ESPN 2 Schedule:
2 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Venezuela versus. Dominican republic Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
2 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Mexico versus. Puerto Rico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:30 p.m. -
11:00 p.m.
3 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Dominican republic versus Mexico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
3 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Puerto Rico versus. Venezuela Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:00 p.m. -
10:30 p.m.
4 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Mexico versus. Venezuela Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
4 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Puerto Rico versus. Dominican republic Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:00 p.m. -
10:30 p.m.
5 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Dominican republic versus. Venezuela Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
5 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Puerto Rico versus. Mexico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:00 p.m. -
10:30 p.m.
6 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Mexico versus. Dominican republic Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
6 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Venezuela versus. Puerto Rico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:00 p.m. -
10:30 p.m.
7 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Venezuela versus Mexico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 3:00 p.m. -
6:30 p.m.
7 of Feb. The Series of the Caribbean 2007
Dominican republic versus. Puerto Rico Baseball - Series of the Caribbean
Stage Robert Clemente Carolina, Puerto Rico 7:00 p.m. -
10:30 p.m.
The SNY Schedule will be as follows
2/2/07
Venezuela vs Dominican Republic 3:00 pm
Mexico vs. puerto Rico 7:30 pm
2/4/07
Mexico vs Dominican Republic 6:00 AM
Venezuela vs Puerto Rico 12:00 pm
Mexico vs Venezuela 3:00 pm
Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic 7:00 PM
2/5/07
Dominican Republic vs Venezuela 3:00 pm
Puerto Rico vs Mexico 7:00 pm
2/6/07
Mexico vs Dominican Republic 3:00 pm
Venezuela vs Puerto Rico 7:00 pm
2/7/07
Venezuela vs Mexico 3:00
2/8/07
Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic 12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Toronto Blue Jays sign Victor Zambrano
As per the Seattle Post-Intelligence, the Blue Jays have signed Zambrano.
Bye bye, Diktor, please let the door hit you as hard as possible.
One down, lets hope some team signs Steve Trachsel so that possibility is erased.
Note: This post reflects only my views, not David's.
Bye bye, Diktor, please let the door hit you as hard as possible.
One down, lets hope some team signs Steve Trachsel so that possibility is erased.
Note: This post reflects only my views, not David's.
News on Anderson Hernandez + BIG NEWS FOR BASEBALL FANS!
Apparently Aguilas wants him to play for them in the Caribbean Series.
And on the subject of the Caribbean Series, those of you (like me), who are about to go mad with boredom unless you get a fix of new baseball, rejoice. SNY will be broadcasting the Caribbean Series.
Visit www.sny.tv for a schedule.
And on the subject of the Caribbean Series, those of you (like me), who are about to go mad with boredom unless you get a fix of new baseball, rejoice. SNY will be broadcasting the Caribbean Series.
Visit www.sny.tv for a schedule.
Relief Pitchers
1. Joe Smith (Wright State 3-1, 0.98 era, 31 G, 13 SVs, 55 IP, 34 H, 16 BBs, 63 Ks, 0.91 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 0-1, 0.45 era, 17 G, 9 SVs, 20 IP, 10 H, 3 BBs, 28 Ks, 0.65 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-2, 5.68 era, 10 G, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 11 BBs, 12 Ks, 1.82 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-4, 1.54 era, 58 G, 22 SVs, 87.2 IP, 56 H, 30 BBs, 103 Ks, 0.98 WHIP
The leader of a rogue group of escaped military prisoners accused of a crime they didn’t commit…
Right, sorry. Putting my inner TV geek away now. Smith was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft out of Wright State, as one of the top college closers available. He put up 13 saves in 31 appearances, with a 0.98 era in 55 innings pitched. After drafting Smith, the Mets sent him to low A Brooklyn, where he dominated using a low 90s sinker (which hits 94), and an outstanding slider – both offered from a sidearm delivery. After 20 innings in Brooklyn, Smith joined AA Binghamton, bolstering the bullpen for their ill-fated playoff run. Smith served as one of Henry Owens’ setup men, and struggled (naturally, having jumped over 3 levels).
Smith's control can falter at times and like most sidearmers, he has real problems with the opposite side, as Double-A lefties went 10-for-20 against him.
Strengths: Smith is unique because he throws much harder than typical sidearmers, and his 89-91 mph fastball has sinking, fading action. It tops out at 94. He stays on top of an 81-83 mph, two-plane slider that destroys righthanders. They hit just .104 against him in pro ball.
Weaknesses: The key to Smith reaching his ceiling is his changeup. He never needed it in college, but he does in pro ball to keep advanced lefthanders honest. They went 10-for-20 (.500) against him in his brief Double-A stint.
The Future: If he can make his changeup an average pitch, Smith should be an excellent setup man. Without it, he'd be just a righthanded specialist. Chad Bradford filled that role for the Mets in 2006, and his departure could allow Smith to make the team at some point in his first full season. He'll probably open in Triple-A
2. German Marte (A Hagerstown 3-0, 2.58 era, 32 G, 4 SVs, 59.1 IP, 49 H, 20 BBs, 62 Ks, 1.16 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 2-0, 0.00 era, 9 G, 4 SVs, 9 IP, 7 H, 6 BBs, 6 Ks, 1.44 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 5-0, 2.24 era, 41 G, 8 SVs, 68.1 IP, 56 H, 26 BBs, 68 Ks, 1.2 WHIP
Marte was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2002. He posted a 1.56 ERA for the 2003 DSL team, with 70 Ks in 75 IP, before coming stateside in 2004, where he got into 9 games, including 6 starts, for Kingsport, posting a 1-0 record with a 5.13 era. He also got into 4 games (2 starts) for the Gulf Coast League team, putting up a 1-0, 2.40 line in 15 innings. 2005 was split between Kingsport and Brooklyn, and 2006 between Hagerstown and Brooklyn.
I’d expect Marte to open 2007 in St. Lucie as a 22 year old, with a possibility of making the jump to Binghamton, and possibly end the season in New Orleans.
3. Brandon Nall (A Hagerstown 5-5, 2.91 era, 38 G, 86.2 IP, 69 H, 35 BBs, 88 Ks, 1.20 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-0, 0.00 era, 2 G, 4 IP, H, BB, 4 Ks, 0.50 WHIP, AFL Mesa 1-0, 0.00 era, 2 G, 2 IP, H, BB, 1.00 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-5, 2.72 era, 42 G, 92.2 IP, 71 H, 37 BBs, 92 Ks, 1.17 WHIP
Originally drafted by the Braves in 2002, Nall declined to sign and instead opted to go to LSU, where he missed the entirety of the 2003 and 2004 seasons recovering from a torn labrum. In 2005, he posted a 3-2 record with LSU, but a 5.18 era in 7 games (4 starts), spanning 24.1 innings. The Mets signed him as an undrafted free agent and sent him to Hagerstown, where he struggled, posting a 7.06 era in 12 games (2 starts).
2006 was a much better year for the righty, but he was old for his level. He will open 2007 in Binghamton, as a 25 year old, and should end the season in New Orleans.
4. Carlos Muniz (A+ St. Lucie 4-3, 3.08 era, 48 G, 31 SVs, 49.2 IP, 39 H, 18 BBs, 45 Ks, 1.15 WHIP)
Muniz was drafted in the 13th round of the 2003 draft out of Long Beach University, where as a senior, he was 0-2 with a 3.14 era in 26 games, converting 11 saves. He’s made a slow trek through the farm system, and last season was his best, however, it came as a 25 year old in the Florida State League. In 2007, he’ll need to go through Binghamton and end up in New Orleans, to not fall into the Henry Owens category.
5. Kevin Tomasiewicz (A Hagerstown 6-2, 2.60 era, 47 G, 19 SVs, 65.2 IP, 64 H, 13 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.17 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-0, 9.00 era, 1 G, 1 SV, 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 Ks, 1.50 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-2, 2.79 era, 48 G, 20 SVs, 67.2 IP, 66 H, 14 BBs, 55 Ks, 1.18 WHIP
Tomasiewicz is a lefty pitcher who the Mets drafted with their 26th round pick in 2005, out of the University of Wisconsin. He posted a 15-1 record with a 2.83 era in 20 games the year before the Mets drafted him. He started with Brooklyn, posting a 3-3 record with an ugly 5.62 era in 20 games (5 starts), while grabbing 3 saves. 2006 brought a promotion to Hagerstown, where Tomasiewicz blossomed. He should open 2007 as a 23 year old with St. Lucie, and possibly end it in Binghamton.
1. Joe Smith (Wright State 3-1, 0.98 era, 31 G, 13 SVs, 55 IP, 34 H, 16 BBs, 63 Ks, 0.91 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 0-1, 0.45 era, 17 G, 9 SVs, 20 IP, 10 H, 3 BBs, 28 Ks, 0.65 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-2, 5.68 era, 10 G, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 11 BBs, 12 Ks, 1.82 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-4, 1.54 era, 58 G, 22 SVs, 87.2 IP, 56 H, 30 BBs, 103 Ks, 0.98 WHIP
The leader of a rogue group of escaped military prisoners accused of a crime they didn’t commit…
Right, sorry. Putting my inner TV geek away now. Smith was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft out of Wright State, as one of the top college closers available. He put up 13 saves in 31 appearances, with a 0.98 era in 55 innings pitched. After drafting Smith, the Mets sent him to low A Brooklyn, where he dominated using a low 90s sinker (which hits 94), and an outstanding slider – both offered from a sidearm delivery. After 20 innings in Brooklyn, Smith joined AA Binghamton, bolstering the bullpen for their ill-fated playoff run. Smith served as one of Henry Owens’ setup men, and struggled (naturally, having jumped over 3 levels).
Smith's control can falter at times and like most sidearmers, he has real problems with the opposite side, as Double-A lefties went 10-for-20 against him.
Strengths: Smith is unique because he throws much harder than typical sidearmers, and his 89-91 mph fastball has sinking, fading action. It tops out at 94. He stays on top of an 81-83 mph, two-plane slider that destroys righthanders. They hit just .104 against him in pro ball.
Weaknesses: The key to Smith reaching his ceiling is his changeup. He never needed it in college, but he does in pro ball to keep advanced lefthanders honest. They went 10-for-20 (.500) against him in his brief Double-A stint.
The Future: If he can make his changeup an average pitch, Smith should be an excellent setup man. Without it, he'd be just a righthanded specialist. Chad Bradford filled that role for the Mets in 2006, and his departure could allow Smith to make the team at some point in his first full season. He'll probably open in Triple-A
2. German Marte (A Hagerstown 3-0, 2.58 era, 32 G, 4 SVs, 59.1 IP, 49 H, 20 BBs, 62 Ks, 1.16 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 2-0, 0.00 era, 9 G, 4 SVs, 9 IP, 7 H, 6 BBs, 6 Ks, 1.44 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 5-0, 2.24 era, 41 G, 8 SVs, 68.1 IP, 56 H, 26 BBs, 68 Ks, 1.2 WHIP
Marte was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2002. He posted a 1.56 ERA for the 2003 DSL team, with 70 Ks in 75 IP, before coming stateside in 2004, where he got into 9 games, including 6 starts, for Kingsport, posting a 1-0 record with a 5.13 era. He also got into 4 games (2 starts) for the Gulf Coast League team, putting up a 1-0, 2.40 line in 15 innings. 2005 was split between Kingsport and Brooklyn, and 2006 between Hagerstown and Brooklyn.
I’d expect Marte to open 2007 in St. Lucie as a 22 year old, with a possibility of making the jump to Binghamton, and possibly end the season in New Orleans.
3. Brandon Nall (A Hagerstown 5-5, 2.91 era, 38 G, 86.2 IP, 69 H, 35 BBs, 88 Ks, 1.20 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-0, 0.00 era, 2 G, 4 IP, H, BB, 4 Ks, 0.50 WHIP, AFL Mesa 1-0, 0.00 era, 2 G, 2 IP, H, BB, 1.00 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-5, 2.72 era, 42 G, 92.2 IP, 71 H, 37 BBs, 92 Ks, 1.17 WHIP
Originally drafted by the Braves in 2002, Nall declined to sign and instead opted to go to LSU, where he missed the entirety of the 2003 and 2004 seasons recovering from a torn labrum. In 2005, he posted a 3-2 record with LSU, but a 5.18 era in 7 games (4 starts), spanning 24.1 innings. The Mets signed him as an undrafted free agent and sent him to Hagerstown, where he struggled, posting a 7.06 era in 12 games (2 starts).
2006 was a much better year for the righty, but he was old for his level. He will open 2007 in Binghamton, as a 25 year old, and should end the season in New Orleans.
4. Carlos Muniz (A+ St. Lucie 4-3, 3.08 era, 48 G, 31 SVs, 49.2 IP, 39 H, 18 BBs, 45 Ks, 1.15 WHIP)
Muniz was drafted in the 13th round of the 2003 draft out of Long Beach University, where as a senior, he was 0-2 with a 3.14 era in 26 games, converting 11 saves. He’s made a slow trek through the farm system, and last season was his best, however, it came as a 25 year old in the Florida State League. In 2007, he’ll need to go through Binghamton and end up in New Orleans, to not fall into the Henry Owens category.
5. Kevin Tomasiewicz (A Hagerstown 6-2, 2.60 era, 47 G, 19 SVs, 65.2 IP, 64 H, 13 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.17 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-0, 9.00 era, 1 G, 1 SV, 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 Ks, 1.50 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-2, 2.79 era, 48 G, 20 SVs, 67.2 IP, 66 H, 14 BBs, 55 Ks, 1.18 WHIP
Tomasiewicz is a lefty pitcher who the Mets drafted with their 26th round pick in 2005, out of the University of Wisconsin. He posted a 15-1 record with a 2.83 era in 20 games the year before the Mets drafted him. He started with Brooklyn, posting a 3-3 record with an ugly 5.62 era in 20 games (5 starts), while grabbing 3 saves. 2006 brought a promotion to Hagerstown, where Tomasiewicz blossomed. He should open 2007 as a 23 year old with St. Lucie, and possibly end it in Binghamton.
Monday, January 29, 2007
MPH Audit Part VIII - Starting Pitchers (11-20)
Starting Pitchers (11-20)
11. Steven Holmes
Holmes played college ball at the University of Rhode Island where he posted the 2nd lowest ERA (1.30 104 IP 15 ER 10-2 0.88 WHIP) in the entire 2006 NCAA. His combined record for the 3 years in college was 22-4. Baseball America had him listed prior to the draft as the 187th best prospect in the country. Holmes was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 draft (the highest any URI player was ever drafted) by the Mets and was assigned to Brooklyn after he signed; however, he did not appear in a game in 2006. He returned his bonus to the Mets and went back to school (I believe to attend Med school) after a close friend of his committed suicide,. His fastball is solid, and in the 88-92 mph range, with a curveball as his out pitch. He has been compared in the past to Brian Bannister.
Frankly, it is still a little unclear whether Holmes remains the property of the Mets. I can’t seem to find out but I believe that, technically, the Mets do retain his rights and they have until a week before next year’s draft to re-sign him. All of this will clear up as soon as the season starts.
12. Blake Eager (R GCL Mets 1-1, 4.00 era, 3 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 12 H, BB, 8 Ks, 1.44 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 5-3, 3.78 era, 15 GS, 85.2 IP, 84 H, 20 BBs, 59 Ks, 1.21 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-0, 2.70 era, 1 GS, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 5 Ks, 0.45 WHIP, HWL North Shore 0-1, 3.21 ERA, 12 G, 3 GS, 28 IP, 29 H, 6 BBs, 18 Ks, 1.25 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-5, 3.61 era, 31 G, 21 GS, 129.1 IP, 128 H, 27 BBs, 90 Ks, 1.20 WHIP)
Eager was drafted by the Mets in the 30th round of the 2004 round out of the Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he was 8-4 as a senior. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League where he put up a 4-3, 3.93 line in 13 games, 7 of which were starts.
In 2006, Eager rose to AA Binghamton for 1 start, going 6.2 IP while allowing 3 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Eager should return to Binghamton for a full season in 2007, as a 25 year old.
13. Eric Brown (A Hagerstown 3-2, 5.29 era, 20 G, 6 GS, 63 IP, 74 H, 24 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.56 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 7-1, 1.16 era, 10 GS, 70 IP, 53 H, 4 BBs, 55 Ks, 0.81 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 10-3, 3.11 era, 30 G, 16 GS, 133 IP, 127 H, 28 BBs, 106 Ks
Brown was drafted in the 18th round of the 2005 draft out of Wingate University in North Carolina, and upon signing him, the Mets sent him to Brooklyn where he went 3-2, 3.97 in 16 relief appearances, striking out 31 and walking 7 in 34 innings. According to a local newspaper in North Carolina the Mets didn't want anyone to know they were scouting Brown because they knew he was a sleeper and wanted to draft him in the later rounds. This apparently worked, as they were able to get a talent like his in the 18th round. The 22-year-old features four pitches - a fastball, slider, curve and changeup - with his fastball in the 88 to 91 mile per hour range and his devastating slider as his out pitch.
He started 2006 in Hagerstown, but struggled and was demoted to Brooklyn, where he absolutely dominated. He should open 2007 back in A ball, in Savannah, the Mets new class A affiliate.
14. Tobi Stoner (Davis & Elkins 8-6, 2.90 era, 18 G, 12 GS, 90 IP, 85 H, 16 BBs, 79 Ks, 1.12 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 6-2, 2.15 era, 14 GS, 83.2 IP, 66 H, 17 BBs, 62 Ks, 0.99 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 14-8, 2.54 era, 32 G, 26 GS, 173.2 IP, 151 H, 33 BBs, 141 Ks, 1.06 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.
15. Nelson Portillo (A Hagerstown 0-0, 5.19 era, 2 GS, 8.2 IP, 10 H, 5 BBs, 7 Ks, 1.73 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 3-5, 3.68 era, 14 G, 13 GS, 71 IP, 77 H, 16 BBs, 35 Ks, 1.31 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-5, 3.86 era, 16 G, 15 GS, 79.2 IP, 87 H, 21 BBs, 42 Ks, 1.36 WHIP
Portillo is a product of the Mets Venezuelan Summer League program. In 2005, Portillo went 6-0 with a 1.16 ERA. He allowed just 38 hits in 62.1 innings, while walking 17 and striking out 60. In 2006, Portillo spot started for the Hagerstown Suns and was demoted to Brooklyn when their season started, where he started 13 games, posting a 3-5 record and a 3.68 ERA in 71 innings.
He should be ready to open 2007 with Savannah.
16. Salvador Aguilar (A Hagerstown 0-0, 2.54 era, 5 GS, 28.1 IP, 28 H, 2 BBs, 19 Ks, 1.06 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 7-5, 3.25 era, 20 G, 19 GS, 113.2 IP, 124 H, 32 BBs, 65 Ks, 1.37 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-5, 3.11 era, 25 G, 24 GS, 142 IP, 152 H, 34 BBs, 84 Ks, 1.31 WHIP
Aguilar was drafted in the 29th round of the 2005 draft out of Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, where as a 23 year old senior, he went 8-0 with a 2.76 era. Once he signed, he was assigned to Brooklyn, where he went 5-0 with a 2.24 era in 15 games, 2 of which were starts.
He split 2006 between Hagerstown and St. Lucie, combining to go 7-5 with a 3.11 era. He should open 2007 in Binghamton as a 25 year old.
17. Jose Sanchez (A+ St. Lucie 11-9, 3.87 era, 26 GS, 156 IP, 148 H, 43 BBs, 83 Ks, 1.22 WHIP)
Sanchez was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco Giants in 2002. He came to the Mets through a Rule 5 acquisition in 2005, and was assigned to Hagerstown, where he went 11-5, with a 4.20 ERA.
As a 24 year old in the pitching friendly Florida State League, Sanchez had the best season of his career, putting up a sub 4 era and 11 victories. He will be headed to Binghamton, where he’ll join Michael Devaney and Salvador Aguilar.
18. Todd Privett (Southern Idaho College 6-3, 0.92 era, 14 GS, 78.2 IP, 46 H, 26 BBs, 84 Ks, 0.92 WHIP, R Kingsport 1-2, 4.03 era, 5 GS, 22.1 IP, 24 H, 4 BBs, 22 Ks, 1.25 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 1-2, 2.11 era, 8 GS, 47 IP, 44 H, 8 BBs, 38 Ks, 1.11 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 8-7, 1.76 era, 27 GS, 148 IP, 114 H, 38 BBs, 144 Ks, 1.02 WHIP
The Mets drafted Todd (or Duane, he suffers an identity crisis) Privett in the 14th round of the 2006 draft out of Southern Idaho College, where he was 7-3 with a 0.92 ERA in 14 starts, spanning 78.2 innings. He allowed 46 hits while walking 26 and striking out 84.
Baseball America had this to say about Privett, with regards to Southern Idaho: Privett is the club's best prospect, a lefthander who runs his fastball up to 91-92 mph at times. He dominated this spring, allowing a .168 opponent average and striking out 75 in 68 innings
19. Nick Carr (R Kingsport 3-3, 4.88 era, 12 games, 11 GS, 48 IP, 49 H, 23 BBs, 44 Ks, 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.
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.
20. Greg Mullens (R Kingsport 7-2, 3.06 era, 12 GS, 61.2 IP, 73 H, 17 BBs, 38 Ks, 1.46 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 0-1, 2.61 era, 2 GS, 10.1 IP, 7 H, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.06 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats 7-3, 3.00 era, 14 GS, 72 IP, 80 H, 21 BBs, 43 Ks, 1.40 WHIP
Mullens was undrafted out of Columbia University where, as a sophomore, he had a record of 2-4 with a 7.60 era and a 1.82 WHIP. From those numbers, it’s hard to imagine why any team would even sign him as a free agent, but the Mets did, and Mullens put up a ridiculous season, considering those college numbers.
The 6’6 245 pound righthander combined to go 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 72 innings combined between rookie league Kingsport and two starts at low A Brooklyn. Expect the 22 year old to begin 2007 at Low-A Brooklyn.
11. Steven Holmes
Holmes played college ball at the University of Rhode Island where he posted the 2nd lowest ERA (1.30 104 IP 15 ER 10-2 0.88 WHIP) in the entire 2006 NCAA. His combined record for the 3 years in college was 22-4. Baseball America had him listed prior to the draft as the 187th best prospect in the country. Holmes was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 draft (the highest any URI player was ever drafted) by the Mets and was assigned to Brooklyn after he signed; however, he did not appear in a game in 2006. He returned his bonus to the Mets and went back to school (I believe to attend Med school) after a close friend of his committed suicide,. His fastball is solid, and in the 88-92 mph range, with a curveball as his out pitch. He has been compared in the past to Brian Bannister.
Frankly, it is still a little unclear whether Holmes remains the property of the Mets. I can’t seem to find out but I believe that, technically, the Mets do retain his rights and they have until a week before next year’s draft to re-sign him. All of this will clear up as soon as the season starts.
12. Blake Eager (R GCL Mets 1-1, 4.00 era, 3 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 12 H, BB, 8 Ks, 1.44 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 5-3, 3.78 era, 15 GS, 85.2 IP, 84 H, 20 BBs, 59 Ks, 1.21 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-0, 2.70 era, 1 GS, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 5 Ks, 0.45 WHIP, HWL North Shore 0-1, 3.21 ERA, 12 G, 3 GS, 28 IP, 29 H, 6 BBs, 18 Ks, 1.25 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 6-5, 3.61 era, 31 G, 21 GS, 129.1 IP, 128 H, 27 BBs, 90 Ks, 1.20 WHIP)
Eager was drafted by the Mets in the 30th round of the 2004 round out of the Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he was 8-4 as a senior. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League where he put up a 4-3, 3.93 line in 13 games, 7 of which were starts.
In 2006, Eager rose to AA Binghamton for 1 start, going 6.2 IP while allowing 3 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Eager should return to Binghamton for a full season in 2007, as a 25 year old.
13. Eric Brown (A Hagerstown 3-2, 5.29 era, 20 G, 6 GS, 63 IP, 74 H, 24 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.56 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 7-1, 1.16 era, 10 GS, 70 IP, 53 H, 4 BBs, 55 Ks, 0.81 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 10-3, 3.11 era, 30 G, 16 GS, 133 IP, 127 H, 28 BBs, 106 Ks
Brown was drafted in the 18th round of the 2005 draft out of Wingate University in North Carolina, and upon signing him, the Mets sent him to Brooklyn where he went 3-2, 3.97 in 16 relief appearances, striking out 31 and walking 7 in 34 innings. According to a local newspaper in North Carolina the Mets didn't want anyone to know they were scouting Brown because they knew he was a sleeper and wanted to draft him in the later rounds. This apparently worked, as they were able to get a talent like his in the 18th round. The 22-year-old features four pitches - a fastball, slider, curve and changeup - with his fastball in the 88 to 91 mile per hour range and his devastating slider as his out pitch.
He started 2006 in Hagerstown, but struggled and was demoted to Brooklyn, where he absolutely dominated. He should open 2007 back in A ball, in Savannah, the Mets new class A affiliate.
14. Tobi Stoner (Davis & Elkins 8-6, 2.90 era, 18 G, 12 GS, 90 IP, 85 H, 16 BBs, 79 Ks, 1.12 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 6-2, 2.15 era, 14 GS, 83.2 IP, 66 H, 17 BBs, 62 Ks, 0.99 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 14-8, 2.54 era, 32 G, 26 GS, 173.2 IP, 151 H, 33 BBs, 141 Ks, 1.06 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.
15. Nelson Portillo (A Hagerstown 0-0, 5.19 era, 2 GS, 8.2 IP, 10 H, 5 BBs, 7 Ks, 1.73 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 3-5, 3.68 era, 14 G, 13 GS, 71 IP, 77 H, 16 BBs, 35 Ks, 1.31 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-5, 3.86 era, 16 G, 15 GS, 79.2 IP, 87 H, 21 BBs, 42 Ks, 1.36 WHIP
Portillo is a product of the Mets Venezuelan Summer League program. In 2005, Portillo went 6-0 with a 1.16 ERA. He allowed just 38 hits in 62.1 innings, while walking 17 and striking out 60. In 2006, Portillo spot started for the Hagerstown Suns and was demoted to Brooklyn when their season started, where he started 13 games, posting a 3-5 record and a 3.68 ERA in 71 innings.
He should be ready to open 2007 with Savannah.
16. Salvador Aguilar (A Hagerstown 0-0, 2.54 era, 5 GS, 28.1 IP, 28 H, 2 BBs, 19 Ks, 1.06 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 7-5, 3.25 era, 20 G, 19 GS, 113.2 IP, 124 H, 32 BBs, 65 Ks, 1.37 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-5, 3.11 era, 25 G, 24 GS, 142 IP, 152 H, 34 BBs, 84 Ks, 1.31 WHIP
Aguilar was drafted in the 29th round of the 2005 draft out of Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, where as a 23 year old senior, he went 8-0 with a 2.76 era. Once he signed, he was assigned to Brooklyn, where he went 5-0 with a 2.24 era in 15 games, 2 of which were starts.
He split 2006 between Hagerstown and St. Lucie, combining to go 7-5 with a 3.11 era. He should open 2007 in Binghamton as a 25 year old.
17. Jose Sanchez (A+ St. Lucie 11-9, 3.87 era, 26 GS, 156 IP, 148 H, 43 BBs, 83 Ks, 1.22 WHIP)
Sanchez was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco Giants in 2002. He came to the Mets through a Rule 5 acquisition in 2005, and was assigned to Hagerstown, where he went 11-5, with a 4.20 ERA.
As a 24 year old in the pitching friendly Florida State League, Sanchez had the best season of his career, putting up a sub 4 era and 11 victories. He will be headed to Binghamton, where he’ll join Michael Devaney and Salvador Aguilar.
18. Todd Privett (Southern Idaho College 6-3, 0.92 era, 14 GS, 78.2 IP, 46 H, 26 BBs, 84 Ks, 0.92 WHIP, R Kingsport 1-2, 4.03 era, 5 GS, 22.1 IP, 24 H, 4 BBs, 22 Ks, 1.25 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 1-2, 2.11 era, 8 GS, 47 IP, 44 H, 8 BBs, 38 Ks, 1.11 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 8-7, 1.76 era, 27 GS, 148 IP, 114 H, 38 BBs, 144 Ks, 1.02 WHIP
The Mets drafted Todd (or Duane, he suffers an identity crisis) Privett in the 14th round of the 2006 draft out of Southern Idaho College, where he was 7-3 with a 0.92 ERA in 14 starts, spanning 78.2 innings. He allowed 46 hits while walking 26 and striking out 84.
Baseball America had this to say about Privett, with regards to Southern Idaho: Privett is the club's best prospect, a lefthander who runs his fastball up to 91-92 mph at times. He dominated this spring, allowing a .168 opponent average and striking out 75 in 68 innings
19. Nick Carr (R Kingsport 3-3, 4.88 era, 12 games, 11 GS, 48 IP, 49 H, 23 BBs, 44 Ks, 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.
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.
20. Greg Mullens (R Kingsport 7-2, 3.06 era, 12 GS, 61.2 IP, 73 H, 17 BBs, 38 Ks, 1.46 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 0-1, 2.61 era, 2 GS, 10.1 IP, 7 H, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.06 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats 7-3, 3.00 era, 14 GS, 72 IP, 80 H, 21 BBs, 43 Ks, 1.40 WHIP
Mullens was undrafted out of Columbia University where, as a sophomore, he had a record of 2-4 with a 7.60 era and a 1.82 WHIP. From those numbers, it’s hard to imagine why any team would even sign him as a free agent, but the Mets did, and Mullens put up a ridiculous season, considering those college numbers.
The 6’6 245 pound righthander combined to go 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 72 innings combined between rookie league Kingsport and two starts at low A Brooklyn. Expect the 22 year old to begin 2007 at Low-A Brooklyn.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Starting Pitchers - 1 to 10
Everyone knows the names Pelfrey and Humber. Some people know the names Mulvey, Guerra, Soler and Niese. Some even know relief pitcher Joe Smith. But there is much more to the Mets starting depth then those 6 names, as evidenced by our top 20 starters. One of 2006’s biggest draft steals is Joshua Stinson, a projected 6th-8th rounder who the Mets nabbed in the 37th round. Jacob Ruckle was kidnapped in the 41st round of the 2004 draft. We have a wide variety of pitchers in our system, ranging from flamethrowers (Pelfrey, to a lesser extent Humber), the highly projectable (Guerra, Niese, Stinson), and the future relievers (Soler, Devaney), and everything in between.
1. Mike Pelfrey (A+ St. Lucie 2-1, 1.64 era, 4 GS, 22 IP, 17 H, 2 BBs, 26 Ks, 0.86 WHIP, AA Binghamton 4-2, 2.71 era, 12 GS, 66.1 IP, 60 H, 26 BBs, 77 Ks, 1.30 WHIP, MLB Mets 2-1, 5.48 era, 4 GS, 21.1 IP, 25 H, 12 BBs, 13 Ks, 1.73 era, AAA Norfolk 1-0, 2.25 era, 2 GS, 8 IP, 4 H, 5 BBs, 6 Ks, 1.13 era)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-4, 2.98 era, 22 GS, 117.2 IP, 106 H, 45 BBs, 122 Ks, 1.28 WHIP
Pelfrey was originally drafted by the Devil Rays in the 15th round of the 2002 draft, but instead of signing, he opted to go to Wichita State, where he posted a 33-7 record, with a school-record 2.18 ERA, in 3 seasons. The consensus top pitcher in the 2005 draft he fell to the Mets at the 9th pick due to signability concerns. Pelfrey signed early in 2006, and after pitching 7 innings in major league camp, he went to high class A St. Lucie, where it was obvious he outclassed the league, after 4 starts in the Florida State League, he went up to Binghamton.
Pelfrey credits veteran catcher Mike DiFelice--whom the Mets sent to Binghamton solely to serve as mentor--with helping him gain confidence in his secondary stuff. He earned a major league callup when Pedro Martinez first went on the disabled list in July and won his first big league start before being sent to Triple-A Norfolk.
Strengths: There are few pitchers in the minors whose fastball can rival Pelfrey's. His two-seamer sits at 92-95 mph with fierce sink and late life and rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He throws it effortlessly from a 6-foot-7 frame on a steep downhill plane with great extension and solid command. He also has a four-seamer for extra velocity higher in the zone. Though Pelfrey barely needed to use a changeup as an amateur, he already has a good feel for it and it's his No. 2 pitch. He fiddled with his grip in 2006 and improved his command of the pitch. He fields his position well and has a good pickoff move, though the Mets would like to see him get faster to the plate from the stretch.
Weaknesses: A lack of a reliable breaking ball is the biggest thing holding Pelfrey back. He has thrown both a curveball and a slider but now favors the slider, which is better suited for his power arm. He throws it at 84-87 mph with some depth, and he can reduce the break on it to give it more of a cutter look against lefthanders. He has yet to learn how to command his slider consistently, and it probably always will be his third-best pitch. Though his mechanics are clean, he tends to over-rotate his lower half in his windup, which hurts his ability to locate his pitches.
The Future: Though he needs better command of his secondary stuff, there's little left for Pelfrey to prove in the minors. With Martinez out until at least the all-star break, Pelfrey will definitely be in the mix for the Opening Day rotation. He should be in the Mets rotation for years to come and has the potential to be a legitimate No. 1 starter.
2. Phillip Humber (A+ St. Lucie 3-1, 2.37 era, 7 GS, 38 IP, 24 H, 9 BBs, 36 Ks, 0.87 WHIP, AA Binghamton 2-2, 2.88 era, 6 GS, 34.1 IP, 25 H, 10 BBs, 36 Ks, 1.02 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 5-3, 2.75 era, 16 G, 14 GS, 78.1 IP, 56 H, 21 BBs, 81 Ks, 0.98 WHIP
Humber was originally drafted in the 29th round of the 2001 draft by the Yankees, but didn’t sign and instead went to Rice University, where he headlined a staff featuring Wade Townsend and Jeff Niemann. Humber put up a career 35-8 record in 3 seasons at Rice, with a 2.80 era, in 56 appearances, 49 starts. He was assigned to high class A St. Lucie, and in 14 starts, posted a 4.99 era in 70.1 IP, with a 1.31 WHIP. One start into his AA career, he blew out his arm and had to have Tommy John Surgery.
The surgery sidelined him for a year, but one positive emerged: he refined his changeup, the only pitch he was allowed to throw for the first few months of rehab, to where it is now a plus offering. Already boasting a plus-plus 74-78 MPH curveball, and a plus 92-96 MPH fastball, Humber returned to action determined to prove his naysayers wrong. And prove them wrong he did. He posted a 5-3, 2.83 minor league line, and got into 2 major league games, in relief.
Strengths: Humber's curveball is one of the best in the minors. Thrown at 74-78 mph, it has tight rotation with a powerful downward action. His fastball sits at 92-96 mph. He also features a developing low-80s changeup with late sink. He throws strikes with all three pitches.
Weaknesses: Humber has a tendency to overthrow, which tires him out and costs him his command. It also hurts his changeup, which loses its effectiveness when it climbs to 86-87 mph. As good as his curveball is, he could do a better job of throwing it for strikes because big league hitters will be less likely to chase it.
The Future: Though his Arizona Fall League stint ended with a sore shoulder, an MRI revealed no damage and Humber is primed for his first full-season workload. Though his stuff is good enough to pitch in the big leagues, Humber will probably be better served with a full season in Triple-A to improve his endurance. He profiles as a No. 2 or 3 starter.
3. Deolis Guerra (A Hagerstown 6-7, 2.20 era, 17 GS, 81.2 IP, 59 H, 37 BBs, 64 Ks, 1.18 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 1-1, 6.14 era, 2 GS, 7.1 IP, 9 H, 6 BBs, 5 Ks, 2.05 era)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-8, 2.53 era, 19 GS, 89 IP, 68 H, 43 BBs, 69 Ks, 1.25 WHIP
Guerra signed out of Venezuela in 2005 for a $700,000 bonus, and was challenged immensely, he was sent to the South Atlantic League as a 17 year old, by far the youngest player in the league. After getting off to a rough start, he recovered to go 6-5, 1.90 in the last three months and earn a late promotion to high Class A, where he was obliterated in his first start, lasting just 2.1 innings, giving up 4 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 4 walks and 3 strikeouts. In his second start, Guerra showed he can make quick adjustments, as he went 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, just 1 run (earned), while walking only 2, and striking out 2. Guerra also got 1 playoff start, which was decent. He allowed 3 runs, all earned, over 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 2 and allowing 3 hits.
Strengths: Guerra stands out most with a feel for his changeup that's exceptional for a teenager. He maintains his normal arm action, setting up a fastball that sits at 88-90 mph and touches 92. His frame should allow for more velocity as he matures, making the gap between his changeup and fastball all the more difficult for hitters.
Weaknesses: Guerra's curveball is below average. He lacks confidence in his curve, and it has poor rotation and depth. The tilt and velocity on his breaking ball changes as he tries to figure it out, and it's possible it could morph into a slider. His delivery is repeatable but too slow and mechanical.
The Future: With a little more velocity and an average curveball, Guerra would establish himself as an elite prospect. Time is certainly on his side, as he'll begin the season at age 17, making him a safe bet to be the youngest player in the Florida State League.
Update: On Guerra, it appears that his CB began to develop during the month of August and he improved it during the Instructional League. The Mets now believe that it will develop into a plus pitch. Also, he has been rated as having the best CU in the system.
4. Jon Niese (A Hagerstown 11-9, 3.93 era, 25 GS, 123.2 IP, 121 H, 62 BBs, 132 Ks, 1.48 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-2, 4.50 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 8 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.30 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 11-11, 3.97 era, 27 GS, 133.2 IP, 129 H, 67 BBs, 142 Ks, 1.41 WHIP
Niese was drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 draft, after allowing a staggering 1 run in 78 innings, for a 0.11 ERA. He was deemed a tough sign, but after a recruiting call from Gary Carter, he signed for above slot money, $175,000. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-0, 3.65 in 7 games, 5 starts. In 2006, Niese started in Hagerstown, skipping Kingsport and Brooklyn. He showed no ill effects of the jump, and before late season arm fatigue, was dominating the South Atlantic League. A late promotion to St. Lucie produced mixed results. His first start was decent, as he allowed 3 runs, 1 earned, in 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 5 and allowing 3 hits. His next start, however, was not good, as he surrendered 5 runs, 4 earned, over 5 innings, while walking 2, striking out 5 and allowing 5 hits.
He's a projectable (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) lefty who already has a high-80s fastball. His splitter, curveball and slider all have potential.
Strengths: Niese is at his best when he has command of his four-pitch mix. He has a lively fastball that sits at 87-90 mph. His big, looping 68-70 mph curveball is a strikeout pitch when it's on. He's willing to throw his 77-79 mph straight changeup to both lefthanders and righthanders. He also throws a plus 84-86 mph splitter. The Mets love his competitive fire.
Weaknesses: Though both his curveball and changeup have potential, Niese rarely has a feel for both of them on the same night. His curve could use more consistent rotation and he needs better command of both pitches. He can get overcompetitve and try to strike everyone out, which works against him. He'll have to get stronger after wearing down as his first full season progressed, resulting in some ugly late-season starts.
The Future: Despite some inconsistency, Niese showed promise in 2006. He'll return to high Class A, where he made two late starts, and projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
5. Kevin Mulvey (Villanova 3-8, 3.61 era, 14 GS, 92.1 IP, 91 H, 23 BBs, 88 Ks, 1.23 WHIP, GCL Mets 2 IP, H, K, 0.50 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-1, 1.35 era, 13.1 IP, 10 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.13 WHIP, AFL Mesa 0-2, 6.00 era, 5 GS, 15 IP, 17 H, 8 BBs, 7 Ks, 1.67 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-11, 3.60 era, 23 GS, 122.2 IP, 118 H, 36 BBs, 106 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
Originally selected by St. Louis Cardinals in 34th Round of the 2003 draft, Mulvey opted to go to college at Villanova, instead. Mulvey was 3-8 with a 3.61 ERA as a junior at Villanova. He logged 92.1 innings, and compiled 88 Ks against just 23 walks, prompting the Mets to draft him with their 2nd round pick, 62nd overall. Mulvey was expected to go in the top 30 picks, so the Mets felt they moved up a whole round with the drafting of Mulvey. His 3 seasons at Villanova produced a 14-16 record with a 4.46 era, in 244 innings, he allowed 248 hits while walking 96 and striking out 242.
Before the draft, he was considered by Baseball America to be the `best arm in the Northeast” and a “pitcher who always works around the zone and isn’t afraid to attack hitters.” Mulvey features a dominating fastball that has been clocked as high as 94-96 and consistently is in a range between 89-92. He sets that up with a slider to right-handed hitters and an improved curveball and changeup (82-84 mph) that he uses to get lefties out. The change-up comes out of his hand the same way as his fastball. That’s 4 quality pitchers. Mulvey is well known to consistently throw strikes and go after hitters. Baseball America, after the draft, tagged Mulvey with the best fastball of all Mets 2006 draftees.
The one thing that separates Mulvey from Humber or Pelfrey is that one dominant pitch, which Mulvey lacks. He has 4 solid to above average offerings, but no true plus pitches, ala Pelfrey’s fastball or Humber’s curveball. During the AFL, Mulvey was experimenting with a cut fastball, trying to augment his already solid fastball/slider/changeup/curveball repertoire.
Strengths: Mulvey came to pro ball with a feel for four pitches. His fastball sits at 90-93 mph and touches 96. He has good leverage in his delivery, which allows him to maintain his velocity and might give him more as he matures physically. His 82-84 mph slider has short, late break. He's effective at changing batter's eye level with his mid-70s curveball. His changeup should at least provide a weapon against lefthanders. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot with a fluid arm action and little effort.
Weaknesses: Though he can throw all four of his pitches for strikes, Mulvey's command within the zone needs work. His changeup is still a below-average pitch at this point, and he lacks a true putaway pitch.
The Future: The Mets believe Mulvey has a chance to have four above-average pitches and could join their rotation in 2008. He may start his first full season in St. Lucie to avoid the cold April climate in Binghamton.
6. Alay Soler (A+ St. Lucie 2-0, 0.60 era, 6 GS, 30 IP, 13 H, 9 BBs, 33 Ks, 0.73 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-0, 2.75 era, 3 GS, 19.2 IP, 16 H, 3 BBs, 22 Ks, 0.97 WHIP, MLB Mets 2-3, 6.00 era, 8 GS, 45 IP, 50 H, 21 BBs, 23 Ks, 1.58 era, AAA Norfolk, 1-1, 6.30 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 13 H, 4 BBs, 12 Ks, 1.70 WHIP, PWL Ponce 1-1, 1.06 era, 5 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, 13 H, 4 BBs, 14 Ks, 1.00 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-6, 3.57 era, 22 GS, 126 IP, 107 H, 43 BBs, 113 Ks, 1.19 WHIP
Alay Soler signed a $2.8 mil major league deal on September 1st, 2004, as a Cuban defector, but missed all of 2005 dealing with visa problems. He showed up to his first big league camp out of shape and had a poor spring training, though he bounced back to reach New York in May. He threw a two-hit shutout against the Diamondbacks, but struggled with his control shortly afterward and was demoted in early July. Soler is 26 years old, so there a little to no projection left, and he is a bit old to be a prospect, despite having prospect status.
Strengths: Soler has success when he attacks the strike zone with his low-90s fastball and above-average slider. The latter is his best pitch. He throws it at 80-81 mph with sharp, late break to righthanders and slows it down and backdoors it against lefties.
Weaknesses: Soler is his own worst enemy and gets in trouble when he tries to nibble and play around with his offspeed stuff in what looks like an attempt to emulate fellow Cuban Orlando Hernandez. He needs to dedicate himself much more to conditioning after making a bad first impression. After his midsummer demotion, he missed six weeks with a minor Achilles problem that isn't considered serious but wasn't helped by his excess weight.
The Future: If Soler plays to his strengths, he has the chance to be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter or setup man. How much time he spends getting in shape likely will dictate his assignment in 2007, when he could contribute in the majors
7. Michael Devaney (A+ St. Lucie 8-3, 1.62 era, 16 GS, 94.2 IP, 63 H, 35 BBs, 86 Ks, 1.04 WHIP, AA Binghamton 4-2, 3.06 era, 53 IP, 39 H, 35 BBs, 43 Ks, 1.40 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 12-5, 2.13 era, 26 GS, 147.2 IP, 102 H, 70 BBs, 129 Ks, 1.16 WHIP
Devaney was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2004 draft out of Concordia College, where as a junior, he was 5-8 with a 3.68 era in 15 games, 13 starts. Spanning 78.1 innings, Devaney allowed 68 hits while walking 33 and striking out 67. As a senior, Devaney went 7-0 with a 1.91 era, in 66 innings, he struck out 79, on his way to winning Region I Pitcher of the Year and All-American honors. The Mets drafted the senior in the 23rd round and sent him to low A Brooklyn, where he excelled, going 5-0 with a 1.95 era in 14 starts, spanning 69.1 innings. In 2005, Devaney spent the entire season with Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League, and put up very good numbers. He sported a 10-4 record with a 3.88 era in 32 games, 15 of which were starts.
2006 proved to be Devaney’s breakout season, as he advanced to AA ball and started to get some buzz from fans. Featuring an arsenal comparable to Brian Bannister, Devaney is about a half season behind Bannister, in terms of development. Right now Devaney has two very good pitches, his fastball and curveball. His fastball sits around 89-91mph. His curveball actually makes his fastball better. It generally is in the low 70's which makes his fastball look that much faster. He has the confidence to throw his curve at any time. The changeup and slider both sit in the mid-to-upper 70's. Mike will continue to work to improve these two pitches to compliment his other ones.
8. Adam Bostick (AA Carolina 8-7, 3.52 era, 22 GS, 115 IP, 100 H, 67 BBs, 109 Ks, 1.45 WHIP, AAA Albuqurque 1-2, 4.67 era, 5 GS, 27 IP, 39 H, 13 BBs, 30 Ks, 1.93 WHIP, AFL Peoria Javelinas 0-0, 5.66 era, 6 GS, 20.2 IP, 24 H, 10 BBs, 16 Ks, 1.65 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-9, 3.98 era, 33 GS, 162.2 IP, 163 H, 90 BBs, 155 Ks
Bostick was drafted in the 6th round of the 2001 draft by the Marlins, and assigned to their Gulf Coast League team. He missed all of the 2002 season with an injury, and began his 03 season with Jamestown of the New York Penn League. He did not get above A ball until the latter half of the 05 season. 2006 was the first time he’d been to AAA ball. On November 20th, 2006, the Marlins traded Bostick, along with Jason Vargas, to the Mets in exchange for a pair of minor league relievers, Matthew Lindstrom and Henry Owens.
Various scouting reports have said that he has a smooth delivery, and pitches at 88-90 mph and tops out at 93 mph. He has known for having the best curveball in the Marlins system, but his changeup needs work. He also has had erratic command and shown a lack of endurance, but only gave up 7 home runs in the 2006 season.
9. Josh Stinson (R GCL Mets 1-2, 2.00 era, 9 G, 4 GS, 27 IP, 27 H, 5 BBs, 14 Ks, 1.19 WHIP, A Hagerstown 0-1, 1.35 era, 3 GS, 13.1 IP, 11 H, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.13 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 1-3, 1.80 era, 12 games, 7 GS, 40.1 IP, 38 H, 9 BBs, 19 Ks, 1.17 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.
Stinson features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, slider, curve and change. His fastball varies from 85-89, sometimes topping out at 94, with his curve at 74-78, and his change at 75-79. 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.
10. Jacob Ruckle (A+ St. Lucie 4-3, 1.60 era, 9 G, 6 GS, 50.2 IP, 47 H, 7 BBs, 25 Ks, 1.07 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 5-3, 3.38 era, 14 GS, 80 IP, 88 H, 8 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.20 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-6, 2.69 era, 23 G, 20 GS, 130.2 IP, 135 H, 15 BBs, 76 Ks
The Mets drafted Ruckle in the 41st round of the 2004 draft, and upon his signing, sent him to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 8-1 with a 2.10 era in 11 games, 8 starts.
There was no bigger victim of the idiotic Mets policy of stacking Brooklyn then Ruckle, who was dominating the Florida State League to the tune of a 1.60 era in 50.2 innings. However, when Fred Wilpon decided player development would take a backseat to Brooklyn winning, Ruckle was demoted to the Cyclones.
Word from the best hitting team in the New York Penn League was they hated facing Jake Ruckle, with his unorthodox (Dontrelle Willis like) delivery. While he doesn't boast Dontrelle's stuff, that didn't stop him from blowing away the Florida State League as a 20 year old, before the inexplicable demotion to Brooklyn.
Ruckle features a high 80s fastball, which tops out at 92, which a over the top curveball in the 74-77 range, and a good 83-85 changeup. He should (properly) open the 2007 season in St. Lucie, with a trip to Binghamton not out of the question.
Everyone knows the names Pelfrey and Humber. Some people know the names Mulvey, Guerra, Soler and Niese. Some even know relief pitcher Joe Smith. But there is much more to the Mets starting depth then those 6 names, as evidenced by our top 20 starters. One of 2006’s biggest draft steals is Joshua Stinson, a projected 6th-8th rounder who the Mets nabbed in the 37th round. Jacob Ruckle was kidnapped in the 41st round of the 2004 draft. We have a wide variety of pitchers in our system, ranging from flamethrowers (Pelfrey, to a lesser extent Humber), the highly projectable (Guerra, Niese, Stinson), and the future relievers (Soler, Devaney), and everything in between.
1. Mike Pelfrey (A+ St. Lucie 2-1, 1.64 era, 4 GS, 22 IP, 17 H, 2 BBs, 26 Ks, 0.86 WHIP, AA Binghamton 4-2, 2.71 era, 12 GS, 66.1 IP, 60 H, 26 BBs, 77 Ks, 1.30 WHIP, MLB Mets 2-1, 5.48 era, 4 GS, 21.1 IP, 25 H, 12 BBs, 13 Ks, 1.73 era, AAA Norfolk 1-0, 2.25 era, 2 GS, 8 IP, 4 H, 5 BBs, 6 Ks, 1.13 era)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-4, 2.98 era, 22 GS, 117.2 IP, 106 H, 45 BBs, 122 Ks, 1.28 WHIP
Pelfrey was originally drafted by the Devil Rays in the 15th round of the 2002 draft, but instead of signing, he opted to go to Wichita State, where he posted a 33-7 record, with a school-record 2.18 ERA, in 3 seasons. The consensus top pitcher in the 2005 draft he fell to the Mets at the 9th pick due to signability concerns. Pelfrey signed early in 2006, and after pitching 7 innings in major league camp, he went to high class A St. Lucie, where it was obvious he outclassed the league, after 4 starts in the Florida State League, he went up to Binghamton.
Pelfrey credits veteran catcher Mike DiFelice--whom the Mets sent to Binghamton solely to serve as mentor--with helping him gain confidence in his secondary stuff. He earned a major league callup when Pedro Martinez first went on the disabled list in July and won his first big league start before being sent to Triple-A Norfolk.
Strengths: There are few pitchers in the minors whose fastball can rival Pelfrey's. His two-seamer sits at 92-95 mph with fierce sink and late life and rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He throws it effortlessly from a 6-foot-7 frame on a steep downhill plane with great extension and solid command. He also has a four-seamer for extra velocity higher in the zone. Though Pelfrey barely needed to use a changeup as an amateur, he already has a good feel for it and it's his No. 2 pitch. He fiddled with his grip in 2006 and improved his command of the pitch. He fields his position well and has a good pickoff move, though the Mets would like to see him get faster to the plate from the stretch.
Weaknesses: A lack of a reliable breaking ball is the biggest thing holding Pelfrey back. He has thrown both a curveball and a slider but now favors the slider, which is better suited for his power arm. He throws it at 84-87 mph with some depth, and he can reduce the break on it to give it more of a cutter look against lefthanders. He has yet to learn how to command his slider consistently, and it probably always will be his third-best pitch. Though his mechanics are clean, he tends to over-rotate his lower half in his windup, which hurts his ability to locate his pitches.
The Future: Though he needs better command of his secondary stuff, there's little left for Pelfrey to prove in the minors. With Martinez out until at least the all-star break, Pelfrey will definitely be in the mix for the Opening Day rotation. He should be in the Mets rotation for years to come and has the potential to be a legitimate No. 1 starter.
2. Phillip Humber (A+ St. Lucie 3-1, 2.37 era, 7 GS, 38 IP, 24 H, 9 BBs, 36 Ks, 0.87 WHIP, AA Binghamton 2-2, 2.88 era, 6 GS, 34.1 IP, 25 H, 10 BBs, 36 Ks, 1.02 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 5-3, 2.75 era, 16 G, 14 GS, 78.1 IP, 56 H, 21 BBs, 81 Ks, 0.98 WHIP
Humber was originally drafted in the 29th round of the 2001 draft by the Yankees, but didn’t sign and instead went to Rice University, where he headlined a staff featuring Wade Townsend and Jeff Niemann. Humber put up a career 35-8 record in 3 seasons at Rice, with a 2.80 era, in 56 appearances, 49 starts. He was assigned to high class A St. Lucie, and in 14 starts, posted a 4.99 era in 70.1 IP, with a 1.31 WHIP. One start into his AA career, he blew out his arm and had to have Tommy John Surgery.
The surgery sidelined him for a year, but one positive emerged: he refined his changeup, the only pitch he was allowed to throw for the first few months of rehab, to where it is now a plus offering. Already boasting a plus-plus 74-78 MPH curveball, and a plus 92-96 MPH fastball, Humber returned to action determined to prove his naysayers wrong. And prove them wrong he did. He posted a 5-3, 2.83 minor league line, and got into 2 major league games, in relief.
Strengths: Humber's curveball is one of the best in the minors. Thrown at 74-78 mph, it has tight rotation with a powerful downward action. His fastball sits at 92-96 mph. He also features a developing low-80s changeup with late sink. He throws strikes with all three pitches.
Weaknesses: Humber has a tendency to overthrow, which tires him out and costs him his command. It also hurts his changeup, which loses its effectiveness when it climbs to 86-87 mph. As good as his curveball is, he could do a better job of throwing it for strikes because big league hitters will be less likely to chase it.
The Future: Though his Arizona Fall League stint ended with a sore shoulder, an MRI revealed no damage and Humber is primed for his first full-season workload. Though his stuff is good enough to pitch in the big leagues, Humber will probably be better served with a full season in Triple-A to improve his endurance. He profiles as a No. 2 or 3 starter.
3. Deolis Guerra (A Hagerstown 6-7, 2.20 era, 17 GS, 81.2 IP, 59 H, 37 BBs, 64 Ks, 1.18 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 1-1, 6.14 era, 2 GS, 7.1 IP, 9 H, 6 BBs, 5 Ks, 2.05 era)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-8, 2.53 era, 19 GS, 89 IP, 68 H, 43 BBs, 69 Ks, 1.25 WHIP
Guerra signed out of Venezuela in 2005 for a $700,000 bonus, and was challenged immensely, he was sent to the South Atlantic League as a 17 year old, by far the youngest player in the league. After getting off to a rough start, he recovered to go 6-5, 1.90 in the last three months and earn a late promotion to high Class A, where he was obliterated in his first start, lasting just 2.1 innings, giving up 4 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 4 walks and 3 strikeouts. In his second start, Guerra showed he can make quick adjustments, as he went 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, just 1 run (earned), while walking only 2, and striking out 2. Guerra also got 1 playoff start, which was decent. He allowed 3 runs, all earned, over 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 2 and allowing 3 hits.
Strengths: Guerra stands out most with a feel for his changeup that's exceptional for a teenager. He maintains his normal arm action, setting up a fastball that sits at 88-90 mph and touches 92. His frame should allow for more velocity as he matures, making the gap between his changeup and fastball all the more difficult for hitters.
Weaknesses: Guerra's curveball is below average. He lacks confidence in his curve, and it has poor rotation and depth. The tilt and velocity on his breaking ball changes as he tries to figure it out, and it's possible it could morph into a slider. His delivery is repeatable but too slow and mechanical.
The Future: With a little more velocity and an average curveball, Guerra would establish himself as an elite prospect. Time is certainly on his side, as he'll begin the season at age 17, making him a safe bet to be the youngest player in the Florida State League.
Update: On Guerra, it appears that his CB began to develop during the month of August and he improved it during the Instructional League. The Mets now believe that it will develop into a plus pitch. Also, he has been rated as having the best CU in the system.
4. Jon Niese (A Hagerstown 11-9, 3.93 era, 25 GS, 123.2 IP, 121 H, 62 BBs, 132 Ks, 1.48 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-2, 4.50 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 8 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.30 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 11-11, 3.97 era, 27 GS, 133.2 IP, 129 H, 67 BBs, 142 Ks, 1.41 WHIP
Niese was drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 draft, after allowing a staggering 1 run in 78 innings, for a 0.11 ERA. He was deemed a tough sign, but after a recruiting call from Gary Carter, he signed for above slot money, $175,000. He was sent to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-0, 3.65 in 7 games, 5 starts. In 2006, Niese started in Hagerstown, skipping Kingsport and Brooklyn. He showed no ill effects of the jump, and before late season arm fatigue, was dominating the South Atlantic League. A late promotion to St. Lucie produced mixed results. His first start was decent, as he allowed 3 runs, 1 earned, in 5 innings, while walking 3, striking out 5 and allowing 3 hits. His next start, however, was not good, as he surrendered 5 runs, 4 earned, over 5 innings, while walking 2, striking out 5 and allowing 5 hits.
He's a projectable (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) lefty who already has a high-80s fastball. His splitter, curveball and slider all have potential.
Strengths: Niese is at his best when he has command of his four-pitch mix. He has a lively fastball that sits at 87-90 mph. His big, looping 68-70 mph curveball is a strikeout pitch when it's on. He's willing to throw his 77-79 mph straight changeup to both lefthanders and righthanders. He also throws a plus 84-86 mph splitter. The Mets love his competitive fire.
Weaknesses: Though both his curveball and changeup have potential, Niese rarely has a feel for both of them on the same night. His curve could use more consistent rotation and he needs better command of both pitches. He can get overcompetitve and try to strike everyone out, which works against him. He'll have to get stronger after wearing down as his first full season progressed, resulting in some ugly late-season starts.
The Future: Despite some inconsistency, Niese showed promise in 2006. He'll return to high Class A, where he made two late starts, and projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
5. Kevin Mulvey (Villanova 3-8, 3.61 era, 14 GS, 92.1 IP, 91 H, 23 BBs, 88 Ks, 1.23 WHIP, GCL Mets 2 IP, H, K, 0.50 WHIP, AA Binghamton 0-1, 1.35 era, 13.1 IP, 10 H, 5 BBs, 10 Ks, 1.13 WHIP, AFL Mesa 0-2, 6.00 era, 5 GS, 15 IP, 17 H, 8 BBs, 7 Ks, 1.67 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 3-11, 3.60 era, 23 GS, 122.2 IP, 118 H, 36 BBs, 106 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
Originally selected by St. Louis Cardinals in 34th Round of the 2003 draft, Mulvey opted to go to college at Villanova, instead. Mulvey was 3-8 with a 3.61 ERA as a junior at Villanova. He logged 92.1 innings, and compiled 88 Ks against just 23 walks, prompting the Mets to draft him with their 2nd round pick, 62nd overall. Mulvey was expected to go in the top 30 picks, so the Mets felt they moved up a whole round with the drafting of Mulvey. His 3 seasons at Villanova produced a 14-16 record with a 4.46 era, in 244 innings, he allowed 248 hits while walking 96 and striking out 242.
Before the draft, he was considered by Baseball America to be the `best arm in the Northeast” and a “pitcher who always works around the zone and isn’t afraid to attack hitters.” Mulvey features a dominating fastball that has been clocked as high as 94-96 and consistently is in a range between 89-92. He sets that up with a slider to right-handed hitters and an improved curveball and changeup (82-84 mph) that he uses to get lefties out. The change-up comes out of his hand the same way as his fastball. That’s 4 quality pitchers. Mulvey is well known to consistently throw strikes and go after hitters. Baseball America, after the draft, tagged Mulvey with the best fastball of all Mets 2006 draftees.
The one thing that separates Mulvey from Humber or Pelfrey is that one dominant pitch, which Mulvey lacks. He has 4 solid to above average offerings, but no true plus pitches, ala Pelfrey’s fastball or Humber’s curveball. During the AFL, Mulvey was experimenting with a cut fastball, trying to augment his already solid fastball/slider/changeup/curveball repertoire.
Strengths: Mulvey came to pro ball with a feel for four pitches. His fastball sits at 90-93 mph and touches 96. He has good leverage in his delivery, which allows him to maintain his velocity and might give him more as he matures physically. His 82-84 mph slider has short, late break. He's effective at changing batter's eye level with his mid-70s curveball. His changeup should at least provide a weapon against lefthanders. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot with a fluid arm action and little effort.
Weaknesses: Though he can throw all four of his pitches for strikes, Mulvey's command within the zone needs work. His changeup is still a below-average pitch at this point, and he lacks a true putaway pitch.
The Future: The Mets believe Mulvey has a chance to have four above-average pitches and could join their rotation in 2008. He may start his first full season in St. Lucie to avoid the cold April climate in Binghamton.
6. Alay Soler (A+ St. Lucie 2-0, 0.60 era, 6 GS, 30 IP, 13 H, 9 BBs, 33 Ks, 0.73 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-0, 2.75 era, 3 GS, 19.2 IP, 16 H, 3 BBs, 22 Ks, 0.97 WHIP, MLB Mets 2-3, 6.00 era, 8 GS, 45 IP, 50 H, 21 BBs, 23 Ks, 1.58 era, AAA Norfolk, 1-1, 6.30 era, 2 GS, 10 IP, 13 H, 4 BBs, 12 Ks, 1.70 WHIP, PWL Ponce 1-1, 1.06 era, 5 G, 2 GS, 17 IP, 13 H, 4 BBs, 14 Ks, 1.00 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 7-6, 3.57 era, 22 GS, 126 IP, 107 H, 43 BBs, 113 Ks, 1.19 WHIP
Alay Soler signed a $2.8 mil major league deal on September 1st, 2004, as a Cuban defector, but missed all of 2005 dealing with visa problems. He showed up to his first big league camp out of shape and had a poor spring training, though he bounced back to reach New York in May. He threw a two-hit shutout against the Diamondbacks, but struggled with his control shortly afterward and was demoted in early July. Soler is 26 years old, so there a little to no projection left, and he is a bit old to be a prospect, despite having prospect status.
Strengths: Soler has success when he attacks the strike zone with his low-90s fastball and above-average slider. The latter is his best pitch. He throws it at 80-81 mph with sharp, late break to righthanders and slows it down and backdoors it against lefties.
Weaknesses: Soler is his own worst enemy and gets in trouble when he tries to nibble and play around with his offspeed stuff in what looks like an attempt to emulate fellow Cuban Orlando Hernandez. He needs to dedicate himself much more to conditioning after making a bad first impression. After his midsummer demotion, he missed six weeks with a minor Achilles problem that isn't considered serious but wasn't helped by his excess weight.
The Future: If Soler plays to his strengths, he has the chance to be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter or setup man. How much time he spends getting in shape likely will dictate his assignment in 2007, when he could contribute in the majors
7. Michael Devaney (A+ St. Lucie 8-3, 1.62 era, 16 GS, 94.2 IP, 63 H, 35 BBs, 86 Ks, 1.04 WHIP, AA Binghamton 4-2, 3.06 era, 53 IP, 39 H, 35 BBs, 43 Ks, 1.40 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 12-5, 2.13 era, 26 GS, 147.2 IP, 102 H, 70 BBs, 129 Ks, 1.16 WHIP
Devaney was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2004 draft out of Concordia College, where as a junior, he was 5-8 with a 3.68 era in 15 games, 13 starts. Spanning 78.1 innings, Devaney allowed 68 hits while walking 33 and striking out 67. As a senior, Devaney went 7-0 with a 1.91 era, in 66 innings, he struck out 79, on his way to winning Region I Pitcher of the Year and All-American honors. The Mets drafted the senior in the 23rd round and sent him to low A Brooklyn, where he excelled, going 5-0 with a 1.95 era in 14 starts, spanning 69.1 innings. In 2005, Devaney spent the entire season with Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League, and put up very good numbers. He sported a 10-4 record with a 3.88 era in 32 games, 15 of which were starts.
2006 proved to be Devaney’s breakout season, as he advanced to AA ball and started to get some buzz from fans. Featuring an arsenal comparable to Brian Bannister, Devaney is about a half season behind Bannister, in terms of development. Right now Devaney has two very good pitches, his fastball and curveball. His fastball sits around 89-91mph. His curveball actually makes his fastball better. It generally is in the low 70's which makes his fastball look that much faster. He has the confidence to throw his curve at any time. The changeup and slider both sit in the mid-to-upper 70's. Mike will continue to work to improve these two pitches to compliment his other ones.
8. Adam Bostick (AA Carolina 8-7, 3.52 era, 22 GS, 115 IP, 100 H, 67 BBs, 109 Ks, 1.45 WHIP, AAA Albuqurque 1-2, 4.67 era, 5 GS, 27 IP, 39 H, 13 BBs, 30 Ks, 1.93 WHIP, AFL Peoria Javelinas 0-0, 5.66 era, 6 GS, 20.2 IP, 24 H, 10 BBs, 16 Ks, 1.65 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-9, 3.98 era, 33 GS, 162.2 IP, 163 H, 90 BBs, 155 Ks
Bostick was drafted in the 6th round of the 2001 draft by the Marlins, and assigned to their Gulf Coast League team. He missed all of the 2002 season with an injury, and began his 03 season with Jamestown of the New York Penn League. He did not get above A ball until the latter half of the 05 season. 2006 was the first time he’d been to AAA ball. On November 20th, 2006, the Marlins traded Bostick, along with Jason Vargas, to the Mets in exchange for a pair of minor league relievers, Matthew Lindstrom and Henry Owens.
Various scouting reports have said that he has a smooth delivery, and pitches at 88-90 mph and tops out at 93 mph. He has known for having the best curveball in the Marlins system, but his changeup needs work. He also has had erratic command and shown a lack of endurance, but only gave up 7 home runs in the 2006 season.
9. Josh Stinson (R GCL Mets 1-2, 2.00 era, 9 G, 4 GS, 27 IP, 27 H, 5 BBs, 14 Ks, 1.19 WHIP, A Hagerstown 0-1, 1.35 era, 3 GS, 13.1 IP, 11 H, 4 BBs, 5 Ks, 1.13 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 1-3, 1.80 era, 12 games, 7 GS, 40.1 IP, 38 H, 9 BBs, 19 Ks, 1.17 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.
Stinson features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, slider, curve and change. His fastball varies from 85-89, sometimes topping out at 94, with his curve at 74-78, and his change at 75-79. 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.
10. Jacob Ruckle (A+ St. Lucie 4-3, 1.60 era, 9 G, 6 GS, 50.2 IP, 47 H, 7 BBs, 25 Ks, 1.07 WHIP, A- Brooklyn 5-3, 3.38 era, 14 GS, 80 IP, 88 H, 8 BBs, 51 Ks, 1.20 WHIP)
Total 2006 Stats: 9-6, 2.69 era, 23 G, 20 GS, 130.2 IP, 135 H, 15 BBs, 76 Ks
The Mets drafted Ruckle in the 41st round of the 2004 draft, and upon his signing, sent him to the Gulf Coast League, where he went 8-1 with a 2.10 era in 11 games, 8 starts.
There was no bigger victim of the idiotic Mets policy of stacking Brooklyn then Ruckle, who was dominating the Florida State League to the tune of a 1.60 era in 50.2 innings. However, when Fred Wilpon decided player development would take a backseat to Brooklyn winning, Ruckle was demoted to the Cyclones.
Word from the best hitting team in the New York Penn League was they hated facing Jake Ruckle, with his unorthodox (Dontrelle Willis like) delivery. While he doesn't boast Dontrelle's stuff, that didn't stop him from blowing away the Florida State League as a 20 year old, before the inexplicable demotion to Brooklyn.
Ruckle features a high 80s fastball, which tops out at 92, which a over the top curveball in the 74-77 range, and a good 83-85 changeup. He should (properly) open the 2007 season in St. Lucie, with a trip to Binghamton not out of the question.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Catcher
Yeah. We got no depth here. None whatsoever. Losing Flores hurt. Hopefully we get him back.
1. Francisco Pena
Yeah. That’s how putrid the Mets depth at catcher is. Someone who hasn’t played a single game in pro ball is #1 on our list of catching prospects. Amazing, huh? With that said, he is a good prospect with nice upside and potential, which is another reason (other than the fact that our catching depth is anemic) why he is #1 on this list.
The 16 year old is considered a great prospect because of his hitting ability, power potential, plate approach, and his solid defense. He got a $740,000 signing bonus, and is the son of former Major League catcher Tony Pena. He is looking at a stateside debut, whether it be in the GCL, Kingsport, or Brooklyn, either way, keep an eye out for him, he could be a good one.
2. Jason Jacobs (Georgia College .331/.433/.496, A- Brooklyn .217/.363/.312)
Total 2006 Stats: .290/.406/.430 (112 for 386, 25 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 62 RBI, 9 SB, 9 CS, 75 BBs, 64 Ks)
Jacobs was drafted in the 20th round of the 2006 draft out of Georgia where he had a good senior year, batting .331/.433/.496 in 70 games.
Jacobs has a very good eye at the plate, as seen by the fact he had more walks then strikeouts last season. Jacobs should open 2006 with Brooklyn, as a 23 year old.
Yasmil Bucce (A+ St. Lucie .364/.385/.455 (11 ABs))
Bucce was signed on 3-8-02 by the Mets as a non-drafted free agent and went immediately into the VSL system. He had a decent year in 2003, batting .274/.368/.440, however, 2004 was a step back, as he batted .242/.398/.355, but it still got him a visa stateside. His next stop was the Gulf Coast League in 2005, where he put up superb numbers, .337/.463/.429, in 34 games (98 ABs), and he was named an all-star and the top catcher in the Gulf Coast League. 2006 brought a promotion to St. where he batted .364/.385/.455 in 11 ABs, before suffering a major injury (torn labrum), which resulted in season ending surgery.
4. Bradley Hubbert (Alcorn State .404/.479/.687, R Kingsport .250/.323/.429)
Total 2006 Stats: .333/.384/.568 (61 for 183, 16 2b, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 15 BBs, 57 Ks, 13/16 SBs)
Hubbert was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2006 draft by the Mets. He signed late and was eventually assigned to Kingsport, where he batted .250/.323/.429 in 84 Abs. Baseball America tagged Hubbert as the ‘best raw power’ of all signed 2006 Mets draftees.
5. Yunil Garcia (AA Binghamton .110/.234/.132, A+ St. Lucie .219/.405/.313, AAA Norfolk, .250/.423/.500)
Total 2006 Stats: .144/.288/.202 (27 for 188, 24 runs, 8 2b, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 33 BBs, 82 Ks)
The Mets signed Garcia as an undrafted free agent out of San Felipe, Venezuela, in 1998. He’s toiled through the system for the past 8 years, and has never shown much with the bat, outside of a season in Cap City in 2004. He is one of many defensive wizard catchers in the Mets system, and for all intents and purposes, we could’ve put Joe Hietpas or Drew Butera here.
Yeah. We got no depth here. None whatsoever. Losing Flores hurt. Hopefully we get him back.
1. Francisco Pena
Yeah. That’s how putrid the Mets depth at catcher is. Someone who hasn’t played a single game in pro ball is #1 on our list of catching prospects. Amazing, huh? With that said, he is a good prospect with nice upside and potential, which is another reason (other than the fact that our catching depth is anemic) why he is #1 on this list.
The 16 year old is considered a great prospect because of his hitting ability, power potential, plate approach, and his solid defense. He got a $740,000 signing bonus, and is the son of former Major League catcher Tony Pena. He is looking at a stateside debut, whether it be in the GCL, Kingsport, or Brooklyn, either way, keep an eye out for him, he could be a good one.
2. Jason Jacobs (Georgia College .331/.433/.496, A- Brooklyn .217/.363/.312)
Total 2006 Stats: .290/.406/.430 (112 for 386, 25 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 62 RBI, 9 SB, 9 CS, 75 BBs, 64 Ks)
Jacobs was drafted in the 20th round of the 2006 draft out of Georgia where he had a good senior year, batting .331/.433/.496 in 70 games.
Jacobs has a very good eye at the plate, as seen by the fact he had more walks then strikeouts last season. Jacobs should open 2006 with Brooklyn, as a 23 year old.
Yasmil Bucce (A+ St. Lucie .364/.385/.455 (11 ABs))
Bucce was signed on 3-8-02 by the Mets as a non-drafted free agent and went immediately into the VSL system. He had a decent year in 2003, batting .274/.368/.440, however, 2004 was a step back, as he batted .242/.398/.355, but it still got him a visa stateside. His next stop was the Gulf Coast League in 2005, where he put up superb numbers, .337/.463/.429, in 34 games (98 ABs), and he was named an all-star and the top catcher in the Gulf Coast League. 2006 brought a promotion to St. where he batted .364/.385/.455 in 11 ABs, before suffering a major injury (torn labrum), which resulted in season ending surgery.
4. Bradley Hubbert (Alcorn State .404/.479/.687, R Kingsport .250/.323/.429)
Total 2006 Stats: .333/.384/.568 (61 for 183, 16 2b, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 15 BBs, 57 Ks, 13/16 SBs)
Hubbert was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2006 draft by the Mets. He signed late and was eventually assigned to Kingsport, where he batted .250/.323/.429 in 84 Abs. Baseball America tagged Hubbert as the ‘best raw power’ of all signed 2006 Mets draftees.
5. Yunil Garcia (AA Binghamton .110/.234/.132, A+ St. Lucie .219/.405/.313, AAA Norfolk, .250/.423/.500)
Total 2006 Stats: .144/.288/.202 (27 for 188, 24 runs, 8 2b, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 33 BBs, 82 Ks)
The Mets signed Garcia as an undrafted free agent out of San Felipe, Venezuela, in 1998. He’s toiled through the system for the past 8 years, and has never shown much with the bat, outside of a season in Cap City in 2004. He is one of many defensive wizard catchers in the Mets system, and for all intents and purposes, we could’ve put Joe Hietpas or Drew Butera here.
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