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December 13, 2004

Rule V, Phew

The Rule V draft is over and Blake McGinley and Royce Ring remain property of the Mets. Not that they'll do anything with them. The results of the Major League portion of the draft can be seen here.

Eric | 01:56 PM EST | TrackBack: 7

September 11, 2004

Diaz Gets The Call

Victor Diaz was finally called up to The Show for today's game against the Phillies, and is maing his Major League debut in right field. The Mets moved Richard Hidalgo over to left field for the game to allow Diaz to play right, where he has been playing in Norfolk.

Diaz is hitting sixth and drew a walk in his first big-league at-bat.

Update: Diaz struck out looking in the fourth.

Update: Diaz just picked up his first Major League hit in the fifth, a two-RBI double that he inside-outed down the right-field line. I'm sure glad they didn't call the kid up earlier.

Eric | 02:14 PM EST | TrackBack: 0

August 30, 2004

Kazmir Lit Up

On the heels of his respectable big league debut last Monday, Scott Kazmir pitched none too well tonight in getting smacked around by the A's in Oakland. The former Met pitching stud put up the following line:

3 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 WP

He showed good control, getting 48 of his 71 pitches over for strikes, but the A's bats just didn't have any problems hitting them. He only gave up one extra-base hit (a double), and three of the runs were actually allowed by Travis Harper, who relieved Kazmir in the fourth inning with the bases loaded and no outs.

Based on the game log, it looks like there were a couple of errors and an infield hit in the first inning, so it's tough to tell how hard he actually got it. Kazmir had this to say following his three-inning performance:

"I made some good pitches but I couldn't finish them off. I got 0-2 on a bunch of guys, then I would hang a slider or throw a fastball down the middle and they would hit it."

One start is one start, though this one makes the Skill Sets feel a whole lot better, to be sure.

For those of you clamoring for Lou Piniella to be the Mets next manager, how's this for eerie:

"We battled them for three days here," Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella said. "It's hard for us to beat good teams, especially on the road. If we were going to get Mulder, today was the day."

And battle they did. Just like our Mets, who got whooped but good by the Dodgers, 10-2. Our Red Sox continued their winning ways, picking up their sixth straight "W", and pulling to within 4 1/2 games of the Yank-mees in the AL East.

Eric | 12:10 AM EST | Comments: 2 | TrackBack: 0

August 28, 2004

Who Cares About TINSTAPP?

The Mets front office may be full of numbsculls and Mike Stanton entering a game still brings tears to my eyes, but until he's traded in a deadline deal next season for Ismael Valdez, Yusmeiro Petit is the best thing the Mets farm system has going for it right now.

In his AA Binghamton debut tonight, Petit continued his terrific season by pitching seven strong innings against the Trenton Thunder, allowing four hits, two earned runs, and a stunning 10 strikeouts. He picked up the "W" in the Mets' 8-2 victory.

In other news, the Red Sox kept pace with the Yankees, beating Detroit 5-1 behind Pedro Martinez. Go Sox!

Eric | 11:50 PM EST | Comments: 3 | TrackBack: 1

August 03, 2004

A Letter From Scott Kazmir

NYFS has an open letter from Scott Kazmir:

Thank You, Mets Fans!

By Scott Kazmir August 3, 2004 - Dear Mets Fans,

I would like to thank you for all your support while I was a member of the NY Mets. I was very proud and fortunate to be part of a 1st Class organization. I will never forget the memories from signing, to Brooklyn, Columbia, St. Lucie, to Binghamton and all the friends I made along the way.

I would like to say to all my former coaches, trainers, and teammates...keep in touch, you guys are the best. To the booster clubs that provided their time and support and especially to the fans. Thank you.

When I was drafted, I heard that the NY Fans were passionate about their baseball. I found that to be so true. My parents have also passed along the support everyone has given over the last couple of days and many of you have sent emails and IM to my parents stating your continued support by following me through the new organization. I would like to say that I am very appreciative and honored. I will continue to work hard and not let you down.

Although I am no longer with the Mets organization, and I appreciate your support, I am sure I speak for my other former teammates that have moved on with me by saying it has been fun and an honor to play for the Mets and for fans like you. We will work hard to make it to the majors and make you proud. I have found out first hand that New York Mets fans are like no other.

Thank you for your support,

Scott Kazmir

Be sure to check out Ed Tsunoda's article at NYFS entitled Mets Lose Patience and Prospects (thanks to Avkash for the link).

Eric | 02:50 PM EST | Comments: 1 | TrackBack: 1

Mets Are Stupid

At least, that what John Sickels thinks in his latest edition of Down On The Farm. Sickels thinks it's a great trade...for Tampa Bay:

So, how distressed should Mets fans be, and how ecstatic should Tampa Bay boosters get? It is always wise to be careful creating or harboring expectations with pitching prospects, given the high attrition rates even among the elite. Kazmir certainly has a world of talent. He could turn into a top-notch starter, or he could develop into a Billy Wagner-style power reliever. He could also struggle with his command, or suffer a catastrophic injury. The bottom line though is that the Devil Rays picked up an excellent pitching prospect (and Diaz is pretty good too) in exchange for a 28-year-old pitcher with a 4.47 career ERA and control problems. It looks like a good deal to me, for Tampa Bay.

I just got around to reading Jayson Stark's article from Saturday on the winners and losers of the trade deadline. For what it's worth, he tabs the Mets as the fourth biggest winners, citing, as usual, the general unpredicability of prospects in general. He also provides numerous comments from unnamed sources that seemingly are requirements of any ESPN.com piece:

On paper, the three minor leaguers they traded -- Kazmir, pitcher Matt Peterson and catcher Justin Huber -- looked like their three best prospects. But there are mixed reviews on all of them.

Peterson was described by one scouting director as "a No. 5 starter" and by another as "a No. 4, at best." The same scouting directors questioned Huber's instincts and projected him as no better than a backup catcher in the big leagues.

So it's Kazmir who will ultimately determine the wisdom of these deals. And one scouting director called him "the best prospect traded by anyone this year."

But two other scouting directors we surveyed had their doubts. Both think he'll wind up as a relief pitcher. And, given his size (6-feet, 170 pounds), he'll draw comparisons to Billy Wagner -- not necessarily for the better.

Wagner, said one scouting director, "is much stronger physically than Kazmir. So to me, the best he'll be is a poor man's Billy Wagner."

Kazmir could prove everybody wrong -- or right. But you know there will be a lot of people in baseball -- and in New York -- watching him try.

Al Leiter goes for the Mets tonight in Milwaukee. Does anybody care?

Eric | 02:36 PM EST | Comments: 1 | TrackBack: 2

August 02, 2004

We Miss You, Scott

As if you needed another reason to be depressed about the trades, Scott Kazmir made his debut for the Montgomery Biscuits (?), and pitched 5 innings allowing 3 hits, 3 walks, 1 HBP, no runs, and striking out 8. Victor Zambrano goes for the Mets on Thursday against the Brewers. I need a beer.

Eric | 09:15 AM EST | Comments: 5 | TrackBack: 3

July 30, 2004

Yusmeiro

In his latest edition of Down on the Farm, John Sickels writes about our favorite unpronouncable pitching phenom Yusmeiro Petit.

The Mets signed Petit as a free agent out of Venezuela in 2001. He's just 19, so his age-relative-to-league factor is certainly positive. His fastball runs at 90-92 mph. He already had a good changeup, and he's improved his curveball this year. Listed generously at 6-foot in height, Petit may not pick up much additional velocity. But his fastball has good movement, and he mixes it well with the change and curve. Basically, he is a pitcher's pitcher, someone who doesn't have awesome physical tools, but who understands the skills of pitching ... at least to A-ball hitters.

No new updates on the Kris Benson front, but I will post as soon as anything new develops. I'll be at a concert tonight (Projekt Revolution at the PNC Arts Center), but I'll have my Mets game wireless alerts in tow, and will check in later on.

Eric | 02:23 PM EST | Comments: 3 | TrackBack: 0

June 15, 2004

David Wright

In his first start at AAA Norfolk last night, David Wright, the crown jewel of the Mets farm system, went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double, and a run scored. His batting line is currently a gaudy .750/.800/1.000.

Local wrap-up of the game

Box Score (norfolktides.com)

The game wrap is very good, and even features a jab at Scott Erickson:

t was evident early that many in the crowd had come to see Wright. Normally when the game’s lineups are announced 15 minutes before the first pitch, there is hardly a whisper from the crowd. When Wright was announced, a cheer went up. And the turnstiles had already spun. The Tides had walk-up sales of 2,145, nearly twice the normal Monday walk-up.

Too bad the crowd of 6,585 had to sift through an utterly useless pitching performance by Scott Erickson, who is with the Tides on a major league rehabilitation stint for a hamstring injury.

Prentice Redman had a strong game as well, going 2-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout. The Tides lost the game 13-6 to Toledo, thanks mostly in part to future Met Scott Erickson's terrible outing. Erickson allowed ten hits and eight runs (seven earned) while striking out three in five innings of work. He allowed one homerun and now sports a tidy 8.00 ERA.

Regarding David Wright's call-up to AAA, there was a nice article in yesterday's Virginian Pilot (a local Norfolk paper) about their hometown boy. It's nice to read a local perspective of Wright's promotion. It even mentions his OBP and SLG at AA Binghamton, a nice touch.

Eric | 10:53 AM EST | Comments: 4 | TrackBack: 1

June 08, 2004

The Mechanix

More good news on Philip Humber, the Mets top draft choice yesterday. According to the Bergen Record, when pitching coach Rick Peterson was reviewing film on the pitchers the Mets were considering taking with the 3rd pick, all of them had one mechanical flaw or another. Except one, that is. Philip Humber was the only pitcher he saw with flawless mechanics.

Also of interest is the fact that Humber was actually drafted out of high school in the 29th round in 2001, but elected to attend Rice instead. The team that drafted him? The New York Yankees.

And last but not least, a little bit of swagger never hurts, so when asked about his devastating curveball, Humber replied:

"I feel like I've got the best curveball in the country. I haven't seen a better one."

If you've seen the scouting video on MLB.com, you can see that Humber's hook is very reminiscent of Kerry Wood's, with lofty 11-5 action and late break. This kid looks to be the goods.

Eric | 09:32 AM EST | Comments: 2 | TrackBack: 1

June 07, 2004

We're #3!

Thanks to their abysmal last-place finish in 2003, the Mets had the pleasure of selecting third overall in this year's MLB Draft. As was expected, the Mets chose Rice RHP Philip Humber. Baseball America had this to say about the Mets' choice:

Scouts considered Humber the safest pick among the three Rice aces. He has three plus pitches: a 90-94 mph fastball that scrapes 97, a true 12-6 curveball, and a splitter that he uses as a changeup. The run on his fastball is inconsistent and the pitch flattens out at times, but his curveball is a big-time strikeout pitch and his splitter keeps batters off balance. Strong and durable, he has been injury-free and has the most resilient arm of the Rice first-rounders.

Humber's staffmates Jeff Niemann (Devil Rays) and Wade Townsend (Orioles) were also chosen within the first eight picks. Humber is very polished, and could be at Shea by this time next season. He should probably be starting at AA Binghamton (likely) or AAA Norfolk (less likely) sometime this summer.

His stats in 2004 look like this:

ERA   W-L    IP    SO   BB  HR  WHIP
2.27  13-4  115.0  154  37   7  1.08

K/9   BB/9  HR/9  K/BB   AVG   OBP   SLG   OPS
12.05  2.90  0.55  4.16  .209  .289  .308  .597

The batting numbers (AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS) are what hitters have done against him, lest you think he's the next Brooks Kieschnick. All of his numbers are very good, particularly his K/9 (the NL average this season is 6.55), BB/9 (NL average is 3.38), K/BB (NL average is 1.94), and HR/9 (NL average is 1.06).

Since the outcome of balls that are put into play (and not hit out of the park) are largely out of the pitcher's control, strikeout, walk, and homerun rates are all great indicators of future success.

Knowing the Mets propensity for babying prospects, we may not see Humber as soon as some might like. If he pitches well this summer, he may have an outside shot at the back end of the starting rotation at Shea next Spring.

Eric | 05:59 PM EST | Comments: 2 | TrackBack: 1

May 18, 2004

Yates Moves Forward

In his first start since returning to AAA Norfolk, Tyler Yates pitched 5.2 no-hit innings in picking up the W. He allowed three walks and struck out five in the Tides 3-0 win over the Rochester Red Wings (Twins AAA affiliate). Gerald Williams added his third homerun and Craig Brazell miraculously only struck out once.

Yates appears to be taking his demotion well, probably realizing that a handful of good starts at AAA will have him back with the big club.

Eric | 12:02 PM EST | TrackBack: 1

May 07, 2004

The Shea Hot Corner

No offense to my buddy Norm, the REAL Shea Hot Corner, David Wright, is making it known with his torrid play that he wants a taste of the big show sooner rather than later. The Daily News has a nice article on Wright today.

After play last night, Wright was hitting .356/.472/.635 with 17 extra base hits, 17 walks, and 12/15 in stolen bases.

Eric | 10:31 AM EST | Comments: 6 | TrackBack: 0

May 03, 2004

All Or Nothing

A few months ago, Baseball America and ESPN.com joined up to give ESPN Insider members exclusive articles and info on players around the minors. Among others, Craig Brazell is mentioned in this week's "Around The Minors" column by Chris Kline:

Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Craig Brazell is leading the International League in homers with nine. The lefthanded hitter is batting .289-9-20 despite continuing his career-long lack of discipline at the plate. Brazell, who also is mixing in some outfield play this season, takes big swings early in the count, allowing pitchers to get ahead of him. He has struck out in bunches in the past and already has 21 (with just three walks) in 83 at-bats this season.

For those of you who are Insider members, the entire article can be found here.

Eric | 03:12 PM EST | Comments: 2 | TrackBack: 1

February 28, 2004

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.

Eric | 10:37 AM EST | Comments: 2 | TrackBack: 1

January 06, 2004

Link-A-Dink

I am so horribly lazy. That, compounded with the fact that there isn't a lot of real interesting baseball news going on (unless you consider a Scott Stewart trade interesting, Mrs. Stewart's opinion notwithstanding), has left me with little to write about and even less motivation to do so.

With that in mind, I present to you some recent links regarding the Mets top prospects.

BaseballAmerica.com: Top Ten Prospects: New York Mets

If you didn't already know, BaseballAmerica.com is the top dog in minor league coverage. This particular article whets your appetite with the Mets top stud, Scott Kazmir. You then must subscribe to their online service in order to view the rest of the top ten. You can also Pre-Order their 2004 Prospect Handbook like I did. Even if you don't, I will fill everyone in on the rest of the top ten when my copy arrives in March.

BaseballAmerica.com: Top Ten Prospects: Mets Chat

If you're into reading about Mets prospects and farmhands, look no further. Baseball America's J.J. Cooper sat down for three hours and chatted with one and all about the Mets farm system, prospects, etc. It's a long read, but you're bound to learn something new here.

The Minors First: Top 100 Minor League Prospects

A bit disappointingly, Scott Kazmir is only #14 on the list. Of course, he's only a little over a year out of high school. The Mets have a total of five players in the top 100, including David Wright, Matt Peterson, Justin Huber, and Victor Diaz. Some nice insight on each of the players.

ProspectReport.com: 2003 New York Mets

This list was actually compiled back in April 2003, so you'll see some names that aren't prospects anymore because they're with the big club. There should be a 2004 list up soon, so keep an eye out for that.

* * * * * * * * * *
Before I go, I'd like to pass along my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw Jr., who lost his battle with brain cancer today. He pitched for the Mets long before my time, but his words "You Gotta Believe" still ring true today.

I'd also like to give my thoughts and best wishes to my buddy Mike and his family, who put their six-year-old cocker spaniel Hunter to sleep on Sunday. Even though he wouldn't let me give him the Pedigree a few years back when I used to call him HHH, I hope he's at peace now.

Eric | 12:09 AM EST | TrackBack: 0

Link-A-Dink

Eric | 12:09 AM EST | TrackBack: 1

November 29, 2003

Update on the Pups

John Sickels answered some mailbag questions today in Down On The Farm, one of them regarding Mets prospect Victor Diaz. You can read that article here. He also wrote about Mets third-base stud David Wright the other day.

Eric | 12:30 PM EST | TrackBack: 1

November 11, 2003

David Wright

With a short break in the MLB Awards announcements, here is a snippet from John Sickels' column at ESPN.com about the Arizona Fall League, specifically Met 3B-to-be David Wright:

A well-kept secret, Wright had a solid season in the Florida State League, and has followed that up by hitting .341 with a .433 OBP and a .488 SLG in Arizona. Of particular note are 13 walks and just eight strikeouts in 82 at-bats. He has power and a good measure of refinement at the plate. Wright is also a very good defensive third baseman, more reliable than most players his age, and featuring a strong arm and decent range. I think he is an excellent prospect, and he could see Shea Stadium sometime late in 2004.

Eric | 05:19 PM EST | TrackBack: 3