We're the Team to Beat - a Mets and Phillies Rivalry Blog
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05 August 2009
It's officially time to look towards the future. Like I've said in the past, the Mets farm system is extremely bottom heavy. There is some serious talent down there, but very few players are major league ready. However, as the disabled list continues to grow, and the team continues to fade, you almost have to inject some youth into the roster. Here are 5 guys capable of making their MLB debuts this fall:
1. Josh Thole (C, 23 years old)- Thole has never been a hyped prospect, but he continues to rake at every level he's played in. He's amidst a breakout season right now, currently batting .349 in AA Binghamton. Many scouts believe his bat is MLB ready right now. But he is extremely limited by his power (1 HR) and poor defense. That being said, with Brian Schneider hitting .207, it's time to give this kid a look.
2. Ruben Tejada (SS, 19 years old)- At just 19 years of age, Tejada remains very raw and unpolished. He has been rushed through the minors, and he struggled mightily last year in single A St. Lucie (.229/2 HRs, 7.9% BB rate). For some reason, the Mets decided to aggressively start Tejada in AA this year and he responded. He currently sports a .282/.351/.362 line, which is not too shabby for a 19 year old. Apparently the Mets have legitimately considered giving Tejada a shot this season, but his defense is not really up to par. But who knows if we will see Jose Reyes this season? I can see this kid getting a shot at some point this September.
3. Ike Davis (1B, 22 years old)- Many experts were ready to put the "bust" label on Davis coming into the season, but he has silenced the critics with a phenomenal season. He is strong candidate for organization hitter of the year, and he is probably having the best all-around season. Split between A and AA, Davis is batting a combined .293 with 15 HRs. But he has been red hot since earning a promotion to AA, and he is starting to generate some hype. He is definitely a top 100 prospect next season. I think he'd already be here if the Mets weren't committed to giving Murphy a legit chance at 1B. But I think eventually this kid is going to be the 1B of the future. And I don't see any harm in letting him get some big league at bats when the minor league season ends.
4. Brad Holt (P, 22 years old)- Arguably the Mets best pitching prospect, he earned Baseball America midseason top 50 honors along with Jenrry Mejia. I still can't decided whether Holt is a starter or reliever, but one thing is certain. He has overpowering stuff. When Holt started the year in single A St. Lucie he was striking out 11.2 batters per 9 innings. That is spectacular. He earned an early promotion to AA, and got off to a great start. But he has struggled recently, and his chances of a call up have declined significantly. But based on his stuff, I wouldn't be shocked if the Mets allowed him to pitch out of the bullpen in September. Kind of like Bobby Parnell last season.
5. Lucas Duda (1B, 22 years old)- Duda doesn't really carry much hype, but he's quietly having a solid season in AA (.285, 9 HRs). He has a big frame, and I think he has a chance to develop into a legit power threat. Duda's problem is that first base is growing surprisngly crowded. I don't want Murphy to lose at-bats, and all indications are that Delgado will be back soon. Plus, the aforementioned Ike Davis is a better option right now. But if enough guys are hurt, this guy might get some September ABs.
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05 August 2009
New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has returned to New York to be examined by team doctors because of continuing discomfort in his right leg.
Reyes was rehabbing his injured hamstring in Port St. Lucie, Fla., before he came back to New York on Monday night. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz says Reyes was examined by team doctors on Tuesday.
Second baseman Luis Castillo left the New York Mets' game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night with a sprained left ankle after he slipped and fell in the dugout.
Castillo grounded out leading off the seventh and was on his way back to the bench when he tumbled down the dugout steps and had to be helped up the tunnel by some teammates.
Alright let’s just call this what it is. No one wants to play on the same field as Angel Pagan and you can’t blame them.
