MPH System Audit IV: Part V: Starting Pitchers

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STARTING PITCHERS
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1. RHSP Jenrry Mejia R/R 10/11/89 (A+ St. Lucie 4-1, 1.97 era, 9 GS, 50.1 IP, 41 H, 18/11 R/ER, 16/44 BB/K, 2.21 GOFO, .217 BAA, AA Binghamton 0-5, 4.47 era, 10 GS, 44.1 IP, 44 H, 28/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 23/47 BB/K, 2.95 GOFO, .263 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-3, 12.56 era, 6 GS, 14.1 IP, 25 H, 21/20 R/ER, 13/16 BB/K, 3.50 GOFO, .362 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-9, 4.38 era, 25 GS, 109 IP, 110 H, 67/53 R/ER, 2 HR, 52/107 BB/K, 2.681 GOFO, .255 BAA, 1.486 WHIP, 4.29 BB/9, 8.84 K/9

Mejia was signed in the 2007 IFA signing period for $16,500, and played that season for the DSL Mets. He was brought stateside in 2008, first appearing in the GCL, then Brooklyn as an 18 year old. The Mets then sent Mejia to St. Lucie for the 2009 season, where he was flat unhittable, then Binghamton, where he proved to be human. Mejia ended his season in Arizona pitching for Surprise.

Mejia leaped onto the prospect scene this year, annihilating the FSL to the tune of a 1.97 in 50 innings, before moving on to the Eastern League, where he struggled some. He struggled with command after returning from a finger injury suffered in late June. Prior to the injury, in 4 starts, he was 0-3 with a 3.82 era, and walked only 9 in 21.2 innings (3.82 per 9), along with 24 Ks. After the finger injury, in 6 starts, he was 0-2 with a 5.16 era, along with 14 walks in 22.2 innings (5.56 per 9), and 23 strikeouts.

Mejia possesses one of the best raw fastballs in the system, sitting comfortably 93-95, and at times touching 96-98. He can cut or sink the fastball, giving him basically 2 different pitches. He also at times has slider-esque action on his fastball, prompting hitters to actually mistake it for a slider. Mejia also throws an actual slider/changeup in the mid 80s (84-87) with great late break on it, this pitch is yet another plus pitch for Mejia. He rounds out his arsenal with a curveball which at times flashes plus, this pitch is in the 75-79 range. With his arsenal, if the Mets resist Jerry Manuel's retarded ideas, Mejia should grow into a #1/#2 starter in the majors.

THE FUTURE: Again, if the retard managing the Mets doesn't get his way (we all hope he doesn't, since he is, in fact, a retard), Mejia should open 2010 in Binghamton, before ending in Buffalo. That should put him on track to claiming a rotation spot in 2011. If, however, the moron gets his way, Mejia likely will only pitch 75-80 innings this season, and will not be able to exceed 125 the next, so his timetable would be delayed by a season. :( :( :( :( :(

2. LHSP Jon Niese L/L 10/27/86 (AAA Buffalo 5-6, 3.82 era, 16 GS, 2 CGSO, 94.1 IP, 95 H, 47/40 R/ER, 7 HR, 26/82 BB/K, 1.81 GOFO, .258 BAA, MLB New York 1-1, 4.21 era, 5 GS, 25.2 IP, 27 H, 12 ER, HR, 9/18 BB/K, 1.38 GOFO, .276 BAA

Total 2009 Stats: 6-7, 3.90 era, 21 GS, 120 IP, 122 H, 59/52 R/ER, 35/100 BB/K, 1.718 GOFO, .262 BAA, 1.308 WHIP

Niese was drafted in the 7th rouud of the 2005 draft, and has since made a steady trek through the system. After being pressed into emergency service in 2008, Niese opened 2009 in Buffalo, and got off to a dreadful start, with a 7.44 era through his first 9 starts, including a pair in New York. However, Niese was working on incorporating a new pitch into his arsenal, partially explaining the horrible numbers, and his BABIP was somewhere in the .400s. In June, he put up a 2.43, and followed that up with a 0.41 in 3 Buffalo starts in July, then a 3.38 in New York (1.53 overall). Unfortunately, Niese succumbed to the rash of injuries that crippled the Mets in 2009, suffering a horrible looking complete tear of his hamstring in August.

Niese features a 4 seam fastball that sits 88-92, and can hit 94 at times, and he recently (over the last season), incorporated a cutter which is in the mid 80s to give him a moving fastball (his 4 seamer is lacking in that department). Niese, of course, is best known for his over the top 12-6 curveball, a true plus pitch that he uses to register strikeouts. He has two types of curveballs, a harder one and a loopier one. He also throws a changup in the 76-79 range, but this is clearly his 3rd best pitch.

THE FUTURE: Niese is coming off a horrific injury, but he should either open 2010 in Buffalo or New York. Either way, this will be Niese's last season as a prospect.

3. RHSP Kyle Allen R/R 2/12/90 (A Savannah 9-6, 3.45 era, 25/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 125.1 IP, 109 H, 57/48 R/ER, 8 HR, 51/111 BB/K, 2.18 GOFO, .234 BAA)

The Mets stole Kyle Allen in the 24th round of the 2008 draft, and after signing, he was assigned to the GCL, then played all of 2009 with Savannah as a 19 year old. After pitching awfully in April (7.47 era in 15.2 innings), Allen rocketted up the charts the rest of the season, pitching to a 2.87 era over the other 109.2 innings of his season, with a 1.222 WHIP and 7.715 K/9.

Allen features a fastball which sits 91-93, and at times can touch 94-96. He generates good sink on the ball, leading to a high number of groundouts, and also gets a high number of strikeouts, a very good combination for a starter. Allen also has a plus changeup which he throws in the 83-85 range, but he's working on taking even more off the pitch. Allen rounds his arsenal with a 84-87 slider which is clearly his third pitch, but he's making significant strides with it.

THE FUTURE: Allen should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him end it in Binghamton, and then go to Arizona. He should be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

4. RHSP Brad Holt R/R 10/13/86 (A St. Lucie 4-1, 3.12 era, 9 GS, 43.1 IP, 34 H, 16/15 R/ER, 5 HR, 13/54 BB/K, 0.97 GOFO, .215 BAA, AA Binghamton 3-6, 6.21 era, 11 GS, 58 IP, 58 H, 42/40 R/ER, 9 HR, 23/45 BB/K, 0.77 GOFO, .270 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-7, 4.88 era, 20 GS, 101.1 IP, 92 H, 58/55 R/ER, 14 HR, 36/99 BB/K, 0.84 GOFO, .247 BAA

Holt was drafted in the 1st round (33rd overall) of the very impressive 2008 draft by the Mets, and he utterly dominated the NYPL that season. He started off the 2009 season in the FSL, where he was good, posting a 3.12 era in 43.1 innings. Holt had a very good first start in Binghamton, then twisted his ankle walking down the dugout steps and was never the same after recovering.

Holt features a fastball which can reach as high as 97 MPH, comfortably sitting 91-95. Holt also features a mid 80s hard curveball which can flash plus at times, but he's inconsistent with this pitch. When he's right, this pitch is a strikeout generator with overhand break. Holt's third pitch is his changeup, which is in the 82-84 range.

THE FUTURE: Holt will open 2010 in Binghamton, and performance should dictate when/if he's moved up to Buffalo. A late season cameo ouf of the Mets bullpen cannot be discounted, but Holt's arrival as a starter is probably in mid 2011, at the earliest.

5. RHSP Jeurys Familia R/R 10/10/89 (A Savannah 10-6, 2.69 era, 24/23 G/GS, 134 IP, 109 H, 49/40 R/ER, 3 HR, 46/109 BB/K, 1.40 GOFO, .221 BAA)

Familia was signed as an IFA during the 2007 season for $100,000, and he spent the next season in the GCL, before being assigned to full season Savannah in 2009.

Familia never faltered in the SAL, outside of a start or two where he was decimated (5/31, 4 ip, 13 h, 6 er and 7/9, 4.2 ip, 9 h, 6 er), he was flat out dominant. He didn't post an ERA over 4 in any month, and had two months of sub 2 ERAs (April 1.37, and August 1.71).

Familia features a fastball that sits 91-93, and can touch the mid 90s. His second pitch is a 78-82 slider which he gained confidence in throughout the season. His third and final pitch is a changeup which is still a work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Familia should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but there's a very good chance, like with Kyle Allen, he finishes the season in Binghamton, and then perhaps Arizona. The same ETA holds true for both, Familia could be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

6. LHSP Robert Carson 1/23/89 L/L (A Savannah 8-10, 3.21 era, 25 GS, 2 CG, SO, 131.2 IP, 139 H, 68/47 R/ER, 4 HR, 45/90 BB/K, 1.68 GOFO, .270 BAA)

The Mets drafted Carson in the 14th round of the 2007 draft, and after signing, he pitched in the GCL. He pitched across 2 levels in 2008, the GCL and Kingsport, before spending all of 2009 in Savannah, where he had a stellar season. More then anyone else on the Gnats staff, Carson was victimized by Jefry Marte's 300 error season, leading to 21 UER against him.

Carson is a groundball pitcher who doesn't look to get many Ks, he stays within himself and doesn't try to overthrow. Carson sits 89-91 with his fastball, but there was a report late in the season of him touching 94-95, which, if true, would be extremely encouraging news. Carson also features a 82-85 slider which is a very good pitch, though not plus, yet. This pitch is his out pitch, he buries it in on righties and away from lefties to get weak contact, or strikeouts. His third pitch is a changeup which is 77-80 mph, he needs to further refine this pitch if he's going to remain a starter, which he began to do during the 2nd half of 2009.

THE FUTURE: Carson will start 2010 in St. Lucie, and unlike the higher ceiling Allen and Familia, he should spend the whole season there. He will ascend a level per season, cracking the big league roster sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

7. Eric Niesen A+/AA LHSP Eric Niesen L/L 9/4/85 (A+ St. Lucie 3-4, 3.28 era, 11 GS, 57.2 IP, 52 H, 25/21 R/ER, 5 HR, 16/49 BB/K, 0.87 GOFO, .237 BAA, AA Binghamton 4-7, 4.66 era, 16 GS, CG, 83 IP, 75 H, 46/43 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/85 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .246 BAA, AFL Surprise 0-0, 24.55 era, 4 G, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 10 ER, 2 HR, 3/2 BB/K, 0.14 GOFO, .444 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-11, 4.61 era, 31/27 G/GS, 144.1 IP, 135 H, 81/74 R/ER, 60/136 BB/K, 0.817 GOFO, .247 BAA, 1.351 WHIP, 3.74 BB/9, 8.48 K/9

The Mets drafted Niesen as a reliever out of Wake Forest with their 3rd round pick in 2007, and began the process of converting him to a starter that season. He was not effective starting for St. Lucie in 2008 (6-12, 4.64), but turned that around in 2009, making it to Binghamton.

Niesen began the season in St. Lucie where he pitched very well, with a 3.28 era in 57 innings. He was bumped up to Binghamton, where his K rate went up, but along with that, so did his walk rate. After allowing a .286 BAA in 2008, Niesen kept that to .237 in the FSL, and .246 in the EL in 2009. Niesen got off to a very slow start in Binghamton, going 1-6 with a 6.95 in his first 9 starts, but then turned it around big time, going 3-2 with a 2.53 in his final 8 starts, with a 17/45 BB/K in 46.1 innings.

Niesen is armed with a good low 90s two seam fastball, he also uses a 4 seamer at times, which cuts in on righties. Niesen's secondary pitches include an average slider in the mid 70s which he uses to register strikeouts, against both lefties and righties. He also has a developing/improving changeup which is around 78-82 MPH.

THE FUTURE: Niesen will be opening 2010 in Binghamton, and likely will finish it in Buffalo, but there exists an outside shot of him at some point showing up in the Mets bullpen as a crossover reliever. If that doesn't happen in 2010, it definitely will in 2011.

8. A+ RHSP Scott Moviel R/R 5/7/88 (GCL (rehab) 0-0, 1.00 era, 2 GS, 9 IP, 10 H, 2/1 R/ER, 10 Ks, 1.83 GOFO, .270 BAA, A+ St. Lucie 4-5, 3.92 era, 13 GS, 64.1 IP, 61 H, 37/28 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 0.99 GOFO, .250 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-0, 2.45 era, 8 G, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 7/4 R/ER, 8/9 BB/K, 1.20 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-5, 3.38 era, 23/15 G/GS, 88 IP, 85 H, 46/33 R/ER, 32/65 BB/K, 1.111 GOFO, .252 BAA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.27 BB/9, 6.64 K/9

The Mets drafted Moviel in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft, and he's made a slow ascent through the system, slow due to the fact he twice tore his knee meniscus last year. He spent the majority of 2008 in Savannah and pitched decently, with a 4.43 era over 120 innings.

Moviel spent the first half of the season rehabbing, then the second half in St. Lucie. After a handful of starts middling around, Moviel came on strong over his last 7 starts, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.65 era, and gathering 35 Ks in 37.1 innings, while allowing 31 hits and walking 15.

Moviel sits 90-92 on his fastball, touching 93-94, but he prefers to keep it in the low 90s. His height enables him to get downward run on his fastball, generating groundballs. Moviel began throwing a low to mid 80s slider after returning from his knee injury, and it's rapidly becoming his goto pitch. He also throws a changeup (73-76), and curveball (77-80), two pitches he had prior to 2009.

THE FUTURE: Moviel will begin 2010 back in St. Lucie, but should end it in Binghamton, putting him on track for a late 2011, or more likely 2012, callup to the majors.

9. LHSP Juan Urbina

The Mets signed Urbina as an IFA during the summer of 2009. Reportedly, Urbina sits in the upper 80s to low 90s with his fastball, but observers note he really sits 84-86. Either way, he's still 16 years old, and there's plenty of time for more velocity to come. He also flashes an above average curveball. And remember, he's just 16 years old, there is a TON of time for him to develop.

THE FUTURE: Urbina should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

10. LHSP Steven Matz

The Mets drafted Matz with their first pick in the 2009 draft, 2nd round overall.

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

Matz offers plenty of projection as well as good present stuff. For most of the spring, he sat in the 89-91 mph range, but he routinely ran his fastball up to 93-94, and the pitch has some glove-side life. Scouts particularly like the way he attacks hitters inside with his heater. He also shows a solid-average changeup with good deception that sometimes rates as plus. He began throwing a slider midway through the season, but most scouts prefer his 73-75 mph three-quarters curveball, which flashes average to plus but more often rates as a below-average offering at this stage. Matz has a big, projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds.

THE FUTURE: Matz should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

11. RHSP Dillon Gee R/R 4/28/86 (AAA Buffalo 1-3, 4.10 era, 9 GS, CG, 48.1 IP, 47 H, 22 ER, 5 HR, 16/42 BB/K, 0.77 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Gee with their 21st round pick in 2007, and he's enjoyed a meteroic rise through the farm system, and definitely would've been in line for starts in 2009 if he, too, hadn't gotten injured. Gee spent the majority of 2008 with the St. Lucie Mets, before making a 4 start cameo in Binghamton, and then 10 more starts in Puerto Rico, where he won Pitcher of the Year honors (2.22 era in 48.1 innings). However, 48.1 innings into his AAA career, Gee suffered a torn labrum, derailing his season.

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 last season (2008), 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.

THE FUTURE: Gee, when he's pronounced fit to play, will open back in Buffalo, and injuries/ineffectiveness by any SP in New York should see him as one of the first arms called up. Gee also has the advantage of needing to be placed on the 40 man roster after the season, to protect him from the Rule V.

12. LHSP Zach Dotson

The Mets took Dotson with their 13th round pick in the 2009 draft, and much to the shock of everyone who follows their drafts, signed him for significantly overslot (500k).

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

"Scouts had seen steady improvement from Georgia signee Zach Dotson, who sat from 87-88 mph with his fastball and touches 91. Both his curveball and changeup have flashed potential. Dotson tightened up his body thanks to a distance running program that helped him lose 25 pounds. He didn't show the same velocity this spring that he showed last summer, but he has athletic ability and has three average pitches, so he stands out among the state's pitching prospects."

THE FUTURE: Much like Urbina and Matz, Dotson should open in the GCL, then perhaps take a trip to Tennessee (Kingsport), before spending 4 years in the minors, putting him in line for a 2014-2015 callup.

13. RHSP Eric Beaulac R/R 11/13/86 (A Savannah 7-7, 2.95 era, 26/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 116 IP, 110 H, 53/38 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/133 BB/K, 1.25 GOFO, .250 BAA)

The Mets drafted Beaulac in the 9th round of the 2008 draft, and he spent time with 3 teams that season, Brooklyn, Kingsport and Savannah, getting the bulk of his time in the Sally League.

Beaulac made the transition to starter this season, getting 19 starts and 7 relief outings. As a starter, Beaulac had a 3.42 era, while as a reliever, it was 1.13. Many believe Beaulac's ultimate destination will be as a power reliever, but for now, the Mets are content to let him start.

Beaulac features a good fastball which ranges anywhere from 87 to 95 MPH, depending on if he's sitting 88-91, or 91-93. He also features a slider, which is his primary secondary offering, sitting in the low 80s, he uses this pitch to get strikeouts. His slider is very close to beign a plus pitch for him. He also features a changeup he throws between 78-81, but this is clearly his third pitch, it's a definite work in progress.

14. RHSP Elvin Ramirez R/R 10/10/87 (A Savannah 3-7, 4.09 era, 15 GS, 72.2 IP, 73 H, 40/33 R/ER, 2 HR, 39/48 BB/K, 1.16 GOFO, .261 BAA)

Ramirez was signed during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his pro debut in 2006 with the DSL Mets, posting a 0-1, 2.63 line in 11 games, 6 starts, spanning 27.1 innings. He was jumped to Kingsport for the 2007 season, where he struggled, posting a 1-4, 5.52 line in 12 starts over 45.2 innings. He's spent the past two seasons in Savannah, suffering injuries halfway through both.

Ramirez features one of the best sinkers in the organization, a devastating mid 90s sinker with sharp down break and great side to side movement. Much like Bobby Parnell, he's cleaned up his mechanics and can maintain velocity deep into games now. He can dial a 4 seamer up into the 95-97 range, but very rarely uses this pitch. Ramirez also owns a very good slider, which he throws in the mid 80s, again with a sharp down break. he tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which he is inconsistent with.

THE FUTURE: Ramirez will be moving up to St. Lucie for 2010, and is expected to be part of one of the best bullpens in the FSL. In a pen role, he should move quickly, and could end in Buffalo, but we'll be conservative and say Binghamton. That should put him in position to crack the majors in late 2011 or early 2012.

15. LHSP Angel Calero L/L 9/25/86 (A+ St. Lucie 3-11, 4.61 era, 22 GS, CG, 107.1 IP, 119 H, 68/55 R/ER, 10 HR, 46/93 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .283 BAA, VWL Magallanes 3-1, 7.04 era, 18 G, 15.1 IP, 17 H, 12 ER, 3 HR, 10/18 BB/K, 1.00 GOFO, .293 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 6-12, 4.92 era, 40/22 G/GS, 122.2 IP, 136 H, 80/67 R/ER, 56/111 BB/K, .834 GOFO, .284 BAA, 1.565 WHIP

16. RHSP Scott Shaw R/R 8/3/86 (A+ St. Lucie 8-8, 3.73 era, 26 GS, CG, 149.2 IP, 140 H, 69/62 R/ER, 13 HR, 57/118 BB/K, 0.82 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Shaw in the 13th round of the 2008 draft, and sent him to Brooklyn where he performed very well (2.80 in 74 innings). He was jumped to St. Lucie for the 2009 season and performed well, posting a 3.73 era in 149.2 innings. Nothing about Shaw really jumps out at you, he's an average righty with average stuff, and profiles as a backend of the rotation starter.

Shaw features 4 pitches, a fastball in the low 90s, which can sometimes dip to 87-88, and two breaking pitches, a slider (which he relies on more) which he throws in the upper 70s (77-80), and a curveball which sits 74-76. He rounds out his arsenal with a very good changeup which sits 77-80, the same as his slider.

THE FUTURE: Shaw will open 2010 with Binghamton, and should spend all year there, before moving to Buffalo for 2011. He should be in line for a spot somewhere, in 2012.

17. LHSP Jim Fuller L/L 6/1/87 (A- Brooklyn 3-6, 2.86 era, 12/11 G/GS, CG, 63 IP, 58 H, 24/20 R/ER, 4 HR, 15/67 BB/K, 2.08 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Fuller was drafted in the 21st round, 644th overall, out of the sister college of my alum, Southern Connecticut State. After he was signed, he was sent to Brooklyn where he posted a 1.00 era in 18 innings, his season was bisected by a shoulder strain.

Fuller spent a second season in Brooklyn where he pitched very well, despire a 3-6 record. He's got average velocity from the left side, upper 80s to low 90s, and features a good changeup.

THE FUTURE: Fuller will be pitching for Savannah in 2010, which is curious. The Mets are being very conservative with him, despite results in Brooklyn. Still, we'll say he forces his way up to St. Lucie at some point this season, then opens 2011 in Binghamton, setting him up to crack the Mets as a reliever sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

18. RHSP Eduardo Aldama R/R 12/23/89 (R Kingsport 5-1, 3.79 era, 12 GS, 61.2 IP, 59 H, 31/26 R/ER, 4 HR, 23/57 BB/K, 1.39 GOFO, .253 BAA, A Savannah 0-1, 21 era, GS, 3 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, HR, 2/3 BB/K, 0.50 GOFO, .500 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 4.59 era, 13 GS, 64.2 IP, 68 H, 38/33 R/ER, 5 HR, 25/60 BB/K, 1.33 GOFO, .271 BAA

Aldama was signed by the Mets during the 2006 IFA signing period, and after toiling in the low rookie leagues for the last 3 seasons, he made it up to Savannah in 2009. He spent the vast majority of the season with Kingsport, pitching very well on what was otherwise a pitching staff to forget. Aldama made 12 starts and compiled a 3.79 era and 5 wins, and earned a final start in Savannah (which went awfully). Still, he is one of the handful of very intriguing pitchers who will toe the rubber for the Gnats in 2010.

Aldama features 3 pitches, an average 90-92 MPH fastball that he has good command of, a very good changeup in the in the low 80s which is his goto offspeed offering, and then a 74-76 curveball which he began throwing in earnest this season, for now, this is a total work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Aldama will open 2010 in Savannah and likely move a level per season after that, and be in a position to make the major league team sometime in 2013 or, more likely, 2014.

19. RHSP Armando Rodriguez R/R 1/28/88 (R Kingsport 3-1, 2.96 era, 9 GS, 45.2 IP, 39 H, 20/15 R/ER, 2 HR, 20/36 BB/K, 0.58 GOFO, .227 BAA, A Savannah 2-1, 2.16 era, 3 GS, CG, 16.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 9/24 BB/K, 0.44 GOFO, .094 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 2.74 era, 12 GS, CG, 62.1 IP, 44 H, 24/19 R/ER, 2 HR, 29/60 BB/K, 0.55 GOFO, .196 BAA

Rodriguez was totally unknown to most prospect enthuaists until a breakout season in 2009, including a dominant 3 start stretch with Savannah. Rodriguez was also an unheralded signing in the 2006 IFA class which featured Francisco Pena and Ruben Tejada. Rodriguez spent the 08 season in the DSL, before coming stateside in 2009 and lighting up the Appy League and then the Sally League.

Rodriguez features a really good mid to upper 90s fastball, which sits comfortably 92-94, and touches 97-98. Rodriguez also has a good slider in the 83-87 range that is a rapidly improving pitch for him. He rounds out his arsenal with a 81-84 changeup that is lagging behind his slider, though it, too, is becoming a better pitch with time.

THE FUTURE: Rodriguez will begin 2010 in Savannah, but it wouldn't be surprising, at age 22, to see him end in St. Lucie, and then open 2011 with Binghamton. That would put him on track to make his MLB debut in either late 2012 (as a reliever) or 2013 (in a starting capacity).

20. LHSP Jhonathan Torres L/L 3/20/90 (R GCL 4-0, 0.82 era, 4/3 G/GS, 22 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5/22 BB/K, 1.26 GOFO, .085 BAA, R Kingsport 2-4, 4.87 era, 9 GS, 40.2 IP, 51 H, 35/22 R/ER, 7 HR, 17/33 BB/K, 1.32 GOFO, .309 BAA)

MPH System Audit IV: Part IV: Catchers

Anyone who actually thought I'd delete the blog...smh (lol)

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CATCHERS
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1. AA/MLB Josh Thole L/R 10/28/86 (AA Binghamton .328/.395/.422/.816, 126 for 384, 48 runs, 29 2b, 2 3b, HR, 46 RBI, 42/34 BB/K, 8/12 SBs, MLB New York .321/.356/.396/.752, 17 for 53, 2 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 9 RBI, 4/5 BB/K, SB, VWL Caracas .381/.470/.581/1.050, 59 for 155, 33 runs, 18 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 25/13 BB/K, CS)

Total 2009 Stats: .341/.412/.461/.873, 202 for 592, 83 runs, 49 2b, 5 3b, 4 HR, 83 RBI, 9/14 SBs, 71/52 BB/K, .088 K rate, 1.3654 BB/K ratio

Thole was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round of the 2005 draft. After signing, Thole began a slow and steady trek through the system, making a position switch (from c to 1b and back) along the way, culminating in a callup in 2009 to the majors.

Thole followed up on a breakout 2008 by besting his totals in AVG, OBP, BB/K ratio, and OPS in 2009. Thole is still raw behind the plate, but offensively, he's definitely not a work in progress. He possesses a quick short stroke which he uses to hit for a high average, and lots of doubles. He doesn't have much HR power, but he is a gap to gap hitter. Thole has an average arm behind the plate, but he needs to work on letting the pitch come to him, too often he stabs at the ball.

THE FUTURE: Thole will definitely be in Buffalo to open 2010, and likely will spend all season there before opening 2011 as the starting catcher in New York.

2. A+ Francisco Pena R/R 10/12/89 (A+ St. Lucie .224/.258/.329/.588, 88 for 392, 43 runs, 15 2b, 3b, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 15/78 BB/K, DWL Aguilas .192/.228/.370/.598, 14 for 73, 8 runs, 5 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2/21 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .219/.253/.335/.589, 102 for 465, 51 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 17/99 BB/K, .213 K rate, .1717 BB/K ratio

Pena was signed in 2006 as an IFA, and spent the next two seasons in Savannah, before getting a bump up to St. Lucie for the 2009 season.

Pena, outside of one hot two week stretch, had a very mediocre season in St. Lucie. Subtracting a 12 for 38 stretch (2 2b, 3b, 4 HR) from his season totals, Pena hit just .215/.246/.285/.531 in 354 ABs.

Pena is still young, and as such has many adjustments to make to his game, and he has not been well served at all by the Mets insane handling of him, but at the same time, he's shown little growth as a hitter. Pena is still raw behind the plate, but he has been making strides defensively. He has average arm strength and his mechanics need improving, but he has been conditioning himself better each season.

THE FUTURE: Pena should definitely open 2010 back in St. Lucie, but thereafter move up a level per season, meaning he'll be in Buffalo during the 2012 season.

3. R Nelfi Zapata R/R 12/13/90 (R GCL .261/.341/.370/.710, 31 for 119, 18 runs, 6 2b, 2 3b, HR, 13 RBI, 11/26 BB/K)

4. A- Dock Doyle L/R 3/24/86 (A- Brooklyn .257/.332/.345/.677, 44 for 171, 13 runs, 8 2b, 2 3b, HR, 18 RBI, 18/27 BB/K)

5. Jeff Glenn DNP

MPH System Audit IV Part III: Middle Infielders

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MIDDLE INFIELDERS
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1. A SS Wilmer Flores R/R 8/6/91 (A Savannah .264/.305/.332/.637, 129 for 488, 44 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 22/72 BB/K)

Flores was the Mets prize signing out of the three big name IFAs they signed in 2007. He arrived with a splash in 2008, torching the Appy League as a 16/17 year old, to the tune of a .850 OPS. The Mets rightfully pushed Wilmer to the Sally League in 2009, and he had mixed results.

Flores opened the 2009 season in Savannah, where he had his ups and downs. His K rate (.148) was excellent, his BB/K (.3056) was good for his age, but he hit for no power whatsoever (68 IsoP). However, much like Jefry Marte, he had stretches of season where he was downright impressive with his ability to hit for a high average and not strike out. Combining his months of April, June, July and September, Flores hit .296/.330/.378/.708 in 307 ABs, with just 40 Ks (.130 K rate), and a 11/40 BB/K (.2750). Conversely, in his down months (May and August), he hit just .210/.263/.254/.517 in 181 ABs, with 32 Ks (.177 K rate), but a better BB/K ratio (11/32, .3438).

Flores is an advanced hitter, as evidenced by his holding his own for the majority of the 2009 season, and his flat out domination in 2008. He has a strong line drive approach which is conducive to hitting for power, and he can also hit for a high average. Flores doesn't strike out, which bodes well for the future, as he fills out and begins to hit the ball with more authority. Flores will likely have to be moved off shortstop in the future, but he doesn't have the speed/range to play the outfield. A move to either corner infield spot is the best option, however, with David Wright and (hopefully) Ike Davis entrenched there, it will be interesting to see what happens.

THE FUTURE: Flores likely showed enough with the bat to warrant a promotion to the FSL, but we'll say he spends two seaons there before moving up, putting him 4 years out, sometime in the 2013 season.

2. A+ SS/2B Reese Havens L/R 10/20/86 (A+ St. Lucie .247/.361/.422/.784, 89 for 360, 53 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 55/73 BB/K, AFL Surprise .368/.478/.658/1.136, 14 for 38, 9 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 8/9 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .259/.372/.445/.817, 103 for 398, 62 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 63/82 BB/K, .206 K rate, .7683 BB/K ratio

The Mets picked Havens with the 2nd of their 3 first round picks in 2008, 22nd overall out of South Carolina, and sent him to Brooklyn, where he showed considerable power (11 XBH in 85 ABs, .471 SLG, 8th in the NYPL). He was hampered by injuries, however, and therefore couldn't get into a consistent rhythm. Injuries followed him up to the FSL in 2009, but he performed very well there.

The Mets sent Havens to the FSL for 2009, where he did well, outside of a low batting average, all of his periphals were extremely good (114 IsoD, 175 IsoP). During the Arizona Fall Leauge, the Mets began the process of moving Havens to 2b, a process which will continue during the 2010 season, in Binghamton.

Havens has very good power for his position, and yet, he is also a very disciplined hitter (55/73 BB/K in St. Lucie, 63/82 overall), who doesn't strike out a lot (.203 K rate), and draws a very healthy amount of walks (114 IsoD). He's iffy defensively, which is why the Mets are moving him to 2b (well, along with Jose Reyes blocking SS's in the organization for the next decade (we hope)). Havens has the arm and range for 2b, and should be adequate at the position.

THE FUTURE: Havens will open 2010 in Binghamton, and should be in a position to challenge Luis Castillo and/or Ruben Tejada for the 2b job sometime in 2011.

3. AA SS/2B Ruben Tejada R/R 9/1/89 (AA Binghamton .289/.351/.381/.732, 141 for 488, 59 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 37/59 BB/K, 19/22 SBs, AFL Surprise .254/.338/.373/.711, 15 for 59, 9 runs, 4 2b, HR, 9 RBI, 6/9 BB/K, 4 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .285/.350/.380/.730, 156 for 547, 68 runs, 28 2b, 3 3b, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 23/26 SBs, 43/68 BB/K, .124 K rate, .6324 BB/K ratio

The Mets signed Tejada out of Panama in the summer of 2006, and he began the 07 season in the Venezuelan Summer League, but performed at such a high level that the Mets secured a visa for him and brought him stateside, assigning him to the rookie level Gulf Coast League. 2008 saw Tejada in St. Lucie where he struggled bigtime. However, the Mets (IMO, foolishly) promoted Tejada to Binghamton in 2009, where he had a very good season, batting .290/.350 at age 19.

Tejada was sent to Binghamton for the 2009 season, and he performed very well, showing off a very good eye, and knowledge of the strike zone (.121 K rate, .6271 BB/K ratio). Tejada also showed off some good power with 24 2b and 5 homers in 488 ABs, and a very good success rate in steals (86.36%). Factoring out his awful April (.222/.347/.286/.632), Tejada hit an impressive .299/.351/.395/.746 in 425 ABs

Tejada is a line drive gap hitter who should rack up doubles and triples, but not many HRs. His big value will be getting on base and then using his speed to steal bases and wreak havoc atop a batting order. Tejada likely is going to move to 2b in 2010, playing in Buffalo.

THE FUTURE: Tejada will open the season in the majors playing shortstop while Jose Reyes is on the DL, then likely go down to Buffalo and move to 2b.

Edit: And now it looks like he won't, lol. He should open 2010 in Buffalo playing 2b.

4. R/A 2b Alonzo Harris R/R 11/16/89 (R Kingsport .273/.321/.447/.768, 69 for 253, 49 runs, 4 2b, 5 3b, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 17/59 BB/K, 15/21 SBs, A Savannah .200/.259/.200/.459, 5 for 25, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2/8 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .266/.316/.424/.740, 74 for 278, 52 runs, 4 2b, 5 3b, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 19/67 BB/K, 15/21 SBs

Harris was drafted by the Mets in the 39th round of the 2007 draft out of McComb High in Mississippi, and began his pro career in the GCL in 2008. The Mets conservatively sent Harris to Kingsport in 2009, where he performed well, before a late season 23 AB cameo in Savannah to end his season.

Harris spent the bulk of his 09 with rookie level Kingsport, where he hit well. 7 of his 10 HRs came in the month of July, when he ripped the Appy League up to the tune of .306/.366/.541/.906 in 111 ABs. Consistency was Harris' big downfall in 2009, as in August, he hit just .232/.275/.357/.632 in 112 ABs.

Harris is an all or nothing hitter at this point in his career, which leads to Ks and HRs. Harris' best tool offensively is likely his speed, he is one of the fastest minor leaguers the Mets have. Harris is shaky defensively at 2b, so a move to CF is not out of the question.

THE FUTURE: Harris should open 2010 in Savannnah, and ascend a level per season thereafter, putting him in AAA in 2013, and in a position to be called up that season or the next.

5. All Over 2b Jordany Valdespin 12/23/87 L/R (A Savannah .322/.366/.480/.846, 49 for 152, 30 runs, 9 2b, 3 3b, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 11/32 BB/K, 7/9 SBs, R DSL .333/.421/.600/1.021, 5 for 15, 2 3b, 5 RBI, 3/1 BB/K, 1/2 SBs, R GCL .174/.208/.174/.382, 4 for 23, 1/3 BB/K, SB, A- Brooklyn .279/.338/.397/.735, 19 for 68, 10 runs, 3 2b, 3b, HR, 5 RBI, 5/16 BB/K, 4/7 SBs, DWL Licey .300/.300/.450/.750, 6 for 20, 4 runs, HR, 2 RBI, 3 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .299/.346/.439/.784, 83 for 278, 44 runs, 12 2b, 6 3b, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 16/22 SBs, 20/52 BB/K, .187 K rate, .3846 BB/K ratio

Valdespin got off to a roaring start in April, prompting people from all over the prospect community to scower the web/their sources for information on the sudden sensation. Valdespin, who played the whole season at age 21, got off to a .385/.406/.615/1.021 start in April, before disciplinary issues landed him on the suspension list. After that, he went on a tour of the system, with stops in the DSL, GCL, and then Brooklyn. He's got talent, but whether he can mature (read: get his head extracted from his ass) is the question.

Valdespin has most of his power to the pull side, and much like Alonzo Harris, he is a feast or famine hitter, though he seemed to make strides in that department this season. Valdespin has decent speed, as evidenced by his 16 steals, but nothing earth-shattering. He's athletic and fluid when playing 2b, but isn't a good defensive shortstop. He does have a strong arm, which leads him to try and make plays he shouldn't.

THE FUTURE: Valdespin played in both Savannah and Brooklyn, meaning he should open 2010 in St. Lucie, and then ascend a level per season, making his debut sometime in the 2013 season.

6. A+ 2b Hector Pellot R/R 2/8/87 (A+ St. Lucie .277/.352/.373/.725, 98 for 354, 48 runs, 17 2b, 4 3b, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 37/70 BB/K, 15/26 SBs)

7. A- SS Robbie Shields R/R 12/7/87 (A- Brooklyn .178/.273/.267/.540, 26 for 146, 14 runs, 4 2b, 3 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 16/32 BB/K, 2 SBs)

Shields was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, and after signing he was sent to Brooklyn where he had a dreadful season, hitting to a .540 OPS in 146 ABs. Shields also suffered a tear in his UCL, resulting in Tommy John surgery and expectations that he will miss the bulk of the 2010 season.

Shields has a short compact swing which generates some good pop, though he displayed none of that in his short stint in Brooklyn. He, like Reese Havens, profiles better as a 2b. Many (including me) called Shields the righty Havens when he was picked, the scouting reports are similiar.

THE FUTURE: Shields, when he does come back off the injury/rehab/surgery, will likely play in Brooklyn again, and then jump to the FSL in 2011, putting his ETA around late 2013 or 2014.

8. AAA/AA SS Jose Coronado S/R 4/13/86 (AAA Buffalo .141/.240/.165/.404, 12 for 85, 4 runs, 2 2b, 3 RBI, 11/22 BB/K, 2 SBs, AA Binghamton .271/.322/.330/.651, 98 for 361, 37 runs, 16 2b, 3b, HR, 40 RBI, 27/66 BB/K, 11/15 SBs, VWL Caribes .235/.335/.301/.637, 32 for 136, 14 runs, 5 2b, 2 3b, 16 RBI, 19/32 BB/K, 5/9 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .244/.313/.299/.612, 142 for 582, 55 runs, 23 2b, 3 3b, HR, 59 RBI, 18/26 SBs, 57/120 BB/K, .206 K rate, .4750 BB/K ratio

9. R SS Wilfredo Tovar R/R 8/11/91 (R VSL .289/.364/.421/.785, 11 for 38, 3 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 RBI, 5/3 BB/K, 1/2 SBs, R GCL .243/.294/.318/.611, 36 for 148, 21 runs, 5 2b, 3 3b, 14 RBI, 8/19 BB/K, 16/24 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .253/.309/.339/.648, 47 for 186, 24 runs, 8 2b, 4 3b, 16 RBI, 13/22 BB/K, 17/26 SBs

10. R 2b Ray Van Gurp R/R 1/2/89 (R GCL .252/.361/.305/.666, 38 for 151, 25 runs, 6 2b, 3b, 21 RBI, 27/22 BB/K, 16/21 SBs

MPH System Audit IV: Part II: Corner Infielders

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CORNER INFIELDERS
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1. A+/AA 1B Ike Davis L/L 3/22/87 (A+ St. Lucie .288/.376/.486/.863, 64 for 222, 28 runs, 17 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 31/52 BB/K, AA Binghamton .309/.386/.565/.951, 64 for 207, 30 runs, 14 2b, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 26/60 BB/K, BWC .333/.444/.767, 10 for 30, 10 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6/11 BB/K, AFL Surprise .341/.394/.565/.958, 29 for 85, 13 runs, 7 2b, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 8/23 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .307/.387/.544/.931, 167 for 544, 81 runs, 40 2b, 4 3b, 27 HR, 92 RBI, 71/146 BB/K, .268 K rate, .4863 BB/K ratio

Ike Davis was the Mets first pick in the 2008 draft, 18th overall, out of Arizona State, and he was sent to Brooklyn after signing, where he endured a miserable season, hitting a pathetic .256/.326/.326/.652 in 215 ABs, with just 15 2b and 0 HR.

However, Davis exploded in 2009, mashing the cover off the ball no matter where he was, St. Lucie, Binghamton, the Baseball World Classic, or Arizona. He ended up with one of the best overall seasons a Mets prospect has had in a long time, with 40 2b and 27 HR.

Ike has tremendous power (um, as we saw on his absurd BOMB to right field in St. Lucie), and especially to the pull side. He has issues hitting lefties (.200/.234/.283/.518 in the FSL, but he did turn that around to hit .268/.342/.465/.807 in the EL). Davis is a very good first basemen, but as we've seen this spring, he does have some kinks to work out. His arm is very good, and it's likely he could man left field if he needed to (he doesn't have the range for RF, especially @ Citifield).

THE FUTURE: Davis, despite his big spring so far, should open 2010 in the minors, likely in Buffalo, though a return to Binghamton wouldn't be a total shock. What also wouldn't be be a total shock is Ike taking 1b from Daniel Murphy by midseason. Still, we'll say he'll be the 2011 opening day 1b.

2. AAA/AA/MLB 1B/OF Nick Evans R/R 1/30/86 (AAA Buffalo .211/.280/.414/.693, 50 for 237, 27 runs, 12 2b, 3 3b, 10 HR, 30 RBI, 23/55 BB/K, AA Binghamton .276/.350/.467/.817, 29 for 105, 16 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10/22 BB/K, 2 SBs, MLB New York, .231/.275/.385/.660, 15 for 65, 5 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 7 RBI, 4/20 BB/K, AFL Surprise .171/.216/.371/.588, 6 for 35, 4 runs, 2b, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2/11 BB/K)

Total 2009 stats: .226/.289/.419/.708, 100 for 442, 52 runs, 27 2b, 5 3b, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 39/108 BB/K, .244 K rate, .3611 BB/K ratio

Nick Evans was drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 draft out of St. Mary's High in Arizona. After toiling through the system for 5 years, Evans made his MLB debut in 2008, but opened 2009 in BUffalo.

EVans endured a tumultuous 2009, after getting off to a sub .100 start in Buffalo, he was demoted to extended spring, then Binghamton, where he recovered his stroke (.817 OPS). Still, for whatever reason, as the major league season progressed to the point of absurdity, Evans did not receive any meaningful playing time, in favor of stiffs like Cory Sullivan and Fernando Tatis. Evans, despite his terrible season, did hit 16 HR and 27 2b in 442 ABs, showing very good power.

THE FUTURE: He should open 2010 in Buffalo playing LF/RF/1b, and hopefully he gets another real crack at the majors. Keep in mind he hit .329/.390/.529/.919 against lefties in 2009 in the majors.

3. A+/AA 3b Zach Lutz R/R 6/3/86 (A+ St. Lucie .284/.381/.441/.822, 101 for 356, 46 runs, 19 2b, 2 3b, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 50/72 BB/K, AA Binghamton .207/.324/.241/.565, 6 for 29, 2b, 2 RBI, 5/7 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .278/.376/.426/.802, 107 for 385, 46 runs, 20 2b, 2 3b, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 55/79 BB/K

Lutz was drafted in the 5th round of the 2007 draft out of Alvernia University, and injuries have severely hampered him throughout his minor league career, but when he's been healthy, he's hit. For the majority of the 2009 season, he was healthy, and showed what he could do.

Lutz was healthy for the first time in his career in 2009, and after a slow start in St. Lucie (.230/.370/.391/.761 thru the end of May), Lutz took off thereafter, ripping the FSL to the tune of .301/.384/.457/.842 and earning a cup of coffee with Binghamton.

Lutz can hit, he is a very disciplined hitter (50/72 BB/K in St. Lucie, 5/7 in Binghamton), who sprays the ball gap to gap and has good HR power. Due to concurrent ankle injuries in 2007 and 2008, Lutz' speed, such that it was, is not an asset at all. As with his hitting, he's an intelligent runner who won't run himself into many outs. Lutz is a decent defender at 3b, with good range to his left (backhand) side. Overall, Lutz should be a very good player, but it likely will not be with the Mets (Wright/Davis).

THE FUTURE: Lutz ended 2009 in Binghamton and that's where he wants to go (not way down in Kokomo) in 2010 (I apologize for the horrible joke). Figuring 2011 will be spent in Buffalo, we'll say he makes his MLB debut sometime in 2011. Lutz will have to be put onto the 40 man roster at the end of this season, or be eligible for the Rule V draft (it's 2006 HS and 2007 college this year).

4. R/A- Richard Lucas 11/2/88 R/R (R GCL .333/.400/.500/.900, 6 for 18, run, 3 2b, 3 RBI, 2/5 BB/K, R Kingsport .357/.471/.622/1.094, 35 for 98, 28 runs, 12 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 20/20 BB/K, A- Brooklyn .250/.319/.400/.719, 15 for 60, 4 runs, 5 2b, 2 3b, 6 RBI, 7/14 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .318/.414/.534/.948, 56 for 176, 33 runs, 20 2b, 3 3b, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 29/39 BB/K, 3/6 SBs

Lucas was drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 draft, out of Wolfson High in Florida. After struggling through his first two seasons with the Mets, he turned it on big time in 2009.

Lucas had a terrific 2009 season, his 3rd in the organization. He was injured to start, and then received the bulk of his playing time this season in Kingsport, where he oblierated the Appy League and showed tremendous plate discipline (20/20 BB/K) and outstanding power (.622 SLG, 17 XBH in 98 ABs).

Lucas has natural ability to hit the ball to all fields, and shows good power doing so. As mentioned, he's got very good plate discipline, which allows him to wait for his pitch and then hit it hard somewhere. Defensively, Lucas is an average 3rd baseman, with a steady arm.

THE FUTURE: Coming off a terrific season, Lucas will likely open 2010 in Savannah manning 3rd base (hopefully with Jefry Marte at 1st!), and then a level per season should have him in position to make his debut sometime in 2013, or 2014 at the latest.

5. AA 1B Lucas Duda L/R 2/3/86 (AA Binghamton .281/.380/.428/.808, 111 for 395, 49 runs, 29 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 53 RBI, 61/91 BB/K, AFL Surprise .400/.500/.600/1.100, 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB)

Total 2009 Stats: .283/.381/.430/.811, 113 for 400, 50 runs, 30 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 62/91 BB/K, .228 K rate, .6813 BB/K ratio

Duda was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of USC. He spent the remainder of the 2007 season in Brooklyn, before moving to the FSL in 2008, where he had a very down year.

Duda rebounded off a down 2008 season to post career highs in 2b and HR, but he still hasn't shown off the power one would expect from someone as big as he is (6'4/225). Duda vastly improved his BB/K ratio from 2008 (.5516 to .6703). Duda cannot hit lefty pitching to save his life (.192/.283/.225/.508 in 120 ABs)

As seen throughout his minor league career, especially in 2007 and 2009, Duda's got a very good notion of the strike zone. Duda is a line drive gap to gap hitter, but he did start hitting for more power late in the season in Binghamton. Duda's an average defensive 1b, and adequate in LF, but he won't win many (if any) games with his defense.

THE FUTURE: Duda likely could handle being the lefty part of a MLB platoon right now, but he will instead attempt to gain a clue against LHP in AAA in 2010. He's not on the 40 man roster, so he likely won't be called up this season, and he doesn't have to be put on the 40 man roster until the end of this season.

6. A 3b Jefry Marte R/R 6/21/91 (A Savannah .233/.279/.338/.617, 113 for 485, 58 runs, 21 2b, 6 3b, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 25/117 BB/K, 5/10 SBs)

The Mets signed Jefry Marte in the IFA signing period of 2007, along with OF Cesar Puello and SS Wilmer Flores. He was sent to the GCL in 2008 and had a banner rookie season, and then endured an awful 2009.

Marte had a dismal season in 2009, both offensively and defensively. Besides hitting for just a .617 OPS, Marte made 49 errors in 123 games, and keep in mind he DHed a few games, too. However, also keep in mind he played the season at age 17/18. And, for his age relative to level, he had an OK offensive season, and there were points where he was downright impressive. Combining his April, June and July numbers, roughly half his season, he hit .271/.315/.385/.700 (81 for 299, 42 runs, 15 2b, 5 3b, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 17/71 BB/K). However, the downside to that, of course, is that in the other 186 ABs, Marte hit .172/.222/.263/.486.

Marte, as we saw last year (.532 SLG, 21 XBH in 154 ABs), Marte's got impressive raw power, which should be enhanced as he physically matures. However, the lack of any approach curtailed his power numbers significantly (.2136 BB/K). He mostly pulls the ball, which leaves him vunerable to breaking balls away. Defensively, he's a mess, with not much lateral movement, and a strong, but unpredictable, arm at third.

THE FUTURE: Marte likely will open 2010 back in Savannah, this time either outright as the teams 1b, or in a 1b/3b platoon with Richard Lucas. Assuming some growth as a hitter, Marte should open 2011 in St. Lucie, and ascend a level per year, making his MLB debut sometime in 2013. A more conservative approach would give him time to repeat a level along the way (again), pushing his debut back to 2014.

7. A/A+ 1b/3b Stefan Welch L/R 8/12/88 (A Savannah .239/.271/.359/.630, 22 for 92, 7 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4/19 BB/K, A+ St. Lucie .278/.350/.412/.762, 60 for 216, 38 runs, 10 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 20/37 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .266/.327/.396/.724, 82 for 308, 45 runs, 13 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 24/56 BB/K

8. R 1b/3b/LF Charlie Hinojosa R/R 1/16/89 (R GCL .323/.387/.441/.828, 41 for 127, 10 runs, 12 2b, HR, 15 RBI, 9/30 BB/K)

9. R 3b Aderlin Rodriguez R/R 11/18/91 (R GCL .290/.389/.387/.776, 18 for 62, 5 runs, 3 2b, HR, 10 RBI, 9/15 BB/K, 12 errors in 17 games (he also DHed some))

Aderlin Rodriguez made his pro debut in 2009, playing in the GCL. He had an OK offensive season, and showed off some good plate discipline (.6000 BB/K at age 17), but no power and was a total mess in the field.

Aderlin is a big kid (6'3/210), and should show off more power as he gains strength and grows into his frame. Aderlin has a strong arm and should develop into a good defensive 3b, but he's extremely raw right now.

THE FUTURE: Aderlin will likely open 2010 in Kingsport (since he's blocked in Savannah), although there is a possibility he could open in Brooklyn, which would shorten his development schedule by one season (the Mets like jumping prospects from Kingsport to Savannah, and from Brooklyn to St. Lucie). If he opens 2010 in Kingsport, his MLB debut will likely occur in the 2014 season, if he opens in Brooklyn, it would be in 2013 (assuming no setbacks with performance)

10. AA 3b Shawn Bowman R/R 12/9/84 (AA Binghamton: .294/.346/.458/.804, 102 for 347, 42 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 25/101 BB/K, .291 K rate, .2475 BB/K ratio, BWC: .291/.381/.491, 16 for 55, 9 runs, 2 2b, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 8/18 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .294/.351/.463/.813, 118 for 402, 51 runs, 26 2b, 3 3b, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 33/119 BB/K, .296 K rate, .2773 BB/K ratio

Bowman was drafted in the 12th round of the 2002 draft, and by 2005, was one of the Mets top prospects, and was rumored to be "moving David Wright to first base". That never happened, as Bowman instead succumbed to a series of debilitating back injuries over the next 3 years. He made a comeback over the last 2 seasons, and has landed back onto the radar, but time is against him, unfortunately, as is Ike Davis at 1b. However, Bowman is still the best defensive 3b in the organization, and he was placed on the 40 man roster to protect him from the Rule V draft. Bowman has...or had, terrific power, but his injuries have somewhat curtailed that.

THE FUTURE: Bowman should open 2010 in Buffalo, and is a phone call away from the majors. His story is one of endurance, and MPH feverently hopes he makes the majors at some point this season, we're all rooting for him.

MPH System Audit IV, Part I: Introduction and Outfielders

MPH System Audit IV

Welcome to the 2010 MetsProspectHub System Audit. This year, I consulted 3 other people to get their opinions and feelings. Of course, David, my cowriter (well, you know) and co-founder of MPH, and then a couple of very good friends, Joey DeMayo of NYbaseballdigest.com, and Daniel Wexler (http://www.nleastchatter.com/realdirtymets/)

2009 was a total mess...on the major league side. Mess really doesn't even begin to cover what happened to the New York Mets in 2009, but that's in the rearview mirror. On the minor league side, however, 2009 was one of the best seasons in a long time, and 2010 promises to be significantly more exciting. For the first time in what seems like forever, the Mets did not strip off any prospects during 2009, leaving a nice stable of VERY exciting prospects. Talking to Joe, Dan and David, none of them can remember the last time the Mets had this many prospects across the top 3 levels. Below are writeups on most of them.

MPH's Position by Position Prospect Analysis and Ranking
-featuring contributions from David, Dan and Joe, written by Tejesh
-thanks to NYFS (www.nyfuturestars.com) for having up to date player profile capsules with relevant information handy!
-B/T is next to age and is in that order
-prospect eligibility for MPH is hitherto defined as 200 ABs or 100 IP in the majors, without regard to days spent on the roster

Affiliate Guide (2009):

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

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OUTFIELDERS
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1. AAA/MLB OF Fernando Martinez L/R 10/10/88 (AAA Buffalo .290/.337/.540/.877, 51 for 176, 24 runs, 16 2b, 2 3b, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 11/33 BB/K, 2/3 SBs, MLB New York .176/.242/.275/.517, 16 for 91, 11 runs, 6 2b, HR, 8 RBI, 5/14 BB/K, 2 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .251/.304/.449/.754, 67 for 267, 35 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 4/5 SBs, 16/47 BB/K

The Mets signed Fernando out of the Dominican in the IFA signing period of 2005 for 1.3 million, and since then, he's made a slow trek through the system (due to injuries), but last season cracked through to the major leagues. He started off in Hagerstown in 2006, spent two seasons (2007, 2008) in Binghamton, and last season played in Buffalo, and had a 91 AB stint with the Mets.

Fernando got hurt again in 2009, but managed to make his major league debut after having a torrid month of May in Buffalo (.337/.378/.663/1.041, 31 for 92, 17 runs, 7 2b, 3b, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 6/12 BB/K). He injured himself trying to make a diving catch in Milwaukee, playing CF, and did not appear in a game again.

Fernando still has a very high ceiling, despite being around forever, he will play all of 2010 at the age of 22, which is right on target for AAA, which is where he should play the entire season. Fernando still has considerable power projection left to all fields, as he displays during BP. As we saw in 2009, Fernando is faster then we we led to believe, and he can definitely play center field, something we were told he couldn't do (ok, ok, one epic fall/slide aside), he was solid filling in for Beltran. He should also steal between 15 and 25 bases in a season, definitely not a slouch. He still projects as an above average offensive player, no matter what OF spot he ultimately ends up playing.

THE FUTURE: Fernando made his MB debut in 2009, but should open 2010 in Buffalo, and hopefully will spnd all of the upcoming season there, before being permanently inserted into the lineup in 2011.

2. A+/AA OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis L/R 8/7/87 (A+ St. Lucie .274/.357/.467/.824, 132 for 482, 91 runs, 35 2b, 5 3b, 16 HR, 71 RBI, 53/118 BB/K, 16/20 SBs, AA Binghamton .406/.472/.656/1.128, 13 for 32, 8 runs, 3 2b, 3b, HR, 2 RBI, 4/9 BB/K, 1/2 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .282/.364/.479/.843, 145 for 514, 99 runs, 38 2b, 6 3b, 17 HR, 73 RBI, 57/127 BB/K, 17/22 SBs, .247 K rate, .4488 BB/K ratio

The Mets drafted Nieuwenhuis out of Azusa Pacific University in the 3rd round of the 2008 draft, and he spent his rookie season with Brooklyn, before being bumped up to St. Lucie for 2009, where he got off to an uneven beginning.

Nieuwenhuis had one of the hottest stretches in all of minor league ball during the second half of 2009. Between July 8th and September 2nd, Kirk hit a blistering .340/.411/.602/1.013 (70 for 206, 47 runs, 20 2b, 5 3b, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 24/48 BB/K). He ended his season in Binghamton where he didn't slow down, hitting .406/.472/.656/1.128 in 32 ABs.

Nieuwenhuis, as we saw in 2009, hits tons of XBH. Of his 145 hits, 61 of them (42.06%) were for extra bases (38 2b, 6 3b, 17 HR). He hits the ball well to all fields, and is a gap to gap hitter , but he struggles against LHP (just .233/.297/.346/.642 in 2009 in St. Lucie), and he also Ks a ton (127 Ks in 514 ABs), but provides good production from the outfield to make up for it, and is a possible 20-20 or 25-25-25 player. Nieuwenhuis has a good arm and probably profiles best as a right fielder, but for at least 2010, he will play center.

THE FUTURE: Kirk had a 32 AB cameo in Binghamton at the tail end of 2009, and this is where he will play most (if not all) of 2010. He should end his season in Arizona, and that sets him up to be a callup sometime in 2011.

3. R OF Cesar Puello R/R 4/1/91 (R Kingsport .296/.373/.423/.796, 58 for 196, 37 runs, 10 2b, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 10/51 BB/K, 15/20 SBs)

The Mets signed three IFAs in 2007, Wilmer Flores, Jefry Marte, and this guy, Cesar Puello. The other two were rushed further then Puello, who's been handled carefully, with good results. Puello played the 08 and 09 seasons in short season rookie ball, 08 in the GCL, and 09 in Kingsport.

Puello spent the 2009 season in short season rookie ball, playing for the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League, where he hit .296/.373/.423/.796 in 196 ABs. As he did in 2008, Puello got off to a slow start in 2009, hitting just .265/.324/.294/.618 in 34 June ABs, before coming on strong. From July 1st to the end of the season, Puello hit extremely well, .302/.383/.451/.833, though he was hit by 12 pitches in that span, inflating his OBP by 44 points.

Much of Puello's offensive game is still projection, as he's a) just 18, and b) has yet to cross the 200 AB barrier. He does have some pop in his bat, as evidenced by the .423 SLG and 127 IsoP, but he needs to refine his strike zone discipline in order to maximize his tools (again, he's just 18, so he has time to do that). Unlike most hitters, Puello can recognize offspeed/breaking pitches, which should help him transition to fullseason this season. Puello has good speed, as evidenced by his 15/20 success rate in steals in 2009. Puello also has a strong arm, so much so that the Mets used him exclusively in RF in 2009, and will do so again in 2010. He has very good range, owing to his speed.

THE FUTURE: Puello should open 2010 in Savannah, and he most likely will spend the whole season there (at age 19), but it wouldn't be a shock to see him end in St. Lucie. Conservative promotions from there should have him spend his age 20 season there, age 21 in Binghamton, age 22 in Buffalo, and then age 23 breaking into the majors (2014).

4. A+ OF Brahiam Maldonado R/R 9/18/85 (A+ St. Lucie .273/.348/.466/.813, 112 for 410, 62 runs, 19 2b, 3 3b, 18 HR, 73 RBI, 43/126 BB/K, 13/17 SBs)

The Mets drafted Brahiam Maldonado in the 10th round of the 2004 draft out of St. Francis High in Puerto Rico. After being drafted, Maldonado spent two seasons in the GCL, then Kingsport (2006), Savannah (2007), then the last two seasons in St. Lucie (08 and 09).

Maldonado enjoyed a second half rebirth of his prospect status, after for all the world looking like a total flameout. After hitting a pathetic .226/.277/.377/.653 over the first two months of the season, Maldonado EXPLODED, blistering the FSL to the tune of a .299/.384/.515/.900

Maldonado still strikes out at an extreme clip, over .300 again this season, and it will be this flaw which permanently puts the kabosh on his resurrected prospect status in 2010. He's got good speed and a good enough arm to play the corner outfield spots, but neither is anythign special.

THE FUTURE: Maldonado will definitely open 2010 with the BMets, and as I said, his fatal K rate will serve to permanently destroy his resurrected prospect status, unless, of course, he can bring it under control somehow. If he does, he should be poised to make his major league debut sometime in late 2011 or 2012.

5. A+/AA OF Carlos Guzman L/R 5/24/86 (A+ St. Lucie .290/.347/.453/.800, 137 for 472, 59 runs, 28 2b, 2 3b, 15 HR, 64 RBI, 39/95 BB/K, 6/11 SBs, AA Binghamton .130/.200/.261/.461, 3 for 23, 2 runs, HR, 3 RBI, 1/7 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .283/.340/.444/.785, 140 for 495, 61 runs, 28 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 40/102 BB/K, 6/11 SBs

Guzman was signed as a UDFA out of Brookdale Community College in 2006, and since has been mostly unheralded, first in the GCL in 2007, then Savannah (08), before exploding onto the scene in 2009 with a terrific first two months in St. Lucie.

Guzman launched himself onto prospect lists with a vengence in 2009, setting career highs in every offensive category, all while playing a good corner outfield. Guzman started off hot in St. Lucie, hitting .300/.354/.498 through the first two months of the season before falling into a deep slump (.220/.282/.370) over his next two months, before having the best month of his season in August, a blistering .396/.446/.523 which earned him a 23 AB cameo in Binghamton, where he should play all of 2010.

Guzman is a fastball hitter who has trouble with advanced breaking pitches, which should hamper him in 2010, unless he improves. He began switch hitting this year, and that is a definite work in progress, as he hit just .202/.305/.219/.525 from the right side of the plate. Guzman is a decent runner and athlete, and also has decent range, but he has a good arm, his best asset on the defensive side of the ball.

THE FUTURE: Guzman, as we said, will open 2010 in Binghamton, where his fringy prospect status will be put to the test by advanced offspeed pitches. If he passes the test, he will face another in 2011 at the AAA level, and if he passes that, he will make his MLB debut in 2012, likely as a power bat off the bench.

6. A/A+ OF Sean Ratliff L/L 2/24/87 (A Savannah .265/.312/.451/.763, 124 for 468, 64 runs, 28 2b, 7 3b, 15 HR, 68 RBI, 31/131 BB/K, 11/17 SBs, A+ St. Lucie .286/.286/.357/.643, 8 for 28, 3 runs, 2 2b, 6 RBI, 10 Ks)

Total 2009 Stats: .266/.311/.446/.756, 132 for 496, 67 runs, 30 2b, 7 3b, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 11/17 SBs, 31/141 BB/K, .284 K rate, .2199 BB/K ratio

Ratliff was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 draft out of Stanford, and spent his rookie season in Brooklyn, before opening 2009 in fullseason ball, with Savannah.

Ratliff spent the vast majority of the season in Savannah where he had bursts of great production (.346 thru his first 26 games, .552 in the final week of April, .321 in May), but he was also ICE cold for long stretches of time, ending up with pedestrian numbers at age 22 in the Sally League.

Ratliff needs to cut down on his strikeouts, and also find a more consistent approach, as his wild fluxuations in production last season show. Ratliff profiles best as a left fielder, since he doesn't have the range for center (even though he spent most of 2009 playing center for Savannah), or the arm for right. He's got average speed at best, and the 11 steals he had last season should be close to his max output.

THE FUTURE: Ratliff should open 2010 in St. Lucie, and a level per season after means he should be in position to make the majors sometime in 2012. However, his high K totals may serve to derail him, much as Brahiam Maldonado.

7. 7. A- Nick Santomauro L/R 6/13/88 (A- Brooklyn .241/.368/.441/.809, 35 for 145, 18 runs, 5 2b, 3 3b, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 28/38 BB/K, 1/5 SBs)

Santomauro was drafted in the 10th round of the 2009 draft out of Dartmouth, and spent his rookie season in Brooklyn, where he didn't hit for much of an average, but showed very good periphials (127 IsoP, 200 IsoD).

Santomauro has good natural power (as his 200 IsoP indicates), but he does need to work on hiting for average. His eye is good (127 IsoD), and that should help him when he makes the jump to high A in 2010. He has good speed, but isn't a basestealer, he's more of a 1st to 3rd on a single type runner. His speed helps him cover ground in the outfield, but he sometimes takes bad routes to the ball. Santomauro, like Ratliff, is best profiled as a left fielder.

THE FUTURE: Santomauro should open 2010 in St. Lucie, and I expect him to have a breakout much like Kirk Nieuwenhuis did (although Kirk is definitely much more toolsy then Nick). A level per season after that puts him in the majors sometime in 2012/2013.

8. 8. A- Luis Rivera R/R 10/12/86 (A- Brooklyn .297/.402/.441/.844, 66 for 222, 38 runs, 14 2b, 3 3b, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 37/53 BB/K, 13/16 SBs)

9. R Darrell Ceciliani 6/22/90 (R Kingsport .234/.313/.310/.623, 37 for 158, 29 runs, 6 2b, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 13/31 BB/K, 14/16 SBs)

Ceciliani was taken in the 4th round of the 2009 draft out of Columbia Basin College in Washington State, and after signing, was sent to Kingsport where he showed flashes of the type of player he could be in the future, hitting .303/.361/.447/.809 in 76 July ABs, with 5 2b, 2 HR and 8 steals. However, outside of that one month, he was abysmal.

Ceciliani is a slap hitter who uses his speed to his advantage, he won't hit for much power, but he will be a threat on the bases. Ceciliani also uses his speed to be a plus defender in center field, and he's got the arm for the position, too. Ceciliani's best comp would be Juan Pierre.

THE FUTURE: Ceciliani should open 2010 with Savannah, and ascending a level per season after that puts him on track for a debut sometime in 2013.

10. R Chase Greene R/R 4/22/90 (R GCL .286/.361/.397/.758, 18 for 63, 7 2b, 5 RBI, 7/10 BB/K, 2 SBs)

The Mets took Greene in the 16th round out of West Boca Raton High in Florida, and assigned him to the GCL, where he performed very well. Greene projects much as Ceciliani does, a speedy slap hitter who profiles best as a leadoff hitter and centerfielder with plus range.

THE FUTURE: Greene should open 2010 with either Savannah, or Kingsport, and depending on which it is, that will determine when he's in a position to make his MLB debut. It will either be in 2013 or 2014.

MPH System Audit III - Part VII: SPs (23-34)

Starting Pitchers

23. Dylan Owen 7/12/86 (22.54) R/R (A+ St. Lucie 12-6, 3.43 era, 24 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 133.2 IP, 135 H, 55/51 R/ER, 12 HR, 33/116 BB/K, 1.30 GO/FO, .265 BAA, 1.26 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-1, 5.51 era, 3 GS, 16.1 IP, 20 H, 10 ER, 3 HR, 9/15 BB/K, 1.06 GO/FO, .299 BAA, 1.78 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 13-7, 3.66 era, 27 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 150 IP, 155 H, 65/61 R/ER, 15 HR, 42/131 BB/K, 1.27 GO/FO, .269 BAA, 1.31 WHIP

The Mets selected Owen with their 20th round pick in the 2007 draft, 633rd overall, out of Francis Marion College, where he went 10-1, 1.14 as a junior. Owen was sent to Brooklyn where he put up insane numbers, going 10-1 with a 1.40 era. Overall in 2007, Dylan Owen put together an altogether ridiculous year, with 20 wins and a 1.25 era over 179.2 innings. Owen will no doubt be in St. Lucie to open the 2008 season, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him end up in Binghamton.

Owen did start the season in St. Lucie, and performed very well in 24 starts, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.43 era in 133.2 innings. A late season promotion to Binghamton didn't go as well, as he posted a 5.51 in 16.1 innings over 3 starts.

Owen throws 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, curve, slider and change. He doesn't have much in the way of velocity, his 4 seamer tops out in the low 90s, Owen gets by on smarts and guile. Owen's best pitch is a nasty slider he throws in the low 80s, he uses this pitch to get swings and misses. He also features an upper 70s curveball, and rounds out his arsenal with a mid 70s changeup, which is a WIP.

Owen is pretty much a finished product, he may tinker around with his pitches, tightening some up in an effort to get through to the majors, but in my opinion, he likely will top out in AAA, perhaps eventually becoming a Carlos Muniz esque quad A pitcher. His first cup of coffee is likely to come in 2011.

24. Brant Rustich 1/23/85 (24) R/R (A Savannah 3-4, 3.62 era, 20 G, 8 GS, 49.2 IP, 42 H, 26/20 R/ER, HR, 16/48 BB/K, 1.22 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.17 WHIP)

The Mets took Rustich in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft, 93rd overall, out of UCLA, where as a senior, he went 3-2, 6.67 in 20 games, over 29.2 innings. A finger injury (more specifically, recovery from finger surgery in 2006) contributed to the poor season, and also contributed to his dropping stock. Expected to go somewhere in the first round proper, Rustich fell into the Mets' laps at 93, where they scooped him up. After signing, Rustich was sent to Kingsport, and then Brooklyn, where he totalled 27 innings over 17 games, putting up a 1.33 era, with a .63 WHIP. Rustich played winterball in Hawaii, where he struggled due to poor mound conditions, putting up a 5.82 era in 17 innings.

Rustich, as we found out after the season ended, was all kinds of messed up during the 2008 season, pitching with variou serious injuries. He pitched this past season with a fractured humerus bone in his upper right arm that wasn't detected until afterward. Suggestions that Rustich had simple arm soreness clearly were unwarranted. Rustich is expected to pitch in 2009 without the need for surgery. He also has labrum and UCL tears, but rehab is the prescribed course of action. The Mets are taking a big chance with Rustich' future that he won't need surgery, but what else do you expect from an absolutely inept medical staff which allowed this situation to develop in the first place? Rustich should open 2009 in St. Lucie, with an outside shot of endidng up in Binghamton, assuming he doesn't end up under the knife first.

25. Raul Batis 3/5/89 (19.92) L/L (R Kingsport 2-4, 4.15 era, 12 G, 8 GS, SV, 52 IP, 58 H, 35/24 R/ER, 5 HR, 13/41 BB/K, 1.27 GO/FO, .278 BAA, 1.37 WHIP

Batis was signed during the International Free Agent signing period in 2006, and he spent that season in the DSL, pitching 45 innings and producing a 1-6 record with a 4.20 era. Batis was brought stateside for the 2007 season, and sent to the GCL, where he pitched only 26.2 innings, with a 2-1 record and 4.73 era.

26. Michael Olmsted 5/2/87 (21.75) R/R (R GCL 0-0, 3.86 era, 2 GS, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4/2 R/ER, HR, 2/3 BB/K, 0.50 GO/FO, .333 BAA, 1.71 WHIP, R Kingsport 1-1, 1.83 era, 4 GS, 19.2 IP, 11 H, 4 ER, HR, 5/23 BB/K, 1.75 GO/FO, .164 BAA, .81 WHIP, A Savannah 1-0, 3.86 era, 2 GS, 9.1 IP, 12 H, 4 ER, HR, 3/11 BB/K, 0.89 GO/FO, .293 BAA, 1.61 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 2-1, 2.67 era, 8 GS, 33.2 IP, 29 H, 12/10 R/ER, 3 HR, 10/37 BB/K, 1.19 GO/FO, .230 BAA, 1.16 WHIP

The Mets drafted Olmsted in the 9th round, 303rd overall, out of Cypress College, where as a junior, he posted the following line: 9-4, 4.19 era, 24 G, 7 GS, 73 IP, 80 H, 24 BBs, 63 Ks, BAA .280. After signing, he appeared at 3 levels (Brooklyn, GCL, Kingsport), posting a

His fastball sits 90-93 as a reliever, and 88-92 as a starter. He also throws a slider, curveball and changeup. His changeup is in a developmental stage, while his curveball is a pitch he can throw at anytime. He feels his best secondary pitch varies nightly, between his curve and slider. Olmstead's pitching coach used to be Trevor Hoffman's pitching coach, so Olmstead uses the same grip on his changeup as Hoffman. He would most compare himself, however, to John Lackey.

27. Guillaume Leduc 7/28/87 (21.5) R/R (R Kingsport 3-4, 4.24 era, 13 G, 9 GS, CGSO, SV, 57.1 IP, 58 H, 38/27 R/ER, 9 HR, 9/41 BB/K, 0.92 GO/FO, .264 BAA, 1.17 WHIP)

The Mets drafted LeDuc in the 6th round, 213th overall, of the 2007 draft, out of Edouard Montpetit College in Montreal, and after signing, he was sent to the GCL, where he pitched sporadically, getting into 6 games, half of them starts, totalling 20.1 innings. In those 20.1 innings, he posted a 1-1 record with a 2.21 era.

LeDuc throws 3 pitches, a fastball, curveball, and changeup. His fastball is a boring 2 seamer which sits in the low 90s and it dives down and in to righties. His best secondary pitch is a down breaking plus changeup sitting in the mid 70s. His finishes up his arsenal with a fringy (at best) curveball which he spins up in the upper 70s.

LeDuc doesn't have the arsenal to run deep counts, his game is all about trying to get you out within the first 3-4 pitches. He doesn't have the velocity to challenge hitters, so must pitch to contact, which is difficult with only two pitches which he has confidence in. Right now, LeDuc is a starter, and it's likely that despite his limited arsenal, he'll remain in the rotation at least through the 2009 season, which he should open in Savannah. After that, it will depend on his curveball and the strides he makes with it. His debut date as a reliever is probably sometime in the mid 2011 season, as a starter, it would be late 2012.

28. Eduardo Aldama 12/23/89 (19.08) R/R (R GCL 1-5, 4.75 era, 12 G, 9 GS, 47.1 IP, 48 H, 36/25 R/ER, HR, 13/42 BB/K, 1.51 GO/FO, .265 BAA, 1.29 WHIP)

The Mets signed Aldama as an international free agent from Venezuela in July 2006. He made his pro debut with the VSL Mets in 2007, where he was 2-2 with a 2.81 era over 25.2 innings. In 2008 he came stateside to pitch in the GCL, where he went 1-5 with a 4.75 era over 47.1 innings.

29. Eric Niesen 9/4/85 (23.42) L/L (A+ St. Lucie 6-12, 4.64 era, 26 G, 24 GS, 118.1 IP, 136 H, 75/61 R/ER, 10 HR, 46/77 BB/K, 1.51 GO/FO, .286 BAA, 1.54 WHIP)

The Mets selected Niesen in the 3rd round of the 2007 draftt, with their 99th overall pick, out of Wake Forest University, where he was 6-5, with a 3.00 era in 84 innings. After signing, the Mets sent him to Brooklyn, where he got into 9 games, all starts, but only totalling 30 innings. He ended his season with the St. Lucie Mets as they made a push to the playoffs, and he got into 2 games for them, one start during the regular season (3 innings), and one relief outing during the playoffs (1 inning). Overall, he had an ERA a shade under 3 in 118 innings split between 3 "levels" as it were.

We would expect Niesen to open 2008 right where he ended 2007, in St. Lucie. Whether it be in a starting role or relief role remains to be seen. We would hope Niesen remains in the bullpen where his fastball can be used as a true plus pitch.

Instead, Niesen spent the season as a starter, much to his overall detriment, as he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.64 era, which for much of the season was over 5.00. He went 1/3 of an inning over his previous career high (set last year at 118).

Niesen throws a 2 and 4 seam faster, slider, and changeup. While the Mets had him working as a starter in 2008, and probably will do so again in 2009, his ultimate role in the majors will be a reliever, probably a LOOGY, given that righties absolutely TORCHED him in 2008 to the tune of a .305 average and a 6.02 era and 9 HR in 83.2 innings. Lefties hit just .232 off him, with a 1.30 era and 1 HR in 34.2 innings.

With that in mind, his 4 seam fastball, which sat 90-92 starting, should gain a tick or two, bumping it into the low/mid 90s and making it a plus pitch, as it was when he relieved in college. Niesen also throws a 2 seamer in the upper 80s, a slider in the 78-81 range which he uses as a putaway pitch, and a 72-74 MPH changeup which he gained a good amount of confidence in during the season.

Despite averaging 4.76 innings per start, Niesen did a good job of going right after hitters, issuing just 46 walks in 118.1 innings, an average of 3.50 per 9. His problem was that his stuff just does not translate well to a starting role. Niesen should be in Binghamton for 2009, likely in the rotation, but as I said, his ultimate fate is in the bullpen, whether he makes the move there after the 2009 season, or after the 2010 season is unknown, but he will be in line to crack the majors sometime in late 2010, and definitely by 2011.

30. Mark Cohoon 9/15/87 (21.38) L/L (R Kingsport 1-1, 5.89 era, 6 G, 3 GS, 18.1 IP, 17 H, 13/12 R/ER, 10/22 BB/K, 2.67 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.47 WHIP, A Savannah 2-2, 3.82 era, 7 GS, 33 IP, 29 H, 17/14 R/ER, 2 HR, 18/21 BB/K, 0.74 GO/FO, .242 BAA, 1.42 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 3-3, 4.56 era, 13 G, 10 GS, 51.1 IP, 46 H, 30/26 R/ER, 2 HR, 28/43 BB/K, 1.08 GO/FO, .241 BAA, 1.44 WHIP

The Mets drafted Cohoon in the 12th round, 374th overall, out of North Central Texas College, and then sent him first to Kingsport, and then Savannah, where he put up a combined 3-3 record with a 4.56 era over 51.1 innings. Interestingly, he pitched much better at Savannah (3.82) then Kingsport (5.89), but that may have something to do with the fact he was used both as a starter and reliever in Kingsport, whereas he was used exclusively as a starter in Savannah.

31. Josh Stinson 3/14/88 (20.92) R/R (A Savannah 3-6, 3.52 era, 21 G, 6 GS, 3 SVs, 71.2 IP, 78 H, 36/28 R/ER, 7 HR, 32/46 BB/K, 1.67 GO/FO, .280 BAA, 1.54 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-2, 6.14 era, 7 G, 2 GS, 14.2 IP, 17 H, 12/10 R/ER, 5/14 BB/K, 0.93 GO/FO, .293 BAA, 1.50 WHIP, HWL Honolulu 2-2, 4.50 era, 9 G, 5 GS, 1/2 SVs, 22 IP, 19 H, 13/11 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/13 BB/K, 1.45 WHIP, .235 BAA, 1.17 GO/FO)

Total 2008 Stats: 5-10, 4.07 era, 37 G, 13 GS, 108.1 IP, 114 H, 61/49 R/ER, 50/73 BB/K, 1.47 GO/FO, .273 BAA, 1.51 WHIP

The Mets drafted Stinson in the 37th round of the 2006 draft, and sent him to the rookie level Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-2 with a 2.00 era in 9 games (4 starts), totalling 27 innings. A late season promotion to Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League didn't derail the righty, as he put up a 0-1 record, but an outstanding 1.35 era in 3 starts, 13.1 IP. He combined between the two levels to go 1-3 with a 1.79 era. The Mets found themselves another steal with Stinson, since he was projected to go around rounds 8 to 10. Instead, he dropped to the 37th round, but signed for 7th round money.

We said this about Stinson in the 07 audit: Expect Stinson to open the 2007 season as a 19 year old in the South Atlantic League, with the new class A affiliate Savannah. A promotion to the Florida State League wouldn't be out of the question.

However, that didn't come to frutition, as Stinson struggled to find himself in Savannah, and spent the entire season there, barely managing to get his ERA under 5. Stinson's stock has dropped a bit in the last year, but he is still young enough to turn that around. He needs to gain a few ticks on his fastball, and strengthen his curve and change. He should spend all of 2008 in St. Lucie, affording him a friendly ball park to make adjustments to his game. It looks like he will still need another three years of minor league baseball until he breaks into the bigs.

Stinson, however, was held back in Savannah, where he pitched much better in long relief/spot starter duty, posting a 3.52 era in 71.2 innings, spread over 21 games, including 6 starts. Overall he posted an ERA of 4.07 over 108.1 innings spread over 3 levels, including Hawaii. Stinson should open 2009 right where he ended 2008, with the St. Lucie Mets.

32. Gonzalez Germen 9/23/87 (21.33) R/R (R DSL 5-2, 1.34 era, 15 G, 14 GS, 74 IP, 41 H, 21/11 R/ER, 15/70 BB/K, 1.47 GO/FO, .159 BAA, .76 WHIP)

Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high.

Here is a partial scouting report from "Superpitcher" on NYFS.

Gonzalez Germen, throws 89-93 tops at 94,
has a nasty Slider, i think, i'm not quite sure...
His changeup is his K pitch, straight up, nasty change.

33. Angel Cuan 5/29/89 (19.66) L/L (R VSL 1-8, 3.13 era, 14 GS, 72 IP, 71 H, 36/25 R/ER, 2 HR, 11/74 BB/K, 1.01 GO/FO, .254 BAA, 1.14 WHIP)

Cuan gave up 68% of his runs in a 4 start span (4 GS, 16 IP, 23 H, 17 ER, 6/16 BB/K). Outside of that stretch, he put up an off the charts line. 1-4, 1.29 era, 10 GS, 56 IP, 48 H, 8 ER, 5/58 BB/K). Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high. One thing working against Cuan is his build (he's only 5'11/150). Of course, you can't make any inferences about velocity or the like from that, but chances are he doesn't throw hard.

34. Ismael Mendez 5/23/90 (18.66) L/L (R DSL 6-1, 1.07 era, 15 G, 14 GS, 75.2 IP, 38 H, 16/9 R/ER, 2 HR, 29/62 BB/K, 1.26 GO/FO, .151 BAA)

Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high.


Why 34 and not 35? Maikel Cleto was traded away, and we didn't fill in his spot. So there ;)

MPH System Audit III - Part VI (SPs 12-22)

Starting Pitchers

12. John Holdzkom 10/19/87 (21.29) R/R (A Savannah 2-3, 5.89 era, 20 G, 5 GS, 47.1 IP, 45 H, 40/31 R/ER, HR, 45/56 BB/K, 1.70 GO/FO, .246 BAA, 1.90 WHIP, R Kingsport 3-1, 3.66 era, 8 G, 7 GS, 39.1 IP, 38 H, 19/16 R/ER, 3 HR, 12/44 BB/K, 3.44 GO/FO, .257 BAA, 1.27 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 5-4, 4.88 era, 28 G, 12 GS, 86.2 IP, 83 H, 59/47 R/ER, 4 HR, 57/100 BB/K, 2.30 GO/FO, .251 BAA, 1.62 WHIP

Holdzkom was drafted in the 4th round, 124th overall, in the 2006 draft. He spent a miserable rookie season in the GCL, compiling a 2-5, 7.71 era in 23.1 innings (16/2 G/GS). His season was marred by massive control issues, he walked 20 in those 23.1 innings. Holdzkom didn't pitch much in 2007 for a variety of reasons, including a suspension for trashing his hotel room.

2008 was really a tale of two seasons for the 6'7/225 righty. The first one was a relief season spent in misery at Savannah, where he compiled a pitiful 8.31 era in 15 outings spanning 21.2 innings. The other was brought about by a demotion to Kingsport, and a conversion to the starting rotation. After an excellent adaptation in Kingsport, Holdzkom brought that to Savannah, where he put up a very good 3.86 era in 5 starts, ending the season with his best professional outing, a 7 inning 2 hitter. Holdzkom remains on pace age/level wise, he will spend all of the upcoming season at age 21, likely opening in Savannah.

Oh yeah - he's Insane in the Membrane.

13. Nathan Vineyard 10/3/88 (20.33) L/L (A Savannah 0-2, 14.63 era, 2 GS, 8 IP, 13 H, 13 ER, HR, 6/3 BB/K, 1.22 GO/FO, .382 BAA, 2.38 WHIP)

The Mets selected Vineyard in the first round, with their 47th pick in the 2007 draft out of Woodland High School in Georgia, where as a senior, he put up these numbers as a senior: 9-3, 1.19 era, 12 GS, 6 CG, 70.2 IP, 39 H, 12 BBs, 130 Ks; .429/.547/.714, 13 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 22/7 BB/K. He was sent to the rookie level GCL, where he struggled, but did register more then a K per inning. Given the Mets aggressive policy with prospects, it wouldn't be shocking to see Vineyard in the Sally League at some point in 2008 (either starting there, or ending up there).

Vineyard opened the 08 season in Savannah, but lasted just 2 starts before he suffered a left shoulder strain in mid April and had season ending shoulder surgery on May 9th.

Vineyard's fastball is in the low 90s, but he can touch 93 when he needss to. He can locate the pitch down in the strike zone and both sides of the plate with tailing movement. Only 19 years old, he still does have potential to add a few MPH on his fastball, which would turn it into a trus plus pitch. Vineyard's best pitch is his devastating three-quarters slider which he throws in the mid 80s. It has massive break that tails hard down and away to left-handers, dives under the bats of right-handers, and serves as his finishing pitch. He also throws a developing curveball which is in the 76-79 range, and a circle change, in the same range. His change is his third best pitch. Right now, Vineyard keeps the ball down with his full compliment of pitches, pounding the strike zone with his fastball and changeup before finishing hitters off with his slider. He only walked 1 batter every 3 innings, and with further refinement of his pitches, that rate should only improve. As he gets older and his pitches become even finer, he may become more of a strikeout pitcher thanks to his growing velocity combined with his tremendous slider and improving changeup.

Update 3/28/09: Vineyard apparently has not shown up to spring training in Port St. Lucie, so right now his status within the organization is very much up in the air.

14. Tobi Stoner 12/3/84 (24.16) S/R (A+ St. Lucie 1-5, 2.60 era, 9 GS, 52 IP, 46 H, 17/15 R/ER, 3 HR, 9/48 BB/K, 1.10 GO/FO, .238 BAA, 1.06 WHIP, AA Binghamton 4-6, 4.33 era, 15 GS, 79 IP, 80 H, 39/38 R/ER, 7 HR, 29/59 BB/K, 0.82 GO/FO, .267 BAA, 1.38 WHIP, AFL Peoria Saguaros 2-0, 3.66 era, 11 G, 19.2 IP, 17 H, 8 ER, 7/15 BB/K, 1.22 WHIP, .227 BAA, 1.00 GO/FO, PRWL Mayaguez 2-1, 1.16 era, 6/5 G/GS, 31 IP, 25 H, 5/4 R/ER, 7/20 BB/K)

Total 2008 Stats: 9-12, 3.22 era, 41/29 G/GS, 181.2 IP, 168 H, 52/142 BB/K, 1.21 WHIP

Stoner was drafted in the 16th round out of Davis and Elkins College, in 2006, where as a senior, he went 8-6 with a 2.90 era in 18 games, 12 of which were starts. In 90 innings, he allowed 85 hits while walking 16 and striking out 79.

He should start the 2007 season as a 23 year old with Savannah, although an outside shot of him opening in St. Lucie exists.

Stoner did open in Savannah, but he ended in St. Lucie, with mixed results. He performed very well on a very young and inexperienced Savannah team, but struggled upon his promotion to the higher league. We would expect Stoner to open 2008 back in St. Lucie, with a mid-season promotion to Binghamton likely.

Which is exactly what happened.

Taking out Stoner's worst AA start, his numbers improve to 4-5, 3.71 era, 77.2 IP, 71 H, 29/58 BB/K. If you remove his 4 start introduction to AA, and his worst AA outing, you're left with 4-3, 2.62 era, 10 GS, 58.1 IP, 43 H, 17 ER, 3 HR, 23/41 BB/K. Obviously that's purely unscientific, and pretty selective, removing 1/3 of his AA starts, but I think it's pretty important in this case, much as it is in Jon Niese's, to show Stoner did not struggle in AA, despite the mid 4 era.

Stoner throws 5 pitches. A 2 and 4 seam fastball, a slider, curve and changeup. His 2 seamer is in the 88-91 range, while he can get his 4 seamer up into the mid 90s. He made great strides this past season with his fastball(s) command, especially pitching to contact with his 2 seamer. Stoner's best pitches are his breaking balls. He throws a curveball in the 77-80 range with very good command, and compliments it with a sharp down breaking 84-87 MPH slider. He rounds out his arsenal with a good changeup, but he needs to use it more.

Stoner is an aggresive pitcher who comes after you with a vast array of pitches. He likes to mix up his pitch sequences, sometimes working opposite to the count. Stoner looks to be either a good arm for the underside of a bullpen (6th/7th innings), or a reliable 4/5 in a rotation. Stoner should begin the season in Binghamton, and much like the past 2 seasons, earn a midseason promotion to Buffalo, which would put him in line for a mid 2010 debut.

15. Nick Carr 4/19/87 (21.79) R/R (A+ St. Lucie 2-10, 5.70 era, 22 G, 21 GS, 94.2 IP, 103 H, 64/60 R/ER, 10 HR, 50/80 BB/K, 1.12 GO/FO, .282 BAA, 1.62 WHIP, A Savannah 1-2, 3.33 era, 4 GS, 24.1 IP, 22 H, 11/9 R/ER, 4/16 BB/K, 1.16 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.07 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 3-12, 5.22 era, 26 G, 25 GS, 119 IP, 125 H, 75/69 R/ER, 10 HR, 54/96 BB/K, 1.13 GO/FO, .274 BAA, 1.50 WHIP

The Mets drafted Carr in the 41st round of the 2005 draft, out of Twin Falls High School, in Idaho. Instead of signing with the organization out of high school, Carr took his mid-90s fastball and deadly slider to the junior college ranks, more specifically - Southern Idaho College, where he was a teammate of Todd Privett. Carr went 5-4 with a 2.96 era in 13 games, 11 starts, spanning 54.2 innings. He allowed 38 hits, while walking 38 and striking out 66. Carr signed with the Mets as a draft and follow on May 17th, 2006 - just 2 days before the one year anniversary of the release of Revenge of the Sith.

Carr was sent to the rookie level Appalachian League, where he posted decent numbers, as a 19 year old. Carr should be in the mix for a starting job in the South Atlantic League with Savannah.

Carr instead spent the season in Brooklyn of the New York Penn League, where he put up very good numbers, going 5-2, 3.80 in 66.1 innings. He played in Hawaii during the fall, getting into 5 more games, totalling 12.1 innings, and posting a 3.65 era. Carr should either continue his one level ascent through the system, or if the Mets feel like pushing him, he could open the year in St. Lucie.

The Mets felt like pushing him - and it came back to bite them directly on the ass. Carr spent the bulk of the season living through hell in St. Lucie, not earning his first victory until August 16th. For the majority of his time in St. Lucie, he sported an ERA north of 6. Despite the absolutely ugly numbers Carr put up in St. Lucie, there was a silver lining. In his last 4 outings, he went: 2-0, 0.86 era, 4 G, 21 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, 10/18 BB/K, 1.00 WHIP. Still, as there was a year to play with, he can repeat St. Lucie comfortably and still not exceed the ideal age/level for high A.

Carr features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, slider, curve and change. Both his fastballs sit in the low to mid 90s, and he can occasionally dial his 4 seamer up to 96-97 if he needs to. Both pitches have strike out-ability, but they work best when he uses them to setup his slider and other offspeed pitches. His slider is his best offspeed pitch, sitting in the mid 80s with very good hard late break down. He vastly improved his ability to throw his curveball for strikes, this pitch sits in the lower 80s. Finally, he has an upper 70s changeup which he's backed off on from previous seasons, lowering it's velocity.

Carr is an intense pitcher who feeds off emotion, which as we've seen from OPP, can be a good thing or a bad thing. Carr has a lot of moving parts in his delievery, which can cause him to get out of whack at times. Carr projects as a middle of the rotation starter with upside, or if he doesn't put everything together, a late inning power reliever. He should begin 2009 back in St. Lucie (having a year to play with developmentally...), and end the season in Binghamton, giving him an ETA of late 2010 as a reliever or mid 2011 as a starter.

16. Cole Abbott 7/17/88 (20.5) R/R - DNP in 2008

The Mets stole Abbott in the 25th round, with their 783rd pick in the 2007 draft. Expected to go much higher, Abbott fell precipitously, and the Mets snapped him up, and sent him to the GCL, where he did not pitch much, and struggled with command when he did toe the rubber. Abbott should find himself in Kingsport to start 2008, with an outside shot of ending his season in Savannah.

For some still unexplained reason, Abbott did not throw one pitch during the 2008 season.

17. Elvin Ramirez 10/10/87 (21.33) R/R (A Savannah 6-7, 3.67 era, 18 GS, 81 IP, 81 H, 38/33 R/ER, HR, 36/62 BB/K, 1.77 GO/FO, .257 BAA, 1.44 WHIP)

Ramirez was signed during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his pro debut in 2006 with the DSL Mets, posting a 0-1, 2.63 line in 11 games, 6 starts, spanning 27.1 innings. He was jumped to Kingsport for the 2007 season, where he struggled, posting a 1-4, 5.52 line in 12 starts over 45.2 innings.

Ramirez was in the midst of a breakout 2008 season when he suffered a back injury on July 9th, which caused him to miss the rest of the season.

Ramirez features one of the best sinkers in the organization, a devastating mid 90s sinker with sharp down break and great side to side movement. Much like Bobby Parnell, he's cleaned up his mechanics and can maintain velocity deep into games now. He can dial a 4 seamer up into the 95-97 range, but very rarely uses this pitch. Ramirez also owns a very good slider, which he throws in the mid 80s, again with a sharp down break. he tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which he is inconsistent with.

As evidenced by his 1.77 GO/FO ratio this past season, Ramirez goes right after hitters, relying on his defense to make plays for him. He Ks a good amount (62 in 81 innings, 6.89 per 9), but walks a few too many (36 in 81 innings, 4 per 9). Right now, Ramirez is viewed as a starter, but again, as with Bobby Parnell, development of his changeup will dictate where he ultimately ends up. He's got the top two pitches to be a good #3 in a rotation, or a very valuable setup man in the back of a bullpen. Ramirez should open 2009 in St. Lucie, and move up a level per year, making his debut date sometime in the 2011 season, or on opening day 2012.

18. Scott Shaw 8/3/86 (22.5) R/R (University of Illinois 4-4, 7.83 era, 12 G, 11 GS, 2 CG, 56.1 IP, 79 H, 59/49 R/ER, 8 HR, 24/48 BB/K, .328 BAA, A- Brooklyn 6-3, 2.80 era, 15 G, 14 GS, 74 IP, 66 H, 24/23 R/ER, 4 HR, 15/79 BB/K, 1.01 GO/FO, .238 BAA, 1.09 WHIP, HWL Honolulu 2-2, 2.51 era, 8 G, 7 GS, 32.1 IP, 12 H, 13/9 R/ER, HR, 9/35 BB/K, .65 WHIP, .110 BAA, 0.91 GO/FO)

Total 2008 Stats: 12-9, 4.48 era, 35 G, 32 GS, 162.2 IP, 157 H, 96/81 R/ER, 48/162 BB/K, 0.98 GO/FO (Brooklyn + Hawaii), .244 BAA, 1.26 WHIP

Total 2008 Professional Stats: 8-5, 2.71 era, 23 G, 21 GS, 106.1 IP, 78 H, 37/32 R/ER, 24/114 BB/K, 0.98 GO/FO, .199 BAA, .96 WHIP

Shaw was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round, 404th overall, and after signing was sent to Brooklyn, and then Hawaii, where he posted a composite 2.71 era in 106.1 innings over 23 games. Shaw, who had a miserable junior season at the University of Illonis, is a high upside college pick in the mold of Bobby Parnell. Here is a predraft 2008 scouting report:

He has topped out at 94 MPH on the radar gun. Shaw said his typical fastball ranges between 88 and 92 MPH.

"He is a very projectible pitcher," Illinois coach Dan Hartleb said. "He's athletic and has a very good body. He's very capable of being successful."

In high school, Shaw relied on his fastball, curve and slider. He developed his fourth pitch, a changeup, over the last year.

"I consider that now one of my best pitches," he said.

19. Angel Calero 9/25/86 (22.33) L/L (A Savannah 3-5, 2.57 era, 12 GS, 66.2 IP, 54 H, 30/19 R/ER, 3 HR, 15/59 BB/K, 0.86 GO/FO, .220 BAA, 1.04 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 1-1, 7.07 era, 4 GS, 14 IP, 18 H, 11 ER, 3 HR, 7/10 BB/K, 0.52 GO/FO, .300 BAA, 1.79 WHIP)

Calero was signed during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his debut later that same year in the VSL, where he posted a 2-4, 4.03 era in 44.2 innings, with 24 walks allowed (4.84 BB/9). The following year saw in stateside, in the GCL, where his control problems were magnified, as he walked 23 in 27.2 innings (7.48 BB/9), while going 2-2 with a 6.83 era. He was sent to Kingsport for the 2007 season, and pitched markedly better, going 5-1 with a 2.79 era over 51.2 innings, with just 17 walks allowed (2.96 BB/9).

We don't know what happened to Calero beyond the facts that 1) he hasn't pitched anywhere since June 27th, and 2) he's on the DL. #1 leads me to believe it's a bad injury, but again, we have not heard anything officially.

Calero should open 2009 back in St. Lucie, assuming his health is OK.

Update 3/28/09: Calero was shut down with a shoulder injury, that puts his 2009 in jeopardy, for sure.

20. Jim Fuller 6/1/87 (21.66) L/L (Southern Connecticut State 9-3, 1.39 era, 14 GS, 2 CG, 97 IP, 60 H, 24/15 R/ER, 4 HR, 23/145 BB/K, .175 BAA, A- Brooklyn 2-0, 1 era, 8 G, GS, SV, 18 IP, 15 H, 2 ER, 5/22 BB/K, 2.22 GO/FO, .238 BAA, 1.11 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 11-3, 1.33 era, 22 G, 15 GS, 115 IP, 75 H, 28/167 BB/K, .90 WHIP

Fuller was drafted in the 21st round, 644th overall, out of the sister college of my alum, Southern Connecticut State. After he was signed, he was sent to Brooklyn where he posted a 1.00 era in 18 innings, his season was bisected by a shoulder strain.

21. Eric Beaulac 11/13/86 (22.21) R/R (Le Moyne College 9-2, 2.83 era, 14 GS, CGSO, 92.1 IP, 56 H, 36/29 R/ER, 43/113 BB/K, .170 BAA, A- Brooklyn 0-0, 9.82 era, 2 G, 3.2 IP, H, 4 ER, 2/6 BB/K, 0.25 GO/FO, .091 BAA, .82 WHIP, R Kingsport 1-0, 1.89 era, 6 G, 2 GS, SV, 19 IP, 15 H, 5/4 R/ER, HR, 6/23 BB/K, 1.36 GO/FO, .214 BAA, 1.11 WHIP, A Savannah 1-2, 3.55 era, 6 GS, 25.1 IP, 22 H, 13/10 R/ER, HR, 18/31 BB/K, 1.47 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.58 WHIP)

Total 2008 Minor League Stats: 2-2, 3.38 era, 14 G, 8 GS, SV, 48 IP, 38 H, 22/18 R/ER, 2 HR, 26/60 BB/K, 1.29 GO/FO, .220 BAA, 1.33 WHIP

Total 2008 Cumulative Stats: 11-4, 3.01 era, 28 G, 22 GS, 140.1 IP, 94 H, 69/173 BB/K, 1.16 WHIP

Beaulac was drafted by the Mets in the 9th round, 284th overall, out of Le Moyne College, and after signing for $90,000, he was sent to Brooklyn, then Kingsport, and lastly Savannah, where he posted a composite 3.38 era in 48 minor league innings. Here is a predraft 2008 scouting report on Beaulac:

Thanks to Coach Steven Owens: FB 91-93, very good slider 83-87 with depth, workable change....gives up very few hits per innings pitched, command needs to improve and reduce walks

Beaulac features a 3 pitch arsenal, a fastball, slider and changeup. He throws his fastball in the 92-94 range, but can pump it into the 95-96 range when needed. A very good trait (which he shares with Bobby Parnell and Brad Holt) is that Beaulac can maintain his fastball deep into games. His best secondary offering is a low to mid 80s slider he uses as an out pitch. This pitch has a good break and late movement, he uses it to generate Ks and grounders. He rounds out his arsenal with a developing upper 70s changeup which he needs to get more consistent with.

Beaulac should open the 2009 season back in Savannah, anchoring what is expected to be a very young, inexperienced staff. However, he should be in the mix for a midseason (or earlier) promotion to St. Lucie, followed by a likely stint in the junior AFL after the season (the replacement league for Hawaii), and then a start in Binghamton in 2010, which would put his debut sometime in mid 2011.

22. Gavin Dlouhy 6/19/88 (20.63) R/R - DNP in 2008

The Mets signed Dlouhy out of Australia in July of 2006, and he made his debut a year later for the GCL Mets, but only managed 25.1 innings in a crowded staff.

Dlouhy features a low 90s fastball, developing change, and a good splitter. He should open the season in A ball. He was highly regarded out of Australia, and has put up good numbers in limited time. His stuff is good enough to move up in the ranks of starting pitcher prospects in the system, and should be one to watch going forward. He is definite a sleeper candidate in 2008.

Dlouhy, like Cole Abbott, did not pitch in 2008, leading to speculation that they have quit baseball, and combined to form a boyband along with Nathan Vineyard.

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