MMO Prospect Spotlight: Vicente Lupo Has Power To Spare

Vicente Lupo was signed on July 8, 2010 as one of the Mets first moves in the International Market in 2010 along with Leon Jackson Canelon. Lupo was ranked 25th on Baseball America’s List of International Prospects at the time, and scouts said he had plus-plus power.

One scout said, “Vicente Lupo is so strong,” repeating it twice for effect. “That drew much of our attention.”

Ben Badler, when announcing the signing, stated “Lupo, who has a powerfully built 5-foot-11 frame, is a corner outfielder who stands out for his strength and raw power.”

Baseball America also stated in its scouting report “Lupo’s bat will have to carry him because his size, speed and arm strength will likely limit him to left field.” The Mets signed him in 2010 for a low to mid six figure bonus believed to be about $400,000.

Lupo began his pro career with the Mets in 2011 with Dominican Summer League where he played in 49 games, batting .197 with seven doubles, one triple, five homers, and 13 RBI with a BB/SO rate of 23/59. It turned how he was very ill according to Paul DePodesta

In 2012, while playing for DSL2, Lupo seems to finally be exhibiting the qualities Badler described when the Mets originally signed him. So far this season, Lupo has played in 29 games and has a slash of .362/.465/.648 with eleven doubles, two triples, five homers and 23 RBIs. His BB/K rate has improved to 1-to-1 (15-15).

Lupo’s numbers in 2011 took a hit as he was recovering from a year-long bout with malignant hypothermia according to Paul DePodesta who said, “He was simply very, very sick.” But now, fully recovered, Lupo currently has a phenomenal .465 on-base to go with his gaudy power numbers in 2012.

While its unlikely this right-handed slugger will make his way stateside this year, Mets fans can look forward to seeing Lupo likely at Kingsport in 2013, or maybe even Brooklyn if he keeps producing like this for the rest of the season.

Vicente Lupo… Remember the name…