- OF Fernando Martinez
has been injured, just like many other NYM players in recent years. if he is fully
healthy for a full season, we could see him traded or he could be handed a chance to
show what hes got when hes healthy, he needs to improve his plate discipline and the
power will come.
2. P Juan Urbina
Juan is the son of former MLB Pitcher Ugeth Urbina. Juan possesses a 88-91 FB along
with a developing change up and slider. He is underrated because he is so young, but
he has been spotted on the bottom of a handful of Top 10's. But he is very
projectable, and has the pedigree to become something special in this league one
day.
3. P Steven Matz
Matz underwent TJS last spring, but was the Mets top draft pick in 2009 at #72
overall. Matz is tall and has room to grow. Most pitchers who put in the work
required to come back from TJS, are either better than before or about the same when
they return, so lets see what happens this spring with Matz. He is underrated
because of injury and because of lack of a professional track record.
4. P Brad Holt
I cant hide the fact that Brad Holt was absolutely terrible last year in AA and A+.
However, I cannot ignore the fact that he is a former 1st round draft pick with
potential to be a cog in a MLB bullpen. The best approach the Mets can take with him
this year would be to let him start out in A+ as a starter and if that fails, move
him to the bullpen perminetly. Underrated for the fact that he was very ineffective
last year, lets call it a tryout year. Better bring it in 2011 Holt.
5. P Jeurys Familla
Familla was supposed to dominate the A+ level this year along with Kyle Allen, but
both of them struggled. With a FB that can reach the upper 90's, Familla will have a
future whether it is as a reliever or a starter. May reach AA in 2011, but not right
out of the gate, hes definetly a sleeper.
6. 3B Jefry Marte
Remember when Jefry Marte was right up there with Wilmer Flores when it came to Mets
INF prospects? I do, and he has fallen off the face of the earth. He needs to work
on his defense. Learn a little plate discipline and the power will come, expect he
to repeat with Savannah or get bumped up to St Lucie, with hopes of reaching
Binghamton in late 2011.
7. C Albert Cordero
Cordero had a .466 SLG % for Kingsport last year and scouting reports on his defense
and throwing arm are good. As with alot of these younger players, Cordero needs to
learn some plate discipline and pick his pitch. The power should come and he has
taken over Fransisco Penas spot on my prospect big board. Watch for his name in
Savannah and St Lucie in 2011.
8. OF/1B Lucas Duda
Lucas Duda broke out in a big way in 2010. Duda hit .286/.411/.503 with 17 doubles
and six home runs in 45 games while with AA Binghamton, was promoted to AAA, where
he was even better: .314/.389/.610 with 23 doubles and 17 HR in 70 games. He has a
big power swing from the left side which reminds me alot of Adam Dunn. He should
repeat AAA in 2011, and if he shows consistent power, could be promoted or traded to
fill another need.
9. OF Matt Den Decker
Den Decker is a speedy, slap hitting outfielder. He profiles as a MLB backup with
average hitting ability and above average speed and defense. He was just drafted in
2010 so lets see what this season brings, but he is a solid piece to have in the
system. Specifically I remember a huge catch he made in the College World Series,
I'll have to dig up that video somewhere.
10. OF Darrell Ceciliani
Darrell Ceciliani is 20 years old, and is apparently a top notch defender in the OF,
according to Toby Hyde. However, don't think he cant hit. Last season, Ceciliani hit
.351 with a .410 OBP in 271 AB for Class-A Brooklyn and Wally Backman has praised
him for his all around game. This is easily one of my favorite players in the NYM
farm system and I cant wait to see if he can duplicate this level of performance in
the higher levels. Underrated because of the wealth of OF the NYM have.
The top 6 players on this list struggled in 2010 to either stay healthy, put up consistent numbers, or a comination of them both. Either way, 2011 is a big year for these players and I can't wait to see how they perform in Spring Training 2011.
I will especially be paying attention to all the young pitchers in the system this year because last year was a developmental year for most NYM minor league pitchers. All of these players have alot to prove in 2011 and don't be surprised to see these so called "insiders" ranking the Mets much higher on these lists a year from now.
