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Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Edgy MD
Jan 14 2014 08:04 AM

John Sickels assesses his top 20 Met prospects. Most notable isn't necessarily who's on top, but it's all pitching-pitching-pitching from 12 to 20, most of them slotted in as starters. So hopefully, with that big a bag of C+s, some of it can shake out.

1) Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Grade A-: Borderline A
2) Travis D’Arnaud, C, Grade B+: Borderline A-
3) Rafael Montero, RHP, Grade B+: Borderline A-
4) Dominic Smith, 1B, Grade B: Borderline B-
5) Kevin Plawecki, C, Grade B: Borderline B-
6) Wilmer Flores, INF, Grade B: Borderline B-
7) Brandon Nimmo, OF, Grade B-
8) Amed Rosario, SS, Grade B-
9) Gavin Cecchini, SS, Grade B-
10) Cesar Puello, OF, Grade B-
11) Dilson Herrera, 2B, Grade B-
12) Jake DeGrom, RHP, Grade B-
13) Vic Black, RHP, Grade B-
14) Steven Matz, LHP, Grade C+
15) Cory Mazzoni, RHP, Grade C+
16) Gabriel Ynoa, RHP, Grade C+
17) Luis Cessa, RHP, Grade C+
18) Robert Whalen, RHP, Grade C+
19) Chris Flexen, RHP, Grade C+
20) Michael Fulmer, RHP, Grade C+

smg58
Jan 14 2014 09:04 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I think/hope he's spot-on with Montero. I'm optimistic one of the two shortstops will pan out, but they're both a couple of years away. You can't have too much pitching depth in your system, but position players are generally safer bets and we appear short on them. Still, it's the best the system has looked in a while.

Edgy MD
Jan 14 2014 09:32 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Well, don't let a wealth of one area necessarily imply a paucity in another. But yeah. There are certainly other potential shortstops. Our man Tovar is one of them.

This challenge/interesting part is that they've taken high school position players #1 three years in a row. If position palyers are safer picks, that's certainly less true of high school ones. High ceilings and low floors. Kevin Plawecki, who came with three years of college under his belt, has come along smoothly though.

Benjamin Grimm
Jan 14 2014 09:32 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I'm not familiar with Amed Rosario. I'll have to look him up.

Edgy MD
Jan 14 2014 09:39 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Big ticket foreign signee. It's all in the tools right now, as he's pushed above his age, a practice that was more typical in the Bernazard era. He played in the Appy league at 17, and the stats reflect that. Interesting to see if he jumps to a full season league this year (Savannah or maybe even St. Loo), or they hold him back for Brooklyn.

Vic Sage
Jan 14 2014 11:42 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

more than the quantity of pitchers at the bottom of the list, I like that 9 of the top 11 are position players; that's where we have historically been less successful.

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jan 14 2014 11:57 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

New name to me there is Luis Cessa.

Edgy MD
Jan 14 2014 12:03 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

He's gonna be great. Proposals are already being entertained to change the name of the place to the Cess Pool Forum.

Cessa's a veteran of the 2012 Brooklyn rotation that I fell in love with, but couldn't generate the sort of interest over that I was going for.

Ashie62
Jan 14 2014 03:47 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I'd like to see Dominic Smith become a Metly big slugger type guy.

At this point would consider using Wilmer Flores as trade fodder..

MFS62
Jan 15 2014 07:43 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

The Baseball Almanac 2014 edition is out. It names Montero as the team's minor league player of the year (not to be confused with best prospect). Is that their pick, or have the Mets named one yet?


Later

Edgy MD
Jan 15 2014 08:03 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

The Mets "official" awards are the Sterling Awards, formerly the Sterling/Doubleday Awards. They come at the end of the minor league season, and are good in that they are all about actual performance, whether the guy has prospect stock or not. The 2013 Sterling Player of the Year was co-awarded to Alan Dykstra and Kevin Plawecki. The Sterling Pitcher of the Year was Gabriel Ynoa, because Ynoa great season when you see one, and 106 strikeouts to 16 walks is a great season.

MFS62
Jan 15 2014 08:08 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Thanks.
Later

Edgy MD
Jan 15 2014 01:06 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

So, who's got the skinny on Robert Whalen? Chris Flexen?

Nymr83
Jan 16 2014 07:32 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

For the prediction archives, though i think i have said this before, Plawecki will have a better career than d'Arnaud.

Also, Kevin just got engaged (according to twitter), so congrats!

Edgy MD
Jan 16 2014 07:43 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Go Kev!

Kiss it, ladies!

Ashie62
Jan 16 2014 12:54 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Robert Whalen is a 2012 12th round draftee pitcher.

A Florida native he was happy to be drafted by the Mets as his folks are from Flushing.

He describes himself as built like Roger Clemens and topping out at 88-94 mph with a 12-6 curve and developing slider..

He is kinda funny looking and his face beams with unbridled enthusiasm...

[url]http://metsmerizedonline.com/2013/03/meet-2012-draft-pick-rhp-robert-whalen-a-die-hard-met-fan.html

Ashie62
Jan 16 2014 06:45 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Chris Flexen is a HS Pitcher drafted in the 14th round.. It appears there was a strong sentiment that he would honor his college commitment to AZ and dropped from about a 4th or 5th round round pick to 14.

The Mets signed him for $374,400...100K over slot.

He throw hard..very hard...like most the development of his secondaries will tell the tale..Kind of a sleeper..I like..

Edgy MD
Jan 17 2014 08:28 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

A group from the Mets development office takes questions via Twitter. As much as they avoid tipping their hands/committing to anything, if you look with a magnifying glass, you might find something.

Edgy MD
Jan 17 2014 08:34 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Best exchange

[list]
RobvanEyndhoven
@RobvanEyndhoven
@MetsFarmReport does the mets have any player from the kingdom of the netherlands in the farm? #askmetsfarm
_________________________________________________


Mets Farm Report @
MetsFarmReport
.@RobvanEyndhoven we have 0 players from the kingdom #askMetsFarm[/list:u]

Think that's our old friend DutchMetsFan?

Edgy MD
Jan 17 2014 12:55 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

MLB Pipeline has been releasing lists of top prospects by position. Yesterday, they have released the catcher rankings, with d'Arnaud on top and Plawecki given special honorable mention as a heatseeker just outside of the top ten.

Today, they released the first base rankings, with Dom Smith number two.

Nymr83
Jan 17 2014 05:36 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Edgy MD wrote:
MLB Pipeline has been releasing lists of top prospects by position. Yesterday, they have released the catcher rankings, with d'Arnaud on top and Plawecki given special honorable mention as a heatseeker just outside of the top ten.

Today, they released the first base rankings, with Dom Smith number two.


Syndergaard 3rd on the RHP rankings

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jan 17 2014 07:34 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Edgy MD wrote:
MLB Pipeline has been releasing lists of top prospects by position. Yesterday, they have released the catcher rankings, with d'Arnaud on top and Plawecki given special honorable mention as a heatseeker just outside of the top ten.

Today, they released the first base rankings, with Dom Smith number two.


Lotta expectations being foisted on this 18 year old.

Edgy MD
Jan 21 2014 10:05 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Flores drops from seventh (in 2013) to 10th among secondbase prospects. Dilson drops off the list despite his relative youth.

Prospects are rated in various departments on the scouting range from 20-80, but (as is common) nobody on this list is graded above 60 or below 40 on anything --- the lone exception being Flores, who was given a "20" for his range.

smg58
Jan 21 2014 12:02 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I'm rather annoyed that the #3 prospect at second base is some guy named Mookie Betts. That nickname's been retired, son.

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jan 21 2014 12:24 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Maybe we can appropriate it for our guy on that list, Mookie Dilson.

Edgy MD
Jan 21 2014 12:55 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

What a smorgasbord of delectable nomenclature the whole list amounts to:

[list:3bsn5wbz]1. Kolten Wong
2. Rougned Odor
3. Mookie Betts
4. Arismendy Alcantara
5. Devon Travis
6. Jonathan Schoop
7. Taylor Lindsey
8. Eddie Rosari
9. Micah Johnson
10. Wilmer Flores[/list:u:3bsn5wbz]

How crazy to be coming to the table with an ace of a name like "Wilmer Flores" and realize it probably doesn't even qualify for the top five on this list. What a great time to be young and collecting cards. "Rougned Odor"!!

Edgy MD
Jan 24 2014 05:49 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Top ten third base prospects... NO METS!

Sell the team NOW!!!!

Frayed Knot
Jan 24 2014 06:56 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

MLB.com kicked off the overall prospect list season by revealing their Top-100 last night: Top-50 via countdown, 51-100 just on the bottom-screen crawl.
Jonathan Mayo & Jim Callis are the main drivers of the list. Former GM John Hart also in on the discussions.

Syndergaard = 11
d'Arnaud = 22
Montero = 85

- Not much was said about Syndergaard except that he's the 3rd-ranked pitcher overall; Archie Bradley (Az) and Taijuan Walker (Sea) came in at 5th & 6th
- d'Arnaud was involved in a side discussion about best catching prospect. Austin Hedges (SD) at #25 is considered the superior defensive catcher but d'Arnaud's better bat gave him a slight nod for the overall package.

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jan 24 2014 07:24 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I have to say, d'Arnaud was awfully underwhelming in his debut last summer, not that I was to expect all that much from a rookie catcher. And so I'm hoping he will surprise me this time.

But really. Did the guy do anything memorable? I can barely remember what he looks like.

Frayed Knot
Jan 24 2014 07:30 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Quite underwhelming.
On the other hand, his trial added up to less than 100 ABs, and it says a lot about his perceived potential when, coming on the heels of two consecutive injury-interrupted seasons, he's still being talked about as either #1 or 1A among catching prospects.

Edgy MD
Jan 24 2014 08:46 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Looks like? Looks half Filipino and kind of sad. Not depressed sad, but grave. Has that clinical "baseball-is-serious-shit" face that Edgardo brought. He wore Jerry Grote's number and a really stupid-looking inverted "P" on his back.

Memorable acts? Well, he triggered this encouraging report on pitch framing. His lone homer was a two-run job off of Rick Porcello, achieved on the wrong side of a blowout.

Really, it was a soggy September for Mets debuts: den Dekker, Centeno, Flores, Tovar, and d'Arnaud all flailed in futility to one extent or another. But try not to let that discourage you. Duda and Tejada didn't hit a lick as September debutantes, but look at them now!

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jan 24 2014 08:51 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I remember Tovar. I remember den Dekker, a little. Flores made an impression too, although not always a good one.

d'Arnaud? d'Arnope.

Frayed Knot
Jan 27 2014 07:11 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Frayed Knot wrote:
MLB.com kicked off the overall prospect list season by revealing their Top-100

Syndergaard = 11
d'Arnaud = 22
Montero = 85



Baseball Prospectus chimes in:
Syndergaard = 11
d'Arnaud = 48
Flores = 71

Edgy MD
Jan 27 2014 07:18 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

God bless BP --- not giving up on Wilmer and his little mini-curly mullett.

MFS62
Jan 28 2014 08:47 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Keith Law rates the minor league system #6:

6. New York Mets

The turnaround in this system is remarkable, especially when you consider they have not had a top-10 pick since they took Matt Harvey in 2010, and it puts the Mets in excellent shape relative to the other four teams in their division.

The decisions to trade R.A. Dickey and Marlon Byrd look even better in hindsight. The Mets also have one of the minors' best collections of pitchers who throw strikes but aren't strictly finesse guys.



Later

Edgy MD
Jan 28 2014 09:04 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

MLB Prospect Watch leaves us out of the top ten in shortstops and outfielders too (only ten outfielders?), but we're not exactly dry at those positions, either, particularly the former.

Nymr83
Jan 29 2014 09:45 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Mlb actually mentioned Smith as the #2 first base prospect in the minors, but that wasnt good enough to vrack the top 100.

Keith Law's top 100 is out today:
24 Syndergaard, with alot of praise
36 d'Arnaud, with the comment that he is top 10 if healthy
37 Smith, suprise, Keith is higher on Smith than most scouts ive read. Keith basically says he belongs in the sally league, not brooklyn this year.
60 Montero
92 Nimmo

Keith really loves the Mets

Edgy MD
Jan 29 2014 10:01 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Yeah, that seeming paradox on Smith is a thinker, but I think it's resolved by the notion that firstbasemen are the worst kind of offensive prospects, because they're the only ones who can't casually slide to another position if things don't work out. They're sort of starting already at the end of the line.

Frayed Knot
Jan 29 2014 10:11 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

That's ridiculously high on Smith so soon. I would think you'd want to have some kind of pro track record before you started breaking top-50. I mean, he does, but <200 ABs at Rookie Lg level.
One report I read on Smith recently loves his bat but added that he isn't sold on the power and isn't sold on his body.

Bottom line: Long way to go.

Nymr83
Jan 31 2014 11:24 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Keith posts his top 10 for each NL team today.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/ ... m-2014-mlb

we knew his top 5 from the top 100 (Syndegaard, d'Arnaud, Smith, Montero, Nimmo) and he rounds that out with Plawecki, Herrera, Flores, Puello, and Rosario.

He also mentions #11-15 in the body of article: Cecchini, Ynoa, deGrom, Fulmer, and Tapia.

He lists Rosario as the sleeper to really move up and the only disappoint from last year being Cecchini who didnt hit at Brooklyn.

Ashie62
Feb 05 2014 11:47 AM
BA 2014 Mets Prospects

Cute and pasted per Rubin...

1. Noah Syndergaard, rhp
2. Travis d'Arnaud, c
3. Rafael Montero, rhp
4. Dominic Smith, 1b
5. Kevin Plawecki, c/1b
6. Wilmer Flores, 2b/3b
7. Amed Rosario, ss
8. Brandon Nimmo, of
9. Gavin Cecchini, ss
10. Jacob deGrom, rhp
11. Cesar Puello, of
12. Steven Matz, lhp
13. Dilson Herrera, 2b
14. Michael Fulmer, rhp
15. Gabriel Ynoa, rhp
16. Cory Mazzoni, rhp
17. Vic Black, rhp
18. Jeurys Familia, rhp
19. Domingo Tapia, rhp
20. Logan Verrett, rhp
21. Gonzalez Germen, rhp
22. Luis Mateo, rhp
23. Jack Leathersich, lhp
24. Matt Koch, rhp
25. Matt den Dekker, of
26. Dustin Lawley, of/3b
27. Rob Whalen, rhp
28. Juan Centeno, c
29. Wilfredo Tovar, ss
30. Jayce Boyd, 1b
31. Matt Reynolds, ss

Ashie62
Feb 05 2014 12:56 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I can hear the media... "does Noah have a chance to go north as a Met on opening day"

Nymr83
Feb 05 2014 02:22 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Ashie62 wrote:
I can hear the media... "does Noah have a chance to go north as a Met on opening day"

I believe Alderaon jas already said Montero is closer to contributing right now( even tjough he has the lower ceiling)

Nymr83
Feb 05 2014 05:59 PM
Re: BA 2014 Mets Prospects

Ashie62 wrote:
Cute and pasted per Rubin...

1. Noah Syndergaard, rhp
2. Travis d'Arnaud, c
3. Rafael Montero, rhp
4. Dominic Smith, 1b
5. Kevin Plawecki, c/1b
6. Wilmer Flores, 2b/3b
7. Amed Rosario, ss
8. Brandon Nimmo, of
9. Gavin Cecchini, ss
10. Jacob deGrom, rhp
11. Cesar Puello, of
12. Steven Matz, lhp
13. Dilson Herrera, 2b
14. Michael Fulmer, rhp
15. Gabriel Ynoa, rhp
16. Cory Mazzoni, rhp
17. Vic Black, rhp
18. Jeurys Familia, rhp
19. Domingo Tapia, rhp
20. Logan Verrett, rhp
21. Gonzalez Germen, rhp
22. Luis Mateo, rhp
23. Jack Leathersich, lhp
24. Matt Koch, rhp
25. Matt den Dekker, of
26. Dustin Lawley, of/3b
27. Rob Whalen, rhp
28. Juan Centeno, c
29. Wilfredo Tovar, ss
30. Jayce Boyd, 1b
31. Matt Reynolds, ss


This is Baseball America's list, by the way.

Ashie62
Feb 05 2014 07:18 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Thank you..This Rosario SS guy is new to me...

Edgy MD
Feb 05 2014 07:32 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

That's like the third Rosario-is-new comment. Come on! He's Amed Fucking Rosario! Know this man!

Nymr83
Feb 06 2014 07:53 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

BA calls him the "most athletic" player in the system (those labels arent necessarily anything to get excited about... the guy they call the fastest isnt even a legit prospect, but hey, he has track speed), but he's been hyped at least since last season and with Cecchini looking down last year he is probably looked at as the future at SS. But he's young enough and far enough away that the Mets certainly shouldnt be making any current MLB roster decisions because of him, this isnt Xander Bogaerts.

Edgy MD
Feb 06 2014 08:05 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Only 17-year-old in the Appy League last year. And there were only 14 18-year-olds.

One of those 18-year-oldies was also a Kingsporter --- 2012 draftee Chris Flexen, who went 8-1 / 2.09 in 11 starts.

Interesting to see if they end up in Coney or jump to Savannah this year. Smiff might also jump to a full-season league.

Frayed Knot
Feb 18 2014 06:31 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Baseball Prospectus chimes in:

1) RHP - Noah Syndergaard
2) C - Travis d’Arnaud
3) 3B - Wilmer Flores
4) RHP - Rafael Montero
5) SS - Amed Rosario
6) 1B - Dominic Smith
7) OF - Cesar Puello
8) C - Kevin Plawecki
9) CF - Brandon Nimmo
10) RHP - Marcos Molina


Pictures, descriptions, and accounts of this list beyond just the ordinal list itself are hidden behind BP's pay wall.


The name Marcos Molina was a new one on me.
Looking him up: 19 in early March; RHP; 6' 3", 188. Has pitched professionally for two seasons now: 2012 in the DSL and 2013 for the Gulf Port Mets.
Stats certainly don't jump up at you so there must be some scouting reports that BP got ahold of and decided they like. Plus it's probably a case of figuring that the guys beyond a point are pretty much interchangeable so why not take a flyer on the skinny teenager so you'll look smart as hell if and when he does make it.

Edgy MD
Feb 18 2014 07:36 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Cool, we got a team in Gulf Port.

If projecting prospects was my job, yeah, I'd totally use that 10th slot to pick somebody out of left field. Nobody remembers if you got it wrong, and if you get it right, you're a genius.

Looking for photos of Marcos Molina, I get this guy:

[fimg=200]http://www.estoesbaloncesto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Marcos-Molina-y-Juanma-S%C3%A1nchez-021.jpg[/fimg] [fimg=200]https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJlnY4R1Z2_w3hVldGIxE4dzMQijg-C2qzHu0xABs2hwmgVzwB[/fimg] [fimg=200]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQoWlsQXvKUvUaF3xiwJcMVLzJq0jgQVsPZ4JFncfYXKqQ1uWtSGw[/fimg]

And this guy:

[fimg=200]http://content-portal.istoedinheiro.com.br/istoeimagens/imagens/mi_3406491963451229.jpg[/fimg] [fimg=200]http://www.terra.com.br/istoedinheiro-temp/edicoes/624/imagens/i143241.jpg[/fimg][fimg=200]http://revistadinheirorural.terra.com.br/media/images/raw/2009/09/01/img-145506-.jpg[/fimg]

Maybe it's this badass!

Benjamin Grimm
Feb 18 2014 07:55 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I added each player's age as of April 1, 2014 and the team they played for in 2013:

1) RHP - Noah Syndergaard (21, St. Lucie, Binghamton)
2) C - Travis d’Arnaud (25, Binghamton, Las Vegas, Mets)
3) 3B - Wilmer Flores (22, Las Vegas, Mets)
4) RHP - Rafael Montero (23, Binghamton, Las Vegas)
5) SS - Amed Rosario (18, Kingsport)
6) 1B - Dominic Smith (18, Gulf Coast, Kingsport)
7) OF - Cesar Puello (23, Binghamton)
8) C - Kevin Plawecki (23, Savannah, St. Lucie)
9) CF - Brandon Nimmo (21, Savannah)
10) RHP - Marcos Molina (19, Gulf Coast)

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Feb 18 2014 07:56 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

He's very high on Amed Rosario:

Rosario is a legit five-tool talent w/ more upside than any position prospect in the #Mets org. It could be special. 1st Div/All-Star type

Benjamin Grimm
Feb 18 2014 08:03 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I'm curious to see where Rosario starts the 2014 season. Brooklyn? Savannah? St. Lucie? (St. Lucie would me he's on a fast track; it's probably very unlikely.) I'm guessing we won't see him at [crossout:2lap2pez]Shea[/crossout:2lap2pez] Citi Field until around 2018.

Frayed Knot
Feb 18 2014 08:24 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

A bit more about Molina from the Comments section from the Jason Parks who concocted BP's list:
"It's about scouting not stats. Molina is an ultra-athletic arm that can already work 91-96 with the heat; flash two promising off-speed pitches; good feel for craft; high competitive fire.
That's what I look for when scouting a young arm. He's more than just an arm strength pitcher."



You also have to like the part where Parks opines that Syndergaard possesses an "80" fastball at the present. Not a potential 80 fastball at some point in the future, but has it right NOW!!!!

Benjamin Grimm
Feb 18 2014 08:30 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I get the sense that if it weren't for the "Super Two" thing, Syndergaard would have an excellent chance of making the rotation right out of the gate.

Frayed Knot
Feb 18 2014 08:36 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I still think there's a feeling that his secondary pitches need some fine-turning that'll come with the sort of repetition that he can use from a half season at AA or AAA
Some used to talk about his curve being too inconsistent but more recently, and even in Syndergaard's own words in a recent Q&A I read, it's the change-up that needs some work.

Frayed Knot
Feb 18 2014 11:22 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Other tid-bits from the comments section

-- on a question about a Dominic Smith/Lyle Overbay comparison: lefty swing, doubles power plus 15-20 HRs, good glove, etc. ... Parks replies:
Smith could have more than just an acceptable glove; he's a plus defender. But the offensive profile (Overbay) isn't far off. Smith will arrive younger and has more ceiling, but good average/OBP with big doubles pop sounds about right.

MFS62
Feb 18 2014 07:21 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Frayed Knot wrote:
I still think there's a feeling that his secondary pitches need some fine-turning that'll come with the sort of repetition that he can use from a half season at AA or AAA
Some used to talk about his curve being too inconsistent but more recently, and even in Syndergaard's own words in a recent Q&A I read, it's the change-up that needs some work.

Is Las Vegas really the place to develop a curve ball (Thin, dry air)?
I'm not sure.

Later

Nymr83
Feb 18 2014 07:27 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

MFS62 wrote:
Frayed Knot wrote:
I still think there's a feeling that his secondary pitches need some fine-turning that'll come with the sort of repetition that he can use from a half season at AA or AAA
Some used to talk about his curve being too inconsistent but more recently, and even in Syndergaard's own words in a recent Q&A I read, it's the change-up that needs some work.

Is Las Vegas really the place to develop a curve ball (Thin, dry air)?
I'm not sure.

Later


Everyone I've seen who grades/talks prospects say he needs a little more work. Barring injury the Mets are set with Colon, Niese, Gee, and Wheeler. Even if they discarded Dice-K and Lannan the best young starter for RIGHT NOW is supposed to be Montero

Frayed Knot
Feb 20 2014 06:15 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

BA's overall list is out:

16 = Snydergaard -- his secondary pitches flash above-average if not better. More consistent power on his curveball would complement his premium fastball and help him make a midseason jump to New York.

38 = d'Arnaud -- Stay. On. The. Field. His first injury-free season since 2011 would help make d’Arnaud a Rookie of the Year contender.

68 = Montero -- Few minor leaguers throw more consistent quality strikes than the smallish Montero, and as long as he maintains his command he should get his first shot in New York in 2014.

92 = Dominic Smith -- might make his full-season debut at low Class A Savannah, a decided pitcher’s park. He’ll have to focus on his hitting approach and avoid getting down if the results aren’t there this season.

Frayed Knot
Feb 20 2014 06:36 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Baseball's top prospects overall heeding into 2014 based on a mash-up of the lists generated by BA, BP, Keith Law (ESPN), and Jonathan Mayo (MLB)



1Byron BuxtonOFTwins
2Xander BogaertsSS/3BRed Sox
3Oscar TavaresOFCardinals
4Javier BaezSSCubs
5Carlos CorreaSSAstros
6Archie BradleyRHPDBacks
7Miguel Sano3BTwins
8Francisco LindorSSIndians
9Addison RussellSSA's
10Taijuan WalkerRHPMariners
11Kris Bryant3BCubs
12Jonathan GrayRHPRockies
13Gregory PolancoOFPirates
14Noah SyndergaardRHPMets
15George SpringerOFAstros


d'Arnaud = 33

Benjamin Grimm
Feb 20 2014 07:05 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Frayed Knot wrote:
38 = d'Arnaud -- Stay. On. The. Field. His first injury-free season since 2011 would help make d’Arnaud a Rookie of the Year contender.


Is he still eligible for that?

Edgy MD
Feb 20 2014 07:29 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Yup. Only had 112 plate appearances in 2012.

In recent years, the strategy of delaying the launches of top prospects by 6-8 weeks to keep them on the ranch an extra year down the road has often robbed the Rookie of the Year race of full seasons from many of the top candidates.

Not having a full season isn't valued as highly in the RotY race as it is in MVP and Cy Young voting (Darryl Strawberry won handily with only 122 games in 1983, and Gregg Jefferies got votes after only a month of action in 1988), but it still counts for something. So it may be nice to see the Mets get a candidate with a full season of work to recommend him.

Frayed Knot
Feb 20 2014 02:15 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

The Q&A session about BA's Top-100 list contains an Amed Rosario query

Q: Josh (NJ): Amed Rosario has gotten tons of praise for his tools here and at another prospect media outlet. He probably won't jump to Savannah in 2014 but could a strong showing in Brooklyn get him on next year's Top 100?
A: Matt Eddy (BA): Yes, absolutely. He’s an electric athlete with as much helium as any position player in short-season ball in 2013.

Edgy MD
Feb 20 2014 02:25 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Big whoop. Helium's, like, the second most abundant element in the universe.

Find me a prospect with a pocket full of thulium, then we're talkin'.

#metsmarathonpost

Benjamin Grimm
Feb 20 2014 02:49 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I wonder what his voice sounds like with all that helium in him?

Edgy MD
Feb 20 2014 02:57 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

George Foster? That guy had a lot of helium.

[youtube]_Qa4FALuUew[/youtube]

MFS62
Feb 23 2014 07:25 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

BA position rankings:

Catcher
#3 Travis d'Arnoud
#8 Kevin Plawecki

First Base
#4 Dom Smith

Second Base
#12 Wilmer Flores
#16 Dilson Herrera

Shortstop
#17 Amed Rosario
#23 Gavin Cecchini


Corner Outfield
#17 Brandon Nimmo
#30 Cesar Puello

Right Handed Pitcher
#6 Noah Syndergaard
#29 Rafael Montero

Left Handed Pitcher
#29 Stephen Matz


Later

Frayed Knot
Feb 26 2014 07:21 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

BP Team farm rankings:

#8. New York Mets
Farm System Ranking in 2013: 10
State of the System: Solid blend of pitching and positional talent, ranging from high-risk/high-reward types at the lower levels to safer high-floor prospects nearing the major-league level.
Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard (11)
Breakout Candidates for 2014: Amed Rosario and Marcos Molina
Prospects on the BP 101: 3
Must-See Affiliate: Short-Season Brooklyn
Prospects to See There: Amed Rosario, Marcos Molina, Casey Meisner, Chris Flexen, Champ Stuart
Farm System Trajectory for 2015: Steady. The Mets will likely graduate four of the top five prospects in their system, but the helium from low-level talents like Rosario, Molina, and Meisner could keep the system holding strong in the top 10 in the game, despite the graduations.



Note also: Washington 18th, Miami 19th, Atlanta 24th, Philadelphia 25th
Not that this sort of thing can't change quickly, but it's beats the situation of a couple years ago when among the best prospects in all of baseball were names like; Strasberg, Harper, Heyward, Stanton, etc.

Frayed Knot
Mar 03 2014 07:35 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Mets fall slightly lower in BP's 'Under 25 Talent' list, which obviously includes all players under that age regardless of whether they have 'prospect status' or not -- and are leaped by several of our division rivals.

#12 New York Mets

1. Matt Harvey (24)
2. Zack Wheeler (23)
3. Noah Syndergaard (21)
4. Travis d’Arnaud (25)
5. Jenrry Mejia (24)
6. Wilmer Flores (22)
7. Rafael Montero (23)
8. Amed Rosario (18)
9. Dominic Smith (18)
10. Cesar Puello (22)

Made MLB Debut? 5
Farm System Ranking: 8
Prospects on the BP 101: 3
Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard
Summary: Matt Harvey will miss a good portion of the 2014 season, but the Mets and their fans should be very excited for the potential duo of Harvey and Zack Wheeler in the foreseeable future. Noah Syndergaard has a high ceiling and could give the Mets a terrific third option. The back end of the team's U25 list is highlighted by intriguing position prospects Wilmer Flores, Dominic Smith, Amed Rosario and Cesar Puello. All could provide the Mets with an infusion of youthful talent and the fans with a little hope.




Full List

Vic Sage
Mar 03 2014 08:18 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

the ones who've already debuted in the majors we have already seen. What i'm interested in is BA's view of the NEXT 10 prospects after those, and how they compare to BP.

1. Noah Syndergaard (21)
2. Rafael Montero (23)
3. Amed Rosario (18)
4. Dominic Smith (18)
5. Cesar Puello (22)

?

Plewecki
Nimmo
M.Molina
D.Herrera
G.Cecchini
S.Matz

MFS62
Mar 03 2014 08:56 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

It will be interesting to see how Puello does this year while under the PED microscope. The scouting lists still rate him highly, so they must feel that is a thing of the past. He'll be playing in the PCL, where the high altitude and dry air make the curve ball a distant rumor.

Later

Benjamin Grimm
Mar 03 2014 09:00 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Yeah, Puello is intriguing. With Chris Young on a one-year contract, there will likely be an opening in the Mets outfield in 2015, and I'm curious to see how much consideration Puello gets for that spot. And depending on how the season goes, that opportunity for Puello could potentially come in 2014.

Frayed Knot
Mar 20 2014 10:02 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 20 2014 12:50 PM

In an age-grouping exercise, BA lists Dominic Smith as 3rd best among 18 year-olds and OFer Ricardo Cespedes as 5th in the 16 y/o group (bet that list has a high swing-and-miss rate over time).


Full list up to age 25

Ashie62
Mar 20 2014 12:20 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Frayed Knot wrote:
In an age-grouping exercise, BA lists Dominic Smith as 3rd best among 18 year-olds and OFer Ricardo Cespedes as 5th in the 16 y/o group (bet that list has a high swing-and-miss rate over time).


Full list up to age 25


Is that NY Post link correct? Thanks..

Frayed Knot
Mar 20 2014 12:51 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Ooops
Fixed
Thanks

Frayed Knot
Apr 04 2014 07:27 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

NYM prospects who rank among the youngest at their level as the full-season leagues begin:

- Dominic Smith: 6th youngest in Sally Lg

- Dilson Herrera: 4th youngest in Fla St Lg; Gabriel Ynoa = 9th youngest

- Noah Syndergaard: 3rd youngest in Pacific Coast Lg


And for all those fans who claim to be "tired of waiting for" Wilmer Flores, he's currently the 7th youngest player in the National League
Bryce Harper, beginning what will be his third full season, is still the youngest player in MLB (15 days younger than Xander Bogaerts)

http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/w ... -day-2014/

Benjamin Grimm
Apr 08 2014 07:48 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I added each player's age as of April 1, 2014 and the team they played for in 2013:

1) RHP - Noah Syndergaard (21, St. Lucie, Binghamton) =#FF4040](Las Vegas)
2) C - Travis d’Arnaud (25, Binghamton, Las Vegas, Mets) =#FF4040](Mets)
3) 3B - Wilmer Flores (22, Las Vegas, Mets) =#FF4040](Las Vegas, Mets)
4) RHP - Rafael Montero (23, Binghamton, Las Vegas) =#FF4040](Las Vegas)
5) SS - Amed Rosario (18, Kingsport) =#FF4040](TBD - short season team)
6) 1B - Dominic Smith (18, Gulf Coast, Kingsport) =#FF4040](Savannah)
7) OF - Cesar Puello (23, Binghamton) =#FF4040](Las Vegas)
8) C - Kevin Plawecki (23, Savannah, St. Lucie) =#FF4040](Binghamton)
9) CF - Brandon Nimmo (21, Savannah) =#FF4040](St. Lucie)
10) RHP - Marcos Molina (19, Gulf Coast) =#FF4040](TBD - short season team)

I've now added, in =#FF4040]a weird shade of orange, the teams they're with as 2014 starts.

Frayed Knot
May 30 2014 09:52 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Catcher Kevin Plawecki makes BA 'Hot List' for this week

9. Kevin Plawecki, c, Mets
Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: .462/.500/.962 (12-for-26), 6 R, 4 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBIs, 2 BB, 2 SO

The Scoop: He may never be a defensive wizard behind the plate, but Plawecki continues to show improvement, and if he keeps hitting like this, he’s going to find a way to play most every day. He hits for average, has average power and strikes out infrequently. Add it up, and it’s a very useful combination of skills and tools.




Man, that's a heckuva week!

Frayed Knot
Jun 01 2014 05:36 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

1Byron BuxtonOFTwins
2Xander BogaertsSS/3BRed Sox
3Oscar TavaresOFCardinals
4Javier BaezSSCubs
5Carlos CorreaSSAstros
6Archie BradleyRHPDBacks
7Miguel Sano3BTwins
8Francisco LindorSSIndians
9Addison RussellSSA's
10Taijuan WalkerRHPMariners
11Kris Bryant3BCubs
12Jonathan GrayRHPRockies
13Gregory PolancoOFPirates
14Noah SyndergaardRHPMets
15George SpringerOFAstros



Checking in on the pre-season top prospects (above chart)


Byron Buxton -- Just 20 ABs so far due to a wrist injury
Xander Bogaerts -- Everyday starting SS Boston Red Sox: .304/.397/.438
Oscar Travares -- Called up May 31. HR'd in 2nd ML AB
Javier Baez -- Having a brutal early season [.223/.280/.416] in AAA Iowa, striking out 1 time in 3
Carlos Correa -- Just 19 y/o and hitting well in A+ Cal Lg. Probably will NOT see ML action this year
Archie Bradley -- Injured elbow (although not TJ surgery) has limited him to just 5 starts on the year. Expected back in a month or so
Miguel Sano -- A position player out for the year with TJ surgery. Man it's a bad season to be a fan of Twins prospects (see also: Buxton)
Francisco Lindor -- Hitting well at AA
Addison Russell -- Torn hamstring, only 7 ABs so far
Taijuan Walker -- Set back by shoulder woes, only 12 innings of work so far this year
Kris Bryant -- Mashing at AA [.350/.453/.685 // 1138] in his first full season of pro ball
Jonathan Gray -- Pitching well at AA
Gregory Polanco -- Raking at AAA [.349/.411/.552] only fear of future arbitration payouts is keeping him off the ML roster and that should change soon
George Springer -- Called up in mid-April, already 10 HRs and 17 XBHs.

Edgy MD
Jun 03 2014 12:18 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Big Met represention (7 out of 23) on the Florida State League South Division All Star Team:

Infielders TJ Rivera and Dilson Herrera

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo

Pitchers Randy Fontanez, Matt Koch, and Steven Matz

Catcher Cam Maron

Not included is the hitter with St. Lucie's (and the league's) best batting average, Jairo Perez.

Edgy MD
Jun 03 2014 01:17 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

That's fine, you say, but how about the South Atlantic League?

Savannah Sand Gnats headed to Hickory, NC for the Sally League All Star Game include:

Pitchers:
Player ERA GS CG SHO SV IP ER HR HB BB SO WHIP HLD GF 
Kevin McGowan311.578811046291180217351.0000
Miller Diaz501.938700142311090418531.1701
Dario Alvarez301.3511300133.126752110521.0804
Akeel Morris300.3115000128.211110112450.8025
Robert Coles021.75190001025.22455005301.13116


Infielders:
Player POS AB 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG OPS 
Jeff McNeil2B471872965162230911526143.414.487.348.9015
Gavin CecchiniSS47189324811331974213361.332.392.254.72311


Cecchini is doing alright, but LJ Mazzilli (.805 OPS) might have deserved this more.

Eighteen-year-old Amed Rosario, who the Mets were apparently holding back for half season ball in Brooklyn, got called up recently to Savannah. In his one game, May 29, he went 0-5 with five strikeouts. I'm not sure if he was sent right back to St. Lucie to wait for short-season ball to begin, but I probably would have done that.

The Gnats, be it known, are running away with the division, posting a 37-17 record so far. Sand Gnats manager Luis Rojas will be coaching the Southern Division team. Coaching for the Northern Division will be MFS62's ol' buddy Corey Ragsdale.

Edgy MD
Jun 19 2014 11:39 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

2012 second round pick, middle infielder Matt Reynolds has made little impact on this thread, appearing only as the #31 prospect on a list either belonging to Baseball America or ESPN (I'm not sure) back in early February. And his track record certainly didn't make of an argument for him, as he went from .259 / .335 / .367 // .702 for Savannah in 2012 to .225 / .300 / .335 // .635 in 2013, mostly with St. Lucie. Bleh.

But, well, he's been something of a man playing with boys this year at Bingo, hitting .355 / .430 / 422 // .852, playing more shortstop than second, and earning a surprising callup to Las Vegas. This pretty much means he's leapfrogged Wilfredo Tovar, which is no small thing, considering Tovar's done everything you can ask of him alsos, going .313 / .377 / .373 // .751, is younger than Reynolds, and is spending the better part of his third season in upstate New York.

Benjamin Grimm
Jun 19 2014 11:57 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

What's behind all the recent promotions to Binghamton? Does the Eastern League roster expand around now? Or did they (or Las Vegas) release some players to create openings?

Ceetar
Jun 19 2014 12:01 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Benjamin Grimm wrote:
What's behind all the recent promotions to Binghamton? Does the Eastern League roster expand around now? Or did they (or Las Vegas) release some players to create openings?



Half-way point. Lots of teams promote after the Florida State League All-Star Game.

I'm sure there were some minor-league guys released too. I know the Braves released the single A pitcher who makes my bagels two weeks ago.

Edgy MD
Jun 19 2014 12:03 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

A lot of minor league teams have a big roster turnover at mid-season. If guys are clicking on their game and their age or prospect status has them on the fast track, they can expect to get bumped after a half season. Sometimes that means releases, sometimes it means demotions, sometimes it means more liberal use of the DL to clear room for the newbies.

It's pretty much the reason why a lot of minor league teams have a first-half champion and a second-half champion. They know the two teams are going to be very different.

Frayed Knot
Jun 19 2014 12:11 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Gotta make room for all those draft-picks, recent foreign signees, extended ST promotions, and the like too.
And, yeah, some of this means that a handful of kids (or older than kids) have recently been called into their managers office to be told that their baseball dreams are kaput.

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jun 19 2014 12:12 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

By the way Conforto has signed a deal. We're going to the Cyclones game next Wednesday -- may see him there!

Edgy MD
Jun 19 2014 12:25 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Gotta make room for all those draft-picks, recent foreign signees, extended ST promotions, and the like too.

Well, I would imagine 95-ish% of the recently signed amateurs will end up with short-season teams just starting their seasons, but yeah.

As far as recent signees, I saw where Alderson pulled another Montero move, jumping all over a 20-year-old Dominican shortstop, who had previously been declared ineligible at 18 for pretending to be his 16-year-old little brother.

OE: Here he is. Cecelio Aybar.

seawolf17
Jun 19 2014 12:31 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

He's shaking my cahnfidence daily.

MFS62
Jun 19 2014 12:40 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote:
By the way Conforto has signed a deal. We're going to the Cyclones game next Wednesday -- may see him there!

Is there a link to that?
I read that Conforto has Boras as an agent, so I won't be sure until I see a picture of the kid in a farm team uniform.
Holding my breath.
Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jun 19 2014 12:46 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Jim Callis says:

Jim Callis
?@jimcallisMLB
1st-rder Michael Conforto agrees w/@Mets on $2,970,800 = pick 10 value. Oregon State OF, one of best college bats in @MLBDraft.


Conforto sez:
Michael Conforto
?@mconforto8
Getting a lot of texts and phone calls asking if I have signed. I have not signed. Still in Redmond with my family and friends


Sounds as though they've agreed to terms but haven't finalized it.

Frayed Knot
Jul 08 2014 07:15 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Kevin Plawecki and Brandon Nimmo crack the Top-50 on Baseball America's mid-season list at #40 & 48.
Neither had been in their pre-season Top-100, but here they join Noah Syndergaard who slips slightly from 16 to 19

BA's comments:

Syndergaard -- Las Vegas + elbow problems + banged up shoulder have slowed the progress of the Mets’ top prospect.

Plawecki -- Mets might have a tough choice between catchers Travis d’Arnaud and Plawecki down the road.

Nimmo -- keeps adding size and strength, and his excellent idea of the strike zone remains his foundation skill.

Ashie62
Jul 08 2014 05:38 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

2 out of 3 aint bad...

Edgy MD
Jul 08 2014 06:56 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

I thought you wrote that the organization doesn't know how to rebuild.

Edgy MD
Jul 10 2014 10:53 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Rubin reporting Contorto deal is complete pending a physical.

Frayed Knot
Jul 11 2014 02:30 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Pictures on the inter web of Conforto signing his deal.
Figure he'll get 10 days or so in Florida to knock the rust off his swing and sweat out whatever Oregon microbrews he's spent the last two months sucking down, and that'll leave him with six weeks or so to rearrange the Brooklyn skyline.

Edgy MD
Jul 23 2014 07:58 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

Keith Law ranks 'em as the #4 system in beisbol.

But tomorrow never knows.

Frayed Knot
Aug 28 2014 09:05 PM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/8/2 ... -in-review

John Sickels takes his pre-season NYM prospect list (see first post of this thread) and updates the progress of each of the players now that most of the season is done.
Note that this is not a new or reordered list. The order and the grades are what they were last winter, only the 2014 stats, the comments, and the overall review at the end are new.
Best reports seem to be for Plawecki, Nimmo, Stephen Matz, and for soon-to-be-NYM Dilson Herrera (and of course deGrom)

1) Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Grade A-: Borderline A.
25 starts at Triple-A Las Vegas, 4.67 ERA, 3.69 FIP with 144/42 K/BB in 131 innings, 153 hits. He’s had some outstanding outings and a few rough ones, which happens in the PCL, but has pitched more effectively in recent weeks. Not expected to make his MLB debut this year but should be ready for a full trial in ’15.

2) Travis D’Arnaud, C, Grade B+: Borderline A-. I expect he’ll be a solid major league starting catcher with power and good defense, although batting average/OBP may be erratic.
Hitting .229/.292/.397 in 340 PA in the majors, wRC+93, fWAR 0.9. Has scuffled at times but the power is here and I think the other numbers will improve as long as he remains healthy.

3) Rafael Montero, RHP, Grade B+: Borderline A-.
15 starts at Vegas, 3.28 ERA, 3.71 FIP in 74 innings, 75/32 K/BB. 33 innings in the majors, 28/16 K/BB, 5.23 ERA, 6.07 FIP. Doesn’t have much left to prove in Triple-A, just needs more innings to adapt to the majors.

4) Dominic Smith, 1B, Grade B: Borderline B-.
Hitting .272/.343/.338 in 506 PA in Low-A, wRC+94. Just one home run, which is not going to get it done as a first baseman. He makes contact, which helps, but has actually hit better in his hitting-difficult home park than he has on the road.

5) Kevin Plawecki, C, Grade B: Borderline B-.
Hit .326/.378/.487 in 249 PA in Double-A, .304/.366/.457 in 155 PA in Triple-A. Solid performance at both levels, on course for a trial sometime next year, very helpful to have two quality young catchers in the system.

6) Wilmer Flores, INF, Grade B: Borderline B-.
Hit .323/.367/.568, wRC+138 in 241 PA in Triple-A, but just .224/.258/.301 in 164 PA in the majors, wRC+56. Obviously unacceptable offensively, but there’s nothing more he can learn in the minors and I think they just need to let him play awhile and see what happens.

7) Brandon Nimmo, OF, Grade B-:
Hit .322/.448/.458 in 279 PA in High-A, wRC+165, then .255/.362/.427 in 259 PA in Double-A, wRC+122. Maintaining his eye for the strike zone while boosting his power production. Should be viewed as one of the top outfield prospects in baseball and a Grade B+ at this point.

8) Amed Rosario, SS, Grade B-:
.282/.331/.367 in 268 PA in the New York-Penn League, wRC+107. Just 18 years old, reports are positive at this point, still learning to tap his strength and control the strike zone, also needs defensive polish, all issues to be expected given youth.

9) Gavin Cecchini, SS, Grade B-:
Hit .259/.333/.408, wRC+108 in 259 PA in Low-A, then .234/.325/.349 in 255 PA in High-A, 95 wRC+. Has hit better recently. Always had the defensive rep and has shown a little more with the bat this year.

10) Cesar Puello, OF, Grade B-:
Hitting .237/.345/.362 in 356 PA in Triple-A, wRC+89. That’s terrible for Las Vegas and the PCL. Enigmatic prospect, tools are still here but performance record is all over the map and the fact that he hasn’t hit well since returning from PED suspension fuels understandable skepticism.

11) Dilson Herrera, 2B, Grade B-:
Hit .307/.355/.410 in 309 PA in High-A, 120 wRC+, then .333/.401/.544 in 274 PA in Double-A, wRC+160. Looks like a legitimate breakout season to me at age 21 [actually 20 - youngest player in EL from what I heard]. Stock up, at least a Grade B and most likely a B+.

12) Jake DeGrom, RHP, Grade B-:
3.13 ERA in 17 major league starts, 3.10 FIP, 101/35 K/BB in 106 innings. Only glitch here is some shoulder trouble, but I think his performance is legitimate and not a fluke, assuming that he can avoid further injury problems.

13) Vic Black, RHP, Grade B-:
33 big league innings with a 2.20 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 31/18 K/BB. Should be a solid middle reliever going forward, with a chance to close eventually if he can lower the walks.

14) Steven Matz, LHP, Grade C+:
Strong season, 2.21 ERA in 69 innings in High-A with 62/21 K/BB, then a 2.17 ERA in 66 innings in Double-A with a 59/14 K/BB. Has always had the stuff when healthy and now he’s healthy. Should be ready for a trial next year sometime, and a potential mid-rotation starter if all goes well.

15) Cory Mazzoni, RHP, Grade C+:
Hampered by a lat strain, has pitched at four levels with a combined 4.69 ERA, 65/20 K/BB in 71 innings. This includes 4.70 ERA with 39/12 K/BB in 46 innings in Vegas, which isn’t that bad for the level. Another guy who could be trialed next year.

16) Gabriel Ynoa, RHP, Grade C+:
14 starts in High-A resulted in 3.95 ERA, 64/13 K/BB in 82 innings, 95 hits. Moved up to Double-A, for a 4.70 ERA, 36/11 K/BB in 59 innings, 71 hits. Throws strikes but hittable, reports indicate good fastball/change-up combination but questionable breaking stuff.

17) Luis Cessa, RHP, Grade C+:
19 starts in High-A, 4.25 ERA in 108 innings, 78/26 K/BB, 105 hits. Like Ynoa, reports indicate good fastball and change-up but questionable breaking stuff, which fits the numbers. Control best attribute at this point.

18) Robert Whalen, RHP, Grade C+:
Has pitched well in Low-A, 2.18 ERA in 58 innings, 52/19 K/BB, 42 hits, 3.50 FIP. Next step is holding up to a larger workload.

19) Chris Flexen, RHP, Grade C+:
I thought he was a breakthrough candidate but that was wrong, 4.83 ERA in 69 innings in Low-A, 46/37 K/BB, 75 hits, Tommy John surgery in late July.

20) Michael Fulmer, RHP, Grade C+:
19 starts in High-A, 3.97 ERA in 95 innings, 86/31 K/BB, 112 hits. Made one start in Double-A then went on the disabled list with a bone spur in his elbow. Status unclear.


Not a great season for the major league team at 62-71, but there is good news where young talent is concerned. D’Arnaud hasn’t hit for average and is erratic defensively but the power is there. If he stumbles, Plawecki will be ready for a shot next year. DeGrom has been excellent, and Syndergaard and Montero provide more youth pitching options for 2015. Jeurys Familia has adapted well to relief, with Vic Black and Jenrry Mejia providing young, lively arms. There are several potential young closers and southpaw strikeout artist Jack Leathersich will also get a trial soon.

Brandon Nimmo is developing quickly. Dominic Smith’s lack of power is disturbing, but the booming bat of 2014 first-rounder Michael Conforto from the 2014 draft has adapted quickly to pro ball. Herrera, Rosario, and Cecchini provide up-the-middle depth that any team would want. Infielder Matthew Reynolds, drafted in the second round in 2012, is hitting .346/.409/.459 between Double-A and Triple-A, which will push his name up the lists for 2015.

Unavoidable injury attrition has struck some young arms, but more are on the way with New York-Penn League star Marcos Molina (1.56 ERA, 81/17 K/BB in 69 innings, 41 hits) notably throwing bullets for Brooklyn. Lefty Blake Taylor, acquired from the Pirates in the Ike David deal, has more potential in his arm than his 5.16 ERA and 20/22 K/BB in 30 innings in the Appy League indicate. I’m a big fan of Steven Matz at this point, who has fought his way back from missing two seasons to injury.

Frayed Knot
Sep 30 2014 09:48 AM
Re: Tomorrow Never Knows --- Mets Prospect Lists in 2014

BA's Top 20 Prospect List for NY-Penn League:

#1 - Marcus Molina - RHP, Brooklyn Cyclones
#3 - Amed Rosario - SS, Brooklyn Cyclones
#7 - Michael Conforto - LF, Brooklyn Cyclones
#10 - Jhoan Urena - 3B, Brooklyn Cyclones