Reese Havens SS/2B – Is playing in Arizona for the Surprise Rafters. Reese is just a taxi squad player which means that he plays only twice a week. He has gotten red hot. In 38 at bats he is hitting .368 with an OBP of .478. Havens has wreaked havoc during his last three games – 15 plate appearances, 7 hits (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR and 5 walks). Havens was drafted in the first round (#22) by the Mets in the 2008 draft. He played a full year in high “A” ball this year and did have 14 HR in 360 at bats. Although he hit only .247, his OBP was an impressive .361 having walked 72 times. Havens was drafted as a shortstop but has now been shifted to 2nd base. He is now rated as the Mets seventh top prospect in the organization. Figure Reese to start the 2010 season at AA Binghamton, with an early promotion to AAA Buffalo.
Francisco Pena C – Is playing in the Dominican for Aguilas Cibaenas. He is off to a slow start – 7 for 39, batting .179 with an OBP of .200. He has 3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. In addition, he has struck out 10 times with only 1 walk. So it’s a very slow start for Francisco. But with few at bats, it’s not hard to raise your average quickly. Francisco is the son of former major leaguer Tony, who managed the Royals and is currently the Yankees bench coach. Francisco was drafted as a 17 year old out of the DR and has just turned 20. His minor league numbers have been weak although many feel that playing as a 19 year old at high “A” St. Lucie this past year was too much. He hit .224 with an OBP of .258. However, he did show power and production, hitting 15 doubles, a triple and 8 HR. He scored 43 and drove in 44 runs in 392 at bats. He should repeat St. Lucie in 2010. With a full year of experience under his belt, he will hopefully show more consistency and maturity as a hitter.
Fernando Tatis IF/OF - Is playing in the Dominican for Estrellas de Oriente. In 84 at bats, he is hitting .298 with an OBP of .341. His 25 hits includes 9 doubles and 1 HR, and he has 13 runs scored and 7 RBI. Tatis will be turning 35 in January. He certainly has more major league baseball left in him. If not for the Mets, he can certainly catch on with another team as an all around utility player.
Lance Broadway P – Is playing in Venezuela for Leones del Caracas. He has pitched extremely well so far. He has a record of 1-2 with a 2.65 ERA. In 37.1 innings he’s given up only 22 hits although walking 17. He also has 30 strikeouts. Lance pitched last on 11/19 and in six innings allowed only one run on two hits and two walks. Broadway was the 15th pick in 2005, drafted by the White Sox. He has not lived up to expectations. The Mets traded for him last year in exchange for Ramon Castro. Now age 26, he is trying to salvage his career with the Mets. Figure Lance to start next season as a starting pitcher for AAA Buffalo
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Danny Boy –
You’re getting a little ahead of yourself on Reese Havens. He was a first round pick in the same draft as Ike Davis. He’s a hard-nosed ballplayer out of South Carolina. His development has been slowed by injuries, although he appears to be getting a better command of the strike zone and adapting to the level where he plays. His power is a major plus, but like most of our hitting prospects, he bats from the left side.
To assume he’ll break into AAA may be premature. Let’s see how he performs at AA before declaring him on the threshold of major league readiness.
Tommy2cat – You’re right. I certainly don’t know how good he is or will be. Just wishful thinking for a fast track to the majors.