Thanks for getting back to me on Zach’s control. When his misses are more in the “come on blue” category me thinks he might be ready for the big show.

I’ll try and gauge it by my usual reaction at the ballpark in regards to pitch’s. Usually, my response is either ‘COME ON BLUE’ if it looked close but the ump called it a ball, or ‘Jeesh pitch, come on’ if it was WAY outside. The last time I saw Zack pitch there were more ‘jeesh pitch’ than there were ‘come on blue’. Seemed like the B-Mets catcher had to ‘reach’ for quite a few pitches. Now, to give Zack the benefit of the doubt, it was cold that night, really cold, so I almost wonder if his release point was a bit wandering because of that.

I would agree too that the Double A batters are more finicky (sp?) than those in Single A when it comes to what they do and don’t swing at – they’re a bit more selective. So, where the blazing fastball anywhere near the plate would get a swing from someone in Brevard County persay, the same pitch would only get a glance from a batter in Harrisburg. This is part of the learning curve for Zack, and being able to adjust to this will make or break him.

I really think Wheeler is still a work in progress, and the more games he gets to play in will help him refine his strike to ball ratio. He’s got the raw talent, that’s for sure, and he’ll be the real deal when he hones that talent a bit.

I know the subject was also raised on MLB Network a while back. One comment made was that in Double-A his strikeouts would be less because he could not get away with more experienced hitters who would lay off pitches less experienced batters in A ball would go after.

From your observations, are his pitches just missing the strike zone or are they really way off the plate? And is it usual for top rated pitching prospects to not have shown major progress on their control after two years in pro ball?

Joe

Joey – we thought the same thing last week when we saw him pitch here at home. More than once I’m pretty sure I uttered ‘jeez Zack come on’ as one more pitch sailed out of the strike zone. Right now, I’ll chalk it up to age and the learning curve – right now. It’s certainly something the Mets pitching powers need to address before he ‘makes it’ though.

so if he had made the trip, you likely never see Murphy anywhere near 2B

Reese came back yesterday with a bang! I’m really hoping he can stay healthy and off of the DL. When he first came to Binghamton, he looked like one of those prospects that was on the fast track, and by rights if it weren’t for the injuries I think he’d be giving Daniel Murphy a run for his money in New York right now. Again, if he can stay healthy, he will be part of ‘the future’ for the Mets.

besides, lots of season left to get hot!

also, prospects mess with you like this. some guys start slow, and others that you aren’t expecting anything from have a monster stretch (like Marte). I assume they will both average out as the year progresses!

http://realdirtymets.com/2012/04/30/a-look-at-the-mets-minor-league-stats-week-4/