13
2013
Zach Lutz: Professional Power Threat
An article by 
You have to give Terry Collins some credit for being a good soldier throughout this whole process – he has always said the right things and tried to keep a positive outlook about his team. One of the more recent comments Collins has been credited with was a quote about seldom discussed prospect for the Mets, Zach Lutz. Lutz was a fifth round pick in ’07 and has impressed with his power potential for years.
“There’s nobody in this system who’s a bigger threat of hitting a homer than Zach Lutz is,” Collins said.
Now at first glance, you might be wondering where Collins picks up his kool-aid – and believe me, I was too. Off the top of my head, and speaking in terms of raw power, I think I would rank Ike Davis and Lucas Duda ahead of Lutz, but with that being said, Lutz is definitely an interesting prospect to keep tabs on. He is projected to be competing with Justin Turner for a bench spot, and has been taking reps in the outfield recently. Remember that the Mets protected him by sliding him onto the 40-man roster this Winter as well.
Given the state of the Mets outfield, if Lutz can show a knack for patrolling left field, he has always had the offensive capabilities to succeed – he was just blocked by positioning. Zach has spent most of his time between third base and first base – where we have a budding star in Ike Davis and the $138 million dollar man.
The Mets are shallow in terms of right-handed power – and even shallower in terms of position players prospects. The whole situation pieces together a nice chance for Zach Lutz, who got his first cup of coffee with the Mets last year. He managed only a single hit in 11 plate appearances, but he was coming off a 300 plate appearance campaign in AAA where he mashed 10 HRs and 16 2Bs while batting .299.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, Lutz could impress in Spring and find his way onto the MLB bench – and with the state of the Mets outfield, those bench players could become platoon players or even regulars in a heartbeat. Do not count him or his power potential out because we just might get lucky…for once.
About the Author: Satish Ram
I am a Senior Writer and Editor here at MetsMerized - where I specialize in Minor League coverage. I have been on the staff since 2007 and I am currently in my third semester of college in New York City. You can find me at www.facebook.com/SatishRam or @SilverHeatMMO. Feel free to message me - I love talking about the Mets or baseball overall with anybody.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 28 | .600 | - |
| Nationals | 34 | 35 | .493 | 7.5 |
| Phillies | 34 | 37 | .479 | 8.5 |
| Mets | 25 | 40 | .385 | 14.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 47 | .319 | 19.5 |
Last updated: 06/18/2013
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His minor league HR/AB average isnt throughout the years.
40.81, 16.26, 23, 17.77
If he can hit 1 HR per 20AB in the majors, that would be a definite asset.
It is always good to have some competition going.
Lutz has had some injury problems over the past couple of years, correct? Think I remember reading where he was having trouble staying on the field.
I’d much rather see Luz as an experiment in the OF, than Turner.
I dont see room on the bench for him. keep in the minors for insurance.
Sometimes all it takes is an opportunity. Here are some of Zach’s HR Highlights the last 2 years that made it’s way onto Milb. I like that he shows he has power the other way.
http://www.milb.com/search/media.jsp?sid=milb&text=Zach+Lutz%2C+home+run&x=13&y=9
Nice. My favorite:
4/11/12: Buffalo’s Zach Lutz connects on his second homer of the day in the Bisons’ 12-3 win over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
Twice in one game the HRs clear the entire park. Did they land on that freeway behind the park?
LoL, Yea that was a good one.
“Lutz has hit it over the screen again! Are you kidding me!”
It’s February and hope is springing eternal. I love this time of year because come June, I might hate this 2013 team.
I love this time of year because come June, I might hate this 2013 team.”
You’re giving too much time, April is more like a timeline with many fans who are realistic…
Either that or you’ll be caught up with the hype & excitement like the last 3-4 years when June rolls around, particularly from the pessimists from around this time….OHHH THE METS ARE IN IT!!! THEY’RE IN IT!!! THEY CAN DO IT!!!
Too bad they got rid of Josh “Joe Mauer” Thole. Thinking 94 wins again this year?
No, but I think you should stop stalking me about stuff that’s old & irrelevant. Thanks
One thing i’ll say, we need POWER. we lack power on this team, other than Ike noone else scares you like that, so if this kid sets some power either coming off the bench of spotting everyone on the team, then i’m happy to have him as well… Here’s hoping he does become a 15+ HR type guy for us…
BTW, just arrived in the mail my Mets Spring Jacket…
Lutz looked lost at the plate last year and could very well be a AAAA player.
Yesterday Terry Collins was talking on the fan about some outfielder we have in camp I never heard of before. He said he was really impressed with him. Thats the second time I heard a Met coach giving him his props. Thats cool but I never heard the guys name before and cant remember for the life of me. I think it might have started with an H. He said he missed all of last year for some reason. Im not sure what team he was with but I’m a prospect & player junkie so this is making me crazy. Does anyone know who I’m talking about. Wish I could replay the Collins Francesa interview. Thanks
Hoffman?
Lutz or Turner?
Turner or Lutz?
While I’ve never been enthused by Lutz defensively, I’d rather take my chances with Lutz than a slowpoke like Turner. Honestly, I’d rather add another arm for the pen than either of these two.
Jamie Hoffman is a non-roster invitee, plays outfield. . .has some power.