My Favorte NYM Prospects



This post is different from my "Top 10 Underrated Prospects." This list is specifically for the purpose of showing some love for my current favorite Mets prospects. I will pick 2 players from every position and I would also list my top 5. To the right of the players name is what I hope his stat line will be if he ever reaches the MLB level for a full season (Players Potential Ceiling).. Here it goes..

Catchers:

1. Albert Cordero .300/.350/.450 20 HR 30 2B
2.  Fransisco Pena .275/.350/.475 25 HR 40 2B

First Baseman:

1. Lucas Duda .315/.400/.550 40 HR 30 2B
2. Josh Satin  .280/.340/.410 15 HR 35 2B

Second Baseman:

1. Reese Havens .320/.400/.500 30 HR 40 2B
2. Jordanny Valdespin .310/.375/.400 10 HR 30 2B

Shortstops:

1. Wilmer Flores .330/.420/.550 35 HR 45 2B
2. Robbie Shields .300/.370/.400 15 HR 30 2B

Third Baseman:

1. Aderlin Rodriguez .290/.380/.500 30 HR 40 2B
2. Jefry Marte .280/.370/.450 25 HR 40 2B

Left Fielders:

1. Fernando Martinez .310/.380/.460 25 HR 40 2B
2. Corey Vaughn .300/.400/.550 40 HR 40 2B

Center Fielders:

1. Darrell Ceciliani .340/.410/.450 20 HR 35 2B 10 3B
2. Cesar Puello .320/.390/.475 25 HR 35 2B 10 3B

Right Fielders:

1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis .275/.420/.450 25 HR 45 2B 10 3B
2. Matt Den Decker .285/.375/.425 15 HR 35 2B 15 3B

Just a reminder, these are only projections, if the player reaches his FULL potential and they cannot be proven accurate. But who knows? Maybe i'll be right on a couple of these, but im most likely being too optimistc for some of these players.

Finally, My Top 5 Favorite NYM Prospects

1. 2B Reese Havens
2. OF Corey Vaughn
3. INF Wilmer Flores
4. OF Darrell Ceciliani
5. 3B Aderlin Rodriguez

I think these 5 players can continue producing in the minor leagues and eventually break through with the Mets and be a formitable part of this organization for years to come.

Thank you for reading Moneyball Mets, and don't forget to add us on Twitter or Facebook!

UPDATED: Top 10 Underrated Mets Prospects for 2011

Before I start this post, I want to share with you the doubt that has been cast onto The Mets Minor league system. Keith Law of ESPN, insider subscription required, ranked the Mets group of prospects to be the 26th best out of all 30 teams. I just dont see it. The Mets do have to spend more money in the lower levels of the draft, and showed signs of this type of transaction last june. Similarly, Jon Mayo of MLB.com ranks the top 50 prospects in the MLB, and fails to include any NYM players. Bad decision Mayo.. Remember when you forgot to add Jennry Mejia, Ike Davis, Josh Thole, and Jon Niese to your list last year? Now 3/4 of those players have a MLB roster spot waiting for them.

1. OF Fernando Martinez

F Mart is now underrated. Yes, he has been over hyped by many in the past, but he
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.

New Season. New Players. New Team.

The 2011 New York Mets Season is already under alot of scrutinty. Many NY fans lack patience. I tend to look at each and every new season as a new toy. At first, the toy will be shiny and clean and you will be quite leary to play with it in order to prevent scratches, dings and dents. Lets take a look at our new toy in 2011..

Current NYM Players Coming Off Injury

INF/OF Daniel Murphy - Is coming of a torn MCL, lets not forget he led the NYM in HR in 2009, he was also a doubles machine. I expect him to win the starting 2B job in spring training, if not he will be an excellent bat to have coming off the bench on days when our star players need rest or late in games.

CF/OF Carlos Beltran - Beltran has not had a full season since 2008 when he played in all but one of the Mets games. 2011 is a contract year for him and there have been rumors of a possible trade. If the NYM are contending this year, I would not expect to see Beltran traded. Statistically, he is one of the most polished players in the game at his position, but just like any other player on the Mets roster in 2011, you must prove your worth. Same goes for Carlos. He might lose his CF position to Angel Pagan and be forced to shift to RF.

SS Jose Reyes - Just like Beltran, Reyes is in a contract year and he has not been fully healthy in the past two seasons. 2011 is a huge year for Jose. After seeing Carl Crawford sign with the Red Sox for boat loads of money, Reyes will be seeing $ signs if he can improve upon his productive season that he turned in last year.

LF Jason Bay - After Omar Minaya passed on Matt Holliday and handed Jason Bay a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, Jason Bay came to NYC and found out just how harsh the playing conditions at Citi Field are. In 2009, Bay mashed 36 HR's and managed to only hit 6 in 2010. His concussion obviously had an effect on his stat line, but if Bay is fully healthy in 2011, he has the potential and the track record that will show you he can be a force in the middle of this stacked lineup, if healthy.

SP Johan Santana - Santana underwent surgery in September to repair a tear in the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It was thought he may be sidelined until June, but this could be a sign he'll return sooner than expected. The NYM are cautiously optimistic about Santanas return to the mound in 2011. There is no exact date set for his return, but he could be a HUGE addition to the rotation when the All-Star Break rolls around.

New Position Players

C Ronny Paulino - Paulino is strictly a back-up to the starting catcher, Josh Thole. He mashes southpaws to the tune of  .358 AVG /.896 OPS. I'm sure this was a pick-up designed to fill the void when it comes time to face the great left-handed pitching in the NL East. Nice Pick-up for 1 year and 1.3 million.

2B/INF Brad Emaus - Was plucked from the Blue Jays Organization during the Rule 5 draft by Assistant GM J.P Riccardi. Emaus had a disappointing 2009, but had a bounce-back season in  2010, hitting .290/.397/.476, mostly for Triple-A Las Vegas. He has a high career OBP and these are the types of players that Alderson and Co. absolutely love. More to come on this guy throughout spring training.

SS/INF Ching-lung Hu - was acquired from the LA Dodgers in exchange for Mike Antonini, 25, who split the season between Double-A and Triple-A, with a composite 8-12 record and 4.49 ERA. Hu is the first Taiwnese born player to hit 2 HR in history. He also has an extensive MiLB Awards record: Click Here. My expectations about Hu are not very high, but I hear he has a good glove.

LF/OF Scott Hairston - Hairston spent the 2010 season in San Diego, where he hit .210/.295/.346 in 336 plate appearances. The 30-year-old, who played all three outfield positions last year, has a .278/.331/.498 line against left-handed pitching in his career.

LF/OF Willie Harris - I know this guy, he's the one robbing all those liners in the gaps when the Mets played the Nationals. Well, now hes on our side, vying for a shot at the Mets Opening Day Roster.  Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com first reported the agreement. The utility player will have a good chance of making the team's Opening Day roster, Rubin writes. Last year, the 32-year-old posted a .183/.291/.362 line with 10 homers in 262 plate appearances. To me, hes definetly going to have to earn it, theres some stiff competition within the Mets system.

New Starting Pitchers

RHP Boof Bonser - Was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training back in December. His career numbers dont jump out at you, but he provides some much needed depth within the system.

LHP Chris Capuano - Capuano is a former 18 game winner, coming off his second TJ surgery, the lefty is expecting big things this year after having a full off-season to recover and get prepared. Signed for 1 year and 1.5 million. Has many incentives in his contract that can bump it up to 4.5 million if he starts 32 games and pitches 200 innings. Nice pickup.

RHP Chris Young - Chris Young was my favorite signing of the NYM off-season. Young is a monster at six foot ten, and 280 ilbs. Not only is he big, he is smart, very smart and he misses bats. Take a look at this video..



New Relief Pitchers

RHP D.J. Carrasco - there have been rumors of D.J. Carrasco being used in the rotation, Mets Fever says not so fast. He will be a middle reliever for the Mets in 2011 and last year he posted his third consecutive season with an ERA under 4. Look up my more detailed post abour Carrasco for more.

RHP Pedro Beato - Originally drafted by the Mets in 2005, a deal never got reached. He signed with the Orioles in 2006 as a 1st round draft pick and had a 2.12 ERA as a sinker-baller in AA. In order for the Mets to keep him in 2011, he must stay on the 25 man roster. So if he does good in spring training, we have a steal, and if he doesnt do so good, he will be back with the Orioles and forgotten by Mets fans.

RHP Taylor Buchholz - In 2008, Buchholz was one of the most dominant relievers (2.17 ERA) with the COL Rockies. He was unable to return until 2010, where he got bounced around the league and finally cound a home with the NYM. Another nice pickup.

LHP Taylor Tankersley - A former first round pick with the FLA Marlins, he was used as a lefty-specialist and will most likely serve that role if he makes the team out of spring training. Another low cost/high upside signing.

Prospects Who May See MLB In 2011


OF Fernando Martinez - It seems as if F-Mart has been around forever, but he just keeps getting unlucky and having major set-backs with injuries. Martinez will most likely start 2011 in AAA Buffalo but if he gets hot and one of our OF gets injured, he could explode onto the MLB scene barring a major injury and continued development of his OBP and SLG.

2B Reuben Tejada - Had a productive rookie season with NYM last year, but Terry Collins has already said that he thinks Tejada would benefit from a full season at AAA Buffalo. Defensively, Tejada is fine, but he needs to learn how to drive the ball at the MLB level. Look to see Reuben in September of 2011.

Prospects Waiting For A Chance

RP Manuel Alvarez

OF/1B Lucas Duda

1B/OF Nick Evans

3B Zach Lutz

2B Justin Turner

2B Jordany Valdespin

Conclusion

Like I was saying about the new toy idea, Sandy and Terry could take the "lets not get it dirty" approach, but if he really wants to see what he has on this roster, he will need to get down and dirty, if he makes some dinks and dents, then by all means, please repair them. Send off the useless players, and trade or promote some good ones from the minors for the MLB roster. That is exactly what Omar failed to do during his tenure in NYC. This may not be the most expensive toy, but 2011 might actually be the best chance at winning since the 2006 heartbreak.

2011 Mets Sleeper Prospects

With Spring Training 2011 coming right along, its time to take a look at the sleeper prospects of the NYM Minor League System. Heres what Project Prospect has to say:

I'd also like to mention:

2B/SS Reuben Tejada

INF Josh Satin

INF Zach Lutz

LF/RF Corey Vaughn

OF Darrell Ceciliani

Throughout spring training I will be writing more frequently about the Minor League System, this is just a glimpse.

-TF

Blog-o-sphere Roundup

Today, I receive an e-mail from my fellow bloggers, Matt Cerrone and Mack Ade, they have showed support and have re-inforced my decision to continue blogging about my passion, The New York Mets. In this post, I will link to other blogs/websites that have posted geuine content about The Mets, heres the latest...

• The Yankees have signed former Met, Pedro Feliciano, to a two-year deal worth $8 million.\
• According to Metsblog.com, expect The Mets to sign a starting pitcher, rather than trade for one.
• Baseball America released his Top 10 Mets Prospects list. Here is Toby Hyde's take on it..
• Macks Mets wonders if The Mets should trade prospects for Zach Greinke.
• Ike Davis is determined to be the best defensive 1B in 2011, as if he wasn't close to achieving it during his rookie year.
• Mike Puma says the Mets are armed for a trade of a starting pitcher, take a look.

I hope you enjoy this list and that it provides you with the most accurate Mets information on the internet.

- Tyler Florence