SaberMets.com

« Mets Spring Training Link-A-Dink | Main | Bloggers Get Some Ink »

Mets Prospect Watch

Unlike in recent years where the Mets farm system has been barren as a result of trades, the team actually has one of the better systems in baseball in terms of peak talent, though not necessarily in terms of depth. ESPN.com has entered into a partnership with Baseball America, and present the Top 25 Prospects in baseball.

If you're not an insider member, you will only be able to view the Top 5, none of which are Mets. Fortunately for you I am, so I have posted excerpts below of the three Mets prospects that are found on the list.

7. Kazuo Matsui, ss, Mets

By most conventional definitions of "prospect," Matsui doesn't fit. He's 28 and has played most of nine seasons in Japan's Pacific League. But he's rookie-eligible, making him eligible for this list. He won't be the 30-30 guy he was in Japan in 2002, but should be one of the best shortstops in the National League thanks to his plus speed, strong frame, cannon throwing arm and excellent hands at shortstop. He also should team with second-year phenom Jose Reyes to form a dynamic double-play combination.

It was a bit surprising to see Kazuo "Kaz" Matsui listed here as a Mets Top Prospect, but by their definition he is one, and he has the potential to be a big star in the Major Leagues. He has average power, plus-plus speed, plus-plus defense, and, from what I've heard and seen in the limited footage available, is an electric player who promises to make everyone around him take notice.

12. Scott Kazmir, lhp, Mets

Kazmir and Expos righthander Clint Everts became the first pair of high school pitchers drafted from the same school in the first round, though Cypress Falls (Texas) High still posted a losing record that year. Mets fans hope Kazmir has better luck in the big leagues. Few pitchers have Kazmir's electric stuff, and few use it better. With two plus-plus pitches (94-96 mph fastball, power slider), he has averaged 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings as a pro. Kazmir is just 6-foot, 170 pounds, and the Mets have been careful with his workload since he signed (he's pitched just 127 pro innings since signing in August 2002), so he's still gaining experience but could advance quickly in 2004.

To be honest, I was a little surprised to see the Mets other "Kaz" this far down on the list. Other lists have ranked him as high as the Top 5, but its nice to see him on here nonetheless. The Mets have certainly babied him a bit, but they are no doubt still reeling from the disappointment of Generation-K almost a decade ago. Kazmir is the third highest rated pitcher on the list, and should be #1 (among pitchers) when next season rolls around.

21. David Wright, 3b, Mets

Surprisingly for a New York prospect, the hype hasn't caught up to Wright's talent yet. His talent is concentrated where the Mets need it most -- at the plate. He commands the strike zone exceptionally well for a young hitter, helping him pound hitter's pitches with a smooth swing that produces power now and projects more in the future. He has been a streaky hitter, which the Mets chalk up in part to his own work ethic. At times he works so hard before games that he wears himself out. Defensively, he's a Gold Glover waiting to happen, showing a strong, accurate arm and steady hands.

Now that Jose Reyes has ascended to the big show, David Wright is the Mets best hitting prospect. Not only that, he blogs, and even has a ballsy e-mail address: futuremet3B@yahoo.com.