 0 for 3, BB, .218
c Nelfi Zapata 0 for 3, BB, K, .271
1b Giovanni Ortiz 0 for 3, run, BB, K, .234
dh Orlando Rodriguez 1 for 3, run, 2b, BB, K, .281
ss Miguel Tejada 1 for 4, 2 RBI, K, .094
Orlando Tovar 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 4.47 era, L (1-5), 7:5:3
Brian Valenzuela 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 Ks, 5.29 era, 3:2:3
William Rackel IP, 4.26 era, 0:3

5/7 Minor League Report! BOWMAN, ANTONINI!

Late breaking: Tobi Stoner's joined the BMets roster. Starter or relief, we don't know yet.

Buffalo 6, Lehigh Valley 4

Dillon Gee had another rough outing in Buffalo today, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in 4 innings, but the Bisons bullpen turned in 5 innings of 1 hit shutout relief, allowing the much maligned offense a chance to come back, which they did on this morning.

The offense had 11 hits and a walk, going 3 for 10 with RISP and leaving 5 men on base. Cory Sullivan, Robinson Cancel and Argenis Reyes had multi hit games, while Jose Coronado (0 for 2, K, .139) and Jesus Feliciano (0 for 3, .300) took 0-fers. Bison pinch hitters were 0 for 4 in the game.

cf Cory Sullivan 2 for 5, run, HR, RBI, K, .224
ss Ramon Martinez 1 for 3, run, K, .385 (PH for and replaced by Jose Coronado)
rf Fernando Martinez 1 for 3, 2 runs, BB, .289
c Robinson Cancel 3 for 4, run, 2b, .244
3b Mike Lamb 1 for 4, run, 2b, 3 RBI, .097
1b Jason Cooper 1 for 4, RBI, K, .192
2b Argenis Reyes 2 for 4, .294
Dillon Gee 4 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1/5 BB/K, 4.94 era, 89:56:33, 5:2:5
Eddie Kunz 2 IP, H, BB, K, 2.02 era, W (2-1), 38:22:16, 3:2:1
Jon Switzer 2 IP, 2 Ks, 2.38 era, 17:13:4, 1:3:2
Elmer Dessens IP, K, 1.29 era, 11:8:3, 1:1:1

Binghamton 9, Portland 7

Michael Antonini had his best AA outing to date, allowing just a run on 5 hits in 6.2 innings, and despite the bullpen's valiant effort to blow an 8-1 lead, he escaped with his 4th win of the season.

The Mets pounded out 12 hits and drew 3 walks, and were 5 for 12 with RISP, leaving just 5 men on base. Lucas Duda and Shawn Bowman had multi hit games, while Carl Loadenthal (0 for 2, .256) took the only 0-fer.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 4, run, RBI, 2 Ks, .267
2b Jon Malo 1 for 5, run, 3b, .316
c Josh Thole 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .346
dh Lucas Duda 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, 2 RBI, .320
3b Shawn Bowman 3 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, .275
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, .264
1b Mark Kiger 1 for 2, run, 2b, RBI, 2 BBs, .261
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 2, run, 2b, .264
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .275
Michael Antonini 6.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 2/6 BB/K, 4.88 era, W (4-1), 6:7:6
Edgar Alfonzo 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4/3 R/ER, BB, K, 4.32 era, 1:0:1
Nick Abel 2 H, 2 R, BB, 7.15 era
Julio De La Cruz 1.2 IP, 3 H, K, 2.57 era, 1:2:1

St. Lucie 0, Fort Myers 1

Nick Waechter, starting in place of Jenrry Mejia (who missed the start due to a blister problem), delievered a very good outing, as did the entire St. Lucie staff, 3 pitchers held the Miracle to 1 run and 5 hits, with the only run of the game scoring off Jose De La Torre (due to his own error). The Mets were one hit in the game, a Carlos Guzman triple.

2b Greg Veloz 0 for 3, BB, K, .211
cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .248
ss Reese Havens 0 for 3, BB, .276
1b Ike Davis 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .288
c Francisco Pena 0 for 3, .224
c Ralph Henriquez 0 for 1, K, .600
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 2, 3b, BB, .287
dh Matt Bouchard 0 for 3, K, .194
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 1, BB, .247
3b Hector Pellot 0 for 2, .232
Nick Waechter 5 IP, 3 H, 1/4 BB/K, 2.95 era, 8:2:4
Edgar Ramirez 3 IP, H, 2/1 BB/K, 0.00 era, 4:4:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, H, R, BB, K, 3.46 era, 1:0:1

Some reports out of St. Lucie for you:

Brant Rustich and Brad Holt are sitting 93-96 on their fastballs. Jenrry Mejia is 94-97, touching 98. Nick Carr is 96-98 and touching 100.

Credit to Joey DeMayo of NYBaseballDigest for those tidbits.

Savannah 5, Greenville 6 in 12 innings

For the second straight night, the Gnats battled back from a late inning deficit to tie, but this time, they fell in extras, losing 6-5 to Greenville in 11 innings. Elvin Ramirez started and was decent in his 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. Josh Stinson was bad in his 2 innings, but it was Manuel Olivares who picked up the loss, giving up a run in the top of the 12th.

The Gnats had 11 hits and drew 3 walks, but were just 3 for 15 with RISP and left 10 men on base, and also had 2 runners (actually, one twice) get thrown out trying to steal. Eric Campbell, Sean Ratliff, Josh Satin and Raul Reyes had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte, Juan Lagares (0 for 2, run, K, .264) and Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 3, RBI, BB, K, .216) took 0-fers.

cf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .257
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 6, 2 Ks, .237
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 6, 2 Ks, .268
1b Eric Campbell 2 for 6, run, 2b, K, .280
lf Sean Ratliff 2 for 6, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .345
dh Josh Satin 2 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .359
rf Raul Reyes 2 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .273
2b Jacob Eigsti 1 for 5, RBI, K, .214
Elvin Ramirez 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2/4 BB/K, 3.07 era, 6:5:4
Josh Stinson 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1/3 BB/K, 4.02 era, 0:3:3
Rhiner Cruz 2.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 2.63 era, 3:2:2
Jimmy Johnson 1.2 IP, H, BB, K, 1.06 era, 2:2:1

MPH System Audit III - Part V (SPs 1-11)

Starting Pitchers

1. Jon Niese 10/27/86 (22.25) L/L (AA Binghamton 6-7, 3.04 era, 22 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 124.1 IP, 118 H, 53/42 R/ER, 5 HR, 44/112 BB/K, 1.50 GO/FO, .253 BAA, 1.30 WHIP, AAA New Orleans 5-1, 3.40 era, 7 GS, 39.2 IP, 34 H, 15 ER, 4 HR, 14/32 BB/K, 1.66 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.21 WHIP, MLB New York 1-1, 7.07 era, 3 GS, 14 IP, 20 H, 11 ER, 2 HR, 8/11 BB/K, 1.38 GO/FO, .333 BAA, 2.00 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 12-9, 3.44 era, 32 GS, 178 IP, 172 H, 79/68 R/ER, 11 HR, 66/155 BB/K, 1,53 GO/FO, .255 BAA, 1.34 WHIP

Niese was drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 draft, after allowing a staggering 1 run in 78 innings, for a 0.11 ERA. He was deemed a tough sign, but after a recruiting call from Gary Carter, he signed for above slot money, $175,000. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-0, 3.65 in 7 games, 5 starts.

In 2006, Niese started in Hagerstown, skipping Kingsport and Brooklyn. He showed no ill effects of the jump, posting a very good line of: 11-9, 3.93 era, 25 GS, 123.2 IP, 121 H, 62 BBs, 132 Ks, 1.48 WHIP, and before late season arm fatigue, was dominating the South Atlantic League. A late promotion to St. Lucie produced mixed results. His first start was decent, as he allowed 3 runs, 1 earned, in 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 5 and allowing 3 hits. His next start, however, was not good, as he surrendered 5 runs, 4 earned, over 5 innings, while walking 2, striking out 5 and allowing 5 hits. Combined, his two starts in St. Lucie yielded the following line: 0-2, 4.50 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 8 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.30 WHIP. Combined for the 2006 season, Niese had an overall line of: 11-11, 3.97 era, 27 GS, 133.2 IP, 129 H, 67/142 BB/K, 1.47 WHIP, 4.51 BB/9, 9.56 K/9.

Niese spent all of the 2007 season in St. Lucie, where he worked on his control, sacrificing all else, work which paid off in a big way in 2008. For the 07 season, Niese posted a line of: 12-7, 4.02 era, 29 GS, 143.1 IP, 155 H, 34/122 BB/K, 1.32 WHIP. He lowered his walk rate from the previous year by over half, from 4.51 per 9 to 2.13 per 9, however he allowed almost a hit more per 9 innings then the previous season. The tradeoff was acceptable to fans of Mr. Niese, as a lowered walk rate would help him in the future.

For the 2008 season, Niese was promoted to Binghamton, where he spent the majority of it dominating the EL. While his overall line in AA is excellent, there was a particularly brutal 4 game stretch where he compiled a diasterous 0-3, 9.17 line. If you removed those 4 starts from his AA season, his line would look like this: 18 GS, 106.2 IP, 96 H, 24 ER, 38/102 BB/K, 6-3, 2.02 era. Obviously this isn't really telling of much, as all pitchers have rough stretches, but it shows one thing, that outside of 4 starts, Niese dominated the EL. Further, if you removed those 4 starts from his entire minor league season, his numbers look like this: 25 GS, 146.1 IP, 130 H, 39 ER, 52/134 BB/K, 11-5, 2.40 era. Keep in mind that he had one tune up start of 2.2 innings before making his major league debut. This start skews his IP/GS down considerably. Taking that start out of the above line yields 24 GS totalling 143.2 innings, an average of just under 6 innings per start.

Niese throws a fastball, curveball and changeup, though he did experiment with a cutter during the season, throwing it in on righties. His 4 seam fastball is in the low 90s, generally sitting 91-93, though he loses velocity on it later in games. He displays good command over this pitch, but it is a mostly straight fastball, hence the cutter he began throwing. Niese's bread and butter is a slow mid 60s-low 70s 12-6 curveball which he uses to get his Ks. He also has a harder, sharper curveball which he throws in the upper 70s. He finishes off his arsenal with a 76-79 changeup which is still in development.

Niese gets his fair share of Ks, but he doesn't try and blow the ball past hitters (as he did during his first 2 seasons in the system). He has learned to use his curveball effectively and spot his fastball, pitching more to contact and lessening his pitch counts. At this point, Niese is pretty much a finished product, he may further refine his changeup/cutter combination, but it is safe to say he will settle in as an above average #4 starter in the NL, or an average #3. Niese, who made his MLB debut in 2008 during the pennant race, should open 2009 in Buffalo, and be on call should a long string of starts be needed from someone. The Mets likely would not want him to just spot start and then return to AAA.

2. Brad Holt 10/13/86 (22.33) R/R (UNC Wilmington 11-1, 3.18 era, 15 GS, 2 CG, 93.1 IP, 78 H, 40/33 R/ER, 8 HR, 36/95 BB/K, .225 BAA, A- Brooklyn 5-3, 1.87 era, 14 GS, 72.1 IP, 43 H, 18/15 R/ER, 3 HR, 33/96 BB/K, 0.98 GO/FO, .171 BAA, 1.05 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 16-4, 2.61 era, 29 GS, 165.2 IP, 121 H, 69/191 BB/K, 1.15 WHIP

The Mets drafted Holt with the 3rd pick in the first round, 33rd overall, out of UNC Wilmington, and after signing for $1,040,000, he was assigned to short season Brooklyn, where he excelled, posting a 1.87 era in 72.1 innings with 96 Ks. Holt as as high of a ceiling as any SP prospect in the system, thanks to his plus fastball which reaches into the upper 90s at times, a velocity he can maintain deep into games.

Holt has one of the most explosive fastballs in the system, sitting in the mid 90s with the ability to dial it into the 96-98 range when he needs to. His command over the pitch is excellent, and his ability to maintain velocity deep into games is very promising (everyone by now should know the story of his 147th pitch of a college game being a 96 MPH fastball). What has most people very excited about Holt is the rapid pace by which his secondary pitches developed. Indeed, his curveball is now very close to being a plus pitch, sitting in the 78-82 range with very good late break. He tops off his arsenal with a fringe-average changeup which he uses very rarely.

Holt has true front of the rotation potential with a deadly fastball/curveball combination. His changeup, while fringy, showed enough improvement throughout the season that starting him off in St. Lucie shouldn't be too big of an issue. Holt was drafted out of college and so there is every chance he could see Binghamton halfway through the season. A split season in 2010 as well would put him on track for an opening day 2011 debut, or the Mets could be conservative and push that date back a year by advancing Holt a level per season.

3. Scott Moviel 5/7/88 (20.75) R/R (A Savannah 9-8, 4.43 era, 24 GS, 120 IP, 128 H, 75/59 R/ER, 9 HR, 36/82 BB/K, 1.71 GO/FO, .271 BAA, 1.37 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 1-0, 0.00 era, GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 1/2 BB/K, 0.86 GO/FO, .133 BAA, 0.60 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 10-8, 4.25 era, 25 GS, 125 IP, 130 H, 75/59 R/ER, 9 HR, 37/84 BB/K, 1.65 GO/FO, .266 BAA, 1.34 WHIP

The Mets selected Moviel in the 2nd round, with their 77th pick in the 2007 draft, out of St. Edward High School in Ohio. Moviel was 6-2 in his senior season with a 1.62 era for the Eagles with 102 strikeouts in 50.1 IP. After drafting him, the Mets sent him to the GCL, where he performed well, with a 3.38 era in 40 innings. As with most tall pitchers (Moviel's 6'10), his delivery can sometimes get out of whack, so the Mets may take a slower approach with Moviel, keeping him in extended spring training to work out any kinks. However, as with Vineyard, it wouldn't be a shock to see Moviel end up in the Sally League sometime this season.

Moviel instead started off the year in Savannah, where he had an absolute miserable start to his season, posting a 1-4 record with a 9.86 era in 5 starts, spanning just 17.2 innings. Removing April from his season, he ended up with this line: 9-4, 3.35 era, 20 GS, 107.1 IP, 100 H, 29/71 BB/K, 1.20 WHIP, 8.39 H/9, 2.43 BB/9, 5.95 K/9, 5.367 IP/GS

Moviel throws 4 pitches, a 4 seam fastball which sits in the low to mid 90s, a sinker which is a few ticks lower in velocity, a curveball and a changeup. His change sits in the mid 70s with good down break, although sometimes he experiments with turning it over, moving it laterally across the zone. His curve was his best pitch during his rookie season, but in 2008, he developed bad habits with it, often bouncing it.

With Moviel's build (6'11/235), and stuff, given time he could develop into a serious innings eater, capable of throwing 210 innings easily in a season. Moviel is a quick worker who doesn't look for alot of Ks, prefering to pitch to contact and allow his defense to work for him (which would explain his awful April, since the Gnats at the time were a very young, raw defensive team). Moviel's fastball, which gained 3 MPH during the season, could eventually top out in the mid 90s, but even if it doesn't, his poise and smarts will serve him well on his climb to the majors.

Moviel will be out until May recovering from knee surgery (to repair his meniscus), and may spend a few weeks rehabbing in the GCL after that, but then he should spend the remainder of the season in St. Lucie, and then one level per year puts him on track for a 2012 debut.

4. Bobby Parnell 9/8/84 (24.42) R/R (AA Binghamton 10-6, 4.30 era, 24 GS, 127.2 IP, 126 H, 66/61 R/ER, 14 HR, 57/91 BB/K, 1.52 GO/FO, .258 BAA, 1.43 WHIP, AAA New Orleans 2-2, 6.64 era, 5 G, 4 GS, 20.1 IP, 25 H, 16/15 R/ER, 9/23 BB/K, 1.06 GO/FO, 1.67 WHIP, .298 BAA, MLB New York 0-0, 5.40 era, 6 G, 5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2/3 BB/K, 1.40 GO/FO, .176 BAA, 1.00 WHIP, AFL Peoria Saguaros 3-1, 2.25 era, 7 GS, 20 IP, 15 H, 5 ER, 9/20 BB/K, 1.20 WHIP, .211 BAA)

Total 2008 Stats: 15-9, 4.37 era, 42 G, 35 GS, 173 IP, 90/84 R/ER, 169 H, 77/137 BB/K, 1.42 WHIP, .255 BAA, 1.40 GO/FO

The Mets selected Parnell in the 9th round of the 2005 draft out of Charleston Southern College, where he had simply an abysmal junior year (3-5, 8.86). However, Met scouts saw something in Parnell, and the Mets drafted and signed him, sending him to Brooklyn. Parnell excelled in Brooklyn, going 2-3, but with a 1.73 era in 15 games, 14 starts. In 2006, the Mets sent Parnell up to Hagerstown, their Sally League affiliate, where he performed decently, 5-10 with a 4.04 era in 18 GS. A 3 game trip to the FSL proved disasterous, leading to an 0-1, 9.26 line in 11.2 innings.

Parnell began 2007 in St. Lucie, where he performed very well, 3-3, 3.25 in 12 GS. The Mets then promoted Parnell to Binghamton, where he struggled, but showed flashes of brillance (0-2, 3.13 era in 4 GS, 18 IP in June and 4-1, 3.24 era in 6 GS, 33.1 IP in August). Indeed, if you removed Parnell's last 4 starts, he would've ended his stint in Binghamton with a 7-7, 3.86 line. Parnell should open the 2008 season right where he ended 2007, in Binghamton, with a mid-season promotion to New Orleans not out of the question.

Parnell did indeed open 2008 back in Binghamton, where he got off to a horrific start with a 0-2, 7.15 era, 5 GS, 22.2 IP, 23 H, 14/13 BB/K, 1.63 WHIP line in April. However, he then posted back to back extremely solid months, with a combined 8-2, 3.04 era, 12 GS, 71 IP, 63 H, 30/56 BB/K, 1.31 WHIP line in May and June. Parnell was promoted to AAA on August 9th, where he struggled mightily, before being promoted to the majors to try and save what was a horrific bullpen situation in New York.

Parnell is one of the harder throwers in the system, his 4 seamer sits in the 92-94 range as a starter (and 95-96 as a reliever), and either way, he can touch the upper 90s on occasion. His 2 seamer is a few ticks slower, with nasty down break in on righties. His top offspeed pitch is a mid-upper 80s slider with nasty down break. He also has a changeup which he has not yet mastered, which has pretty much nixed any chances of him starting with the Mets. During Spring Training, he was learning a splitter from JJ Putz, this is definitely a nascent pitch at this point in time.

Parnell will work as a reliever in spring training, and if he does not make the club, as a starter in Buffalo. However, at this point in time, even if he does get his changeup/splitter down, the Mets would be best served by having him in the bullpen as a dependable 7th inning man, whether this season or next. Parnell should crack into a regular role in the bullpen in 2010.

5. Dillon Gee 4/28/86 (22.75) R/R (A+ St. Lucie 8-6, 3.25 era, 21 GS, 127.1 IP, 117 H, 49/46 R/ER, 6 HR, 19/94 BB/K, 0.86 GO/FO, .245 BAA, 1.07 WHIP, AA Binghamton 2-0, 1.33 era, 4 GS, 27 IP, 18 H, 4 ER, HR, 5/20 BB/K, 0.97 GO/FO, .194 BAA, .85 WHIP, PRWL Ponce 4-0, 2.22 era, 10 GS, 48.2 IP, 43 H, 14/12 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/43 BB/K, 1.15 WHIP, .247 BAA)

Total 2008 Stats: 14-6, 2.75 era, 35 GS, 203 IP, 178 H, 67/62 R/ER, 37/157 BB/K, 1.00 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.06 WHIP, 1.64 BB/9

The Mets drafted Gee with their 21st round pick, 663rd overall, out of the University of Arlington Texas, where he was 4-8, 4.67 in 111.2 innings. After signing, the Mets assigned him to Brooklyn, where he went 3-1, 2.47 in 62 innings. Gee should be a part of the St. Lucie Mets in 2008.

Gee's drafting was pretty unheralded around the prospect community, and rightfully so, a shortish righty with fringe stuff taken in the 21st round doesn't warrant much attention. Gee performed well in Brooklyn, not as well as fellow shortish righty Dylan Owen, but well enough. Coming into 2008, not much was expected from Gee, we ranked him 11th of 15 SP prospects, and that was after deleting Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey, all of whom ranked ahead of Gee. Well, Gee took 2008 by storm and performed exceptionally well, posting a 3.25 era in St. Lucie over 21 starts, then going to Binghamton and flat out dominating over 4 starts, going 7 innings three times and posting a 1.33 era. Then it was off to Puerto Rico for more domination, this time in 10 starts, over 48 innings and a 2.22 era. To say Gee had a great season would be understating it, he posted 14 wins and a 2.75 era over 203 innings, and as of this writing is still pitching in the Puerto Rico playoffs. Look for Gee to either open in Buffalo, or be there very shortly in 2009.

No one in the system (save Daniel Murphy and maybe Michael Antonini) has enjoyed a more meteroic rise through the farm system then Dillon Gee. He began the season outside our top 15, and ended it on the cusp of breaking into the top 10. He accomplished this by performing well at St. Lucie, and then tearing apart the AA level, first in Binghamton, and then Ponce in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Gee features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, with his 4 seamer reaching into the mid 90s, sitting comfortably in the low 90s. His 2 seamer has good down action, sitting between 89-91. He relies most heavily on his changeup when it comes to offspeed offerings. He added a curveball to his repertoire this season, turning it into the more effective of his 2 breaking pitches. He throws the pitch 76-80. Finally, he also has a slider he relies on a good amount, it's harder then his curve, with 12-6 break on it.

Gee has impeccable control, as evidenced by his collective walk total of 37 in 203 innings, a miniscule walk rate of 1.64 per 9 innings. Due to the low walk totals, Gee pitches deep into games, averaging a shade under 7 innings per start in Binghamton, and 6 ip/gs in St. Lucie. There is a very slight possibility he opens in Buffalo, but we'll be conservative and say he opens the season in Binghamton with a quick promotion (on or before May 15th). Depending on need, Gee could end up in New York during September, but a better guess would be a 2010 debut.

6. Robert Carson 1/23/89 (20) L/L (R GCL 1-0, 1.57 era, 5 GS, 23 IP, 11 H, 5/4 R/ER, 6/25 BB/K, 5.29 GO/FO, .138 BAA, .74 WHIP, R Kingsport 2-3, 1.76 era, 6 GS, 30.2 IP, 29 H, 12/6 R/ER, HR, 18/21 BB/K, 2.94 GO/FO, .274 BAA, 1.53 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 3-3, 1.68 era, 11 GS, 53.2 IP, 40 H, 17/10 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 3.65 GO/FO, .215 BAA, 1.19 WHIP

Carson was drafted in the 14th round, 453rd overall, out of Hattiesburg HS, and after signing, was sent to the GCL where he pitched sporadically, getting into 4 games totalling 9 innings. Here is a predraft 2007 scouting report on Carson:

Carson features 4 pitches, a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball. His fastball sits 90-92, and has topped out at 94. His changeup sits around 75-80, while his curveball is low to mid 70s. He feels his curveball needs more bite to it, and he is also working on developing a fifth pitch, a slider.

And here is an inseason 2008 scouting report:

The notable differences have been the improvements in his slider and changeup. Though he entered the organization with a capable off-speed pitch, the effectiveness of both pitches this year has led to his success. Specificially, he fell back on his changeup when he struggled to locate his low to mid 90's fastball. Slider now sweeps away from left handed batters and in under the hands of right-handers. Changeup uses to get his release point back so he can control his fastball better.

Robert Carson is a big lefty who features 3 pitches, a fastball, slider, and changeup. According to some scouting reports, he also has a curveball and cutter. Carson added 2-3 MPH on his fastball this past season, it now sits in the low to mid 90s, and he can dial it up into the 96-98 range rarely. With further refinement, this pitch very well could become a true plus pitch. He also features a mid 80s slider which he uses to generate groundballs (3.77 GO/FO this season, 6.00 in GCL, 2.94 in Kingsport). His changeup is his third best pitch, sitting in the 77-80 MPH range.

Carson is an advanced pitcher for his age, while he can generate a high number of Ks (46 in 53.2 innings), he prefers to dispose of hitters quickly via groundball. While he did walk an alarming amount in Kingsport (18 in 30.2 innings), he has not shown a history of wildness (11 walks in 32 GCL innings over 2 seasons), so no one should be very alarmed. With the tools and makeup Carson possesses, there isn't much question he can, at the very least, be a dependable back end of the rotation starter, but if he were to take the next step, Carson could settle in as a 2 starter.

Carson should open 2009 in Savannah, and could see a late season promotion to St. Lucie. A level per year gets him to the majors on opening day 2013.

7. Jenry Mejia 10/11/89 (19.29) R/R (R GCL 2-0, 0.60 era, 3 GS, 15 IP, 9 H, ER, 3/15 BB/K, 4.60 GO/FO, .164 BAA, .80 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 3-2, 3.49 era, 11 GS, 56.2 IP, 42 H, 22 ER, 4 HR, 23/52 BB/K, 2.47 GO/FO, .209 BAA, 1.15 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 5-2, 2.89 era, 14 GS, CGSO, 71.2 IP, 51 H, 4 HR, 26/67 BB/K, 2.76 GO/FO, .199 BAA, 1.07 WHIP

Mejia was signed by the Mets during the summer of 2006 for just $16,500, and he made his debut in the DSL in 2007, going 2-3 with a 2.47 era in 14 G, 7 GS, over 43.2 innings.

Mejia has one of the most dominant fastballs in the system, it sits in the 93-96 range, and he can dial it up to 97 and 98 on occasion. It has a good down break on it, making it one of the toughest pitches in the system to hit. Mejia compliments his deadly fastball with an equally deadly changeup which sits in the 76-79 range, some people (including me) have mistaken this pitch for a slider due to it's down break and action. He finishes off his arsenal with a developing curveball in the low 70s.

Mejia is definitely a strikeout pitcher (67 Ks in 71.2 innings in 2008), who aggresively uses his stuff to go right after hitters. He also generates a high number of ground balls (2.76 GO/FO ratio in 2008, 1.93 in 2007). Right now, Mejia profiles best as a 2/3 starter, but with continued improvement, he could become a frontline pitching prospect. At absolute worst, he has the stuff to be a big league closer, but the Mets will give him every chance at remaining in the rotation. Mejia should open 2009 in St. Lucie (even if I think he should begin in Savannah, age is certainly on his side), and ascending a level per year, plus adding a half season to be conservative puts his MLB debut in mid 2012.

8. Kyle Allen 2/12/90 (19) R/R (R GCL 1-1, 2.12 era, 11 G, 5 GS, 34 IP, 24 H, 13/8 R/ER, HR, 10/45 BB/K, 1.00 WHIP)

Allen was drafted by the Mets in the 24th round, 734th overall, out of the Pendelton HS. He made his debut in the GCL, flashing an average fastball and above average changeup.

Allen was a steal for the Mets in the 24th round, his talent far surpasses his draft position. Allen throws 3 pitches, a fastball, changeup, and slider. Right now, his fastball is in the low 90s, but it should gain a few ticks as he fills out. His best secondary pitch is definitely his changeup, which sometimes is so good, it surpasses his fastball as his best overall pitch. He throws this pitch in the upper 70s with very good sharp down break. His third pitch is a slider which has a shallow down break, not really a good pitch for the upper levels of the farm system.

Allen is very advanced for someone of his age, he has a very smooth repeatable delievery which he uses to great success. He does not boast the raw stuff of a Brad Holt or Jenrry Mejia, but he does right after hitters with what he does have, rather then nibbling on the corners. As of right now, he projects to be a solid 3rd/4th starter, but further gains in velocity/improvement of his slider would push that projection higher. Allen should start 2009 in Savannah, and then ascend a level per season to make his debut in 2013.

9. Michael Antonini 8/6/85 (23.5) R/L (A Savannah 4-4, 2.71 era, 13 GS, 73 IP, 63 H, 29/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 16/61 BB/K, 1.05 GO/FO, .227 BAA, 1.08 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 4-0, 1.84 era, 7 GS, CG, 44 IP, 34 H, 10/9 R/ER, 3 HR, 7/33 BB/K, 1.18 GO/FO, .211 BAA, .93 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-3, 3.74 era, 8 GS, 45.2 IP, 43 H, 19 ER, 10 HR, 16/32 BB/K, 0.72 GO/FO, .247 BAA, 1.29 WHIP, PRWL Ponce 2-0, 3.45 era, 9/8 G/GS, 47 IP, 42 H, 18 ER, 4 HR, 13/29 BB/K, 1.17 WHIP, .243 BAA, 0.73 GO/FO)

Total 2008 Stats: Total 2008 Stats: 11-7, 2.92 era, 37/36 G/GS, 209.2 IP, 182 H, 76/68 R/ER, 52/155 BB/K, .934 GO/FO, .232 BAA, 1.12 WHIP

If Dillon Gee was unheralded after being drafted, Antonini wasn't even on the radar. An 18th round pick out of Georgia College & State University, he posted a composite 1.96 era between Kingsport (3.71 in 17 innings) and Brooklyn (0.46 in 19.2 innings), again, nothing remarkeble at all. And then, much like Gee, 2008 came around and people began to take notice. First Antonini posted a 2.71 era in 73 innings for Savannah, again, it was largely ignored. However, after rocketting up through St. Lucie (1.84 in 44 innings over 7 starts), people began noticing Antonini. After also pitching well in Binghamton (3.74 in 45.2 innings), Antonini also concluded his season in Puerto Rico, where he again pitched very well, with a 3.45 era in 47 innings. Here is a predraft 2007 scouting report on a lefty:

Antonini features 5 pitches. A two and four seam fastball, slider, change and curve. He feels his slider is his most dominating breaking pitch. He likes to throw his changeup, but it needs work. His fastball sits between 88 and 92, while his slider is 78-81, and his change is 78-80.

This is a scouting report from Antonini's college coach, Chris Calciano, immediately after the 2007 draft.

Antonini is a winner first and foremost!! Tough kid, very ballsy. Velocity is 87-91, fastball has some life. Cutter is a solid secondary pitch for strikeouts and is 79-81. Has an average curveball which he typically just uses as a first pitch get me over. Has a feel for the change with decent run and sink. Solid strike thrower. Slightly above average pickoff move. Average athleticism and fields his position very well.

Since entering the system, Antonini's tightened up his fastball, it now sits in the low 90s, and his changeup has become his best secondary offering. He throws it in the mid 70s and gets good down break on it, the changeup increased in effectiveness once Antonini added 2-3 MPH on his fastball. He also features a slider/cutter as a third pitch, which needs some work.

Antonini is a flyball pitcher, with a 0.934 GO/FO ratio in 2008, along with a solid 155 Ks in 209.2 innings, a K rate of 6.65 per 9. He is a quick worker, but sometimes loses his arm slot when throwing his slider. He improved his slide step and ability to pitch from the stretch last season, but he still needs to work on controlling the running game.

Antonini projects best as a 4-5 starter or a long man/LOOGY out of the pen, and with his impressive rocket ascent through the system in 2008, the Mets will keep him in the rotation for now. He should be on track to open back in Binghamton for 2009, with a very good possibility of seeing significant time in Buffalo. There exists a possibility of Antonini auditioning in September as a LOOGY, but we'll say he makes his MLB debut in mid 2010.

10. Jeurys Familia 10/10/89 (19.29) R/R (R GCL 2-2, 2.79 era, 11 GS, 51.2 IP, 46 H, 20/16 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/38 BB/K, 1.14 WHIP)

The Mets signed Familia as an international free agent in July 2007 out of the Dominican Republic. He debuted in the GCL in 2008.

Familia throws 4 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, slider, and changeup. His 2 seamer sits in the 88-92 range, the same as his 4 seamer, however, he can dial his 4 seamer into the mid 90s when he needs to. His 2 seamer has good horizontal action through the zone, while his 4 seamer acts like a cutter. His best secondary pitch is a low 80s slider he uses to generate strikeouts. He tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which sits in the mid 70s.

Even at a young age, Familia doesn't try and just blow hitters away, he uses his entire arsenal of pitches to put away hitters, though he relies on his 2 seamer and slider as out pitches. Familia is still young enough where these exists a ton of projection with regards to his stuff, which almost certainly will gain refinement, if not velocity. It wouldn't be shocking to see him make the leap from the GCL to Savannah in 2009, and then spend an additional 3.5 seasons in the minors before making his debut sometime in mid 2013.

11. Phillips Orta 5/9/86 (22.75) R/R (R Kingsport 4-4, 2.05 era, 14 G, 3 GS, 44 IP, 35 H, 14/10 R/ER, 2 HR, 21/31 BB/K, 1.85 GO/FO, .222 BAA, 1.27 WHIP, A Savannah 0-1, 2.70 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 5/5 BB/K, 0.71 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.40 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 4-5, 2.17 era, 16 G, 5 GS, 54 IP, 44 H, 17/13 R/ER, 2 HR, 26/36 BB/K, 1.52 GO/FO, .223 BAA, 1.30 WHIP

The Mets selected Orta in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of Western Nebraska Community College. After signing in 2007 as a draft and follow, the Mets sent him to the Venezuelan Summer League, where he appeared in 4 games, pitching 14 innings to a 1.29 era. The Mets brought him stateside and sent him to Kingsport next, where he spent the bulk of the season, starting 11 games (53 IP), pitching to a 2-2, 4.58 line. He spent one relief outing in Savannah, getting bombed due to command issues.

Orta was held back in extended ST this year, starting his year in Kingsport where he excelled, posting a 2.05 era over 44 innings. He should begin the 2009 season in Savannah's rotation, with the possibility of a quick promotion.

Orta has a very good fastball in the mid 90s which he uses to his advantage. He is adept at changing grips on it, adding a little velocity up the zone, throwing a cutter and/or sinker. His command of the pitch needs improvement, but sheer velocity was enough to get him through rookie ball. His best offspeed offering is a curveball in the 78-82 range with tight late break. He rounds out his arsenal with a developing changeup in the low 80s, but he doesn't have good command over this pitch yet.

Orta induces a high number of ground ball outs with his power fastball/curveball combination (1.85 GO/FO in Kingsport). Despite boasting a very good fastball, Orta sometimes pitches backwards, using his curveball to setup his fastball, instead of the reverse. Orta should open 2009 in Savannah, but time is against him as he will be 23 in early May. With the abundance of high upside pitching prospects ahead of and behind him (all of whom are at least 2 years younger), Orta needs to engineer a Michael Antonini esque rocket ship ride through the system, lest he find himself in a bullpen role. A move to the bullpen would mean that Orta would be ready for the majors in late 2010 or early 2011, if he were to stay in the rotation (which would mean he ends the season in Binghamton), he would be ready in mid 2011.

OMG ANOTHER BASEBALL TOPIC!

Regular Season + Playoff Stats (Pre-CWS)
I lied, it's up today.

Roy Merritt (HWL + PRWL):

overall: 1-2, 2.39 era, 32 G, 37.2 IP, 28 H, 10 ER, 17/42 BB/K, 1.19 WHIP, 6.69 H/9, 4.06 BB/9, 10.04 K/9

playoffs: 3.86 era, 4 G, 2.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2/2 BB/K, 1.72 WHIP

Nelson Figueroa (DWL, VWL (playoffs):

overall: 4-3, 4.10 era, 11/9 G/GS, 59.1 IP, 62 H, 27 ER, 11/49 BB/K, 1.23 WHIP, 9.41 H/9, 1.67 BB/9, 7.43 K/9

playoffs: 1-1, 5.20 era, 6/4 G/GS, 27.2 IP, 29 H, 16 ER, 5/25 BB/K

Tobi Stoner (AFL, PRWL):

overall: 4-1, 2.13 era, 17/5 G/GS, 50.2 IP, 42 H, 12 ER, 14/35 BB/K, 1.11 WHIP, 7.46 H/9, 2.49 BB/9, 6.22 K/9

playoffs: 7 ip, 5 h, 1/4 bb/k

German Marte (DWL):

overall: 0-1, 1.23 era, 12 G, 14.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 5/10 BB/K, 0.89 WHIP, 4.91 H/9, 3.07 BB/9, 6.14 K/9

playoffs: 0.00 era, 5 G, 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1/4 BB/K

Pedro Feliciano (PRWL)

overall: 1-0, 0.77 era, 14 G, 11.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 4/12 BB/K, 0.86 WHIP, 4.63 H/9, 3.09 BB/9, 9.26 K/9

playoffs: 1-0, 0.00 era, 7 G, 6 IP, 2 H, 2/7 BB/K, 0.63 WHIP

KRod (VWL)

overall: 0-0, 1.04 era, 8 G, 8.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 3/10 BB/K, 1.04 WHIP, 6.24 H/9, 3.12 BB/9, 10.39 K/9

playoffs: 0.00 era, 5 H, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2/6 BB/K, 0.88 WHIP

Dillon Gee (PRWL):

overall: 4-0, 2.33 era, 11 GS, 54 IP, 48 H, 14 ER, 15/45 BB/K, 1.17 WHIP, 8.00 H/9, 2.50 BB/9, 7.50 K/9

playoffs: 5.1 ip, 5 h, 2 er, 2/2 bb/k

Michael Antonini (PRWL):

overall: 1-0, 3.83 era, 10/9 G/GS, 49.1 IP, 49 H, 21 ER, 14/30 BB/K, 1.28 WHIP, 8.94 H/9, 2.55 BB/9, 5.47 K/9

playoffs: 2.1 ip, 7 h, 3 er, bb, k

12/10 Winter League Report + 12/11 Link! Antonini!

Michael Antonini 6+ IP, 7 H, ER, 3/3 BB/K, 3.15 era, 5:10:3
Emary Frederick 0.0 IP, H, 6.75 era
Eric Brown 0.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 4.09 era, 2:0:0
Roy Merritt 1.2 IP, 3 Ks, 0.00 era, 2:0:3

lf Pornstache 0 for 4, .213
Carlos Muniz 0.2 IP, H, K, 4.50 era, 0:1:1

dh Raul Casanova 3 for 4, run, 2 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .371
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 5, K, .360
Tim McNab 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2/1 R/ER, 4.15 era, 0:0:0
Eddie Camacho 1.2 IP, 1/2 BB/K, HBP, 1:2:2
Juan Padilla 0.1 IP, H, ER, HR, 8.64 era, BS (2), W (1-2)

Late additions:

lf Mike Carp 1 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, K, .260 :(
cf Endy Chavez 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, K, .225 :(
1b Edgardo Alfonzo 0 for 3, RBI, .322


Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard

12/5 Winter League Report! ANTONINI, FERNANDO!

I'd like to apologize for the lack of links yesterday, I was under the impression there were no games, however, I've learned you can't check the mini scoreboard I post the link to, before probably 930am (it was blank when I looked at 8). So my bad.

The links for tonight's very weird slate of games will be up around 5pm.

New format for the WLR:

(1) Prospects, (2) Veterans we care about, (3) Veterans/Younger Guys we don't care about

lf Fernando Martinez 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, 3b, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .333
ph Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 1, K, .273
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/4 BB/K, 3.49 era, W (1-0), 7:10:4
Edgar Alfonzo 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3.60 era

3b Pornstache 1 for 4, run, K, .290
c Robinson "Ninja Turtle" Cancel 1 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .270
rf Fernando Tatis 1 for 4, run, .333
cf Endy Chavez 1 for 4, 2 runs, BB, .241
3b Edgardo Alfonzo 1 for 4, .328
Carlos Muniz IP, H, BB, 5.02 era, 3:0:0

1b Raul Casanova 0 for 1, BB, .316
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, 2b, .351
c Rene Rivera 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .232
Emary Frederick IP, K, 6.75 era, W (1-0), 2:0:1
Tim McNab IP, H, 0.00 era, 2:1:0
Ivan Maldonado IP, 1.59 era, 2:1:0

11/29 Winter League Report! CARP, Fernando, Antonini! + 11/30 Links

lf Mike Carp 3 for 3, run, 2 RBI, 2 BBs, .360
dh Fernando Martinez 2 for 5, run, 3b, HR, 3 RBI, K, .337
cf Endy Chavez 2 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .273
rf Fernando Tatis 2 for 4, 2 runs, 3b, RBI, K, .328
Edgar Alfonzo 0.1 IP, 2.40 era, 0:1:0
Junior Guerra 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3/2 R/ER, 2 Ks, 15.00 era, 2:1:2
Michael Antonini 6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 Ks, HR, 4.22 era, 7:5:5

cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, run, 2b, BB, .371
c Rene Rivera 2 for 5, run, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .240
3b Edgardo Alfonzo 0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .340
Eddie Camacho IP, K, 4.82 era, 1:1:1
Tim McNab 1.1 IP, H, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, 1:1:2
Eude Brito 0.1 IP, 3.09 era, 0:1:0

11/30 Links

Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard

PRWL (all games @ 4pm unless noted)
Arecibo Boxscore
Gameday

Santurce Boxscore @ 6pm
Gameday

Ponce Boxscore
Gameday

DWL: Licey @ Escogido Boxscore - 5pm
Gameday

VWL: Caracas Boxscore NOW
Gameday

11/22 Winter League Report + 11/23 Links! Antonini!

Added some new stuff (incl Mike Carp) 4:05pm

IWLs

Michael Antonini 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1/4 BB/K, 4.80 era, 4:9:4
lf Mike Carp 0 for 3, BB, K, .182

rf Fernando Tatis 1 for 4, 2b, BB, 2 Ks, .305 (first time playing the field in winter)
1b Michel Abreu 1 for 2, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .258
1b Edgardo Alfonzo 1 for 5, run, 2 RBI, K, .361
c Robinson Cancel 2 for 4, run, RBI, .273
Joselo Diaz 0.1 IP, H, 2/1 BB/K, 4.98 era, 0:0:1
Willie Collazo 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, 13.50 era, 1:2:1
Ivan Maldonado 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0.00 era, BS (1), 1:3:0
Matias Carrillo 0.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 4.22 era, 1:0:0, 1 IHR allowed to score
Edgar Alfonzo 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2.77 era

11/23 Links

Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard

PRWL (all games @ 4pm unless noted)
Caguas Boxscore
Gameday

Carolina Boxscore @ 6pm
Gameday

Mayaguez Boxscore
Gameday

8/15 Minor League Report! Carp, ANTONINI, WILMER, Welch!

New Orleans 0, Iowa 1

ss Anderson Hernandez 1 for 4, .204
2b Andy Green 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .294
cf Chris Aguila 0 for 3, K, .284
rf Val Pascucci 1 for 3, 2b, .282
1b Gustavo Molina 0 for 3, K, .218
lf Ramon Martinez 1 for 3, K, .263
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 3, 2b, K, .230
3b Abraham Nunez 0 for 3, K, .212
Ruddy Lugo 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 2/3 BB/K, 4.92 era, L (7-11)
Jose Santiago 2 IP, H, K, 5.24 era

Binghamton 1, Bowie 0

Michael Antonini had his best outing in AA, delivering 7 shutout innings on 5 hits, but he got a tough ND, as the BMets were stymied by Bowie righthander Zach Clark for 7.2 innings. The only run of the game was a solo homer by Mike Carp, off lefty Rommie Lewis. It was enough to be the game winner. Joe Hietpas worked a scoreless 8th for the win, Tim LaVigne a scoreless 9th for the save. The BMets had just 6 hits, 2 from Carp, 2 from Caleb Stewart (2 for 3, BB, .280), and 1 each from Jon Malo (1 for 4, K, .278) and Jose Coronado (1 for 3, .259).

cf Fernando Martinez 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .287
/2b Luis CastillNO\ 0 for 3, 2 Ks (1 for 23, .043/.267/.043/.310 on his rehab assignment)
1b Mike Carp 2 for 4, run, 2b (24), HR (16), RBI (68), .296
rf Ambi Concepcion 0 for 3, .248
Michael Antonini 7 IP, 5 H, 2/4 BB/K, 3.60 era (taking out his first AA start, he's put up the following line: 4 GS, 24.2 IP, 21 H, 8 ER, 7/16 BB/K, 0-0, 2.92 era)
Joe Hietpas IP, H, BB, 6.39 era, W (2-4)
Tim LaVigne IP, K, 4.99 era, SV (7)

St. Lucie 0, Daytona 6

Julio Polanco got rocked for 4 runs over 4 innings to take his 2nd FSL loss. Nick Abel gave up 2 meaningless runs in the 7th and 8th. The Mets had just 5 hits, 1 each from Ezequiel Carrera (1 for 3, BB, K, .276), Lucas Duda (1 for 4, 3 Ks, .262), and DJ Wabick (1 for 4, .288), and 2 from Josh Thole (2 for 4, K, .297).

2b Greg Veloz 0 for 4, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 4, K, .225
lf Brahiam Maldonado 0 for 2, 2 BBs, .243
3b Jason Jacobs 0 for 3, K, .219
cf Joe Holden 0 for 3, BB, K, .244
Julio Polanco 4 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 2/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 6.89 era, L (0-2)
Ryan Coultas 2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 4.14 era
Nick Abel 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, HR, 11.57 era

Savannah 2, Delmarva 6

Maikel Cleto - wall. Rinse, repeat, Scott Moviel. It is getting repetitive, I know, but you have to keep it in mind when these guys pitch, they are DEEP in uncharted territory IP wise. Cleto got bombed again tonight, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks, taking his 11th loss of the season. Manuel Olivares and Stephen Puhl pitched the final 4 innings.

The Gnats had 9 hits and 4 walks, but left 9 men on base and grounded into a DP, nixing many scoring chances until pushing 2 meaningless runs across in the 9th. Francisco Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .264) and Jefferies Tatford (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .303) took 0-fers, while Carlos Guzman and Joaquin Rodriguez had multi hit games.

lf Casey Craig 1 for 5, K, .287
cf Richard Pena 1 for 5, 2b, 3 Ks, .201
rf Carlos Guzman 2 for 4, run, .287
dh Sean McCraw 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .272
3b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 4, RBI, K, .242
ss, 1b Joaquin Rodriguez 2 for 4, .252
2b Michael Parker 1 for 2, RBI, 2 BBs, .193
Maikel Cleto 4 IP, 5 H, 6/4 R/ER, 2/2 BB/K, HR, 4.37 era, L (4-11)
Manuel Olivares 3 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 3.41 era
Stephen Puhl IP, BB, 3.55 era

Kingsport 11, Johnson City 1

Wilmer's still good. 3 more hits, his 8th homer, and RBIs number 37 and 38. He is 17 now, though ;). Stefan Welch hit a 6th inning grand slam to totally ice the game, he also had a multi hit game (sorely needed for Welch). Kyle Suire and Gabriel Zavala also had multi hit games, while Doug McNulty (0 for 5, 3 Ks, .195) took the only 0-fer.

Phillips Orta worked 6 innings for the win, giving up just a run. Collin McHugh pitched 3 innings to pick up his 1st save.

cf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 6, run, 2 Ks, .277
2b Kyle Suire 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .291
ss Wilmer Flores 3 for 5, 2 runs, HR (8), 2 RBI (38), .333
dh Dock Doyle 1 for 3, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .305
3b Stefan Welch 2 for 4, run, 2b, HR (3), 5 RBI (30), BB, .276
c Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 3, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .274
rf Gabriel Zavala 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 2b, 2 Ks, .252
lf Justin Garber 1 for 4, run, BB, K, .282
Phillips Orta 6 IP, 7 H, ER, 1/5 BB/K, 1.85 era, W (4-3)
Collin McHugh 3 IP, H, 6 Ks, 4.50 era, SV (1)

GCL

Mets 11, Cardinals 8

2b Alonzo Harris 0 for 5, K, .316
rf Cesar Puello 1 for 4, 2 runs, K, .274
*lf Trot Nixon* 2 for 2, run, 2b, BB, .600
***DH RYAN CHURCH*** 1 for 3, RBI, K
3b Jefry Marte 1 for 3, 3 runs, RBI, 2 BBs, K, .329
ss Migel Tejada 1 for 4, 3 Ks, .178
Kyle Allen 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3/5 BB/K, 2.17 era
Sam Martinez 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 Ks, 2.61 era
Lachlan Hodge 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, ER, 1/3 BB/K, 9.36 era
Mitch Houck 1.2 IP, H, 1/2 BB/K, 1.69 era, BS (1), W (2-2)

Adam Rubin drops a TON of MiLB info

Link

Highlights:

* Love for Michael Antonini
* Jon Niese to New Orleans
* Minor League Stats Leaders

And more. Seriously, you all should go read it. It's a fantastic read from probably one of the best, if not the best, Mets beat blogger.

BREAKING NEWS: Fernando hurt, leaves game, Antonini promoted to Binghamton

From the Minor League Thread on NYFS:

He grabbed his leg and limped into the dugout.

Severity is obviously unknown.

And for better news, Jon Niese just finished off a CG 6 hit shutout in game 1 of Binghamton's DH. One walk, 8 Ks, lowering his ERA to 3.04, and picking up his 6th win.

Update: Fernando is not in the lineup for Game 2. Ambi Concepcion is playing CF, Jon Malo (really?) is leading off.

UPDATE: Good news everyone. It's being called a "cramp in the hamstring area" - believed to be not very serious, he's day to day.

Credit to Mr. Joey DeMayo of nybaseballdigest.com


Michael Antonini has been promoted to AA Binghamton from A+ St. Lucie. In 7 GS in St. Lucie, Antonini's gone 44 innings, allowing 34 hits and 7 walks, striking out 33, while holding the FSL to a .211 average.

7/5 Minor League Report! Parnell, Antonini, ABRUZZO, Marte!

New Orleans in a rain dely, up 6-0, top 7.

Binghamton 1, Akron 2

It was a good old fashioned pitchers duel today, between Akron's James Deters and Co, and Binghamton's Bobby Parnell and Co, with Akron coming out on top, 2-1. Parnell had a rough first, giving up 4 hits and a run (being saved from more by Mike Carp throwing out a runner at the plate). Parnell lasted 5.2 innings, allowing just that run, on 8 hits, lowering his ERA under 4. Edgar Alfonzo allowed a run in the 7th, to pick up the loss.

The Mets had only 8 hits and a run, themselves. Nick Evans and Mike Nickas had multi hit games, while Ambi Concepcion (0 for 4, .251), Emmanuel Garcia (0 for 4, K, .222) and Jose Coronado (0 for 2, .269) took 0-fers.

Fernando Martinez (cf) 1 for 4, run, .286
Dan Murphy (2b) 1 for 3, BB, K, .322
Nick Evans (1b) 2 for 4, 2b, K, .310
Mike Carp (lf) 1 for 4, .322
Caleb Stewart (dh) 1 for 4, RBI, .287
Mike Nickeas (c) 2 for 4, K, .179, 2 PB (2)
Bobby Parnell 5.2 IP, 8 H, ER, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 3.90 era
Eddie Camacho 0.1 IP, 2.02 era
Edgar Alfonzo 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 2 Ks, 5.12 era, L (1-2)
Eddie Kunz IP, H, K, 3.58 era

St. Lucie 2, Vero Beach 3, Game 1

Michael Antonini pitched very well for 5.2 innings, allowing a run on 7 hits, but Emary Frederick blew his first save, allowing a pair in the top of the 7th, dooming the Mets. Jordan Abruzzo had a huge day going 3 for 3 in the opener (all XBH), scoring both Met runs.

Aside from Abruzzo, Josh Thole, DJ Wabick, Shawn Bowman and Peeter Ramos had hits, while Ezequiel Carrera (0 for 3, K, .255), Ruben Tejada (0 for 3, .247), Victor Mendez (0 for 3, .218) and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 2, .189) took 0-fers.

Josh Thole (1b) 1 for 3, .294
Jordan Abruzzo (c) 3 for 3, 2 runs, 2 2b, HR, RBI, .267
DJ Wabick (dh) 1 for 3, RBI, .284
Shawn Bowman (3b) 1 for 3, .302
Peeter Ramos (2b) 1 for 2, .216
Michael Antonini 5.2 IP, 7 H, ER, 3 Ks, 1.69 era, 8:6:3
Emary Frederick IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 3.97 era, BS (1), L (1-2)
German Marte 0.1 IP, 1.13 era

St. Lucie 4, Vero Beach 3 in 8 innings, Game 2

Nick Carr returned to St. Lucie for the spot start, and was decent enough over his 3.2 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits. Edgar Ramirez pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, before Stephen Clyne allowed a run in the 7th (a 3 run Brahiam Maldonado HR got Clyne (even), and after pitching a scoreless 8th, the Mets won it for Clyne in the bottom half.

Jordan Abruzzo had another HUGE day in the nightcap with 3 more hits, capping a 6 for 6 day. Ruben Tejada (0 for 4, K, .244), DJ Wabick (0 for 3, K, .281) and JR Voyles (0 for 3, .227) took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 1 for 4, run, K, .254
Lucas Duda (1b) 1 for 4, RBI, 3 Ks, .266
Jordan Abruzzo (dh) 3 for 3, run, .313
Josh Thole (c) 1 for 3, run, .295
Brahiam Maldonado (rf) 1 for 3, run, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Ks, .193
Peeter Ramos (2b) 1 for 3, 2b, K, .225
Nick Carr 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, ER, K, HR, 6.87 era
Edgar Ramirez 2.1 IP, H, K, 3.60 era
Stephen Clyne 2 IP, H, ER, 2 Ks, HR, 6.25 era, W (1-3)

Savannah 6, Greenville 5

The Gnats fell behind 2-0 after 1, then took a 6-2 lead after 7, and held on for a 6-5 victory. Greg Veloz continued his good early July, with another hit and 2 walks, he is now hitting .400 for the month (8 for 20), with a 5/3 BB/K. Sean McCraw (0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, .308), Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .235) and Bradley Hubbert (0 for 3, BB, K, .138) took 0-fers.

Brant Rustich started and didn't escape the 4th inning, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs over 3.1 innings. Julio Polanco pitched 3.2 innings of excellent long relief for his first win, but Jose Bierd once again got rocked, this time for 3 runs on 2 hits (both HR) and 2 walks in 1.2 innings. Nick Abel got the final out of the game to preserve the win and pick up his 2nd save.

Bierd has allowed runs in his last 5 outings. Totalling 10 innings, he's allowed 16 hits and 10 earned, a 9.00 ERA.

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 BBs, K, .266
Casey Craig (rf) 1 for 4, run, K, .313
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 3, 2 RBI, K, .303
Jose Jimenez (1b) 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .237
Joaquin Rodriguez (dh) 1 for 4, 2b, K, .237
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 2 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .300
Brant Rustich 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 5.34 era
Julio Polanco 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 BBs, 5 Ks, 4.53 era, W (1-1)
Jose Bierd 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, K, 2 HR, 3.28 era
Nick Abel 0.1 IP, K, 1.50 era, SV (2)

Brooklyn 1, Mahoning Valley 6 in 10 innings

Well, after exploding for 21 runs in 2 games, the Cyclones went back into the coffin, managing just a run on 6 hits tonight. Brandon Richey (0 for 3, BB, K, .237), Zach Lutz (0 for 4, BB, K, .354), Sean Ratliff (0 for 3, BB, K, .231) and John Servidio (0 for 3, K, .230) all took 0-fers, while David Havens had the only multi hit game.

Scott Shaw was good over his 5.1 innings, giving up just a run on 5 hits, but he got a ND. Chris Schwinden got the loss, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) over 3 innings (the first 2 runs in a 5 run 10th for Mahoning). Matias Carrillo gave up the other 3.

David Havens (dh) 2 for 4, BB, .240
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 5, K, .289
Josh Satin (2b) 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .244
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 1 for 3, BB, .222
Scott Shaw 5.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BBs, K, 1.40 era
Jimmy Johnson 0.2 IP, K, 1.23 era
Chris Schwinden 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, K, 2.38 era, L (0-1)
Matias Carrillo IP, H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, HR, 3.18 era

Kingsport 0, Danville 3

Kingsport had a rare night off at the plate, managing just 3 hits in getting blown out 7-0. Igancio Medrano, Stephen Welch and Rafael Fernandez had the hits, while Wilmer Flores, in his return to the lineup off feeling a bit unwell, was 0 for 4. Dan Stegall (0 for 3, BB, K, .300), Dock Doyle (0 for 4, .250), Pedro Zapata (0 for 3, .229), Doug McNulty (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .107), and Rogelio Del Campo (0 for 3, .273) all took 0-fers.

Zach Rosenbaum gave up 5 hits and 3 runs in 3.1 innings, suffering his 3rd loss of the season. Stephen Puhl, Travis Babin, Jorge Rodriguez, and Manuel Alvarez also pitched in this one, Rodriguez gave up 3 in the 8th to ice the game for Danville.

Ignacio Medrano (2b) 1 for 4, 2b, 2 Ks, .333
Wilmer Flores (ss) 0 for 4, .360
Stefan Welch (3b) 1 for 4, 2b, K, .371
Rafael Fernandez (rf) 1 for 3, K, .277
Zach Rosenbaum 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 Ks, HR, 11.17 era, L (1-3)
Stephen Puhl 1.2 IP, BB, 2 Ks, 1.17 era
Travis Babin 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 Ks, 4.50 era
Jorge Rodriguez IP, 3 H, 3 ER, BB, 3.09 era
Manuel Alvarez IP, K, 4.76 era


GCL

Mets 3, Marlins 7

Juan Centeno (c) 1 for 2, run, BB, .368 (31st round pick 2007)
Jefry Marte (3b) 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, .371
Javier Rodriguez (cf) 1 for 3, RBI, .286
Cesar Puello (rf) 1 for 3, RBI, K, .250
Charles Hinojosa (dh) 0 for 3, .250 (39th round 2008)
Eduardo Aldama 3 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, K, 3.21 era, L (1-2)
Sam Martinez 2 IP, 3 H, R, 2 Ks, 1.23 era
Michael Hebert 2 IP, 3 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.

6/29 Minor League Report! FERNANDO, EVANS, ANTONINI!

Tonight's Song: Shaggy - Mr. Boombastic

New Orleans 2, Memphis 3

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 3 for 4, run, .314
Argenis Reyes (2b) 0 for 3, K, .282
Val Pascucci (ph) 1 for 1, RBI, .305
Raul Casanova (c) 0 for 3, BB, .286
John Rodriguez (rf) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, .268
Willie Collazo 7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 2 HR, 3.83 era, L (4-6), 118:72:46, 13:4:3
Nate Field IP, H, BB, 2 Ks, 7.26 era

Binghamton 5, Connecticut 14

It was a game to forget for right hander Tobi Stoner, he got destroyed for 11 hits and 9 runs (all earned), in just 2.1 inning. He saw his AA ERA more then double, from 3.18 to 6.98. His overall season ERA went from 2.74 to 3.79 with the outing. Eric Brown pitched in relief and wasn't that much better, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 2.2 innings. Edgar Alfonzo and Joe Hietpas finished off the game.

The top 2 in the Met order had outstanding games, Fernando and Evans combined to go 6 for 9 with 4 runs, 3 2b, HR, 3 RBI, but they didn't get much support, the other Mets were a combined 5 for 22. Mike Carp's incredible plunge continued with an 0 for 5, he is now batting .319, down 44 points in just 2 weeks (5 for 47 since 6/18). Aside from Carp, Saloman Maniquez (0 for 2, BB, .285) took the only 0-fer.

Fernando Martinez (cf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b, K, .302
Nick Evans (lf) 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 3 RBI, .312
Mike Carp (1b) 0 for 5, K, .319
Caleb Stewart (rf) 1 for 4, RBI, .283
Josh Petersen (3b) 1 for 4, run, .333
Jon Malo (2b) 2 for 3, 2b, BB, K, .261
Jose Coronado (ss) 1 for 3, RBI, .257
Tobi Stoner 2.1 IP, 11 H, 9 ER, K, HR, 6.98 era, L (0-2)
Eric Brown 2.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BBs, K, 6.50 era
Edgar Alfonzo 3 IP, H, 4 Ks, 5.51 era
Joe Hietpas IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BBs, K, 5.02 era

St. Lucie 5, Clearwater 0

Michael Antonini was in complete command today, firing 7.1 innings of 4 hit shutout ball, striking out 7, as the Mets won for the 8th time in 11 games, 5-0. Antonini has yet to lose a high A start, his ERA stands at a sparkling 1.71. Stephen Clyne continued to rebound from a nightmarish beginning to his season, with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, his season's ERA is now under 7, at 6.55.

The offense was helped out by 2 errors on Clearwater's shortstop Yonderman Rodriguez, leading to 3 UER for the Mets. Ruben Tejada (0 for 4, BB, K, .251), Jordan Abruzzo (0 for 4, BB, K, .243), Josh Thole (0 for 5, 2 Ks, .292) and Brahiam Maldonado (0 for 4, 2 runs, K, .204) took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 1 for 4, K, .263
Ruben Tejada (ss) 0 for 4, BB, K, .251
Lucas Duda (dh) 1 for 2, RBI, 3 BBs, .266
DJ Wabick (lf) 2 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, K, .285
JR Voyles (3b) 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, .233
Luis Rivera (2b) 2 for 3, run, BB, .236
Michael Antonini 7.1 IP, 4 H, 3 BBs, 7 Ks, 1.71 era, W (2-0)
Stephen Clyne 1.2 IP, H, BB, K, 6.55 era

Savannah 2, Charleston 3

Maikel Cleto pitched a "quality start" (yeah, right) for the 7th time in his last 11 GS, but all he has to show for it is a 2-6 record, including some brutal NDs (his last 3 GS, 21 IP, 14 H, 5 ER, 7/13 BB/K, 0-1, 2.14 era). Today, he allowed 10 hits and 3 runs in 6 innings, striking out 4, but as usual, the offense didn't show up for him, he dropped to 2-6 with a 3.49 era. Steven Cheney pitched 3 stellar innings in relief, but the Gnats couldn't get the tying run home.

The Gnats had 12 hits and 4 walks, but left 13 men on base, a recurring theme lately for Savannah. Joaquin Rodriguez (0 for 5, .236) and Richard Pena (0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .225) took 0-fers.

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .258
Juan Lagares (ss) 1 for 5, 2b, .286
Casey Craig (lf) 2 for 5, run, K, .314
Sean McCraw (dh) 2 for 5, RBI, .381
Francisco Pena (c) 4 for 5, 2b, RBI, .258
Carlos Guzman (cf) 1 for 3, K, .232
Jacob Elgsti (3b) 1 for 2, 2 BBs, .253
Maikel Cleto 6 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 4 Ks, 3.49 era, L (2-6), 8:5:4
Steven Cheney 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 Ks, 2.11 era, 5:1:3

Brooklyn 4, Hudson Valley 6

The Cyclones bullpen imploded in the late innings, allowing 5 Renegade runs in the final 3 innings, en route to a disappointing 6-4 loss. Jim Fuller started and danced in and out of trouble for 2.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks, but only 1 run. Wendy Rosa pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, and Manuel Olivares pitched a scoreless 6th, before the wheels began falling off. Olivares, Mike Lynn, and Roy Merritt combined to allow 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks over the final 3 innings.

The Cyclones had 12 hits, but 3 of those came from rehabbing Dan Murphy, who scored and drove in a run. Aside from Murphy, 3 other players had multi hit games, while Zach Lutz (0 for 4, RBI, BB, K, .344), and John Servidio (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .222) took 0-fers.

Matt Bouchard (ss) 2 for 4, run, BB, .265
Dan Murphy (dh) 3 for 5, run, RBI, K, .500
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 5, 2b, RBI, .235
Sean Ratliff (lf) 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .333 (4th rounder)
Josh Satin (2b) 2 for 3, 2b, .250
Kirk Nieuwenheis (cf) 2 for 3, RBI, BB, .239
Ralph Henriquez (c) 1 for 4, run, K, .250
Jim Fuller 2.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.59 era
Wendy Rosa 2.1 IP, H, BB, 2 Ks, 1.13 era
Manuel Olivares 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BBs, 5.06 era, BS (1)
Mike Lynn 0.1 IP, H, 2 R, BB, 0.00 era, L (0-1)
Roy Merritt 1.2 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, K, 1.29 era

Kingsport 2, Bluefield 5

It was a quiet offensive game for the Tandem, each had a hit in 4 trips, with Flores scoring one of the 2 runs the Mets scored. Pedro Zapata had the lone RBI. Ignacio Medrano (0 for 4, .310), Dan Stegall (0 for 4, K, .327), Dock Doyle (0 for 2, 2 BBs, .238), and Kyle Suire (0 for 3, K, .200) took 0-fers.

Guillaume LeDuc started and was dominant in his 4 innings, allowing just a run on a hit and walk, striking out 7. Eric Beaulac was just as dominant in his 2 innings, allowing a run on a hit and walk, striking out 3. Travis Babin, however, got touched up for 3 runs on a hit and 4 walks in his 2 innings, taking the loss.

Wilmer Flores (ss) 1 for 4, run, .386
Stefan Welch (1b) 1 for 4, .400
Pedro Zapata (cf) 1 for 4, RBI, K, .146
Rogelio Del Campo (dh) 1 for 3, run, K, .375
Rafael Fernandez (rf) 1 for 3, 2b, K, .219
Guillaume LeDuc 4 IP, H, ER, BB, 7 Ks, 3.18 era
Eric Beaulac 2 IP, H, ER, BB, 3 Ks, 4.50 era
Travis Babin 2 IP, H, 3 ER, 4 BBs, 3 Ks, 4.50 era, L (0-1)