Master Index of Archived Threads


The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Frayed Knot Apr 26 2012 03:29 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 27 2012 07:59 AM

As mentioned during today's game and in another thread somewhere, this was the first time since 1971 and only the 3rd time ever (first two were just days apart) that the Mets fielded a nine-man line-up featuring players who were all initially drafted/signed by the team and had never played for any other organization. A quick look at where they all came from: Kirk Nieuwenhuis - Age 24; 3rd Round draft pick in 2008 - Azusa Pacific Univ Debut = April 7, 2012 Ruben Tejada - Age 22 Signed as Int’l Free Agent from Panama in 2006 (age 16) ML Debut = April 7, 2010 Daniel Murphy - Age 27 13th Round Draft Pick in 2006 - Jacksonville Univ ML Debut = August 2, 2008 David Wright - Age 29 1st Round Supp Draft Pick (38th overall) 2001 - HS in Chesapeke, VA ML Debut = July 21, 2004 Lucas Duda - Age 26 7th Round Draft Pick 2007 - Univ So California ML Debut = September 1, 2010 Ike Davis - Age 25 1st Round draft pick (18th overall) 2008 - Ariz St Univ ML Debut = April 19, 2010 Josh Thole - Age 25 13th Round Draft Pick 2005 - HS in Breese, Ill ML Debut = September 3, 2009 Jordany Valdespin - Age 24 Signed as Int’l Free from Dom Republic in 2007 ?? ML Debut = April 23, 2012 Jonathon Niese - Age 25 7th Round Draft Pick 2005 - HS in Defiance, OH ML Debut = September 2, 2008

Edgy MD Apr 26 2012 05:04 PM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Not popular to say, but it's a real credit to Omar Minaya. I'd never trust the guy with my payroll but he sure cut the mustard as a scout. And it's a credit to Alderson that he hasn't turned over the roster and the system to put his own mark on the organization in his first year and a half (like Minaya did). He saw something worth nurturing and he has. Making virtue of necessity, sure, but virtue nonetheless.

Fman99 Apr 27 2012 06:04 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Gary and Keith gave props to Omar too, on the broadcast yesterday. Well deserved, the guy has an eye for young talent it would appear.

HahnSolo Apr 27 2012 06:41 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Edgy DC wrote: Not popular to say, but it's a real credit to Omar Minaya. I'd never trust the guy with my payroll but he sure cut the mustard as a scout. And it's a credit to Alderson that he hasn't turned over the roster and the system to put his own mark on the organization in his first year and a half (like Minaya did). He saw something worth nurturing and he has. Making virtue of necessity, sure, but virtue nonetheless. +1 on all points, Edgy.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 27 2012 07:40 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

For whatever reason I never knew Muffy was such a relatively high draft pick. I always assumed he was more of a mid-round type who surfaced when he proved he could hit at each level. My appreciation for Muffy is growing all the time.

Frayed Knot Apr 27 2012 07:58 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: For whatever reason I never knew Muffy was such a relatively high draft pick. That's because he wasn't. A typo meant that 13th round got keyed in as 3th Will fix.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 27 2012 08:04 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Ah! Leah!

metirish Apr 27 2012 08:13 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Omar and Tony? anyway, yes, Omar seems to be regarded as a talent spotter.

Ceetar Apr 27 2012 08:33 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Well Tony was supposedly responsible in part for the 'fast track' system. Of course, people soundly criticize that system now. Clearly if Mike Pelfrey had spent another year in the minors he'd be the Ace he was picked to be, and if Murphy had spent another year down there he'd be Ordonez with the glove. Meija never would've had Tommy John if he hadn't been put in the bullpen. Nick Evans would've blossomed into a corner OF slugger.

Edgy MD Apr 27 2012 08:40 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

Hector Pellot would be Roberto Alomar. Francisco Peña would be... Tony Peña! I feel ya, man. Damn naked Tony Bernazard

Ceetar Apr 27 2012 08:45 AM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

And as was pointed out by others, drafting Lucas Duda behind 4 college relievers is not necessarily a pure drafting win either.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 27 2012 12:25 PM Re: The making of a Home-Grown Line-up

This was in Brian Lewis' article in the New York Post: General manager Sandy Alderson added: “It was an unusual circumstance with all the players in the lineup being homegrown, and a testament to the players that were signed and developed under [former GM] Omar [Minaya].’’