Barebones version, sorry about missing May.

1. Eric Beaulac

June: 1-1, 2.63 era, 4 GS, 24 IP, 18 H, 16/7 R/ER, HR, 8/21 BB/K, 2.33 BAA, .196 BAA

2. Armando Rodriguez

June: 3-1, 1.57 era, 5 GS, 28.2 IP, 21 H, 6/5 R/ER, 2 HR, 5/23 BB/K, 0.49 GOFO, .202 BAA

3. Jim Fuller

June: 2-0, 1.63 era, 5 GS, 27.2 IP, 26 H, 12/5 R/ER, HR, 8/21 BB/K, 1.27 GOFO, .245 BAA

4. Eric Niesen

June: 4-1, 2.55 era, 5 GS, 24.2 IP, 18 H, 7 ER, 2 HR, 13/17 BB/K, 0.83 GOFO, .209 BAA

5. Mark Cohoon

June: 4-0, 1.38 era, 4 GS, 32.2 IP, 21 H, 5 ER, 4/23 BB/K, 1.89 GOFO

6. Jordany Valdespin

June: .310/.349/.450/.799, 31 for 100, 18 runs, 7 2b, 2 3b, HR, 14 RBI, 3/14 BB/K, 7/10 SBs

7. Nick Evans

June: .292/.356/.481/.837, 31 for 106, 15 runs, 11 2b, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 11/20 BB/K

8. Lucas Duda

June: .277/.370/.521/.892, 26 for 94, 11 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 11/16 BB/K

9. Stefan Welch

June: .293/.383/.424/.807, 27 for 92, 16 runs, 7 2b, 3b, HR, 9 RBI, 9/19 BB/K

10. Darrell Ceciliani

June: .404/.415/.635/1.050, 21 for 52, 16 runs, 4 2b, 4 3b, 9 RBI, 1/9 BB/K, 2/4 SBs

AAA International League: Buffalo 4/7/1, Gwinett 10/17/0

2b Justin Turner 0 for 4, .270
ss Russ Adams 2 for 4, run, RBI, .230
cf Juan Padilla 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, .292
1b Mike Jacobs 0 for 4, .258
rf Fernando Martinez 2 for 3, 2b (9), BB, K, .264
3b Mike Cervanek 0 for 4, .232
lf Lucas Duda 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .286
c JR House 1 for 3, run, K, .306
Dillon Gee 3 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 4 Ks, 5.31 era, L (6-5), 76:50:26, 3:2:4
Mike O'Connor 3 IP, 3 H, R, 4 Ks, 3.19 era, 36:26:10, 3:2:4
Roy Merritt IP, 4 H, 2 ER, K, 14.54 era, 30:18:12, 2:0:1
John Lujan IP, H, BB, K, 5.26 era, 23:13:10, 1:1:1

AA Eastern League: Binghamton 5/7/1, New Britain 1/5/1

Eric Niesen had one of his best outings of the season, with 7 terrific innings (his highwater mark this year), giving up just a run on 4 hits and only 2 walks, for his 3rd win. Manuel Alvarez struck out 5 in his 2 innings of work, and now has a 3/27 BB/K in 19.1 AA innings, and overall 7/51 in 45 innings with a 1.40 era.

The Mets offense had 7 hits and a 2/6 BB/K ratio, while going 2 for 7 (.286) with RISP and leaving 5 on base. The big blow in the game was a 7th inning grand slam off the bat of Brahiam Maldonado, putting the Mets ahead 5 to 1. Marshall Hubbard and Maldonado had multi hit games, while the top 3 in the order (Luis Hernandez (0 for 4, .298), Sean Ratliff and Nick Evans) went a combined 0 for 12 with 5 Ks, they, along with Jose Coronado (0 for 3, run, BB, .226) took 0-fers.

cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .282 (0/10 BB/K in AA)
1b Nick Evans 0 for 4, 3 Ks, .281
dh Marshall Hubbard 2 for 4, run, .261
2b Josh Satin 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .342
c Mike Nickeas 1 for 3, run, RBI, BB, .295
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 3, run, HR (3), 4 RBI (11), .260
rf Raul Reyes 1 for 3, 2b
Eric Niesen 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 2/4 BB/K, HR, 2.66 era, W (3-3), 8:9:4
Manuel Alvarez 2 IP, H, 5 Ks, 3.26 era, 0:1:5

A+ Florida State League: St. Lucie 3/7/3, Palm Beach 6/8/1

cf Carlos Beltran 0 for 2, BB (5 innings)

Kyle Allen had a rough start today, giving up 5 runs (3 earned) in the first 2 innings of the game before settling down and throwing up 3 zeroes to end his outing, but the Mets couldn't rally back. Allen walked 3 more in his 5 innings tonight, bringing his season total to 42 walks in 73 innings. Again, he walked just 51 in 125.1 innings last season.

The Mets offense had 7 hits and a 6/7 BB/K ratio, while going just 3 for 14 (.214) and leaving 11 on base. Jordany Valdespin had the only multi hit game, while Stefan Welch, Joey August (0 for 4, K, .296) and Richard Lucas took 0-fers.

2b Jordany Valdespin 2 for 4, 2 RBI (20), BB, .301, E (14)
rf, cf Juan Lagares 1 for 5 (high A debut)
CF CARLOS BELTRAN 0 FOR 2, BB, .000 (5 INNINGS)
>>rf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 2, 3b (1), K (high A debut)
1b Stefan Welch 0 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .305
ss Wilmer Flores 1 for 5, 2 Ks (high A debut)
3b Richard Lucas 0 for 3, run, RBI (31), BB, 2 Ks, .210
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4 (high A debut)
dh Michael Fisher 1 for 2, run, 2b, BB (high A debut)
Kyle Allen 5 IP, 4 H, 5/3 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, HR, 4.81 era, L (5-5), 6:4:4, 2 WP, HBP
Elvin Ramirez 1.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BBs, 4.43 era, 2:2:0
Erik Turgeon 1.2 IP, H, 2 BBs, 0.00 era, 4:1:0
Jose Bierd IP, H, 3.86 era, 3:

A South Atlantic League: Savannah 0/2/3, Asheville 2/7/1

Despite having given up just an UER in 4.1 innings, Armando Rodriguez was taken out of the game (no word yet on if it was an injury). He got tagged with the loss after the Gnats managed just 2 hits (but 5 walks) against top prospect Tyler Matzek (who Mike Newman has a mancrush on ;)), and 4 relievers. Matzek actually no hit Savannah for 5.2 innings. The Gnats went hitless in 9 ABs with RISP and left 7 on base, while striking out 7 times.

cf Pedro Zapata 1 for 3, 2b (12), BB, K, .290, SB (21)
dh RJ Harris 0 for 3, BB, 3 Ks (A debut)
3b Jefry Marte 0 for 4, K, .249
lf Nick Santomauro 0 for 3, BB, K, .150
rf Cesar Puello 0 for 3, .246
c Dock Doyle 0 for 4, .179
1b Alex Gregory 0 for 3, BB, K, .246
2b Alonzo Harris 1 for 3, .238, SB (8)
ss Wilfredo Tovar 0 for 2, BB (A debut...backwards)
Armando Rodriguez 4.1 IP, 4 H, R, 1/2 BB/K, 2.92 era, L (5-5), 4:6:2
Sam Martinez 1.1 IP, BB, K, 4.91 era, 2:1:1
Brandon Sage 1.1 IP, K, 2.59 era, 1:2:1
Marcos Tabata 2 IP, 3 H, ER, K, 4.50 era, 4:1:1

A- New York Penn League: Brooklyn 16/19/3, Hudson Valley 5/9/4

The Cyclones had their best offensive game of the season, crushing Renegade pitching for 19 hits and a 3/3 BB/K ratio, while going 10 for 23 (.435) with RISP and leaving 7 on base. Rylan Sandoval, Darrell Ceciliani, Cory Vaughn, Jeff Flagg, Joe Bonfe, James Schroeder and Juan Centeno had multi hit games, while Luis Nieves and Kurt Steinhauer (0 for 5, RBI, K, .000) took 0-fers. Chris Hilliard picked up the win with 6 innings, allowing 3 UER. Wally Backman notched ejection #1.

ss Rylan Sandoval 2 for 4, run, 2b, HR, 3 RBI, .333
>>ph, ss Luis Nieves 0 for 2, K, .200
cf Darrell Ceciliani 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b (2), .321
>>ph, rf Cody Holliday 1 for 2, run, 2b, RBI, .167
rf, cf Cory Vaughn 2 for 4, run, BB, .240
1b Jeff Flagg 4 for 5, 2 runs, 2 3b, 4 RBI, .276
lf Will Cherry 1 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .267
3b Joe Bonfe 2 for 5, 3 runs, 2b, RBI, K, .235
2b James Schroeder 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, BB, .250
c Juan Centeno 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 2b (2), 3 RBI (3), .286
Chris Hilliard 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 Ks, 1.50 era, W (2-0), 8:7:2
Ryan Fraser IP, BB, K, 0.00 era, 0:2:1
Hunter Carnevale IP, 2 H, 3 Ks, 13.50 era
Pedro P Martinez IP, H, 2 ER, 1/2 BB/K, HR, 18 era, 1:0:2

R Appalachian League: Kingsport 4/8/0, Johnson City 7/12/2

Lachlan Hodge's first start of the season was a very bad one, he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks in 3 innings for the loss. Richard Pena's first pro pitching outing also went very badly, he gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 2.1 innings.

The Mets offense had 8 hits and a 2/4 BB/K ratio, while going 1 for 12 (.083) with RISP and leaving 8 on base.

cf ZeErika McQueen 2 for 5, K, .333
rf Javier Rodriguez 0 for 5, .231
3b Aderlin Rodriguez 0 for 5, K, .308
1b Lance Stewart 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2b, .250
dh Cesar Cordido 1 for 4, run, 2b, .250
c Nelfi Zapata 1 for 3, 2 RBI (3), BB, .300
ss Brandon Brown 0 for 3, run, .143
lf John Semel 1 for 4, 3b, RBI, 2 Ks, .250
2b Ray Van Gurp 1 for 3, BB, .333
Lachlan Hodge 3+ IP, 5 IP, 4 ER, 4/2 BB/K, 12 era, L (0-1), 5:1:2
Richard Pena 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 Ks, HR, 7.71 era, 3:1:3
Tom Chism 0.2 IP, 2/1 BB/K, 4.50 era, 1:0:1
Adam Kolarek 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 Ks, 4.50 era, 2:1:3
Josh Edgin IP, K, 0.00 era, 0:2:1

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STARTING PITCHERS
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1. RHSP Jenrry Mejia R/R 10/11/89 (A+ St. Lucie 4-1, 1.97 era, 9 GS, 50.1 IP, 41 H, 18/11 R/ER, 16/44 BB/K, 2.21 GOFO, .217 BAA, AA Binghamton 0-5, 4.47 era, 10 GS, 44.1 IP, 44 H, 28/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 23/47 BB/K, 2.95 GOFO, .263 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-3, 12.56 era, 6 GS, 14.1 IP, 25 H, 21/20 R/ER, 13/16 BB/K, 3.50 GOFO, .362 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-9, 4.38 era, 25 GS, 109 IP, 110 H, 67/53 R/ER, 2 HR, 52/107 BB/K, 2.681 GOFO, .255 BAA, 1.486 WHIP, 4.29 BB/9, 8.84 K/9

Mejia was signed in the 2007 IFA signing period for $16,500, and played that season for the DSL Mets. He was brought stateside in 2008, first appearing in the GCL, then Brooklyn as an 18 year old. The Mets then sent Mejia to St. Lucie for the 2009 season, where he was flat unhittable, then Binghamton, where he proved to be human. Mejia ended his season in Arizona pitching for Surprise.

Mejia leaped onto the prospect scene this year, annihilating the FSL to the tune of a 1.97 in 50 innings, before moving on to the Eastern League, where he struggled some. He struggled with command after returning from a finger injury suffered in late June. Prior to the injury, in 4 starts, he was 0-3 with a 3.82 era, and walked only 9 in 21.2 innings (3.82 per 9), along with 24 Ks. After the finger injury, in 6 starts, he was 0-2 with a 5.16 era, along with 14 walks in 22.2 innings (5.56 per 9), and 23 strikeouts.

Mejia possesses one of the best raw fastballs in the system, sitting comfortably 93-95, and at times touching 96-98. He can cut or sink the fastball, giving him basically 2 different pitches. He also at times has slider-esque action on his fastball, prompting hitters to actually mistake it for a slider. Mejia also throws an actual slider/changeup in the mid 80s (84-87) with great late break on it, this pitch is yet another plus pitch for Mejia. He rounds out his arsenal with a curveball which at times flashes plus, this pitch is in the 75-79 range. With his arsenal, if the Mets resist Jerry Manuel's retarded ideas, Mejia should grow into a #1/#2 starter in the majors.

THE FUTURE: Again, if the retard managing the Mets doesn't get his way (we all hope he doesn't, since he is, in fact, a retard), Mejia should open 2010 in Binghamton, before ending in Buffalo. That should put him on track to claiming a rotation spot in 2011. If, however, the moron gets his way, Mejia likely will only pitch 75-80 innings this season, and will not be able to exceed 125 the next, so his timetable would be delayed by a season. :( :( :( :( :(

2. LHSP Jon Niese L/L 10/27/86 (AAA Buffalo 5-6, 3.82 era, 16 GS, 2 CGSO, 94.1 IP, 95 H, 47/40 R/ER, 7 HR, 26/82 BB/K, 1.81 GOFO, .258 BAA, MLB New York 1-1, 4.21 era, 5 GS, 25.2 IP, 27 H, 12 ER, HR, 9/18 BB/K, 1.38 GOFO, .276 BAA

Total 2009 Stats: 6-7, 3.90 era, 21 GS, 120 IP, 122 H, 59/52 R/ER, 35/100 BB/K, 1.718 GOFO, .262 BAA, 1.308 WHIP

Niese was drafted in the 7th rouud of the 2005 draft, and has since made a steady trek through the system. After being pressed into emergency service in 2008, Niese opened 2009 in Buffalo, and got off to a dreadful start, with a 7.44 era through his first 9 starts, including a pair in New York. However, Niese was working on incorporating a new pitch into his arsenal, partially explaining the horrible numbers, and his BABIP was somewhere in the .400s. In June, he put up a 2.43, and followed that up with a 0.41 in 3 Buffalo starts in July, then a 3.38 in New York (1.53 overall). Unfortunately, Niese succumbed to the rash of injuries that crippled the Mets in 2009, suffering a horrible looking complete tear of his hamstring in August.

Niese features a 4 seam fastball that sits 88-92, and can hit 94 at times, and he recently (over the last season), incorporated a cutter which is in the mid 80s to give him a moving fastball (his 4 seamer is lacking in that department). Niese, of course, is best known for his over the top 12-6 curveball, a true plus pitch that he uses to register strikeouts. He has two types of curveballs, a harder one and a loopier one. He also throws a changup in the 76-79 range, but this is clearly his 3rd best pitch.

THE FUTURE: Niese is coming off a horrific injury, but he should either open 2010 in Buffalo or New York. Either way, this will be Niese's last season as a prospect.

3. RHSP Kyle Allen R/R 2/12/90 (A Savannah 9-6, 3.45 era, 25/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 125.1 IP, 109 H, 57/48 R/ER, 8 HR, 51/111 BB/K, 2.18 GOFO, .234 BAA)

The Mets stole Kyle Allen in the 24th round of the 2008 draft, and after signing, he was assigned to the GCL, then played all of 2009 with Savannah as a 19 year old. After pitching awfully in April (7.47 era in 15.2 innings), Allen rocketted up the charts the rest of the season, pitching to a 2.87 era over the other 109.2 innings of his season, with a 1.222 WHIP and 7.715 K/9.

Allen features a fastball which sits 91-93, and at times can touch 94-96. He generates good sink on the ball, leading to a high number of groundouts, and also gets a high number of strikeouts, a very good combination for a starter. Allen also has a plus changeup which he throws in the 83-85 range, but he's working on taking even more off the pitch. Allen rounds his arsenal with a 84-87 slider which is clearly his third pitch, but he's making significant strides with it.

THE FUTURE: Allen should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him end it in Binghamton, and then go to Arizona. He should be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

4. RHSP Brad Holt R/R 10/13/86 (A St. Lucie 4-1, 3.12 era, 9 GS, 43.1 IP, 34 H, 16/15 R/ER, 5 HR, 13/54 BB/K, 0.97 GOFO, .215 BAA, AA Binghamton 3-6, 6.21 era, 11 GS, 58 IP, 58 H, 42/40 R/ER, 9 HR, 23/45 BB/K, 0.77 GOFO, .270 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-7, 4.88 era, 20 GS, 101.1 IP, 92 H, 58/55 R/ER, 14 HR, 36/99 BB/K, 0.84 GOFO, .247 BAA

Holt was drafted in the 1st round (33rd overall) of the very impressive 2008 draft by the Mets, and he utterly dominated the NYPL that season. He started off the 2009 season in the FSL, where he was good, posting a 3.12 era in 43.1 innings. Holt had a very good first start in Binghamton, then twisted his ankle walking down the dugout steps and was never the same after recovering.

Holt features a fastball which can reach as high as 97 MPH, comfortably sitting 91-95. Holt also features a mid 80s hard curveball which can flash plus at times, but he's inconsistent with this pitch. When he's right, this pitch is a strikeout generator with overhand break. Holt's third pitch is his changeup, which is in the 82-84 range.

THE FUTURE: Holt will open 2010 in Binghamton, and performance should dictate when/if he's moved up to Buffalo. A late season cameo ouf of the Mets bullpen cannot be discounted, but Holt's arrival as a starter is probably in mid 2011, at the earliest.

5. RHSP Jeurys Familia R/R 10/10/89 (A Savannah 10-6, 2.69 era, 24/23 G/GS, 134 IP, 109 H, 49/40 R/ER, 3 HR, 46/109 BB/K, 1.40 GOFO, .221 BAA)

Familia was signed as an IFA during the 2007 season for $100,000, and he spent the next season in the GCL, before being assigned to full season Savannah in 2009.

Familia never faltered in the SAL, outside of a start or two where he was decimated (5/31, 4 ip, 13 h, 6 er and 7/9, 4.2 ip, 9 h, 6 er), he was flat out dominant. He didn't post an ERA over 4 in any month, and had two months of sub 2 ERAs (April 1.37, and August 1.71).

Familia features a fastball that sits 91-93, and can touch the mid 90s. His second pitch is a 78-82 slider which he gained confidence in throughout the season. His third and final pitch is a changeup which is still a work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Familia should open 2010 in St. Lucie, but there's a very good chance, like with Kyle Allen, he finishes the season in Binghamton, and then perhaps Arizona. The same ETA holds true for both, Familia could be in position to crack the 2012 rotation.

6. LHSP Robert Carson 1/23/89 L/L (A Savannah 8-10, 3.21 era, 25 GS, 2 CG, SO, 131.2 IP, 139 H, 68/47 R/ER, 4 HR, 45/90 BB/K, 1.68 GOFO, .270 BAA)

The Mets drafted Carson in the 14th round of the 2007 draft, and after signing, he pitched in the GCL. He pitched across 2 levels in 2008, the GCL and Kingsport, before spending all of 2009 in Savannah, where he had a stellar season. More then anyone else on the Gnats staff, Carson was victimized by Jefry Marte's 300 error season, leading to 21 UER against him.

Carson is a groundball pitcher who doesn't look to get many Ks, he stays within himself and doesn't try to overthrow. Carson sits 89-91 with his fastball, but there was a report late in the season of him touching 94-95, which, if true, would be extremely encouraging news. Carson also features a 82-85 slider which is a very good pitch, though not plus, yet. This pitch is his out pitch, he buries it in on righties and away from lefties to get weak contact, or strikeouts. His third pitch is a changeup which is 77-80 mph, he needs to further refine this pitch if he's going to remain a starter, which he began to do during the 2nd half of 2009.

THE FUTURE: Carson will start 2010 in St. Lucie, and unlike the higher ceiling Allen and Familia, he should spend the whole season there. He will ascend a level per season, cracking the big league roster sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

7. Eric Niesen A+/AA LHSP Eric Niesen L/L 9/4/85 (A+ St. Lucie 3-4, 3.28 era, 11 GS, 57.2 IP, 52 H, 25/21 R/ER, 5 HR, 16/49 BB/K, 0.87 GOFO, .237 BAA, AA Binghamton 4-7, 4.66 era, 16 GS, CG, 83 IP, 75 H, 46/43 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/85 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .246 BAA, AFL Surprise 0-0, 24.55 era, 4 G, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 10 ER, 2 HR, 3/2 BB/K, 0.14 GOFO, .444 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-11, 4.61 era, 31/27 G/GS, 144.1 IP, 135 H, 81/74 R/ER, 60/136 BB/K, 0.817 GOFO, .247 BAA, 1.351 WHIP, 3.74 BB/9, 8.48 K/9

The Mets drafted Niesen as a reliever out of Wake Forest with their 3rd round pick in 2007, and began the process of converting him to a starter that season. He was not effective starting for St. Lucie in 2008 (6-12, 4.64), but turned that around in 2009, making it to Binghamton.

Niesen began the season in St. Lucie where he pitched very well, with a 3.28 era in 57 innings. He was bumped up to Binghamton, where his K rate went up, but along with that, so did his walk rate. After allowing a .286 BAA in 2008, Niesen kept that to .237 in the FSL, and .246 in the EL in 2009. Niesen got off to a very slow start in Binghamton, going 1-6 with a 6.95 in his first 9 starts, but then turned it around big time, going 3-2 with a 2.53 in his final 8 starts, with a 17/45 BB/K in 46.1 innings.

Niesen is armed with a good low 90s two seam fastball, he also uses a 4 seamer at times, which cuts in on righties. Niesen's secondary pitches include an average slider in the mid 70s which he uses to register strikeouts, against both lefties and righties. He also has a developing/improving changeup which is around 78-82 MPH.

THE FUTURE: Niesen will be opening 2010 in Binghamton, and likely will finish it in Buffalo, but there exists an outside shot of him at some point showing up in the Mets bullpen as a crossover reliever. If that doesn't happen in 2010, it definitely will in 2011.

8. A+ RHSP Scott Moviel R/R 5/7/88 (GCL (rehab) 0-0, 1.00 era, 2 GS, 9 IP, 10 H, 2/1 R/ER, 10 Ks, 1.83 GOFO, .270 BAA, A+ St. Lucie 4-5, 3.92 era, 13 GS, 64.1 IP, 61 H, 37/28 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 0.99 GOFO, .250 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-0, 2.45 era, 8 G, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 7/4 R/ER, 8/9 BB/K, 1.20 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-5, 3.38 era, 23/15 G/GS, 88 IP, 85 H, 46/33 R/ER, 32/65 BB/K, 1.111 GOFO, .252 BAA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.27 BB/9, 6.64 K/9

The Mets drafted Moviel in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft, and he's made a slow ascent through the system, slow due to the fact he twice tore his knee meniscus last year. He spent the majority of 2008 in Savannah and pitched decently, with a 4.43 era over 120 innings.

Moviel spent the first half of the season rehabbing, then the second half in St. Lucie. After a handful of starts middling around, Moviel came on strong over his last 7 starts, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.65 era, and gathering 35 Ks in 37.1 innings, while allowing 31 hits and walking 15.

Moviel sits 90-92 on his fastball, touching 93-94, but he prefers to keep it in the low 90s. His height enables him to get downward run on his fastball, generating groundballs. Moviel began throwing a low to mid 80s slider after returning from his knee injury, and it's rapidly becoming his goto pitch. He also throws a changeup (73-76), and curveball (77-80), two pitches he had prior to 2009.

THE FUTURE: Moviel will begin 2010 back in St. Lucie, but should end it in Binghamton, putting him on track for a late 2011, or more likely 2012, callup to the majors.

9. LHSP Juan Urbina

The Mets signed Urbina as an IFA during the summer of 2009. Reportedly, Urbina sits in the upper 80s to low 90s with his fastball, but observers note he really sits 84-86. Either way, he's still 16 years old, and there's plenty of time for more velocity to come. He also flashes an above average curveball. And remember, he's just 16 years old, there is a TON of time for him to develop.

THE FUTURE: Urbina should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

10. LHSP Steven Matz

The Mets drafted Matz with their first pick in the 2009 draft, 2nd round overall.

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

Matz offers plenty of projection as well as good present stuff. For most of the spring, he sat in the 89-91 mph range, but he routinely ran his fastball up to 93-94, and the pitch has some glove-side life. Scouts particularly like the way he attacks hitters inside with his heater. He also shows a solid-average changeup with good deception that sometimes rates as plus. He began throwing a slider midway through the season, but most scouts prefer his 73-75 mph three-quarters curveball, which flashes average to plus but more often rates as a below-average offering at this stage. Matz has a big, projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds.

THE FUTURE: Matz should start 2010 in the GCL, but could end up in Kingsport. Either way, he'll then spend at least 4 years developing in the system, before the earliest possible callup date, sometime in 2014, more likely to be 2015.

11. RHSP Dillon Gee R/R 4/28/86 (AAA Buffalo 1-3, 4.10 era, 9 GS, CG, 48.1 IP, 47 H, 22 ER, 5 HR, 16/42 BB/K, 0.77 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Gee with their 21st round pick in 2007, and he's enjoyed a meteroic rise through the farm system, and definitely would've been in line for starts in 2009 if he, too, hadn't gotten injured. Gee spent the majority of 2008 with the St. Lucie Mets, before making a 4 start cameo in Binghamton, and then 10 more starts in Puerto Rico, where he won Pitcher of the Year honors (2.22 era in 48.1 innings). However, 48.1 innings into his AAA career, Gee suffered a torn labrum, derailing his season.

Gee features 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, with his 4 seamer reaching into the mid 90s, sitting comfortably in the low 90s. His 2 seamer has good down action, sitting between 89-91. He relies most heavily on his changeup when it comes to offspeed offerings. He added a curveball to his repertoire last season (2008), turning it into the more effective of his 2 breaking pitches. He throws the pitch 76-80. Finally, he also has a slider he relies on a good amount, it's harder then his curve, with 12-6 break on it.

THE FUTURE: Gee, when he's pronounced fit to play, will open back in Buffalo, and injuries/ineffectiveness by any SP in New York should see him as one of the first arms called up. Gee also has the advantage of needing to be placed on the 40 man roster after the season, to protect him from the Rule V.

12. LHSP Zach Dotson

The Mets took Dotson with their 13th round pick in the 2009 draft, and much to the shock of everyone who follows their drafts, signed him for significantly overslot (500k).

Pre-draft scouting report from Baseball America:

"Scouts had seen steady improvement from Georgia signee Zach Dotson, who sat from 87-88 mph with his fastball and touches 91. Both his curveball and changeup have flashed potential. Dotson tightened up his body thanks to a distance running program that helped him lose 25 pounds. He didn't show the same velocity this spring that he showed last summer, but he has athletic ability and has three average pitches, so he stands out among the state's pitching prospects."

THE FUTURE: Much like Urbina and Matz, Dotson should open in the GCL, then perhaps take a trip to Tennessee (Kingsport), before spending 4 years in the minors, putting him in line for a 2014-2015 callup.

13. RHSP Eric Beaulac R/R 11/13/86 (A Savannah 7-7, 2.95 era, 26/19 G/GS, 2 SVs, 116 IP, 110 H, 53/38 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/133 BB/K, 1.25 GOFO, .250 BAA)

The Mets drafted Beaulac in the 9th round of the 2008 draft, and he spent time with 3 teams that season, Brooklyn, Kingsport and Savannah, getting the bulk of his time in the Sally League.

Beaulac made the transition to starter this season, getting 19 starts and 7 relief outings. As a starter, Beaulac had a 3.42 era, while as a reliever, it was 1.13. Many believe Beaulac's ultimate destination will be as a power reliever, but for now, the Mets are content to let him start.

Beaulac features a good fastball which ranges anywhere from 87 to 95 MPH, depending on if he's sitting 88-91, or 91-93. He also features a slider, which is his primary secondary offering, sitting in the low 80s, he uses this pitch to get strikeouts. His slider is very close to beign a plus pitch for him. He also features a changeup he throws between 78-81, but this is clearly his third pitch, it's a definite work in progress.

14. RHSP Elvin Ramirez R/R 10/10/87 (A Savannah 3-7, 4.09 era, 15 GS, 72.2 IP, 73 H, 40/33 R/ER, 2 HR, 39/48 BB/K, 1.16 GOFO, .261 BAA)

Ramirez was signed during the 2005 International Free Agent signing period, and made his pro debut in 2006 with the DSL Mets, posting a 0-1, 2.63 line in 11 games, 6 starts, spanning 27.1 innings. He was jumped to Kingsport for the 2007 season, where he struggled, posting a 1-4, 5.52 line in 12 starts over 45.2 innings. He's spent the past two seasons in Savannah, suffering injuries halfway through both.

Ramirez features one of the best sinkers in the organization, a devastating mid 90s sinker with sharp down break and great side to side movement. Much like Bobby Parnell, he's cleaned up his mechanics and can maintain velocity deep into games now. He can dial a 4 seamer up into the 95-97 range, but very rarely uses this pitch. Ramirez also owns a very good slider, which he throws in the mid 80s, again with a sharp down break. he tops off his arsenal with a still developing changeup which he is inconsistent with.

THE FUTURE: Ramirez will be moving up to St. Lucie for 2010, and is expected to be part of one of the best bullpens in the FSL. In a pen role, he should move quickly, and could end in Buffalo, but we'll be conservative and say Binghamton. That should put him in position to crack the majors in late 2011 or early 2012.

15. LHSP Angel Calero L/L 9/25/86 (A+ St. Lucie 3-11, 4.61 era, 22 GS, CG, 107.1 IP, 119 H, 68/55 R/ER, 10 HR, 46/93 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .283 BAA, VWL Magallanes 3-1, 7.04 era, 18 G, 15.1 IP, 17 H, 12 ER, 3 HR, 10/18 BB/K, 1.00 GOFO, .293 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 6-12, 4.92 era, 40/22 G/GS, 122.2 IP, 136 H, 80/67 R/ER, 56/111 BB/K, .834 GOFO, .284 BAA, 1.565 WHIP

16. RHSP Scott Shaw R/R 8/3/86 (A+ St. Lucie 8-8, 3.73 era, 26 GS, CG, 149.2 IP, 140 H, 69/62 R/ER, 13 HR, 57/118 BB/K, 0.82 GOFO, .253 BAA)

The Mets drafted Shaw in the 13th round of the 2008 draft, and sent him to Brooklyn where he performed very well (2.80 in 74 innings). He was jumped to St. Lucie for the 2009 season and performed well, posting a 3.73 era in 149.2 innings. Nothing about Shaw really jumps out at you, he's an average righty with average stuff, and profiles as a backend of the rotation starter.

Shaw features 4 pitches, a fastball in the low 90s, which can sometimes dip to 87-88, and two breaking pitches, a slider (which he relies on more) which he throws in the upper 70s (77-80), and a curveball which sits 74-76. He rounds out his arsenal with a very good changeup which sits 77-80, the same as his slider.

THE FUTURE: Shaw will open 2010 with Binghamton, and should spend all year there, before moving to Buffalo for 2011. He should be in line for a spot somewhere, in 2012.

17. LHSP Jim Fuller L/L 6/1/87 (A- Brooklyn 3-6, 2.86 era, 12/11 G/GS, CG, 63 IP, 58 H, 24/20 R/ER, 4 HR, 15/67 BB/K, 2.08 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Fuller was drafted in the 21st round, 644th overall, out of the sister college of my alum, Southern Connecticut State. After he was signed, he was sent to Brooklyn where he posted a 1.00 era in 18 innings, his season was bisected by a shoulder strain.

Fuller spent a second season in Brooklyn where he pitched very well, despire a 3-6 record. He's got average velocity from the left side, upper 80s to low 90s, and features a good changeup.

THE FUTURE: Fuller will be pitching for Savannah in 2010, which is curious. The Mets are being very conservative with him, despite results in Brooklyn. Still, we'll say he forces his way up to St. Lucie at some point this season, then opens 2011 in Binghamton, setting him up to crack the Mets as a reliever sometime in the 2012 or 2013 season.

18. RHSP Eduardo Aldama R/R 12/23/89 (R Kingsport 5-1, 3.79 era, 12 GS, 61.2 IP, 59 H, 31/26 R/ER, 4 HR, 23/57 BB/K, 1.39 GOFO, .253 BAA, A Savannah 0-1, 21 era, GS, 3 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, HR, 2/3 BB/K, 0.50 GOFO, .500 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 4.59 era, 13 GS, 64.2 IP, 68 H, 38/33 R/ER, 5 HR, 25/60 BB/K, 1.33 GOFO, .271 BAA

Aldama was signed by the Mets during the 2006 IFA signing period, and after toiling in the low rookie leagues for the last 3 seasons, he made it up to Savannah in 2009. He spent the vast majority of the season with Kingsport, pitching very well on what was otherwise a pitching staff to forget. Aldama made 12 starts and compiled a 3.79 era and 5 wins, and earned a final start in Savannah (which went awfully). Still, he is one of the handful of very intriguing pitchers who will toe the rubber for the Gnats in 2010.

Aldama features 3 pitches, an average 90-92 MPH fastball that he has good command of, a very good changeup in the in the low 80s which is his goto offspeed offering, and then a 74-76 curveball which he began throwing in earnest this season, for now, this is a total work in progress.

THE FUTURE: Aldama will open 2010 in Savannah and likely move a level per season after that, and be in a position to make the major league team sometime in 2013 or, more likely, 2014.

19. RHSP Armando Rodriguez R/R 1/28/88 (R Kingsport 3-1, 2.96 era, 9 GS, 45.2 IP, 39 H, 20/15 R/ER, 2 HR, 20/36 BB/K, 0.58 GOFO, .227 BAA, A Savannah 2-1, 2.16 era, 3 GS, CG, 16.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 9/24 BB/K, 0.44 GOFO, .094 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-2, 2.74 era, 12 GS, CG, 62.1 IP, 44 H, 24/19 R/ER, 2 HR, 29/60 BB/K, 0.55 GOFO, .196 BAA

Rodriguez was totally unknown to most prospect enthuaists until a breakout season in 2009, including a dominant 3 start stretch with Savannah. Rodriguez was also an unheralded signing in the 2006 IFA class which featured Francisco Pena and Ruben Tejada. Rodriguez spent the 08 season in the DSL, before coming stateside in 2009 and lighting up the Appy League and then the Sally League.

Rodriguez features a really good mid to upper 90s fastball, which sits comfortably 92-94, and touches 97-98. Rodriguez also has a good slider in the 83-87 range that is a rapidly improving pitch for him. He rounds out his arsenal with a 81-84 changeup that is lagging behind his slider, though it, too, is becoming a better pitch with time.

THE FUTURE: Rodriguez will begin 2010 in Savannah, but it wouldn't be surprising, at age 22, to see him end in St. Lucie, and then open 2011 with Binghamton. That would put him on track to make his MLB debut in either late 2012 (as a reliever) or 2013 (in a starting capacity).

20. LHSP Jhonathan Torres L/L 3/20/90 (R GCL 4-0, 0.82 era, 4/3 G/GS, 22 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5/22 BB/K, 1.26 GOFO, .085 BAA, R Kingsport 2-4, 4.87 era, 9 GS, 40.2 IP, 51 H, 35/22 R/ER, 7 HR, 17/33 BB/K, 1.32 GOFO, .309 BAA)

Links are underneath this post.

A+/AA 1B Ike Davis L/L 3/22/87 (A+ St. Lucie .288/.376/.486/.863, 64 for 222, 28 runs, 17 2b, 3 3b, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 31/52 BB/K, AA Binghamton .309/.386/.565/.951, 64 for 207, 30 runs, 14 2b, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 26/60 BB/K, BWC .333/.444/.767, 10 for 30, 10 runs, 2 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6/11 BB/K, AFL Surprise .341/.394/.565/.958, 29 for 85, 13 runs, 7 2b, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 8/23 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .307/.387/.544/.931, 167 for 544, 81 runs, 40 2b, 4 3b, 27 HR, 92 RBI, 71/146 BB/K, .268 K rate, .4863 BB/K ratio

AAA/AA/MLB 1B/OF Nick Evans (AAA Buffalo .211/.280/.414/.693, 50 for 237, 27 runs, 12 2b, 3 3b, 10 HR, 30 RBI, 23/55 BB/K, AA Binghamton .276/.350/.467/.817, 29 for 105, 16 runs, 9 2b, 3b, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10/22 BB/K, 2 SBs, MLB New York, .231/.275/.385/.660, 15 for 65, 5 runs, 5 2b, 3b, HR, 7 RBI, 4/20 BB/K, AFL Surprise .171/.216/.371/.588, 6 for 35, 4 runs, 2b, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2/11 BB/K)

Total 2009 stats: .226/.289/.419/.708, 100 for 442, 52 runs, 27 2b, 5 3b, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 39/108 BB/K, .244 K rate, .3611 BB/K ratio

5. AA 1B Lucas Duda L/R 2/3/86 (AA Binghamton .281/.380/.428/.808, 111 for 395, 49 runs, 29 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 53 RBI, 61/91 BB/K, AFL Surprise .400/.500/.600/1.100, 2 for 5, run, 2b, 2 RBI, BB)

Total 2009 Stats: .283/.381/.430/.811, 113 for 400, 50 runs, 30 2b, 3b, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 62/91 BB/K, .228 K rate, .6813 BB/K ratio

AA SS/2B Ruben Tejada R/R 9/1/89 (AA Binghamton .289/.351/.381/.732, 141 for 488, 59 runs, 24 2b, 3 3b, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 37/59 BB/K, 19/22 SBs, AFL Surprise .254/.338/.373/.711, 15 for 59, 9 runs, 4 2b, HR, 9 RBI, 6/9 BB/K, 4 SBs)

Total 2009 Stats: .285/.350/.380/.730, 156 for 547, 68 runs, 28 2b, 3 3b, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 23/26 SBs, 43/68 BB/K, .124 K rate, .6324 BB/K ratio

A+ SS/2B Reese Havens L/R 10/20/86 (A+ St. Lucie .247/.361/.422/.784, 89 for 360, 53 runs, 19 2b, 3b, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 55/73 BB/K, AFL Surprise .368/.478/.658/1.136, 14 for 38, 9 runs, 3 2b, 3b, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 8/9 BB/K)

Total 2009 Stats: .259/.372/.445/.817, 103 for 398, 62 runs, 22 2b, 2 3b, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 63/82 BB/K, .206 K rate, .7683 BB/K ratio

A+ RHSP Scott Moviel R/R 5/7/88 (GCL (rehab) 0-0, 1.00 era, 2 GS, 9 IP, 10 H, 2/1 R/ER, 10 Ks, 1.83 GOFO, .270 BAA, A+ St. Lucie 4-5, 3.92 era, 13 GS, 64.1 IP, 61 H, 37/28 R/ER, HR, 24/46 BB/K, 0.99 GOFO, .250 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-0, 2.45 era, 8 G, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 7/4 R/ER, 8/9 BB/K, 1.20 GOFO, .250 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-5, 3.38 era, 23/15 G/GS, 88 IP, 85 H, 46/33 R/ER, 32/65 BB/K, 1.111 GOFO, .252 BAA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.27 BB/9, 6.64 K/9

A+/AA RHSP Jenrry Mejia R/R 10/11/89 (A+ St. Lucie 4-1, 1.97 era, 9 GS, 50.1 IP, 41 H, 18/11 R/ER, 16/44 BB/K, 2.21 GOFO, .217 BAA, AA Binghamton 0-5, 4.47 era, 10 GS, 44.1 IP, 44 H, 28/22 R/ER, 2 HR, 23/47 BB/K, 2.95 GOFO, .263 BAA, AFL Surprise 1-3, 12.56 era, 6 GS, 14.1 IP, 25 H, 21/20 R/ER, 13/16 BB/K, 3.50 GOFO, .362 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-9, 4.38 era, 25 GS, 109 IP, 110 H, 67/53 R/ER, 52/107 BB/K, 2.681 GOFO, .255 BAA, 1.486 WHIP, 4.29 BB/9, 8.84 K/9

A+/AA LHSP Eric Niesen L/L 9/4/85 (A+ St. Lucie 3-4, 3.28 era, 11 GS, 57.2 IP, 52 H, 25/21 R/ER, 5 HR, 16/49 BB/K, 0.87 GOFO, .237 BAA, AA Binghamton 4-7, 4.66 era, 16 GS, CG, 83 IP, 75 H, 46/43 R/ER, 6 HR, 41/85 BB/K, 0.81 GOFO, .246 BAA, AFL Surprise 0-0, 24.55 era, 4 G, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 10 ER, 2 HR, 3/2 BB/K, 0.14 GOFO, .444 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 7-11, 4.61 era, 31/27 G/GS, 144.1 IP, 135 H, 81/74 R/ER, 60/136 BB/K, 0.817 GOFO, .247 BAA, 1.351 WHIP, 3.74 BB/9, 8.48 K/9

A/A+ RHRP Josh Stinson R/R 3/14/88 (A Savannah 2-2, 3.61 era, 25 G, GS, 2 SVs, 42.1 IP, 45 H, 17 ER, HR, 10/49 BB/K, 1.06 GOFO, .287 BAA, A+ St. Lucie 3-1, 1.98 era, 25 G, 6 SVs, 36.1 IP, 22 H, 12/8 R/ER, 19/35 BB/K, 1.88 GOFO, .168 BAA, AFL Surprise 0-0, 3.65 era, 9 G, 12.1 IP, 13 H, 5 ER, HR, 11/9 BB/K, 2.25 GOFO, .302 BAA)

Total 2009 Stats: 5-3, 2.97 era, 59 G, GS, 8 SVs, 91 IP, 80 H, 34/30 R/ER, 40/93 BB/K, 1.549 GOFO, .242 BAA, 1.319 WHIP, 3.95 BB/9, 9.19 K/9

Well, another minor league season has come to an end. Full of ups (the Savannah quartet, Davis, the late surge of Nieuwenhuis/Guzman/Maldonado/Havens) and downs (Kunz, Evans, more Rustich injuries). Those of you reading this on MMO and NYFS - this will be my final post to your respective eyes until I come back for 2010 (maybe, I actually haven't decided if I want to post off MPH anymore). You can check in on MPH (http://metsprospecthub.blogspot.com) for daily updates of Cyclones playoff games, and for winter league updates, as well as final top prospect lists for 2009 and whatever else I feel like doing.

INT AAA: Buffalo 0/8/1, Lehigh Valley 3/7/0

ss Argenis Reyes 0 for 4, .282
3b Andy Green 2 for 3, BB, .259
cf Chip Ambres 1 for 4, .261
1b Mike Lamb 2 for 4, .261
lf Jason Dubois 0 for 4, .206
c Robinson Cancel 1 for 4, K, .248
rf Josh Petersen 0 for 4, .248
2b Luis Rivera 2 for 3, .316
Adam Pettyjohn 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1/6 BB/K, 4.09 era, L (4-11), 91:59:32, 9:6:6
Jose Sanchez IP, H, ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.91 era, 26:14:12, 0:1:2

EL AA: Binghamton 0/7/0, Altoona 3/9/0

The BMets season ends in a loss, despite a fine pitching performance from Eric Niesen, who finished his season on a hot streak. Niesen today fired 7 innings of 2 run ball, on 5 hits with 5 Ks, and over his last 8 starts, he's 3-1, 2.53 era, 46.1 IP, 33 H, 13 ER, 17/48 BB/K. Connor Robertson and Julio De La Cruz each pitched an inning to finish off the season.

The Mets offense had 7 hits on the day, and were 0 for 8 with RISP, while leaving 6 on base. DJ Wabick (2) had the lone multi hit game, while Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, K, .130), and Rafael Arroyo (0 for 3, K, .000) took 0-fers.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 1 for 4, .406
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 4, 2b (24), .289
1b DJ Wabick 2 for 4, 2b, K, .296
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 4, K, .207
2b Jose Coronado 1 for 4, .271
lf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 2, 3b, .246
Eric Niesen 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 Ks, 4.66 era, L (4-7), 5:10:5
Connor Robertson IP, H, 3.19 era, 2:1
Julio De La Cruz IP, 3 H, ER, 5.17 era, 2:1

SAL A: Savannah 6/10/1, Charleston 7/13/1

Eric Beaulac's final outing of the 2009 was only 1 inning long, but no reason was given for it, so whether it was planned or not...we don't know yet. John Church concluded his miserable season by taking his 4th loss of the season, giving up 2 runs in 2.1 innings (7th and 9th).

The Gnats hammered out 10 hits and drew 3 walks, while going 4 for 11 (.364) with RISP and leaving 8 on base. Juan Lagares (2), Nick Giarraputo (2), and Kai Gronauer (2) had multi hit games, while Wilmer Flores and Raul Reyes (0 for 4, BB, K, .253) took 0-fers.

ss Wilmer Flores 0 for 5, run, K, .264
rf Juan Lagares 2 for 5, RBI (13), K, .274
3b Nick Giarraputo 2 for 5, 2b, RBI, K, .397
c Kai Gronauer 2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 Ks, .243
dh Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 2, run, 2 BBs, K, .237
lf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .174
2b Imbewer Alvarez 1 for 4, run, K, .190
Eric Beaulac IP, H, BB, K, 2.95 era, 1:0:1
Phillips Orta 3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4/4 BB/K, 4.93 era, 3:2:4
Marcos Tabata 2 IP, 3 H, 3/1 R/ER, 1/3 BB/K, 3 era, 2:1:3
John Church 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 Ks, HR, 5.28 era, BS (2), L (1-4), 2:3:2
Sam Martinez 0.1 IP, H, K, 3.65 era

INT AAA: Buffalo 6/12/2, Scranton 8/14/1

2b Argenis Reyes 3 for 5, 2 runs, 3b, K, .292
ss Andy Green 1 for 4, run, BB, 2 Ks, .242
cf Jesus Feliciano 1 for 4, BB, .300
1b Mike Lamb 2 for 5, 2b, 2 RBI, .260
rf Chip Ambres 1 for 4, BB, K, .258
c Rene Rivera 0 for 5, 3 Ks, .237
dh Jason Dubois 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K, .198
3b Javier Castillo 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .252
lf Josh Petersen 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI, K, .269
Adam Pettyjohn 6 IP, 10 H, 6/4 R/ER, 1/2 BB/K, 4.20 era, L (4-10), 92:61:31, 5:11:2
Jon Switzer 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K, 3.18 era, 24:16:8, 0:3:1
Tim McNab IP, 2 H, ER, 4.18 era, 13:7:6, 3:

EL AA: Binghamton 6/10/0, Bowie 1/5/1

Kirk Nieuwenhuis...I really don't know what to say. Wow. 4 more hits, 3 for XBH (2 2b, HR), 2 RBI, .538 (7 for 13) in AA. He led the Mets 10 hit, 7 walk attack from the leadoff spot, powering the Mets to a 6-1 victory over the Baysox tonight. Carlos Guzman made his AA debut and went 1 for 5, Zach Lutz notched his first career AA hit.

All of that was in support of Eric Niesen, who had his best outing of the season, pitching into the 8th inning for the first time. He allowed a run on 5 hits in 7.1 innings for his 4th win in Binghamton.

cf Kirk Nieuwenhuis 4 for 5, 3 runs, 2 2b (2), HR (1), 2 RBI (2), K, .538
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 3, BB, .288
1b DJ Wabick 2 for 4, 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI, BB, .288
c Salvador Paniagua 0 for 2, 3 BBs, K, .200
rf Carlos Guzman 1 for 5, RBI, K
dh Zach Lutz 1 for 4, RBI (1), BB, K, .077
2b Jose Coronado 0 for 4, .266
lf Emmanuel Garcia 2 for 4, run, 2b, .245
3b Mark Kiger 0 for 3, BB, K, .227
Eric Niesen 7.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 3/5 BB/K, 4.86 era, W (4-6), 8:9:5
Jose De La Torre 1.2 IP, H, 2 Ks, 2.22 era, 0:3:2

FSL A+: St. Lucie 4/8/1, Fort Myers 8/9/0 - Game 1

An Eric Campbell error, combined with awful pitching from Angel Calero and Manuel Alvarez, led to 8 runs against St. Lucie in the 5th inning, turning a 3-0 lead into an 8-3 deficit in short order. Calero gave up 5 runs in his outing, though only 1 was earned, he took his 11th loss of the season.

The Mets had 8 hits and drew 6 walks, while going 2 for 10 with RISP and leaving 9 on base. Francisco Pena had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Eric Campbell (0 for 2, 2 BBs, E), and Richard Pena (0 for 2, BB, K, .234) took 0-fers.

ss Reese Havens 1 for 4, K, .246
dh Josh Satin 1 for 1, 2 runs, HR, RBI, 3 BBs
cf Sean Ratliff 1 for 4, 2 Ks
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI (36), .281
c Francisco Pena 2 for 4, K, .223
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, run, HR (18*), 2 RBI (68), 2 Ks, .266
2b Hector Pellot 1 for 2, K, .272
Angel Calero 4.2 IP, 4 H, 5/1 R/ER, 3/4 BB/K, 4.61 era, L (3-11), 2:8:4
Manuel Alvarez 1.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, K, HR, 4.64 era, 1:2:1
William Rackel IP, 0.00 era, 2:1

FSL A+: St. Lucie 2/4/0, Fort Myers 1/8/3

The Mets rallied for 2 in the 7th to beat the Miracle in Game 2 of their twinight doubleheader, with the winning run scoring on an error. Will Morgan, who allowed a run in the top of the 7th, picked up the win. Nick Waechter started and allowed just 5 hits in 5 shutout innings. The Mets had just 4 hits and a walk on the day, going 1 for 5 with RISP and leaving 3 on base.

ss Reese Havens 1 for 3, K, .247
2b Josh Satin 0 for 3, K, .250
cf Sean Ratliff 0 for 3, 2 Ks, .143
lf Eric Campbell 1 for 3, run, 2b, .200
1b Stefan Welch 1 for 3, run, .281
rf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, .266
3b Jake Eigsti 0 for 2, BB, .225
c Tony MaCcani 0 for 3, RBI, .190
dh Richard Pena 0 for 2, K, .228
Nick Waechter 5 IP, 5 H, 3/4 BB/K, 5.40 era, 4:7:4
Will Morgan 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 Ks, 2.70 era, W (1-1), 1:1:4

SAL A: Savannah 4/10/0, Augusta 5/11/0

Eric Beaulac had a good second to last outing, but Jimmy Johnson got tagged for a pair of runs in the bottom of the 9th to blow Beaulac's win and take his first Sally League loss. Beaulac went the first 6, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with 8 Ks.

The Gnats offense had 10 hits and a walk, while going 1 for 3 with RISP and leaving 4 on base. Alonzo Harris, Wilmer Flores and Mike Moras had multi hit games, while Jeff Flagg (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .000), and Juan Lagares (0 for 4, .270) took 0-fers.

2b Alonzo Harris 2 for 3, 2 RBI (2), BB, .375
ss Wilmer Flores 2 for 4, .264
3b Nick Giarraputo 1 for 4, run, K, .368
cf Raul Reyes 1 for 4, run, HR, 2 RBI, .252
dh Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, K, .247
c Mike Moras 2 for 4, run, K, .421
lf Evan LeBlanc 1 for 3, run, 2b, .193
Eric Beaulac 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1/8 BB/K, HR, 2.97 era, 5:4:8
Brad Burns IP, K, 1.98 era, 1:1:1
Jimmy Johnson 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K, HR, 1.10 era, BS (1), L (1-1), 2:1:1
Rhiner Cruz H, BB, 1.82 era

NYPL A-: Brooklyn 2/9/0, Hudson Valley 4/11/0

Carlos Beltran began his rehab tonight, going 1 for 3 with an RBI, walk and strikeout. He was the DH.

Wes Wrenn had a very bad outing, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits in 4.2 innings for his first loss of the season. Lance Hodge had a great outing in long relief, allowing just 3 hits in 4.1 innings, but the Cyclones couldn't manage to tie the game.

The Conies had 9 hits and a pair of walks on the game, while going 1 for 7 (.143) with RISP and leaving 7 on base. Matt Gaski (3) had the only multi hit game, while Luis Rivera (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .294) and Richard Lucas (0 for 4, .280) took 0-fers.

ss Jordany Valdespin 1 for 4, run, 2 Ks, .278
2b Matt Gaski 3 for 4, .297
DH CARLOS BELTRAN 1 for 3, RBI, BB, K
1b Sam Honeck 1 for 4, K, .250
lf Nick Santomauro 1 for 3, run, HR, RBI, BB, K, .239
c Dock Doyle 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .256
cf RJ Harris 1 for 3, K, .300
>>ph Ralph Henriquez 0 for 1, .248
Wes Wrenn 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 1/5 BB/K, 4.15 era, L (2-1), 5:3:5
Lance Hodge 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1/5 BB/K, 2.66 era, 5:3:5

Buffalo 3, Lehigh Valley 5

Jon Niese had yet another godawful performance for the Bisons this season, tonight giving up 5 runs in 6 innings. As a sign of how beyond pathetic he's been this year, tonight's outing lowered his ERA under 8. (By the way, if you think I'm being overtly critical, keep in mind I LOVE Jon Niese, have since we drafted him in 2005).

The Bisons had 9 hits on the night, and went 2 for 6 with RISP, leaving 6 on base. Argenis Reyes and Jesus Feliciano had multi hit games, while Michel Abreu (0 for 4, .214) and Mike Lamb (0 for 4, .183) took 0-fers.

ss Argenis Reyes 2 for 4, K, .283
cf Cory Sullivan 1 for 4, run, 2b, .244
1b Javier Valentin 1 for 4, .333
rf Willy Mo Pena 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .211
c Rene Rivera 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .227
lf Jesus Feliciano 2 for 3, run, 2b, RBI, BB, .289
Jon Niese 1 for 2, .200; 6 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3/2 BB/K, 2 HR, 7.96 era, L (0-4), 106:72:34, 11:5:2
Tim McNab IP, 2 H, 1.72 era, 19:12:7, 2:1
Connor Robertson 2 IP, 2 H, 2 Ks, 3.13 era, 24:17:7, 2:2:2

Binghamton 6, Connecticut 5

The Mets faced one of the Giants best prospects, Tim Alderson today, and Ruben Tejada was 3 for 3 off him, great sign for the 19 year old shortstop. In fact, the 4 thru 8 hitters for the Mets each had multi hit games, and were a combined 13 for 22 with 5 runs scored and 5 RBI. Every Met had a hit, but they were a putrid 4 for 17 with RISP, and left 14 of their 21 runners on base.

Michael Antonini had a GREAT first 6 innings, allowing just a run on 3 hits with 8 Ks. Then he came out for the 7th and allowed 2 hits and a walk, runners which Adam Bostick allowed to score, blowing a 3-1 Met lead. After Bostick, the Mets bullpen shut down the Defenders, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings as the offense came back from 5-3 down with runs in the 8th and 9th to tie, and 11th to win.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 6, 2b, 2 Ks, .260
c Josh Thole 1 for 6, K, .349
1b Nick Evans 1 for 6, run, 2b, K, .208
lf Lucas Duda 2 for 5, run, BB, 3 Ks, .297
3b Shawn Bowman 2 for 4, 3 runs, BB, K, .280
rf DJ Wabick 3 for 5, run, 2b, K, .304
ss Jose Coronado 3 for 4, 2 RBI, BB, .289
2b Ruben Tejada 3 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, .270
Michael Antonini 6.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2/8 BB/K, 5.02 era, 3:8:8
Adam Bostick 0.2 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 2.60 era, BS (1), 0:1:1, balk
Eric Brown IP, K, 4.08 era, 2:0:1
Julio De La Cruz 2 IP, 2 H, 2/2 BB/K, 2.88 era, 2:2:2
Edgar Alfonzo IP, 5.06 era, W (2-1), 2:1

St. Lucie 5, Brevard County 6, Game 1 - 8 innings

Jenrry Mejia had a rough 4th inning today, giving up 2 hits and 2 walks and 3 runs (2 earned, due to an Ike Davis error), but on the positive side, he did strike out 8. Manuel Alvarez inherited two runners from Nick Waechter and allowed 1 to score to blow a save, and then Jose De La Torre allowed one in the bottom of the 8th (on a wild pitch strike 3) to take the loss.

The Mets were held to just 6 hits, but did draw 4 walks and hit 3 homers, while going 1 for 7 with RISP and leaving 5 on base. Kirk Nieuwenhuis had the only multi hit game for the Mets, while Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, K, .283), Ike Davis (0 for 4, 3 Ks, .275), Francisco Pena (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .207), and Luis Rivera (0 for 4, K, .125) all took 0-fers.

dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, 2b, .255
ss Reese Havens 1 for 3, run, BB, K, .231
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 2, run, HR (3), 3 RBI (13), 2 BBs, .254
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 3, run, HR (4), RBI (18), K, .209
rf Daniel Stegall 1 for 2, 2 runs, HR, RBI, BB
Jenrry Mejia 4 IP, 4 H, 3/2 R/ER, 4/8 BB/K, 2.06 era, 2:3:8
Nick Waechter 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, K, 4.56 era, 2:1:1
Manuel Alvarez 1.2 IP, 2 H, K, 3.68 era, BS (1), 3:1:1
Jose De La Torre 0.2 IP, H, ER, BB, K, 5.40 era, L (1-3), 2:0:1

St. Lucie 5, Brevard County 0

Eric Niesen was fantastic yet again, allowing just 5 hits in 6 innings for his 3rd win of the season, and the Mets exploded in Game 2 with 12 hits and a walk in their win over the Manatees. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Carlos Guzman, Ike Davis and Brahiam Maldonado had multi hit games, while Rafael Arroyo (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .107) and Dan Stegall (0 for 3, K, .200) took 0-fers in Game 2.

dh Kirk Nieuwenhuis 2 for 4, run, K, .261
ss Reese Havens 1 for 4, run, .232
cf Carlos Guzman 3 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, .294
3b Zach Lutz 1 for 3, run, RBI, K, .257
1b Ike Davis 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, .282
2b Matt Bouchard 1 for 4, RBI, 2 Ks, .218
lf Brahiam Maldonado 2 for 3, .220
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 5 H, 2/6 BB/K, 2.16 era, W (3-2), 3:9:6
Edgar Ramirez IP, H, K, 0.00 era, 1:1:1

Savannah 1, Lexington 3

Jeff Kaplan had his best outing of the season, throwing a 6 hit shutout over 7.2 innings, but Josh Stinson allowed 3 runs on a hit and 2 walks in 0.2 innings (Jimmy Johnson allowed 2 of his IHR to score), to blow a 1-0 lead and take the loss.

The Gnats had 11 hits and a walk, while going just 1 for 13 with RISP and leaving 11 men on base. Sean Ratliff snapped a very long 0-fer (0 for 30) with a multi hit game. Wilmer Flores, and Jordany Valdespin also had multi hit games, while Jefry Marte (0 for 5, run, K, .190) and Raul Reyes (0 for 4, 2 Ks, .277) took 0-fers.

rf Rafael Fernandez 1 for 5, 2 Ks, .254
1b Josh Satin 1 for 4, BB, .325
cf Sean Ratliff 2 for 4, RBI, .255
c Kai Gronauer 1 for 4, K, .232
2b Jordany Valdespin 3 for 4, 2b, K, .295
dh Jean Luc Blaquiere 1 for 4, K, .216
Jeff Kaplan 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2/3 BB/K, 1.05 era, 12:6:3
Josh Stinson 0.2 IP, H, 3 ER, 2 BBs, 3.91 era, BS (1), L (1-2), 2:0
Jimmy Johnson 0.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 0.71 era, 1:
Rhiner Cruz 0.1 IP, 2.42 era, 0:1

Buffalo 0, Lehigh Valley 3

Nelson Figueroa gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 5 innings, enough to take the loss as the Bisons managed just 3 hits on offense, from just two players. Jesus Feliciano (2 for 3, .311) and Ramon Martinez (1 for 3, 3 for 6) had the hits, everyone else took 0-fers.

rf Fernando Martinez 0 for 3, .278
1b Willy Mo Pena 0 for 3, K, .263
3b Mike Lamb 0 for 3, K, .083
lf Nick Evans 0 for 3, K, .103
c Robinson Cancel 0 for 2, .195
ss Jose Coronado 0 for 1, BB, K, .147
Nelson Figueroa 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2.57 era, L (0-2), 81:46:35, 7:3:5
Carlos Muniz IP, H, ER, 2 BBs, 6 era, 23:12:11, 2:1:0

Binghamton 4, Portland 1

Ryan Coultas had another very very good start for the BMets, scattering 4 hits and a run over 7 innings, as the Mets won 4-1. Coultas, who started his career as a shortstop, has 27.2 innings in 5 starts, and is holding the EL to a .240 BAA. Reportedly, he can get his fastball up into the low to mid 90s (93, 94) as a starter, so he could be a very intriguing candidate for a September callup this year.

The Mets had 8 hits and drew 5 walks, but as has been the case virtually all season, they struggled mightily with RISP, going just 2 for 13 and leaving 10 men on base. Lucas Duda had the only multi hit game, his odd season continues. He's now hitting .309/.455/.412 (roughly), with a 17/17 BB/K ratio. Odd, because he was drafted as a power hitter (especially with a 6'4/225 frame), and he's got just 4 XBH in 68 ABs. However, it is extremely encouraging to see the high average and high OBP, and power should come naturally. Jon Malo (0 for 4, BB, .286) took the only 0-fer for the Mets.

cf Emmanuel Garcia 1 for 5, 3b, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, .283
c Josh Thole 1 for 3, RBI, K, .351
3b Shawn Bowman 1 for 4, 2b, .245
1b Lucas Duda 2 for 3, run, BB, .309
rf Josh Petersen 1 for 3, run, BB, .277
lf DJ Wabick 1 for 4, 2 Ks, .270
dh Mark Kiger 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2 BBs, K, .250
ss Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, RBI, .247
Ryan Coultas 7 IP, 4 H, ER, 1/5 BB/K, 2.60 era, W (2-1), 9:7:5
Julio De La Cruz 2 IP, H, 2.92 era, SV (1), 3:2:0

St. Lucie 5, Palm Beach 1

Eric Niesen and Nick Carr combined to hold the Cardinals to 5 hits, and struck out 10 in St. Lucie's early morning 5-1 victory.

The Mets offense generated 10 hits and drew 7 walks, going 4 for 13 with RISP, but leaving 10 men on base. Ike Davis, Ralph Henriquez and Hector Pellot had multi hit games, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis (0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, .245), Reese Havens and Carlos Guzman (0 for 4, .284) took 0-fers.

2b Greg Veloz 1 for 5, 3 Ks, .224
ss Reese Havens 0 for 3, run, 2 BBs, K, .283
1b Ike Davis 2 for 2, run, 2b, 2 BBs, .306
c Ralph Henriquez 3 for 4, run, 2 RBI
dh Seth Williams 1 for 3, run, K, .283
lf Brahiam Maldonado 1 for 4, RBI, K, .237
3b Hector Pellot 2 for 3, 2b, 2 RBI, BB, K, .216
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 2/5 BB/K, 2.25 era, W (1-2), 5:8:5
Nick Carr 3 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks, 1.42 era, SV (1), 1:1:5

Starting Pitchers

23. Dylan Owen 7/12/86 (22.54) R/R (A+ St. Lucie 12-6, 3.43 era, 24 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 133.2 IP, 135 H, 55/51 R/ER, 12 HR, 33/116 BB/K, 1.30 GO/FO, .265 BAA, 1.26 WHIP, AA Binghamton 1-1, 5.51 era, 3 GS, 16.1 IP, 20 H, 10 ER, 3 HR, 9/15 BB/K, 1.06 GO/FO, .299 BAA, 1.78 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 13-7, 3.66 era, 27 GS, 2 CG, CGSO, 150 IP, 155 H, 65/61 R/ER, 15 HR, 42/131 BB/K, 1.27 GO/FO, .269 BAA, 1.31 WHIP

The Mets selected Owen with their 20th round pick in the 2007 draft, 633rd overall, out of Francis Marion College, where he went 10-1, 1.14 as a junior. Owen was sent to Brooklyn where he put up insane numbers, going 10-1 with a 1.40 era. Overall in 2007, Dylan Owen put together an altogether ridiculous year, with 20 wins and a 1.25 era over 179.2 innings. Owen will no doubt be in St. Lucie to open the 2008 season, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him end up in Binghamton.

Owen did start the season in St. Lucie, and performed very well in 24 starts, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.43 era in 133.2 innings. A late season promotion to Binghamton didn't go as well, as he posted a 5.51 in 16.1 innings over 3 starts.

Owen throws 5 pitches, a 2 and 4 seam fastball, curve, slider and change. He doesn't have much in the way of velocity, his 4 seamer tops out in the low 90s, Owen gets by on smarts and guile. Owen's best pitch is a nasty slider he throws in the low 80s, he uses this pitch to get swings and misses. He also features an upper 70s curveball, and rounds out his arsenal with a mid 70s changeup, which is a WIP.

Owen is pretty much a finished product, he may tinker around with his pitches, tightening some up in an effort to get through to the majors, but in my opinion, he likely will top out in AAA, perhaps eventually becoming a Carlos Muniz esque quad A pitcher. His first cup of coffee is likely to come in 2011.

24. Brant Rustich 1/23/85 (24) R/R (A Savannah 3-4, 3.62 era, 20 G, 8 GS, 49.2 IP, 42 H, 26/20 R/ER, HR, 16/48 BB/K, 1.22 GO/FO, .231 BAA, 1.17 WHIP)

The Mets took Rustich in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft, 93rd overall, out of UCLA, where as a senior, he went 3-2, 6.67 in 20 games, over 29.2 innings. A finger injury (more specifically, recovery from finger surgery in 2006) contributed to the poor season, and also contributed to his dropping stock. Expected to go somewhere in the first round proper, Rustich fell into the Mets' laps at 93, where they scooped him up. After signing, Rustich was sent to Kingsport, and then Brooklyn, where he totalled 27 innings over 17 games, putting up a 1.33 era, with a .63 WHIP. Rustich played winterball in Hawaii, where he struggled due to poor mound conditions, putting up a 5.82 era in 17 innings.

Rustich, as we found out after the season ended, was all kinds of messed up during the 2008 season, pitching with variou serious injuries. He pitched this past season with a fractured humerus bone in his upper right arm that wasn't detected until afterward. Suggestions that Rustich had simple arm soreness clearly were unwarranted. Rustich is expected to pitch in 2009 without the need for surgery. He also has labrum and UCL tears, but rehab is the prescribed course of action. The Mets are taking a big chance with Rustich' future that he won't need surgery, but what else do you expect from an absolutely inept medical staff which allowed this situation to develop in the first place? Rustich should open 2009 in St. Lucie, with an outside shot of endidng up in Binghamton, assuming he doesn't end up under the knife first.

25. Raul Batis 3/5/89 (19.92) L/L (R Kingsport 2-4, 4.15 era, 12 G, 8 GS, SV, 52 IP, 58 H, 35/24 R/ER, 5 HR, 13/41 BB/K, 1.27 GO/FO, .278 BAA, 1.37 WHIP

Batis was signed during the International Free Agent signing period in 2006, and he spent that season in the DSL, pitching 45 innings and producing a 1-6 record with a 4.20 era. Batis was brought stateside for the 2007 season, and sent to the GCL, where he pitched only 26.2 innings, with a 2-1 record and 4.73 era.

26. Michael Olmsted 5/2/87 (21.75) R/R (R GCL 0-0, 3.86 era, 2 GS, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4/2 R/ER, HR, 2/3 BB/K, 0.50 GO/FO, .333 BAA, 1.71 WHIP, R Kingsport 1-1, 1.83 era, 4 GS, 19.2 IP, 11 H, 4 ER, HR, 5/23 BB/K, 1.75 GO/FO, .164 BAA, .81 WHIP, A Savannah 1-0, 3.86 era, 2 GS, 9.1 IP, 12 H, 4 ER, HR, 3/11 BB/K, 0.89 GO/FO, .293 BAA, 1.61 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 2-1, 2.67 era, 8 GS, 33.2 IP, 29 H, 12/10 R/ER, 3 HR, 10/37 BB/K, 1.19 GO/FO, .230 BAA, 1.16 WHIP

The Mets drafted Olmsted in the 9th round, 303rd overall, out of Cypress College, where as a junior, he posted the following line: 9-4, 4.19 era, 24 G, 7 GS, 73 IP, 80 H, 24 BBs, 63 Ks, BAA .280. After signing, he appeared at 3 levels (Brooklyn, GCL, Kingsport), posting a

His fastball sits 90-93 as a reliever, and 88-92 as a starter. He also throws a slider, curveball and changeup. His changeup is in a developmental stage, while his curveball is a pitch he can throw at anytime. He feels his best secondary pitch varies nightly, between his curve and slider. Olmstead's pitching coach used to be Trevor Hoffman's pitching coach, so Olmstead uses the same grip on his changeup as Hoffman. He would most compare himself, however, to John Lackey.

27. Guillaume Leduc 7/28/87 (21.5) R/R (R Kingsport 3-4, 4.24 era, 13 G, 9 GS, CGSO, SV, 57.1 IP, 58 H, 38/27 R/ER, 9 HR, 9/41 BB/K, 0.92 GO/FO, .264 BAA, 1.17 WHIP)

The Mets drafted LeDuc in the 6th round, 213th overall, of the 2007 draft, out of Edouard Montpetit College in Montreal, and after signing, he was sent to the GCL, where he pitched sporadically, getting into 6 games, half of them starts, totalling 20.1 innings. In those 20.1 innings, he posted a 1-1 record with a 2.21 era.

LeDuc throws 3 pitches, a fastball, curveball, and changeup. His fastball is a boring 2 seamer which sits in the low 90s and it dives down and in to righties. His best secondary pitch is a down breaking plus changeup sitting in the mid 70s. His finishes up his arsenal with a fringy (at best) curveball which he spins up in the upper 70s.

LeDuc doesn't have the arsenal to run deep counts, his game is all about trying to get you out within the first 3-4 pitches. He doesn't have the velocity to challenge hitters, so must pitch to contact, which is difficult with only two pitches which he has confidence in. Right now, LeDuc is a starter, and it's likely that despite his limited arsenal, he'll remain in the rotation at least through the 2009 season, which he should open in Savannah. After that, it will depend on his curveball and the strides he makes with it. His debut date as a reliever is probably sometime in the mid 2011 season, as a starter, it would be late 2012.

28. Eduardo Aldama 12/23/89 (19.08) R/R (R GCL 1-5, 4.75 era, 12 G, 9 GS, 47.1 IP, 48 H, 36/25 R/ER, HR, 13/42 BB/K, 1.51 GO/FO, .265 BAA, 1.29 WHIP)

The Mets signed Aldama as an international free agent from Venezuela in July 2006. He made his pro debut with the VSL Mets in 2007, where he was 2-2 with a 2.81 era over 25.2 innings. In 2008 he came stateside to pitch in the GCL, where he went 1-5 with a 4.75 era over 47.1 innings.

29. Eric Niesen 9/4/85 (23.42) L/L (A+ St. Lucie 6-12, 4.64 era, 26 G, 24 GS, 118.1 IP, 136 H, 75/61 R/ER, 10 HR, 46/77 BB/K, 1.51 GO/FO, .286 BAA, 1.54 WHIP)

The Mets selected Niesen in the 3rd round of the 2007 draftt, with their 99th overall pick, out of Wake Forest University, where he was 6-5, with a 3.00 era in 84 innings. After signing, the Mets sent him to Brooklyn, where he got into 9 games, all starts, but only totalling 30 innings. He ended his season with the St. Lucie Mets as they made a push to the playoffs, and he got into 2 games for them, one start during the regular season (3 innings), and one relief outing during the playoffs (1 inning). Overall, he had an ERA a shade under 3 in 118 innings split between 3 "levels" as it were.

We would expect Niesen to open 2008 right where he ended 2007, in St. Lucie. Whether it be in a starting role or relief role remains to be seen. We would hope Niesen remains in the bullpen where his fastball can be used as a true plus pitch.

Instead, Niesen spent the season as a starter, much to his overall detriment, as he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.64 era, which for much of the season was over 5.00. He went 1/3 of an inning over his previous career high (set last year at 118).

Niesen throws a 2 and 4 seam faster, slider, and changeup. While the Mets had him working as a starter in 2008, and probably will do so again in 2009, his ultimate role in the majors will be a reliever, probably a LOOGY, given that righties absolutely TORCHED him in 2008 to the tune of a .305 average and a 6.02 era and 9 HR in 83.2 innings. Lefties hit just .232 off him, with a 1.30 era and 1 HR in 34.2 innings.

With that in mind, his 4 seam fastball, which sat 90-92 starting, should gain a tick or two, bumping it into the low/mid 90s and making it a plus pitch, as it was when he relieved in college. Niesen also throws a 2 seamer in the upper 80s, a slider in the 78-81 range which he uses as a putaway pitch, and a 72-74 MPH changeup which he gained a good amount of confidence in during the season.

Despite averaging 4.76 innings per start, Niesen did a good job of going right after hitters, issuing just 46 walks in 118.1 innings, an average of 3.50 per 9. His problem was that his stuff just does not translate well to a starting role. Niesen should be in Binghamton for 2009, likely in the rotation, but as I said, his ultimate fate is in the bullpen, whether he makes the move there after the 2009 season, or after the 2010 season is unknown, but he will be in line to crack the majors sometime in late 2010, and definitely by 2011.

30. Mark Cohoon 9/15/87 (21.38) L/L (R Kingsport 1-1, 5.89 era, 6 G, 3 GS, 18.1 IP, 17 H, 13/12 R/ER, 10/22 BB/K, 2.67 GO/FO, .239 BAA, 1.47 WHIP, A Savannah 2-2, 3.82 era, 7 GS, 33 IP, 29 H, 17/14 R/ER, 2 HR, 18/21 BB/K, 0.74 GO/FO, .242 BAA, 1.42 WHIP)

Total 2008 Stats: 3-3, 4.56 era, 13 G, 10 GS, 51.1 IP, 46 H, 30/26 R/ER, 2 HR, 28/43 BB/K, 1.08 GO/FO, .241 BAA, 1.44 WHIP

The Mets drafted Cohoon in the 12th round, 374th overall, out of North Central Texas College, and then sent him first to Kingsport, and then Savannah, where he put up a combined 3-3 record with a 4.56 era over 51.1 innings. Interestingly, he pitched much better at Savannah (3.82) then Kingsport (5.89), but that may have something to do with the fact he was used both as a starter and reliever in Kingsport, whereas he was used exclusively as a starter in Savannah.

31. Josh Stinson 3/14/88 (20.92) R/R (A Savannah 3-6, 3.52 era, 21 G, 6 GS, 3 SVs, 71.2 IP, 78 H, 36/28 R/ER, 7 HR, 32/46 BB/K, 1.67 GO/FO, .280 BAA, 1.54 WHIP, A+ St. Lucie 0-2, 6.14 era, 7 G, 2 GS, 14.2 IP, 17 H, 12/10 R/ER, 5/14 BB/K, 0.93 GO/FO, .293 BAA, 1.50 WHIP, HWL Honolulu 2-2, 4.50 era, 9 G, 5 GS, 1/2 SVs, 22 IP, 19 H, 13/11 R/ER, 2 HR, 13/13 BB/K, 1.45 WHIP, .235 BAA, 1.17 GO/FO)

Total 2008 Stats: 5-10, 4.07 era, 37 G, 13 GS, 108.1 IP, 114 H, 61/49 R/ER, 50/73 BB/K, 1.47 GO/FO, .273 BAA, 1.51 WHIP

The Mets drafted Stinson in the 37th round of the 2006 draft, and sent him to the rookie level Gulf Coast League, where he went 1-2 with a 2.00 era in 9 games (4 starts), totalling 27 innings. A late season promotion to Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League didn't derail the righty, as he put up a 0-1 record, but an outstanding 1.35 era in 3 starts, 13.1 IP. He combined between the two levels to go 1-3 with a 1.79 era. The Mets found themselves another steal with Stinson, since he was projected to go around rounds 8 to 10. Instead, he dropped to the 37th round, but signed for 7th round money.

We said this about Stinson in the 07 audit: Expect Stinson to open the 2007 season as a 19 year old in the South Atlantic League, with the new class A affiliate Savannah. A promotion to the Florida State League wouldn't be out of the question.

However, that didn't come to frutition, as Stinson struggled to find himself in Savannah, and spent the entire season there, barely managing to get his ERA under 5. Stinson's stock has dropped a bit in the last year, but he is still young enough to turn that around. He needs to gain a few ticks on his fastball, and strengthen his curve and change. He should spend all of 2008 in St. Lucie, affording him a friendly ball park to make adjustments to his game. It looks like he will still need another three years of minor league baseball until he breaks into the bigs.

Stinson, however, was held back in Savannah, where he pitched much better in long relief/spot starter duty, posting a 3.52 era in 71.2 innings, spread over 21 games, including 6 starts. Overall he posted an ERA of 4.07 over 108.1 innings spread over 3 levels, including Hawaii. Stinson should open 2009 right where he ended 2008, with the St. Lucie Mets.

32. Gonzalez Germen 9/23/87 (21.33) R/R (R DSL 5-2, 1.34 era, 15 G, 14 GS, 74 IP, 41 H, 21/11 R/ER, 15/70 BB/K, 1.47 GO/FO, .159 BAA, .76 WHIP)

Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high.

Here is a partial scouting report from "Superpitcher" on NYFS.

Gonzalez Germen, throws 89-93 tops at 94,
has a nasty Slider, i think, i'm not quite sure...
His changeup is his K pitch, straight up, nasty change.

33. Angel Cuan 5/29/89 (19.66) L/L (R VSL 1-8, 3.13 era, 14 GS, 72 IP, 71 H, 36/25 R/ER, 2 HR, 11/74 BB/K, 1.01 GO/FO, .254 BAA, 1.14 WHIP)

Cuan gave up 68% of his runs in a 4 start span (4 GS, 16 IP, 23 H, 17 ER, 6/16 BB/K). Outside of that stretch, he put up an off the charts line. 1-4, 1.29 era, 10 GS, 56 IP, 48 H, 8 ER, 5/58 BB/K). Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high. One thing working against Cuan is his build (he's only 5'11/150). Of course, you can't make any inferences about velocity or the like from that, but chances are he doesn't throw hard.

34. Ismael Mendez 5/23/90 (18.66) L/L (R DSL 6-1, 1.07 era, 15 G, 14 GS, 75.2 IP, 38 H, 16/9 R/ER, 2 HR, 29/62 BB/K, 1.26 GO/FO, .151 BAA)

Obviously the risk for flameout is extremely high for any players in the VSL/DSL, which is why Cuan, Mendez and Germen are all so low on this list, but the potential for reward is also high.


Why 34 and not 35? Maikel Cleto was traded away, and we didn't fill in his spot. So there ;)

New Orleans 10, Memphis 13

As I said, I'm going to stop doing writeups for the Zephyrs.

Jesus Feliciano (cf) 3 for 6, run, .305
Argenis Reyes (2b) 3 for 4, run, RBI, BB, .289
Chris Aguila (lf) 2 for 4, run, RBI, BB, K, .290
Val Pascucci (rf) 1 for 3, run, RBI, K, .301
Robinson Cancel (c) 1 for 4, run, RBI, .346
Raul Casanova (1b) 0 for 3, K, .304
Abraham Nunez (3b) 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, 2 BBs, .207
Michel Abreu (1b) 2 for 3, 2b, 3 RBI, .262
Brian Stokes 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BBs, 4 Ks, HR, 4.52 era, L (7-7)
Jose Santiago 1.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, HR, 6.02 era
Brandon Knight 1.2 IP, H, K, 1.17 era
Juan Padilla 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 5.23 era
Nate Field 0.2 IP, K, 7.50 era

Binghamton 2, Connecticut 4

Figures that the start I miss on radio would be the one Jon Niese pitches a complete game, huh? And it is a perplexing CG, at that. He went the distance, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, all 4 runs scored in the first 4 innings. Niese had 7 innings where he faced the minimum, and gave up 2 runs apiece in the 2nd and 4th innings. In fact, Niese gave up all 4 runs on 5 hits in those 2 innings, and allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks in the remaining 7 innings.

Fernando Martinez was stellar in his return to AA, he went 3 for 5. Unfortunately, not much else happened offensively for the BMets. Mike Carp had an RBI single in the 1st, and Josh Petersen had one in the 9th, that was it. Eric Reed (0 for 4, BB, .231), Nick Evans (0 for 4, BB, 2 Ks, .308), Caleb Stewart (0 for 4, .283) and Mike Nickeas (0 for 3, BB, .176) all took 0-fers.

Fernando Martinez (cf) 3 for 5, run, .290
Mike Carp (1b) 1 for 4, RBI, .330
Emmanuel Garcia (2b) 2 for 4, run, .226
Jose Coronado (ss) 1 for 3, BB, .256
Jon Niese 9 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, 3.14 era, L (5-5), 14:9:4

St. Lucie 3, Clearwater 1, Game 1

It was a very good bounceback outing for Eric Niesen, who'd gotten bombed for 5 hits, 3 walks and 5 runs in his last start, only allowed a run on 6 hits over 6 innings tonight. Emary Frederick worked a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season.

Once again, it was Josh Thole who had a big game, 2 hits (both 2b), a run, RBI and walk, pushing his average to .295 and his OBP to .391. Shawn Bowman also had 2 hits, he's batting .385 over his first handful of games back. Ruben Tejada (0 for 3, .256), Lucas Duda (0 for 3, .268), and Luis Rivera (0 for 3, K, .230) took 0-fers.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 1 for 3, .262
Victor Mendez (rf) 1 for 3, run, 2 Ks, .294
Josh Thole (c) 2 for 2, run, 2 2b, RBI, BB, .295
Jordan Abruzzo (dh) 1 for 3, K, .296
DJ Wabick (lf) 1 for 2, BB, .281
Shawn Bowman (3b) 2 for 3, run, 3b, RBI, K, .385
Eric Niesen 6 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 2 Ks, 4.40 era, W (4-8), 11:5:2
Emary Frederick IP, H, BB, K, 3.72 era, SV (4)

St. Lucie 0, Clearwater 4

St. Lucie was 1 hit. Ouch. The lone hit was Ezequiel Carrera's 9th triple. Lucas Duda drew a walk, and that was the sum total of the Met offense in Game 2 (sound familiar?). Weirdly, Angel Calero only pitched 3 innings for a second straight outing, giving up a run on 3 hits. Elvyz Quezada did the same, and Edgar Ramirez gave up 2 in his inning of work.

Ezequiel Carrera (cf) 1 for 3, 3b, .263
Ruben Tejada (ss) 0 for 3, .253
Lucas Duda (1b) 0 for 2, BB, .266
Jordan Abruzzo (c) 0 for 3, .267
Brahiam Maldonado (lf) 0 for 2, K, .213
Angel Calero 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BBs, 4 Ks, HR, 7.07 era, L (1-1)
Elvyz Quezada 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 era
Edgar Ramirez IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K, 18 era

Savannah 3, Rome 2, Game 1

Scott Moviel had a good, not great, start, going just 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs, picking up his 8th win of the season. On the positive side, his ERA is now under 5 for the season (4.94). Julio Polanco pitched 2 perfect innings for his 4th save.

Greg Veloz had a big game, with 2 XBH and 2 runs scored, Juan Lagares had an RBI, and Francisco Pena had 2 hits. Lagares (0 for 3, RBI, K, .300), Jose Jimenez (0 for 2, BB, .244), Nick Giarraputo (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .250), Richard Pena (0 for 3, K, .228), and Carlos Guzman (0 for 2, K, .235) all took 0-fers for the Gnats, who managed just 6 hits.

Greg Veloz (2b) 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2b, HR, RBI, .258
Casey Craig (lf) 1 for 3, K, .313
Francisco Pena (c) 2 for 3, K, .251
Jacob Elgsti (ss) 1 for 2, run, K, .250
Scott Moviel 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 4.94 era, W (8-7), 9:3:3
Julio Polanco 2 IP, 2 Ks, 4.68 era, SV (4), 3:1:2

Savannah 0, Rome 2

Hey, at least Savannah did twice as well as St. Lucie! Yes, they were 2 hit in the nightcap. Greg Veloz and Sean McCraw had the hits, McCraw also drew a walk. A Bradley Hubbert walk rounded out the sum total of the Gnats offense in Game 2 (sound familiar?)

Weird managing going on in the minors tonight, Elvin Ramirez was pulled with a 4 hit shutout going (he was pulled after 4). Josh Stinson came in and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 4 walks in 3 innings, taking his 4th loss.

Greg Veloz (2b) 1 for 3, K, .258
Juan Lagares (ss) 0 for 3, K, .273
Nick Giarraputo (3b) 0 for 2, .227
Sean McCraw (dh) 1 for 1, BB, .417
Bradley Hubbert (lf) 0 for 1, BB, K, .143
Elvin Ramirez 4 IP, 4 H, 2 Ks, 3.58 era
Josh Stinson 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 BBs, K, HR, 3.30 era, L (1-4)

Brooklyn 4, Aberdeen 3

Dan Murphy joined Ryan Church on the rehab trail today, and today it was Murphy with the 3 hit game, as the Cyclones beat Aberdeen in their final AB (Will Vogl walkoff 1b). 4 players had multi hit games, while 3 took 0-fers. Ryan Church (0 for 3, 2 Ks, .500), John Servidio (0 ofr 2, run, 2 BBs, .270) and Ralph Henriquez (0 for 4, .263).

At least one Pedro Martinez had a good game, Pedro P Martinez went 6 innings, allowing just 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits. Mike Lynn started the 7th and walked the first 2 to face him, but Jimmy Johnson came in and bailed him out, then finished off the game to pick up his 3rd win in relief.

Matt Bouchard (ss) 2 for 5, run, 2b, RBI, 2 Ks, .262
Dan Murphy (dh) 3 for 5, K
RYAN CHURCH (RF) 0 FOR 3, 2 Ks, .500
Zach Lutz (3b) 2 for 3, run, BB, .417
Ike Davis (1b) 1 for 4, K, .250
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (cf) 1 for 4, 2b, 2 RBI, K, .205
Josh Satin (2b) 2 for 4, run, K, .207
Pedro P Martinez 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 1.65 era
Mike Lynn 0.0 IP, 2 BBs, 0.00 era
Jimmy Johnson 3 IP, H, 5 Ks, 0.00 era, W (3-0)

Kingsport 6, Pulaski 4

Another big game for Stefan Welch with 2 more hits in 3 trips, including his 3rd triple of the short season (I groaned as I typed it, pun not intended). Wilmer had a solo homer in 4 trips, his 2nd on the year, and Gabriel Zavala (21 year old OFer from Venezuela) had his 2nd 3 hit game on the season, pushing his average to .300. Dan Stegall (0 for 2, BB, .366), Jean Luc Blaquiere (0 for 4, K, .250) and Rafael Fernandez (0 for 3, .250) took 0-fers.

John Holdkom got a second start and was just as good as his first, he went 5 innings again, scattering 4 hits and striking out 6, he walked just 2. Raul Batis went 3.2 innings allowing 4 hits and 4 UER, Manuel Alvarez came in to get the final out of the game for his first save.

Ignacio Medrano (ss) 1 for 4, K, .324
Wilmer Flores (dh) 1 for 4, run, HR (2), RBI (13! in 11 games!), K, .388
Stefan Welch (3b) 2 for 3, 2 runs, 3b, .389
Gabriel Zavala (rf) 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 2b, 2 RBI, .300
Doug McNulty (1b) 1 for 4, 2b, RBI, K, .118
Imbewer Alvarez (2b) 1 for 4, run, 2b, RBI, K, .083
John Holdzkom 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BBs, 6 Ks, 3 era, W (2-1)
Raul Batis 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 Ks, 4.22 era
Manuel Alvarez 0.1 IP, 7.36 era, SV (1)

GCL Mets 3, GCL Nationals 5

I don't care what level of baseball this is, when a team commits 9 errors in one game...that's just absurd. All 5 runs against the Mets were unearned.

Luis Nieves (ss) 2 for 4, run, 2b, 2 RBI, .227
Jordany Valdespin (dh) 2 for 4, RBI, .304
Jefry Marte (3b) 0 for 4, .308
Cesar Peullo (rf) 1 for 4, K, .258
Juan Torres (1b) 1 for 4, run, 2b, K, .375
Alonzo Harris (2b) 1 for 4, run, .333
Jeurys Familia 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 4 Ks, 0.00 era
Jacobo Neguilis IP, H, R, K, 16.20 era
Kyle Allen 2 IP, H, 2 R, 2 Ks, 0.00 era, L (0-1)

E: Nieves 2 (2, fielding, fielding), Familia (1, throw), Harris 3 (3, fielding, throw, fielding), Neguilis (1, throw), Gronauer (catcher) (1, pickoff), Torres (1, fielding).