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The off-season minor league ranking sweepstakes have begun and Sickels gets to the Mets early.
His summary:
The Mets farm system is not bad; they have a large number of Grade C+ prospects*, some of them potential role players and others possible regulars who have question-marks. The exact order of the Grade C+ players is difficult to determine. If you are looking for long-term potential then you should move the younger guys ahead of Duda and Lutz.
I am impressed with the depth in C+ guys. What the Mets lack are surefire elite types; even their best prospects (Flores, Mejia, Harvey, Aderlin, F-Mart, etc) have some sort of problem or doubt that prevents a higher grade at this point.
There is great potential for improvement here. Aderlin-R, Vaughn, Urbina, Puello, Familia, Armando-R, Cordero and Ceciliani are all capable of having breakouts leading to higher grades next year. Recent Latin American signees Lupo and Sanchez could be excellent but I am cautious until we see them in North America. Robbie Shields strikes me as someone to watch closely the further he gets from Tommy John. Havens could be really good if he just stays healthy.
The Mets are aggressive in Latin America but fairly passive in the draft. Will the new front office change that? Overall, this organization will be fascinating to watch in 2011.
* see link for his explanations of what constitutes his version of A, B, and C grades. Essentially a 'C+' guy is one who stands out somewhat from the main part of the pack yet either has questions or is still too far away to award a higher grade.
Topping the list:
1) Wilmer Flores, SS, Grade B+:
He's coming around with the bat. How fast will the new regime push him, and what position will he play long-term?
2) Jenrry Mejia, RHP, Grade B:
I'm concerned enough about his health to lower his grade a notch, but I still like him. Not a technical rookie due to service time, but under the innings limit and people ask about him.
3) Matt Harvey, RHP, Grade B:
Love the power arm, but lingering questions about his command keep him from higher grade at this point.
4) Aderlin Rodriguez, 3B, Grade B-:
I am very impressed with his power but concerned about defense and reports of bad work ethic.
5) Fernando Martinez, OF, Grade B-:
Stock is starting to slip. Still young, still has potential, but development hampered by injuries and poor handling by previous front office. May need change of scenery.
6) Cory Vaughn, OF, Grade B-:
Tools are excellent. If he maintains the improved approach he showed in the NY-P, he'll blossom.
7) Juan Urbina, LHP, Grade B-:
Highly projectable but a long way from the majors. Grade is somewhat aggressive but I like what I hear about him.
8) Reese Havens, 2B, Grade C+:
Would rank higher with at least a B- or a B if he could stay healthy.
9) Lucas Duda, OF-1B, Grade C+:
Older prospect, turned on the power this year, should be a useful bat.
10) Zach Lutz, 3B, Grade C+:
A third base version of Duda; lots of power, other skills marginal.
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