Jun
1
2012

Time For Wheeler To Take The Next Step

An article by Tim B.

Is there a point where a player becomes too good for the level they are at, and at the same time it becomes counterproductive to stay at that level? Seems like a rhetorical question, and if so, has Zack Wheeler reached that point pitching for the Binghamton Mets? In his last three starts he has been lights out, dominant over a majority of the Double A batters he has faced. Has he reached a point in his development where to further that development, not stagnate it, he needs to move up a level? Rightfully so, the New York Mets are going to take their time with the organizations top prospect, but for Wheeler to develop further shouldn’t his move to the Buffalo Bisons be sooner rather than later?

Wheeler’s numbers have been more than impressive this season, especially since his return from a short stint on the DL at the beginning of May. In the nine games he has started this season, he lost two of his first four, and had a no decision in the other two of those four. In the next five games he started, Wheeler has won each and every one.

His current ERA of 1.88 is the lowest of his professional career, and overall has been on a steady decline since he first broke into the pro ranks in 2010. He had an ERA of 3.99 for Augusta in the Sally League in 2010, 3.99 for San Jose in the California League in 2011, and 2.00 for St. Lucie in the Florida State League in the same season.

Photo Credit: Petey Pete, Mets Merized Online

His last three starts – which were against the first, second, and third place teams in the B-Mets division – he pitched seven, eight, and then seven innings respectively, striking out eight, seven, and eight opposing batters. He allowed only six walks over his last three starts, including a zero in that column after last night’s win against the Reading Phillies. For the season, he has 60 strikeouts in the nine games he has appeared in.

Again looking at his last three outings, opponents’ batting average against the 22 year old righty is 0.097. Over the same number of games, Wheeler has thrown a combined 280 pitches (90, 97, 93), 193 of them for strikes (68, 63, 62), which equates to 69% of his pitches being a strike. In comparison, Johan Santana – the ace of the New York Mets staff – has thrown 67% of his pitches for strikes over his last three starts.

One rival scout who saw Wheeler manhandle the Reading Phillies on Thursday, couldn’t stop raving:

“I haven’t seen Orioles super-prospect Dylan Bundy yet, but this guy is the best minor-league pitcher I’ve seen this year. He just blew me away. One of the best I’ve ever seen.”

“Wheeler touched 100 mph on the radar gun, and pitched at 96-97 mph. And with no effort,” he said. “And late life on the fastball. And with a knee-buckling curve, and a good changeup. He was overpowering. Reading is a pretty good team, but it was like a man vs. boys.”

Any way you shake the numbers out, one thing is clear – the ‘organizations top prospect’ moniker that has been hung on Wheeler is well deserved, and his time in Double A is short. He’s dominated the R-Phils, Rock Cats, and Thunder, time for him to put on the Bisons jersey and do the same against the Iron Pigs, Red Wings, and Yankees before taking the ultimate step to the big leagues.

About the Author: Tim Burns

A Mets fan since birth, a Binghamton Mets fan since he watched them put the first shovel in the dirt in 1991 at Henry and Fayette Streets and every season since then, Tim is a vehement supporter - and at times defender - of Binghamton and his hometown team. From the days of Isringhausen, Pulsipher, and Wilson, to Reyes and Wright, all the way to present day den Dekker, Wheeler, and McHugh, he remembers when and is proud of all those that have graduated from the ballpark formerly known as Binghamton Municipal Stadium! Let's Go (B)Mets!

8 Comments + Add Comment

Fonzie13 June 1, 2012 at 6:20 pm

Tim right now with Chris Young and Jenrry Mejia rehabbing at AAA there’s just no room for Wheeler but I’m sure as soon as Chris Young is called back up and most likely Mejia will get a shot at pitching out of the pen then Wheeler will get a well derved promotion to AAA. As far as Dylan Bundy goes, that kid is an animal. He’s only pitching 3-4 innings at a time and so far he has around 35 innings pitched and only 11 hits and 2 earned runs allowed. 0.51 ERA 0.37 WHIP.

Off topic Tyler Pill has just been promoted from Savannah to Advanced A St Lucie. Another top arm taken in last years draft.
- Even Flow June 1, 2012 at 8:53 pm
  
  When Wheeler goes to Buffalo, you know McHugh will join him. Those two alone have been holding Binghamton together pitching wise.
Mr North Jersey June 1, 2012 at 6:32 pm

Wheeler with his the way he has pitched in his last 4 starts is starting to create a similar buzz that Harvey did last year in St Lucie before he got promoted to Binghamton near the end of June. If Wheeler continues on this track he may see a promotion around this year’s AA All-Star Game on July 11th.
Gina June 1, 2012 at 6:42 pm

Another reason to love Carlos Beltran. If he wasn’t so great we never would have gotten Wheeler. Beltran is the gift that keeps on giving.
Brandon Butler June 1, 2012 at 7:25 pm

I would give Wheeler another start or two before bringing him up to Buffalo. He is more than ready to go to Buffalo, but lets see if he continues to dominate. As Fonzie said, there is no room for him up there right now. Wait a few starts to see if there is a spot for Wheeler.
Tim B. June 2, 2012 at 1:16 am

Oh, I agree guys – there is a logjam in Buffalo and before that clears out Wheeler will get a couple more starts here in Bingo. That being said, he’s ready, his numbers as of late show that, and it’s time to see what he can do against the AAA guys. There will certainly be a learning curve, but if they bring him up soon he will eclipse that learning curve by the end of the AAA season this year and who knows where that would put him at the beginning of the 2013 season.

Even Flow – In the name of organizational development, I’ll be glad to have both Wheeler and McHugh move up. In the name of being a Binghamton Mets fan, I’m gonna hate it because they are exactly what you have said here – the ones that have been holding Binghamton pitching together.
eraff June 2, 2012 at 6:54 am

Schwinden has been released…..Young and Mejia may be on their way to Queens. Wheeler should be on his way to Buffalo very soon.

Advancement Log Jams at several spots—-include Wilmer Flores as another guy who appears to be ready to jump a level. He looks ready for the jump to AA, with Marte blocking him at 3b in Bingo….

The depth and concentration of talent is increasing.
- jerseymet June 2, 2012 at 9:57 am
  
  This log jam is wonderful! Having worked in the brewing industry; I learned that the bottle neck is always at the top. Is it time for Sandy to throw in the towel on his Free Agent signings? I’d like to see him move them while he can. We have the home grown talent. Promote them and cut payroll at the same time.
  
  Bingo can reach down to St. Lucie for help.
  
  PLAY EGBERT!!!!!!!!!

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