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Prospect Porn, 2015

Edgy MD Jan 22 2015 09:54 AM

MLB.com has Noah Syndegaard as the #2 right-hand pitching prospect... in all of beisbol.

Edgy MD Jan 22 2015 08:16 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

And Matz the #8 left-handed pitching prospect. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2015/#list=lhp

Frayed Knot Jan 23 2015 09:36 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Kevin Plawecki = #6 catcher

A Boy Named Seo Jan 23 2015 10:17 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Anyone else a little surprised that Noah is #2?

Frayed Knot Jan 23 2015 10:26 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Anyone else a little surprised that Noah is #2? As in "only" #2? Nah. Lucas Giolito, the guy ahead of him on that list, was going to be the #1 overall draft pick the year he came out until arm problems got in the way. The Nationals were gutsy enough to take him with their first pick (16th overall - 2012) and he almost immediately required TJ surgery (they did the same thing again this year). But he's bounced back very well from it and is considered to have a higher ceiling than Syndergaard even though Thor is closer to ready compared to the guy who hasn't reached High-A ball yet. Those kinds of calls where you're comparing someone with a higher projection vs the one who's passed all the hurdles already are pretty much a toss-up.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 23 2015 10:58 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

I would imagine that the slightly-lower-ceiling would be more than made up for by the closeness to the majors/lack of arm issues thus far, but hey, YMMV. This system of ours tightens one's pants a bit, doesn't it?

Edgy MD Jan 23 2015 02:07 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Dominic Smith (first last year) is listed fourth among first basemen. Do you think Dilson has graduated or can we hope for him to represent our second basemen and keep the winning streak alive? 'Cuz I dinna think L.J. Mazzilli is going to make it.

Frayed Knot Jan 23 2015 03:00 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Kind of surprised that Smith remained that high with just 1 HR in 400+ ABs at a lower level league - even if he's still young for that level and playing in a home park w/a rep for killing lefty hitting. Dilson, at just 59 ML ABs, should be in the prospect mix for the 2Bers

Edgy MD Jan 23 2015 04:49 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Strikes me as a little bit of self-coverage, as well as self-reference. They had Smith at the top of the list last year, so they can't knock him off completely despite his punchless 2014. They have to remain at least a little bullish, lest they undermine their own credibility. Sort of like a fashion magazine. While they may be pushing a nu look this month, they can't outright call what they were pushing last month ugly.

Ashie62 Jan 23 2015 06:04 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Baseball America Top 10 by organization dated 1/21 Dilson Hererra #4 [url]http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2015-top-10-prospects-index/

MFS62 Jan 24 2015 06:23 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The minor league organization had the highest winning percentage, as in #1. http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... standings/ Later

Edgy MD Jan 24 2015 07:51 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

That's key. Talented players, used to winning.

Edgy MD Jan 26 2015 02:02 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The winning streak continues, as Dilson skids in at #4 among all second basemen. We now turn to Jhoan Urena (or maybe Jeff McNeil?) to hold the fort amid attacks by rival third basemen.

Frayed Knot Jan 26 2015 02:30 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

One cool thing about that 2B list is that Dilson is the 3rd youngest of the ten (one is younger by just a few weeks, the other by about a year + 1/2) but the only one to reach the majors so far.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 26 2015 09:13 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

He just skates in, based on still being RotY-eligible (just 59 PAs last year, owing to the September quad strain). He may have the highest floor-- good field, solid-OBP starting 2B-- of any of the top half of that list, even as his presumed ceiling may be among the lowest of the top ten (likely a product of his reedlike 5'9"/150-160 lb. build).

Frayed Knot Jan 27 2015 10:25 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Streak ends with the 3rd base crew. Not only do we not have anyone real strong there but that's also a stacked position right now as I suspect the top three on this list will all be Top-20 prospects overall and maybe even Top-10. There are some crazy power projections among those three.

Edgy MD Jan 27 2015 10:33 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

BOOOO!! Prospect wachers H8 the Mets!!1!1!

Edgy MD Jan 28 2015 04:19 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Cecchini, Rosario, Reynolds, et al. fail to defend Mets honor in the shortstop category. Boooo....! BUT... Keith F. Law ranks the minor league systems: [list=1][*]Chicago Cubs[/*:m] [*]Minnesota Twins[/*:m] [*]Houston Astros[/*:m] [*]N=#FFBF00]uy=#FFBF00]or=#FFBF00]ic=#FFBF00]an =#FFBF00]Me=#FFBF00]ts[/*:m] [*]Boston Red Sox ...[/*:m][/list:o]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 29 2015 08:58 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

WAITWAITWAIT... are you telling me we've got some sort of shortstop deficit?

Edgy MD Jan 29 2015 09:47 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

And Law names his Hot 100. [list]1–16. Blah Blah Blah 17. Noah Syndergaard: ("seems like the safest bet of any of the premium pitching prospects on this list.") 18–40. Buncha shmoes. 41. Michael Conforto 42-44. Weirdoes. 45. Kevin Plawecki 45–64. Guys I frankly don't trust. 65. Dominic Smith 66–68. Wannabees 69. Amed Rosario (but somehow not one of MLB's top 10 shortstop prospects? BAH!) 70–90. Nutjobs. 91. Brandon Nimmo 92–100. Derelicts and problem children.[/list:u] Notable in their absence: Matz and Herrera.

Frayed Knot Jan 29 2015 12:03 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The absence of Matz in particular is surprising and I suspect will be the exception rather than the rule as other lists start to appear. Jonathan Mayo/MLB.com is next up, they're releasing theirs Friday night.

Vic Sage Jan 30 2015 08:45 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 30 2015 08:48 AM

2019 LINEUP Nimmo* [Rf] D.Smith* [1b] Herrera [2b] Coforto* [Lf] Plawecki [C] Uhrena+ [3b] C. Stewart [Cf] Rosario [SS] [u:jg17ulqz]Bench:[/u:jg17ulqz] Wright [CI/ph] Duda* [1b/ph] D'Arnaud [C] Lagares [Of] Cecchini [MI] [u:jg17ulqz]SP:[/u:jg17ulqz] Syndergaard Harvey DeGrom Matz* Molina [u:jg17ulqz]BP:[/u:jg17ulqz] Famiglia Leathersich* Morris Edgin* Mazzoni Fulmer Montero

Benjamin Grimm Jan 30 2015 08:47 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

I'd be absolutely shocked if Harvey were a Met in 2019. Scott Boras will take him into free agency after 2018, and he'll be gone. I think the wise move will be to trade him after the 2016 season.

Edgy MD Jan 30 2015 08:58 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

I'd be less than shocked. I mean... somebody is gonna get paid eventually. It wouldn't be surprising if he gets a deal that pays him big in his last few years of team control and then gives them back two of his free-agency-eligible years. I mean, he's a post-op pitcher. It wouldn't be the first time that Scott Boras steered a client into protecting his future by taking some of his paydays up front. I mean, it wouldn't be, right?

A Boy Named Seo Jan 30 2015 09:14 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Vic Sage wrote: 2019 LINEUP Nimmo* [Rf] D.Smith* [1b] Herrera [2b] Coforto* [Lf] Plawecki [C] Uhrena+ [3b] C. Stewart [Cf] Rosario [SS] Bench: Wright [CI/ph] Duda* [1b/ph] D'Arnaud [C] Lagares [Of] Cecchini [MI] SP: Syndergaard Harvey DeGrom Matz* Molina BP: Famiglia Leathersich* Morris Edgin* Mazzoni Fulmer Montero I can't believe we're this close to Opening Day 2k19 and effing management is seriously considering going with Uhrena at third.

Edgy MD Jan 30 2015 09:31 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

A lot of starters sliding happily over to the bench like it's the 1970s all over again. But Laggy sliding over for Caleb Stewart? I laugh! I scoff!

Benjamin Grimm Jan 30 2015 09:37 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Edgy MD wrote: I mean, he's a post-op pitcher. It wouldn't be the first time that Scott Boras steered a client into protecting his future by taking some of his paydays up front. I mean, it wouldn't be, right? I honestly don't know. It would be heartening to find an example or two.

batmagadanleadoff Jan 30 2015 10:21 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'd be absolutely shocked if Harvey were a Met in 2019. Scott Boras will take him into free agency after 2018, and he'll be gone. I think the wise move will be to trade him after the 2016 season. Sounds reasonable to me. Maybe that's why the Mets appear so reluctant to trade some of their surplus high-ceiling pitching right now --- because they already figure Harvey's gonna be the one to cut loose.

A Boy Named Seo Jan 30 2015 10:43 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The 'Matt Harvey 2k15 IPP' thread is gonna be a good'n.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 30 2015 10:54 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

My $$ on Big Fat Disappointment, emphasis on "Fat." Lucky for us Wheeler will have a great year.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 30 2015 11:05 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

HOW THE F*CKING F*CK DO YOU BAT ROSARIO EIGHTH, WALLY [Kicks Google Ottoman in disgust]

Frayed Knot Jan 30 2015 12:36 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: My $$ on Big Fat Disappointment, emphasis on "Fat." [fimg=350]http://www.dnamagazine.com.au/media/0/62549/2/julyMatt%20Harvey1.jpg[/fimg] "Who you calling FAT?"

Frayed Knot Jan 31 2015 06:30 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

MLB.com's Top-100 82 - Michael Conforto 72 - Brandon Nimmo 66 - Steven Matz 63 - Kevin Plawecki 10 - Noah Syndergaard Clicking on a given player via that link gives you a scouting report

Mets Guy in Michigan Jan 31 2015 10:32 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Frayed Knot wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: My $$ on Big Fat Disappointment, emphasis on "Fat." [fimg=350]http://www.dnamagazine.com.au/media/0/62549/2/julyMatt%20Harvey1.jpg[/fimg] "Who you calling FAT?" Now I see why the thread is called "prospect porn."

Edgy MD Feb 04 2015 01:05 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Rosario and Smith make MLB.com's supplemental list. Score!

Vic Sage Feb 04 2015 01:40 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Edgy MD wrote: A lot of starters sliding happily over to the bench like it's the 1970s all over again. But Laggy sliding over for Caleb Stewart? I laugh! I scoff! There is a parallel reality in the multiverse where this has already happened.

Edgy MD Feb 04 2015 01:46 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Caleb's still only 32. I say we give him a minor league deal.

Frayed Knot Feb 04 2015 01:50 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Edgy MD wrote: Rosario and Smith make MLB.com's supplemental list. Which makes it five in the top 100, and seven in the top 120 where the norms would be about 3 and 4. Certainly encouraging, even if tempered a bit by the fact that, after getting past Syndergaard, the rest are in the back half of that list.

Edgy MD Feb 04 2015 02:02 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The interesting part to me are Matz's upward trend, as some have more trust in him putting the injuries and missed time behind him, and Montero's downward trend, as some are more concerned about his initial MLB misfires than others. I'm trying to stay encouraged that Montero is an MLB pitcher of some sort, as his failures so far were rife with bad control, and that's like his lead skill, and I'm trying to think it's unlikely that it's abandoned him.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 10 2015 01:25 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Them eggheads over at 'em Baseball Prospectus sez'um of 'eir top hundred-and-one: 9. Syndergaard 33. Matz 69. Nimmo 78. Rosario 80. Plawecki 82. Herrera

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 10 2015 01:33 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Jonathan "Hold The" Mayo of MLB.com lists RHP Gabriel Ynoa as a "sleeper" prospect: [url]http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/108852054/jonathan-mayo-mets-pitcher-gabriel-ynoa-no-1-on-list-of-top-five-sleeper-prospects There's a good amount of subjectivity regarding baseball prospects. With the evaluation of talent being in the eye of the beholder, finding consensus is often difficult. Even Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo of MLBPipeline.com don't always see eye to eye. They discuss their viewpoints regularly in a feature called Pipeline Perspectives. Submit a topic for them to debate. As much time as we spend on figuring out who should go on the Top 100 Prospects list, we care about more than just the "big" names. Sure, they may get a good amount of our ink, but rest assured, we try to keep an eye on the entire prospect landscape. While we love seeing the elite prospects live up to expectations and become exciting superstars, we also enjoy watching lesser-known Minor Leaguers jump firmly onto the prospect map with a breakout season. That's why Jim Callis and I are using this edition of Pipeline Perspectives to tackle the question, "Which sleeper not on the Top 100 Prospect list do you like best?" A sleeper could be defined in any number of ways, but both Jim and I have chosen players who have largely been under-the-radar types, at least in terms of overall Top 100 lists. They were all on their individual team lists at the end of 2014 and will be firmly on the '15 versions coming out in March. But neither of the players we chose -- Jim has Astros outfielder Brett Phillips and I have Mets right-hander Gabriel Ynoa -- received strong consideration for the Top 100, other than perhaps a nod as a "sleeper to consider for the future." Of the players on my top five sleepers list, Ynoa is the only one who came remotely close to the overall rankings right now: 1. Ynoa 2. Amir Garrett, LHP, Reds 3. Clint Coulter, OF, Brewers 4. Dom Nunez, C, Rockies 5. Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Twins But a year from now, any one of them could be strong contenders. That's what we were looking at when making our choices. To me, the only way Ynoa doesn't work his way onto the Top 100 is if he pitches his way to the big leagues and graduates off the list. That might seem far-fetched, given that Ynoa is just 21 years old and there are a slew of young pitchers in the Mets' system to compete against. But I wouldn't count out the 6-foot-2 Dominican for one simple reason: He really knows how to pitch. There are other pitchers with better pure stuff than Ynoa, there's no question of that. He does have plenty of fastball, sitting in the low-90s and touching 95 mph, but that's not up where upper-echelon pitching prospects -- like organization-mate Noah Syndergaard -- live. Ynoa has an excellent changeup and a slider that's OK, but nothing like the exploding breaking stuff you might see from the guys at the top of the Top 100. What Ynoa can do is throw strikes. He walked 1.5 per nine innings across two levels, reaching Double-A, in 2014. And that was a career high. It made Ynoa's career walk rate skyrocket all the way up to 1.2. He made 25 starts in 2014 and walked exactly that many batters, 25. In his Minor League career, Ynoa has issued 63 walks in 86 total games. Everyone realizes how insane that is, right? Now, Ynoa does have some work to do. He was much more hittable last year, as he advanced, than he had been in previous seasons. Ynoa's control is impeccable, but he needs to command his pitches better, keep them down in the zone more. He needs to learn how to miss on occasion purposefully, getting hitters who are off-balance to chase. Everything else works extremely well. Ynoa has a smooth and clean delivery that he repeats consistently well. His changeup is so effective because his arm speed never changes. If Ynoa can sharpen his breaking ball some to miss a few more bats, it could be a huge difference-maker. I have confidence in Ynoa's ability to do all of those things for a number of reasons. Two are his plus makeup and mound presence. He doesn't get flustered on the mound and he knows how to make adjustments. I fully expect Ynoa to come out in 2015 and make the corrections necessary to succeed at the upper levels. If it all clicks and there's a need, he's the type of advanced arm that could move quickly to New York -- or at the very least, move quickly onto the Top 100. Every fall, when I head to the Arizona Fall League, there are scouts I love to catch up with. One veteran scout I always seek out gives me a couple of players to keep an eye out for, either a sleeper not on the list or a guy he predicts will make a huge jump the following season. This past fall, he mentioned two pitchers, both in the Mets' system. One was Steve Matz, the lefty now at No. 66 on the Top 100. The other was Ynoa, who he just raved about in terms of his pitchability. I tend to listen to this scout. Not long ago, he sang the praises of a lanky young outfielder in the Pirates' system who he said I absolutely had to move up the list in a hurry. His name? Gregory Polanco.

Frayed Knot Feb 10 2015 02:05 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Them eggheads over at 'em Baseball Prospectus sez'um of 'eir top hundred-and-one: 9. Syndergaard 33. Matz 69. Nimmo 78. Rosario 80. Plawecki 82. Herrera In the Q&A for that list they go a bit toward explaining the Syndergaard vs [Nats prospect Lucas] Giolito face-off as to which gets the 'best RHP prospect in baseball' title (a question that came up earlier in this thread -- although BP throws Dylan Bundy into the mix as well) Q -- It seems clear that no other pitching prospect can touch Giolito's upside, but I wonder why Syndergaard's close-to-major-league-readiness and lack of injury history wouldn't make him the top pitching prospect in baseball. A: -- More of a testament to Giolitto's immense upside and the fact that we don't view him as being as far away from contributing as his recent usage might indicate. Thor is a dude, no question.

Nymr83 Feb 11 2015 06:48 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Keith Law doesnt like Matz but likes some other Met more than most, this is his Mets top 10 wit their overall rank in parenthesis... 1. Noah Syndergaard, RHP (17) 2. Michael Conforto, LF (41) 3. Kevin Plawecki, C (45) 4. Dominic Smith, 1B (65) 5. Amed Rosario, SS (69) 6. Brandon Nimmo, OF (91) 7. Dilson Herrera, 2B 8. Steven Matz, LHP 9. Rafael Montero, RHP 10. Gavin Cecchini, SS

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 16 2015 10:20 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

BP really likes us, slotting Metsie just behind the Cubs, Twins and Rangers, and ahead of highly-touted systems like Colorado, Pittsburgh and Boston. State of the System: Not the best, but likely the most balanced farm system in all of baseball, the Mets have everything you could want from a group of minor-league players—a potential ace (Noah Syndergaard), a major-league ready, everyday player (Dilson Herrera), an up-the-middle regular (Kevin Plawecki), a next wave of prospects coming behind them (Brandon Nimmo and Steven Matz), potential bats with a few years to go (Dominic Smith and Michael Conforto), and young, unproven, high-ceiling talent (Amed Rosario and Johan Urena). Not all of these players are going to work out, but the Mets, as an organizational whole, have enough safety nets to continue to refill their major-league roster for the next few years. Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Las Vegas Prospects to See There: Noah Syndergaard, Dilson Herrera, Kevin Plawecki, Rafael Montero Their writers peg the Nats at 11 (based mostly on Giolito's sky-high ceiling) and the rest of the division in/near the bottom third of baseball.

Edgy MD Feb 16 2015 12:14 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Bring on the golden age.

Frayed Knot Feb 18 2015 06:25 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Lots of scouting reports for NYM prospects courtesy of the folks at Fangraphs

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 18 2015 09:42 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Frayed Knot wrote: Lots of scouting reports for NYM prospects courtesy of the folks at Fangraphs Been camping out on that site for the last two months... LOVE the detail and-- especially-- the organizational depth. I mean, they're beyond Blake Taylor/Brosher territory, hipdeep into Gizeeyevenevurrhurduff Swamp. Especially fun for slightly-more-realistic speculating on potential Gee trades (From the Rangers*, e.g.-- NOT getting Profar/Odor; maybe on, say, Sardinas or Ti'Quan Forbes). *Probably mooted now, granted

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 19 2015 08:59 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

You thought Baseball Prospectus was up in our bid'ness, players? Baseball America be all up in Metly bid'ness. 7 in the top 100, tied with Boston for first. 4 in the top 50-- #11 Syndergaard, #33 Matz, #45 Nimmo, #46 Herrera. (#63 Plawecki, #80 Conforto, and #98 Rosario round out the set.)

Edgy MD Feb 19 2015 09:18 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Matz is all over the board, i'n't he? Looks like a make-or-brake year for Rosario, as far as prospect stock, if not so far as his ultimate fate. He could easily become the Mets #1 prospect by this time next year, or fade like the grass in the fields.

MFS62 Feb 20 2015 06:33 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Mets in the BA top 100, as reported on the MLB network: 11. Thor 33. Matz 45. Nimmo 46. Herrera 63. Plawecki 80. Conforto 98. Rosario Tied with the Red Sox for most playrs in the Top 100, with 7. Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 20 2015 07:26 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

oh well whatever nevermind

Edgy MD Feb 20 2015 07:50 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Not only is Syndergaard the #11 prospect according to Baseball Prospectus, but a publication called BP has ranked a Mets prospect named Thor in their 11th slot. When we report the same news a second time, it's like a fake validation of the earlier post. YEAH!

Frayed Knot Feb 20 2015 08:05 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

My mash-up of four* prospect lists: BA, BP, MLB (Mayo) and ESPN (Law), finds NYM prospects at -- #10 - Syndergaard #50 - Matz #70 - Conforto #71 - Nimmo #72 - Plawecki #77 - Herrera League wide list: 1 - Byron Buxton - OF, Twins (21) 2nd overall pick in 2012 draft missed most of last season with injuries (only 124 ABs) but it hasn't soured the touts on his potential 2 - Kris Bryant - 3B, Cubs (24) 2nd overall pick in 2013 draft has monster power and will be up early this season, maybe even for OD 3 - Carlos Correa - SS, Astros (20) 1st overall pick in 2012 draft out of Puerto Rico, also missed a large chunk of 2014 with injuries 4 - Addison Russell - SS, Cubs (21) The big trade bait in the Samardzija deal at mid-season, Oakland's 1st round pick (11th overall) in 2012 is probably at least a 1/2 year away still 5 - Francisco Lindor - SS, Indians (21) Still more glove than bat, but with 600+ ABs at AA+AAA he should be just about ready to come out of the oven 6 - Corey Seager - SS, Dodgers (20) 18th overall pick in 2012 mashed at high-A & AA in 2014 [.349/.402/.602]. Brother Kyle was All-Star with Seattle last year and other brother Justin is in Seattle system 7 - Lucas Giolito - RHP, Nationals (20) Nationals pretty much knew he'd need TJ surgery when they drafted him 16th overall in 2012 (and he did after just 2 professional IP) but the strategy is looking good so far after he sat out most of 2013 8 - Julio Urias - LHP, Dodgers (18) Mexican signee dominated low-A ball in 2014 [2.25 ERA, 1.1 WHiP] yet won't even turn 19 until this coming August 9 - Joey Gallo - 3B, Rangers (21) 39th overall pick in 2012 draft shows Crazy power (see what I did there?) with 42 HRs across 2 levels last season. Lots of Ks to go with it but an improving all-around game 10 - Syndergaard * I usually include John Sickels report as well but he's been ill and is behind the 8-ball this winter

MFS62 Feb 20 2015 08:15 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Edgy MD wrote: Not only is Syndergaard the #11 prospect according to Baseball Prospectus, but a publication called BP has ranked a Mets prospect named Thor in their 11th slot. When we report the same news a second time, it's like a fake validation of the earlier post. YEAH! My post was about Baseball America, not Baseball Prospectus. And earlier reports I heard had BA having six players in their top 100. According to the MLB report, BA had seven. That's why the repost. And BA is not BP. Later

Edgy MD Feb 20 2015 08:20 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Yes, I know it's not the same. My post was meant satirically to point out that the same news was being posted more than once. OE: I'm certainly guilty of the same.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 20 2015 08:24 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

You thought Baseball Prospectus was up in our bid'ness, players? Baseball America be all up in Metly bid'ness. 7 in the top 100, tied with Boston for first. 4 in the top 50-- #11 Syndergaard, #33 Matz, #45 Nimmo, #46 Herrera. (#63 Plawecki, #80 Conforto, and #98 Rosario round out the set.) Mets in the BA top 100, as reported on the MLB network: 11. Thor 33. Matz 45. Nimmo 46. Herrera 63. Plawecki 80. Conforto 98. Rosario Tied with the Red Sox for most playrs in the Top 100, with 7. Later These two posts sure look the same to me.

MFS62 Feb 20 2015 08:32 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Yep. You're right. Missed it. (insert blushing emoticon here) Later

Frayed Knot Feb 23 2015 10:20 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

From the Q&A session following BA's Top-100 Q: Amed Rosario was a pleasant surprise at #98. Are scouts completely sold that he'll be able to stick at SS? A: (John Manuel - BA): We do believe he profiles as a strong defensive shortstop; range, agility and arm strength are all there. Now he needs to add polish to the package. But right now, he’s a glove-first guy, kind of an Alcides Escobar type, but with the potential for more offensive upside. There’s a lot to like with the Mets’ prospects and with Rosario.

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2015 07:42 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Conforto & Matz declared to be 'Studs' on BA's mid-season 'Studs & Duds' report. Basically they're picking one player from each position who's exceeded or fallen short of their pre-season status. Also good news is that none of our guys showed up on the duds side of the ledger. Conforto: The 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Conforto showcased a broad offensive skill set as he advanced to Double-A Binghamton in the first half. He batted .308/.388/.506 with nine home runs, 21 doubles-plus-triples and a selective strikeout-to-walk ratio of 43-to-31. Matz: Matz didn’t back down from a tough assignment to the Pacific Coast League, going 7-4, 2.19 through 15 appearances at Triple-A Las Vegas. The lefthander led the league in both ERA and strikeouts in the first half, recording 94 in 90 innings. Matz can reach back for mid-90s velocity and throw two quality offspeed pitches for strikes. I was going to make a note on Conforto but felt it best to wait until he had 100 AA ABs under his belt lest I seem overly giddy. But since BA brought him up ... the numbers they quote above are his overall stats for the year, but since his promotion to Binghamton he's gone [.346/.448/.568 // 1016] in 96 PA/81 AB after putting up a 811 OPS in the more pitching friendly FSL. 12 of his 28 hits since his promotion have gone for XB including 2 HRs & 2 3B Still too early to discuss with any conviction, but if he keeps that pace up we'll be having a Kris Bryant-like discussion this winter over if/how soon to bring him up in 2016 and how the cheap-ass Wilpons are going to wait until [insert date here] before they do. Conforto is 14 months younger than Bryant so will be at a similar spot next year that Bryant was this past spring. Bryant was promoted more aggressively through the system by the Cubs and also hit for more power in the minors as compared to Conforto but he showed more power than just about anyone in the minors so that's to be expected.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 25 2015 08:28 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

I'm like, almost totally okay at this point to make Cuddy the righthanded pinch hitter we need and throw this kid out there. I know there a million reasons not to do that now including one I read somewhere that suggested Conforto still need to work on his D to be an effective ML player, but geez.

Edgy MD Jun 25 2015 08:40 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

I'm tempted, too. Cuddy's sunburn (to say nothing of his productivity) sure makes him look too used up to handle the daily grind. Terry's usage sure seems to suggest he's concerned, too. David Wright spent, what, a month in AAA?

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2015 08:47 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Wright had 406 PAs in the 'higher' minors prior to his call-up; 272 at AA, 134 at AAA So steady play for the rest of this season for Conforto with say an August 1st promotion to Vegas would fall just slightly shy of that amount. Of course one was a HS draftee and the other via a major college program so there'll never be a totally equal development curve.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 25 2015 11:53 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

GOOD NEWS! We'll be seeing Conforto on a major-league stage well before August! Nimmo, too. (Meanwhile, in St. Lucie, Dominic Smith grits his teeth and goes back into the batting cage to punish some small horsehide somethings.)

Frayed Knot Jun 26 2015 08:00 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

There's been a Michael Fulmer sighting. The #44 overall draft pick in 2011 that the Mets were awarded courtesy of the Yanx and their ill-fated signing of Pedro Feliciano, Fulmer made an immediate splash in Savannah in 2012 but has had nothing but injury problems since; just 46 total IP in 2013, then 98 more in 2014. But now with 10 starts under his belt in 2015 (1 at PSL, 9 at Bingo) and still just 22 y/o, things are looking up again as he makes this week 'Hot List' in BA. BA: Good health has been about the only thing standing in the way of Fulmer and wider recognition on the prospect scene. The 2011 sandwich pick has a pair of big league-caliber pitches with his fastball and slider, and while some scouts project him to the bullpen, he sports a 17-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his past three starts, during which time he’s allowed one run and a .200 opponent average.

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2015 12:56 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

BA does their mid-season 'Top-50' list - essentially kicking out everyone who 'graduated' since the beginning of the season and then factors in how the first half went for the remainder. #14 Michael Conforto (#80 pre-season) -- Conforto and [Cubs catching prospect Kyle] Schwarber (#6 on list) are having a fun duel to see who is the best college bat from last year’s draft #48 Brandon Nimmo (#45) -- Nimmo isn’t a sexy prospect, but he plays center field, gets on base and shows occasional pop Full list Would have been interesting to see where Matz fell on the list if not for the promotion just a week earlier.

Frayed Knot Jul 10 2015 12:16 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

3 runs allowed (and only 1 earned) over 2 starts brings around the second appearance in three weeks for Michael Fulmer in BA's 'Hot List' 11. Michael Fulmer, rhp, Mets Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern) Age: 22 Why He’s Here: 2-0, 0.69, 2 GS, 13 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 15 SO The Scoop: The Mets have always believed in Fulmer, and this year he’s beginning to deliver on his promise. Scouts have seen the 2011 supplemental first-rounder sit in the mid-90s with his heavy fastball deep into his outings. He couples the pitch with a power slider and a changeup, and has allowed more than one earned run only once over his last nine starts. Overall stats at Bingo this year: 12 starts, 4-1, 2.06 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 70 IP, 63 K, 19 BB, 3 HRs

Edgy MD Jul 10 2015 12:30 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

The leagues and the parks in the Mets system tends to cause hitters to start out with pedestrian stats and produce more eye-popping numbers as they climb the ladder. Pitchers tend to work the opposite way — knocking them out when they start out but hitting progressively more unfriendly environments. Fulmer has a chance to defy all that, hitting his stride in Bingo.

Frayed Knot Jul 10 2015 04:05 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

In his case certainly injuries had some effect on things. After a good season in low-A and some prospect attention, he then had just 9 starts in 2013 then a poor follow-up year in 2014 which may or may not have been a hangover reaction to '13 and led to talk about maybe being a future bullpen-er But on that front, a follow-up question from this afternoon's Q&A from BA: Q: Do you see ultimately see Fulmer as a starter or reliever? J.J. Cooper (BA): Starter and a potentially pretty good one. Mets are producing a whole lot of pitching lately, huh?

MFS62 Jul 17 2015 07:48 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Don't think either if them is a prospect, but a minor league note. While we were noting the return in last night's game for Las Vegas, something else happened. Two pitchers with the first name Chase* appeared for the Mets. And they pitched in consecutive innings. Interesting. Later *= last names Hudgington and Bradford

Frayed Knot Jul 17 2015 11:08 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

This week from BA's 'Hot List' 14. Amed Rosario, ss, Mets Team: high Class A St. Lucie (Florida State) Age: 19 Why He’s Here: .400/.429/.550 (8-for-20), 3 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBIs, 1 BB, 1 SO, 2-for-2 SB The Scoop: Rosario is nearly three months younger than the Florida State League’s other standout 19-year-old shortstop, Willy Adames of the Rays, and until recently his youth and lack of full-season experience had shown. Yet Rosaio returned from a brief disabled-list stint to hit with authority in July, showing his usual bat-to-ball ability and line-drive stroke. Scouts expect his power to play eventually, though he hasn’t homered yet in 2015.

Edgy MD Jul 17 2015 03:51 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

It'll be interesting to see if the switch from Savannah to Columbia will change the organizational structure that suppresses slugging percentages the lower down on the ladder they are.

Frayed Knot Jul 24 2015 10:59 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Speaking of 1st round picks (now that one is getting his call-up today) Gavin Cecchini (12th overall in 2012) rode a 13-for-30 week into the #7 slot of BA's 'Hot List' this week. Gavin Cecchini, ss, Mets Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern) Age: 21 Why He’s Here: .467/.500/.667 (13-for-30), 5 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 BB, 2 SO, 0-for-0 SB The Scoop: New York’s No. 6 prospect at midseason, Cecchini is converting scouts who were not believers by showing power and steady defense. He has toned down his leg kick, helping get his hands and bat quicker to the ball. Overall Binghamton numbers: .306/.366/.442 over 372 PA That's not a ton of power (29 of his 103 hits for XB, 19 2Bs, 3 3B, 7 HR) but it's respectable. Meanwhile the K-rate is low (~10% of PAs) and the BA & OBA are particularly nice for a SS listed at 3.5 years younger than the AA position player average. Clearly his best season as a pro - which beats the hell out of having your future behind you. Like Dom Smith, this one started slowly and wasn't looking good for a while but that's nothing unusual for many HS picks.

Frayed Knot Aug 10 2015 10:52 AM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

John Sickels looks back on his pre-season NYM prospect list -- http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/8/1 ... -in-review Keep in mind that this ins't a new list but is rather a look - with eight months worth of hindsight - at the one he did last December so the order and grades are unchanged from the original. The (light type) stats, comments, and summary at the end are newly added to reflect this season to date.

MFS62 Aug 13 2015 05:23 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

There are two guys, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and David Wright, playing for St. Lucie tonight. You might want to keep your eye on them. They have major league potential. Later

Frayed Knot Aug 13 2015 05:35 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Fla State League 2015 Best Hitting Prospect - Michael Conforto Best Reliever - Akeel Morris Best Defensive 1st Baseman - Dom Smith Best Defensive SS - Amed Rosario Best Managerial Prospect - Luis Rojas ... or at least so says Baseball America

TheOldMole Aug 13 2015 05:55 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

It must be weird to be Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Frayed Knot Sep 27 2015 01:22 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

John Sickels doing a review of last June's high draft picks 53rd overall pick) New York Mets Desmond Lindsay, OF, Out-of-Door-Academy, Sarasota, Florida: -- His draft comments: Hits right, North Carolina commit, another injury victim, in his case a bad hamstring. Good power/speed potential but another guy who has signability concerns due to injury and college commitment though should sign here. Risky choice but with very high upside. -- Update: Hit .304/.400/.464 in 69 at-bats in Gulf Coast League, then .200/.308/.267 in 45 at-bats after moving up to New York-Penn League. High physical upside the main draw but skills in early developmental stages so it is no surprise he had trouble against older players in the NY-P.

Edgy MD Sep 27 2015 03:37 PM Re: Prospect Porn, 2015

Sending a guy to Brooklyn in his first year out of high school is tough to ask of anybody. But his walk tool apparently stayed intact. In fact, those numbers look strangely Nimmoid.