Las Vegas 3, Round Rock 2

Collin McHugh took the mound tonight and pitched a heck of a game. He continued his tremendous start to the season tossing seven scoreless innings. The righty threw 90 pitches (59 strikes), allowed just five hits, struck out five, and left the game with a 1-0 lead. McHugh came into the game leading the 51s with a 3.57 ERA, but after tonight’s masterful performance, he lowered his ERA to 2.98.

McHugh was in line for the win when he left the game heading into the eighth inning, but the combination of Gonzalez Germen and Justin Hampson squandered the lead allowing the tying run to score. Greg Burke took the ball in the top of the ninth up 2-1, but was unable to nail down the save. He allowed a double followed by an RBI single, and saw his ERA balloon to 5.19.

The Vegas offense was held to just three hits on the night, but was highlighted by Josh Satin hitting his fifth home run of the season, and an RBI single by Juan Centeno. Eric Campbell had a very patient night at the plate, accumulating three walks, and scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Vegas a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, Reese Havens singled to lead off the inning, and was moved to second on a ground out by Satin, before being pinch ran for by Brian Bixler. The next batter Zach Lutz struck out swinging, but the ball hit the dirt and had to be blocked by the catcher. Bixler plated the winning run on an errant throw by the catcher attempting to throw out Lutz at first base.

Key Stats

• Wilmer Flores: 0-for-2, BB
• Josh Satin: 1-for-3, HR, R, RBI, BB
• Juan Centeno: 1-for-3, RBI
• Reese Havens: 1-for-4
• Eric Campbell: 0-for-1, RBI, 3 BB
• Collin McHugh: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, ND

Tacoma 8, Las Vegas 2

For Collin McHugh on Saturday night, it was a tale of the first inning…and the rest of the game. McHugh allowed six hits in a row, three of them extra base hits, in the first inning which led to five earned runs. Remember that the ball tends to carry a little more in Las Vegas before you make a judgment on that. I have openly admitted to being on the “Bring McHugh To Flushing” bandwagon with Joe D. and this start does not change that for me. After the rough go in the first inning, he flipped a switch and went the next six innings allowing only a double and a walk over that span.

So after that horrible first inning, Collin McHugh‘s line was 6.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 4 K. In fact, after allowing the six straight hits to open the game, he retired the next 16 batters straight before walking Mike Zunino – and proceeded to induce a double play. Of course, we couldn’t remove that first frame from the game no matter how hard we wished, so the 51s were fighting an uphill battle from the start.

Greg Peavey ended up on the hook for three runs in the top of the ninth, but only one of them was earned – and Sean Henn had allowed his two inherited runners to score on Peavey’s account.

The Vegas offense consisted of Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Andrew Brown launching solo home runs. It’s nice to see Kirk settle in already in AAA, while Brown continued to stay hot with a two-hit game. Reese Havens also had a multi-hit game.

Key Stats

Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

Andrew Brown: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R

Wilmer Flores: 1-for-4, 1 2B

Reese Havens: 2-for-2, 2 BB

Collin McHugh: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 ER, 4 K

Justin Hampson: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 BB

Greg Peavey: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 K

Sean Henn: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K (2-2 Inherited runners scored)

Las Vegas 10, Sacramento 6

On the mound, Darin Gorski got the start and had a decent outing. He fared much better than he had in his previous start, but finished just a third of an inning shy of getting a quality start. The lefty allowed three earned runs and struck out four, en route to his first win of the season. Gorski did not allow a walk in the game, which was a nice improvement after he walked four batters in each of his first two starts of the season.

In the bullpen, the recently demoted Greg Burke pitched a scoreless frame, as did Dylan Owen who closed out the game. Armando Rodriguez and Gonzalez Germen both continued to struggle as they combined to give up three earned runs.

After starting out slow on offense the past few games, the 51s flipped the script and jumped on the River Rats early and often. Andrew Brown replaced Travis d’Arnaud in the cleanup spot, and had three hits, including a triple that drove in Juan Lagares in the first. Brian Bixler scored on a wild pitch in the second, and Eric Campbell and Bixler had RBI singles that plated three more runs the third inning. Wilmer Flores, who has been heating up lately, hit his first home run of the season, drove in three runs, and is now batting .304. Reese Havens doubled in his fifth run of the season, and Juan Lagares was once again a factor at the top of the order scoring two runs and driving in another.

As we reported on Thursday, Juan Centeno has been promoted and will take over the majority of the catching duties while d’Arnaud is out.

Key Stats

• Wilmer Flores: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 R
• Juan Lagares: 2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, 3B, BB
• Andrew Brown: 3-for-5, 2B, 3B, RBI, 2 R
• Eric Campbell: 2-for-5, 2 R, RBI
• Darin Gorski: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 4 K,

Las Vegas 5, Colorado Springs 4

It took 11 innings, but the Las Vegas 51s were able to escape yesterday’s ballgame with a victory on the strength of a Reese Havens, bases loaded knock to win it in walk-off fashion.

Top-prospect Zack Wheeler took the hill for the 51s and put together one of his more solid efforts in what has been a shaky start to the season. Wheeler went 5 1/3 innings allowing three runs on six hits while walking none and punching out eight, taking a no decision. Wheeler let up a solo shot to Tyler Colvin to draw blood first in this game. Then in the top of the fourth, Corey Dickerson led things off with a triple, immediately followed by an RBI double off the bat of Nolan Arenado to bring Colorado Springs within a run. Wheeler gave up a base hit to Arenado with one out in the sixth before being pulled for Justin Hampson. Arenado would later come around to score on a two-out triple by Ben Paulsen to tie the game at three a piece.

In the bottom of the seventh, Las Vegas regained the lead on a Juan Lagares bomb to left field. That lead would be short lived as Colvin would mash his second homer of the game and send things into extras.

After Armando Rodriguez came on and pitched a scoreless eleventh, the 51s began o rally in the bottom of the frame. Lagares drew a leadoff walk, followed by an intentional pass to Travis d’Arnaud. Wilmer Flores bunted the runners over and Andrew Brown was given the free pass as well to load the bases. Josh Satin went down looking in a seven pitch affair, leaving it all up to Reese Havens. Havens launched one on the second pitch of the at-bat to left enter and score Lagares to hand the 51s a win with some excitement, winning the walk-off 5-4.

Key Stats

Juan Lagares: 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB

Jamie Hoffmann: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

Zack Wheeler: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 3 ER, 8 K, ND

Colorado Springs 11, Las Vegas 6

In a game where the two teams combined for thirty hits, the Las Vegas 51s dropped this one to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 11-6.

It was trouble out of the gate for Vegas in this one, as designated starter Darin Gorski was only able to last two innings in this late-night affair. Gorski struggled from the start, and faced all nine hitters in the Colorado Springs lineup in the first inning, where he allowed three runs. He allowed back-to-back RBI doubles in the second inning, and although he got out of the jam, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom half of the inning. Gonzalez German was brought on, and he pitched the next three frames while allowing two runs in the top of the fourth.

Robert Carson allowed an inherited runner from Dylan Owen to score in the seventh on a wild pitch, but had an overall line of an inning and two-thirds pitched without allowing a hit and striking out three. Justin Hampson struggled in his inning, allowing five hits and three earned runs in the eighth, but he managed to strike out two batters. Jeurys Familia rounded out the pitching for the 51s, and pitched a hitless ninth while setting two down on strikes.

It looked like this could possibly have been a higher scoring affair, but Las Vegas was only able to score in bunches – three in the third and three in the fifth. After an RBI ground-out by Travis D’Arnaud in the third inning, Andrew Brown drove home Wilmer Flores on an RBI double, and was promptly sent home on a Josh Satin RBI single. Satin was not finished, however, as he drilled his fourth home run of the campaign in the sixth – a two-run shot that scored D’Arnaud, who had reached base after ripping an RBI double.

Vegas had the bases loaded in the seventh inning with none out, but failed to score any runs as Zach Lutz and Jamie Hoffman flew out and Reese Havens followed that with a strikeout.

Key Stats

Wilmer Flores: 2-for-5, 2 2B, 2 R

Travis D’Arnaud: 2-for-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R

Josh Satin: 2-for-2, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 1 R

Darin Gorski: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 ER, 0 K

Colorado Springs 6, Las Vegas 1

Fans who attended Opening Night at Cashman Field Friday were treated to a dominant performance — just not from the home team.

Behind seven strikeouts and only one earned run from former second-round pick Tyler Chatwood, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox downed the Las Vegas 51s, 6-1, in the team’s home opener.

The 51s’ bats were non-existent for most of the night, including the first four innings. It wasn’t until they had one out left in the fifth inning that the 51s notched an extra-base hit.

Left fielder Jamie Hoffman doubled and pinch hitter Reese Havens drove him in with a line drive to center field. The 51s offense once again fizzled after that.

Las Vegas’ four most ballyhooed hitters — catcher Travis d’Arnaud, first baseman Josh Satin, second baseman Wilmer Flores and third baseman Zach Lutz — went a combined 1-for-15.

The Sky Sox set the tone with three runs in the first-inning. Third baseman Nolan Arenado, the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization according to Baseball America, doubled and drove in a run in his first at-bat.

Colorado Springs scored one run in three of the next four innings, including a solo home run from ex-Chicago Cub Tyler Colvin in the fifth.

A crowd of 9,247 fans watched as Las Vegas fell to 5-4 on the year while Colorado Springs improved to 5-3. The 51s host the Sky Sox for the next three days in a row to complete the series.

Key Stats

Omar Quintanilla: 2-for-4

Carlos Torres: 3 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 HR

Greg Peavey: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 R

Binghamton 15, New Hampshire 7

The B-Mets tied a franchise record by scoring 11 times in the fourth inning en route to a 15-7 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Friday night at NYSEG Stadium.

Trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the fourth, Rhyne Hughes got the inning started by launching his first home run of the season over the left field wall. Hughes was the first of nine consecutive batters to reach base safely to start the inning. They also all eventually came around to score. Binghamton scored eleven times, collected seven hits, and used the help of five walks and two Fisher Cat fielding errors in the decisive inning.

New Hampshire had their way offensively as well. They began the game with three consecutive hits, and scored twice in the first inning. On the night they finished with seven runs on eighteen hits, however they left 16 men on base.

Binghamton’s first run was scored in the bottom of the second inning, as Cory Vaughn doubled home Juan Centeno. Both Centeno and Vaughn finished with three hits and three runs apiece, with Vaughn tallying four RBI as well. As a team Binghamton collected 14 base hits by seven different players, and 14 RBI by eight different players.

Mark Cohoon (2-0) got the win in relief. He pitched two innings after replacing starter Tyler Pill, and gave up one run on four hits.

Key Stats

Alonzo Harris: 2-for-6, 3 RBI, 1 R,

Juan Centeno: 3-for-5, 3 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI

Cory Vaughn: 3-for-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB

Tyler Pill: 4 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

(Team Reports)

Site Note: I’m looking for 2-3 writers who are hooked on the Mets Minor Leagues for special features, live game coverage, players interviews. Email me at GetMetsmerized@aol.com. Serious inquiries only.

Travis d’Arnaud, along with Zack Wheeler headline the Las Vegas 51s roster.

The Mets changed Triple-A affiliates this offseason, going from Buffalo to Las Vegas and from the International League to the Pacific Coast League. The biggest storyline for this team will be how the move affects development. The Pacific Coast League, especially Las Vegas, is notorious for inflated power numbers. It may be harder to judge how well a player is developing because hitters will have more home runs and pitchers will see their ERA shoot up as well. It will be interesting to see how the prospects react as well, with the top two prospects in the system set to play at least the first month with Las Vegas.

The Big Names

• Zack Wheeler (RHP)- It’s only a matter of time before the top Mets prospect gets called up to the majors. Wheeler should only be with the 51s for a few months, coming up in July at the latest. 
• Travis d’Arnaud (C)- d’Arnaud was the centerpiece of the R.A. Dickey trade last December, and for good reason. d’Arnaud looks like the complete package, both at the plate and with the glove. His power has developed over the past two years into one of his best tools. Last year, he hit 16 homers in 67 games in Triple-A before a torn PCL ended his season.
• Wilmer Flores (INF)- After struggling in the lower minors for a few years (as a result of being rushed), Flores had a resurgent season last year for Advanced-A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton. The long-awaited power numbers finally came, as Flores slugged .479 with 18 home runs in 130 total minor league games. In his third year in St. Lucie, he hit .289/.336/.463 with ten home runs in 64 games, earning himself an FSL All-Star Game selection. He was then promoted to Binghamton, hwere he hit even better, batting .311/.363/.494 with eight home runs in 66 games. He is still young for the league, currently the seventh-youngest player in Triple-A and the fourth youngest in the Pacific Coast League. If Flores can keep it up, all that’s left is finding a position.
• Jeurys Familia (RHP) Note: Familia was sent down on Saturday and will be with the 51s for the foreseeable future- Familia had a down season last year with the Buffalo Bisons, struggling as a starting pitcher. He made 28 starts and had a 4.73 ERA, along with a very concerning 4.8 walks per nine rate. His poor performance finally convinced the Mets that he belongs in the bullpen, which is where he will be this season for Las Vegas.
• Matt den Dekker (CF)- Note: Broken wristThe former fifth-round pick den Dekker tore the cover off the ball in half a season with Binghamton, but struggled to hit .200 in the second half with the Bisons. He batted .340/.397/.563 with eight home runs in 56 Double-A games. After moving to Triple-A, he hit just .220/.256/.373 in 77 games. His stirkeout and walk rates were awful, as he struck out in 28.4% of his Plate appearances, while walking only 4.4%. Those numbers are among the worst in his minor league career. Den Dekker must cut down on the strikeouts if he will ever play regularly in the majors. His incredible defense isn’t going to carry him to success. Den Dekker has shown a trend throughout his short career of needing an adjustment period to each new level, which has some people very hopeful that he will start to hit again once he comes back from a broken wrist later this season.

The Sleepers

• Juan Lagares (OF)- The speedy and versatile Lagares hit .283/.334/.389 between St. Lucie and Binghamton last season. He can play all three outfield positions, making him a possibility for the Mets bench late this season if things go right.
• Andrew Brown (OF)- Brown was a longshot to make the team in spring training, and was cut before the season started. However, Brown still has a chance to make some noise with his power. He has put up consistent power numbers throughout his minor league career and could play a role on the Met bench as a power-hitting pinch hitter if someone gets hurt.

Other Names to Watch

• Reese Havens (2B)- The seemingly always hurt Reese Havens was finally cut from the 40-man roster in the week leading up to Opening Day. Havens, 26, has never played a full season without injury and in his six-year career, has only played in 308 games. If he can stay healthy and the power that scouts have been talking about since he was in college finally shows up, there is still a chance he has a role with the big league club.
• Collin McHugh (RHP)- McHugh profiles as a long man or back-of-the-rotation type of pitcher. He had a solid season in the minors last year, posting a 2.91 ERA in 25 starts with Binghamton and Buffalo, walking 2.8 batters per nine and striking out 8.2. He struggled in a short stint with the big league club, allowing 21 runs (18 earned) in 21.1 innings over eight appearances.
• Zach Lutz (3B)- Lutz has put up solid numbers for most of his minor league career, and almost made the team out of spring training. He hit .295/.404/.496 in 78 minor league games last season.

3:30 PM Update:

Adam Rubin has now reported that Darin Gorski has cleared waivers and will remain under team control. It also has been announced that Scott Rice, and not Robert Carson, will be the second lefty in the bullpen for 2013.

The bullpen now projects as follows:

1. Bobby Parnell
2. Brandon Lyon
3. LaTroy Hawkins
4. Scott Atchison
5. Josh Edgin
6. Greg Burke
7. Jeurys Familia
8. Scott Rice

So here’s today’s moves as announced by the Mets:

They have selected the contracts of LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Rice, Marlon Byrd and Scott Atchison, added them to the 40 Man Roster.

Robert Carson, Landon Powell and Omar Quintanilla were all optioned to Las Vegas.

2:00 PM Update:

Adam Rubin has just reported that Reese Havens has cleared waivers. He remains under control of the New York Mets and can be assigned to the minors. There is still no word on Darin Gorski. Update to follow.

Original Post:

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets are expected to waive infielder Reese Havens and left-hander Darin Gorski to make room on their 40-Man roster.

The process would involve exposing them to waivers. If they clear, they can be outrighted to the minors.

I can see either of the two being picked up by other teams, and I’d put it at 50/50, especially for Gorski who could be ready to join an MLB bullpen right now.

Rubin writes about them:

Havens, a first-round pick in 2008, has struggled through back injuries throughout his career. He hit .215 in 325 at-bats last season with Double-A Binghamton.

Gorski, a 25-year-old left-hander, was 9-8 with a 4.00 ERA in 25 appearances (24 starts) with the B-Mets in 2012.

With both being cleared off the 40-man roster, the Mets now have five open spots for adding players on minor league deals.

We all knew there would be some tough decisions to be made, and certainly these are two of them.

Havens has been largely disappointing because of his inability to stay healthy, but oozes with talent, power and potential at a premium position. Gorski may not have been a starter in the majors, but could be an effective lefthander out of the bullpen.

Rubin also confirms that reliever Greg Burke and right-hander Jeurys Familia both have made the Opening Day roster, according to his sources.

The bullpen now projects as follows:

1. Bobby Parnell
2. Brandon Lyon
3. LaTroy Hawkins
4. Scott Atchison
5. Josh Edgin
6. Greg Burke
7. Jeurys Familia
8. Robert Carson or Scott Rice

Carson is on the 40-man roster and presumably has the advantage. The Mets will go with eight relievers in the pen until Shaun Marcum is be activated from the DL to make his start against the Marlins to close out the final game of the Mets opening homestand.

Maybe he wouldn’t have been sent down today with nine others, but as spring training goes on and the need to stretch out the starters increases, Wheeler’s innings would have been reduced, something the Mets did not want to happen.

Since he is better off getting regular innings, today’s demotion was inevitable. With the oblique hampering him, there’s no sense in trying to squeeze him in. He’s better off resuming a normal routine in the minor league camp, where he’ll throw in the bullpen again before getting into a game.There’s always the possibility of Wheeler pitching in a “B” game, but for now he’s in the right place for his development. The Mets have long been accused of rushing pitchers – see Mike Pelfrey and Jenrry Mejia – and as they are building again they can’t afford to make a similar mistake with Wheeler, regardless how he feels.

“It’s the big leagues, of course I want to be here,’’ Wheeler said. “I’m not surprised. They told me this could happen.’’

When Johan Santana went down, there was immediate speculation Wheeler might be the one to replace him on the roster, but general manager Sandy Alderson immediately shot that down, saying the plan of patience used for Matt Harvey would be the same for Wheeler.

“I felt bad for him because of the injury,’’ manager Terry Collins said. “I told him he’s sitting in the same seat Matt Harvey was last year. I told him to do well and force us to call him up.’’

The Mets played Harvey perfectly. They resisted the initial temptation, and eventually brought him up in July when the season was already lost. Harvey impressed in ten starts enough to be in the rotation. They project the same for Wheeler.

Wheeler already had a setback when he strained his right oblique muscle 11 days ago and had to be scratched from a start against St. Louis. Wheeler conceded the injury was a setback. Wheeler made one start this spring, throwing two scoreless innings against Washington.

“I only got out there one time,’’ Wheeler said. “ That’s what I’m kind of mad about. I wanted to sort of get out there and prove myself. I hope I’ll be up here soon.’’

Several things have to happen if Wheeler is to see Citi Field soon, including injuries to a pitcher in the major league rotation; Wheeler’s performance at Triple-A Vegas, and, of course, economic considerations.

“I told him to work on his secondary pitches and fastball command on both sides of the plate,’’ pitching coach Dan Warthen said.

Wheeler is aware what needs to improve if he’s to succeed in the major league. He’s aware he can beat hitters with his stuff in the minor leagues, but realizes he needs more finesse and guile in the major leagues.

“I need to keep working on my curveball and getting it over for strikes,’’ Wheeler said. “I want to keep my pitch count down and get deeper into games.’’

Economically, if Wheeler stays in the minors for the first 20 games of the season he can’t be credited with a full year of major league service time, which would delay his free agency season from after 2018 to 2019.

It is anticipated the cutoff date for the extra year of salary arbitration might be June 15, so it is entirely feasible Wheeler will be called up after that date. That’s also the same time we might see catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud.

Unless there’s a dire need, don’t expect to see Wheeler before June 15.

MARCUM PITCHES WELL: Shaun Marcum was exceptional today, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings while giving up one hit and striking out two in the Mets’ 3-0 victory over St. Louis.

“I saw a lot that I liked,’’ Collins said. “He had tremendous command and that’s his trademark. He made pitch after pitch.’’

Marcum, penciled in as the fifth starter, is confident in his progress.

“I feeling like I’m heading in the right direction,’’ Marcum said. “I need to build up my pitch count.’’

Mechanically, Marcum said he doesn’t have command of his change-up and is pushing it rather than throwing it with a natural release.

When his change-up doesn’t have the right movement and goes horizontally rather than dip, it is a sign he is flying open with his shoulder and not staying on top.

METS NOTEBOOK: Jordany Valdespin continues to impress, today driving in a run with a seventh-inning single. … Alderson said it still is too early to make a determination on placing Santana on the disabled list to open the season. … Frank Francisco threw off the mound. The reports were good, but Collins said: “Be careful what you see in March and be careful what you see in September.’’ Translation: He’s opening the season on the DL. … Wheeler highlighted the list of ten cuts, which included: pitchersGonzalez Germen, Collin McHugh, Elvin Ramirez and Hansel Robles; left-hander Darin Gorski; infielders Reese Havens and Wilfredo Tovar; outfielders Juan Lagares and Cesar Puello. The Mets are down to 45 players in camp.

Wilmer Flores played second base yesterday in a Spring Training game for the Mets. Flores did not embarrass himself defensively and looked to have an idea offensively. So after roughly six innings it is safe to christen a man with 0 AB above Double-A with the starting second base job?

No. Nope. Nah. Negative. Not Yet.

Flores has even less MiLB experience at 2B than Daniel Murphy did when he tried a similar transition, and even at that point Murphy had significant innings at first base (same side of the infield, similar reactions). Wilmer Flores saw his first minor league action at new positions this year with seven games at first base, 27 games at second base and 87 games at third base. For a man who played 300+ career MiLB games at shortstop to not even take one inning at the position shows where Flores will wind up in the grand scheme of things.

The biggest knock has been movement in general, but specifically lateral movement and Flores ability to compensate for lack of speed with efficient footwork. In yesterday’s game, Flores made a few solid plays and no miscues in his four chances to handle the position. Just for an analysis, we will look into each chance.

1. Man on first, groundball hit directly at Flores, runs in front of the runner and shovel-passes the ball to Brandon Hicks (SS) covering second, turning the double play.

Thoughts: Flores got to the ball which wasn’t hit very sharply, got rid of the ball smoothly and did it in one fluent motion. This play shows more awareness and body control but did show Flores’ soft hands.

2. Man on first, groundball hit directly at David Wright (3B), throws to Flores covering 2B, throws to Ike Davis to complete double play

Thoughts: This was the most challenging play Flores would have all day and shows why he may still need some more reps to get smoother. Wright gives Flores an average to solid feed, although it was thrown directly into Flores numbers and not off to a side where Flores could easily avoid a baserunner. Flores had to stand tall, and due to the throw handcuffing was forced to throw flat-footed to Ike Davis and still got the runner by half a stride. Flores exhibited a strong arm and turned that play. The footwork around the bag was a bit rough as he could have taken the slide-step to the outfield-side of the bag to avoid contact but instead did an odd shuffle and stayed on the base

3. Ball hit to Flores left (glove side) hard, Flores goes down, gets the ball, spins and throws to Ike Davis for the out.

Thoughts: The reaction play will always be a great way to test a second baseman and this shot was a decent test. Though hit within Flores vicinity, the reaction to drop and get it with a slide and spin was a good move. If Flores goes for an outright dive, he runs a higher risk of booting the ball. By spinning as he catches it, he puts himself in the best position to throw and uses more of his body to block the ball in the event it doesn’t wind up in his glove.

4. Ball hit directly at Flores, gathers and throws to Ike Davis

Thoughts: This is a standard play regardless of which base a player would be covering. Scoop, regroup, throw. Flores didn’t look hesitant or worried and knew he had time to throw out the runner.

5. Ball hit on a big bounce near the plate, Flores rushes in but has almost no chance to throw out baserunner

Thoughts: This was the toughest play but not the most challenging for one reason. The player running on the play notched three infield hits, and not one was a bunt. Flores was forced to charge and throw from where he reached the ball which was above his head. For what it’s worth, Flores missed getting the runner by about a full stride, but on first watch it appeared to be a bang-bang play.

Conclusion: For his first six innings in a spring training game, Flores didn’t look bad with the glove. He made the routine plays, made a few difficult ones and was both the feeder and the pivot man for a double play. Wilmer looked confident and not like he was afraid to make mistakes. Just for reference, Reese Havens has been playing second base for nearly his entire MiLB career. He made two miscues yesterday in half the innings. Is Flores the savior? No. Can he be a useful MLB player with the glove? Useful in terms of adequate…sure lets go with that. Flores will probably see a fair-share of reps at both second and third base now that David Wright will be leaving for the WBC.

*side note – Flores went 0-2 at the plate, both fly-outs to the right fielder. Flores hit them both the opposite way and I do not know if that was a product of hitting the ball where it is pitched, or a specific game plan to go opposite way.

The Mets, a team in transition, are just about set from top to bottom, short of a spot on the bench and maybe another spot in the bullpen.  Being set for this season doesn’t necessarily mean set for the future, though. In fact, although this spring won’t, the upcoming season will answer a variety of questions about the path the organization will take next season and beyond.

Will the Mets need to acquire two outfielders or three?  Is the right side of the infield set for years to come?  How about the back end of the rotation?  These are all questions that need to be answered.  As a result, each of these players finds himself on the block this year…

Lucas Duda

A natural first baseman who is blocked at the position by Ike Davis, the Mets still hope to find a position Duda can play efficiently enough to justify keeping his bat in the lineup.  That bat however, also needs to improve this upcoming season if Lucas intends to keep himself in the fold beyond the 2013 season.  2012 saw his power numbers increase, but at the expense of his strikeout count, which averaged one per game.  The hope is that Duda can hit .260+ while realizing his 25-30 home run potential, but if he can’t find that happy medium, his struggles in the outfield will ultimately usher him out of the Mets’ plans.

Daniel Murphy

The twenty-seven year old Murphy has absolutely clawed his way to a starting spot in Queens.  His reward comes in the form of a significant raise he received just two weeks ago and the knowledge he’ll have to continue to claw if he hopes to maintain his spot.  In 2013, the Mets will not only ask Murphy to continue his progression at second base, they’ll ask him to better his power numbers that have only featured six home runs each of the past two years.  A fair request for a career contact hitter with gap power?  Probably not…but to date nothing has come easy for Murphy, so why should things start now?

Ike Davis

I know what your thinking…There is no way the Mets could possibly jettison their twenty-five year old power-hitting first baseman who remains under team control through the 2016 season.  However, allow me to remind you that the only thing that salvaged Davis’ 2012 campaign was his 32  home runs, which partially overshadowed his embarrassing first half which ultimately resulted to only a .227 batting average.  If nothing else, Davis represents a ton of potential.  That’s a commodity which may be valuable to a slue of other teams, should the Mets’ front office decide a trade is in order.  With Lucas Duda and possibly even Reese Havens as other long term options at first, Davis will still need to prove his value moving forward.  While the much more likely scenario sees Davis signed to a long term, team friendly, contract at some point this season, Ike’s future remains far from certain.

Dillon Gee

The 2013 season will bring with it the eventual arrival of Zack Wheeler, who will join the previously established Matt Harvey as the pitching saviors who the Mets’ front office hope can secure the rotation for many years to come.  While they may secure the front end of the rotation, the back end remains left to Dillon Gee, who seeks to return from season ending surgery as the result of a vascular ailment late last year.  Prior to falling victim to a blood clot, Gee’s 6-7 record was a poor representation of his performance which included 8.0 K/9IP and the lowest ERA of his short career.  With a plethora of young pitchers many have described as virtual clones of Dillon at the Triple-A level, Gee will have to stay on his game should he want to maintain his spot on what may be one of the strongest young rotations in baseball in short order.

Every season has the potential to shed light on the future.  The 2013 season will be no different for the New York Mets.  In a perfect world, each of these guys earn their way onto the 2014 roster, thus allowing Sandy Alderson and the rest of the Mets’ front office to apply their considerable assets elsewhere.  However if they can’t, the Mets may find themselves with more holes than they can possible fill next winter, resulting in an even longer delay in the organization’s revitalization.

Follow me on twitter at @RobPatterson83

Player Name: Reese Havens 

Bats: L  Throws: R

Height: 6’1″  Weight: 195 lb.

Position: Second Base 

Age: 26 

MMO Top Prospect Ranking: NR

ETA: 2013

Background:

There’s not much that I can tell you about Reese Havens that you probably don’t already know. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of South Carolina. Many experts thought he would go on to have the best career of any Mets player drafted in 2008. We are still waiting for him to live up to those expectations.

Everyone knows Havens’ story: tons of talent, can’t stay healthy. Even in a NY Times interview last March, Havens’ father was shocked that the injury bug has bitten Reese during his professional career, because he had never been affected by injuries in the previous years. Brent Havens, Reese’s father, said this about his son’s injuries:

It has been extremely uncanny, the injuries he’s had, because he was never hurt as a youngster. His high school and college careers were basically injury-free. And if he did have an injury, he always healed quickly.

Even Havens’ father can’t seem to figure out what is going on with the string of injuries Havens has suffered the past few years. Hopefully that is all put behind him now, and he can get his career back on track.

Analysis:

There are some Mets fans out there that seem about ready to give up on Reese Havens. I’ve seen some people go as far as saying that he isn’t a prospect anymore. My response is: thank goodness these people don’t work in the Mets organization. I would really hate to see the Mets give up on this kid and then have him turn out to be a superstar with some other team. When the Mets added him to the 40-man roster this winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, it showed the baseball world that the Mets still believed in his talent.

And what’s not to believe in? So what the guy had a couple of nagging injuries. That doesn’t mean he can’t play. Look at this quote from Terry Collins, regarding Havens, from that same NY Times article noted earlier:

“He’s one of those guys where you just know the ceiling. If we can get him in the lineup, he’s going to play in the big leagues.”

Terry Collins doesn’t seem worried that Havens won’t be a big leaguer, so why should the fan base?

Havens is a gamer. He oozes baseball talent. He has a solid glove, hits for average and has a ton of power for a second baseman. He also gets on base, and has great patience. He has all the attributes you want in a player. In 2012, Reese may have still been recovering from a back ailment. He may have only hit .215 last season, but his OBP was .340 because he had 58 walks. That’s promising.

What is also promising is his 2011 season where he displayed mastery at the Double-A level hitting for a .289 average, and a .372 OBP across 58 games. Don’t look into 2012 too much, because when it comes to back injuries, it tends to take a season to really feel comfortable again swinging the bat.

This is where I’m going to start making bold statements. But don’t worry, I stand by all of them and believe them to be true. If Terry Collins announced tomorrow that there would be an open competition for the Mets starting second base job this spring, there is no doubt in my mind that Havens would beat out Daniel Murphy on his sheer talent alone. The Mets are dying to get an excuse to get this guy to the big leagues. There’s been a lot of talk of Wilmer Flores converting to second base of late, but it’s surely a backup plan for if Havens never nips this injury bug. Havens is the real deal. He just has to get on the field and prove it.

Age is just a number. Don’t look at his age as being a negative. The guy can play ball, and it shouldn’t matter how old he is if he can help the Mets win. Havens is the future second baseman of the Mets. Murphy is just a stop-gap, and the minute Havens is ready (which won’t be long), he will be showing everyone why he was a first-round selection in 2008. You might want to pre-order to Reese Havens jerseys now, because it’s going to be a hot seller in the very near future.

Havens will get his career back on track in 2013, because guys with his kind of baseball ability just don’t go away. He is my sleeper prospect for 2013. He has top ten prospect ability, and will start the season with Triple-A, but don’t be surprised if he gets called up as early as May (if he performs up to his potential in spring training). He may not have many minor league at-bats under his belt, but mark my words, he’s ready…if he can stay on the field.

For more Mets minor league and prospect coverage, you can follow me on Twitter @FirstPitchMitch.

Zach Lutz is one of the Mets farmhands heating up.

Welcome to the first edition of Who’s Hot, Who’s Not – Upper Minors! Today, we will look at the hottest (and coldest) players from St. Lucie, Binghamton, and Buffalo.

WHO’S HOT:

•  Dustin Martin- Martin has been one of the best, if not the best, hitters in the Mets organization over the past few weeks. Martin is hitting an astounding .452 over his last ten games, and also has two homers and ten RBI.
• T.J. Rivera- Rivera had a fantastic first half in Savannah, earning him a mid-season promotion to St. Lucie. After a brief adjustment period, Rivera has caught fire. Over his last ten games, Rivera is hitting .386 with nine RBI and three stolen bases.
• Zach Lutz- Zach Lutz has also been hitting very well lately. Lutz is batting .406 over his last ten games. He has also hit three home runs and driven in nine. On top of that, Lutz has been drawing quite a few walks. His on-base percentage over his last ten games is .500, bringing his overall mark on the season to an impressive .416.
• Honorable Mention: Collin McHugh- After an adjustment period going from Binghamton to Buffalo, McHugh ahs turned it around in a big way in Triple-A. His last three starts have been terrific. He has pitched a total  of 18.2 innings, and allowed only five runs on 12 hits over that span.

WHO’S NOT:

• Matt den Dekker- After having a fantastic first half with the B-Mets, Matt den Dekker has struggled in his stint with the Bisons. Over his first 50 games, he is hitting just under .200 and over this past week, things got worse for him. Den Dekker is batting just .136 over his last ten games, and has struck out seven times in 29 at-bats. The strikeouts are a big concern. Den Dekker’s strikeout percentage has been steadily climbed as he moves up through the minor league system.
• Jeurys Familia- A few weeks back, Familia had a stellar stretch of games and looked like he was finally getting over his early-season struggles on the mound. Over his last three starts, however, Familia has not been great. Over that span, he has allowed 15 earned runs in only 10.1 innings pitched. He has also walked eight batters over that span and only struck out six.
• Reese Havens- Havens struggled the first half of the season, but had a big breakout stretch in which he seemed to get his rhythm back. However, he is slumping once again with Binghamton. He is batting just .162 over his last ten games and has struck out 12 times in 37 at-bats.

According to an organization source, Havens is in New York, where he received injections for season-long injury trouble that started with his oblique muscles. If the trouble is not relieved within a few weeks, surgery may proceed.

Havens has been highly regarded since being drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

Originally a shortstop, the Mets shifted Havens to his left and it was expected that he could develop into a power hitting second baseman cut from the same mold as the Phillies’ Chase Utley. However, injuries have stalled his development so much so, that he has played in just parts of three seasons, missing well over 125 games in the process.

Havens was selected in the first round of the 2008 draft, 22nd overall and just four picks after the Mets selected Ike Davis. Believe it or not, there were many reports that suggested Havens was the better power prospect of the two, including in the power department.

Can you imagine having a second baseman who could hit .280 with 25 homers and 85 RBIs in an average season in our lineup for the next ten years? I actually did imagine it, and it bothers the hell out of me that Havens is becoming as injury prone as fellow prospect Fernando Martinez.

The emergence of young Ruben Tejada makes me feel a little better about the situation, but talent wise Tejada isn’t even on the same map as Havens.

A good friend of MMO, Mack Ade of the great Mack’s Mets, had some more insight on the situation and wrote,

Defensively, Tovar and Tejada are da bomb.  Offensively, Satin is a pure hitter. But Havens is the one guy that has the potential to be the first consistent 30+ home run hitting second baseman for the Mets… ever.

My guess… this changes everything regarding what the Mets plans are regarding the resigning of Jose Reyes. Havens was thought of as the person that would take second base away from Tejada, and become the full time Met in 2012. That won’t happen now.

Right now, Tejada can relax a little. Without the Havens threat, he will become the new Mets second baseman.

I always put a lot of stock in what Mack says about the Mets minor leagues. He’s been at it for a long time, really knows his stuff, is well respected, and a truly valuable resource. By the way, Mack just interviewed one of the Mets’ more promising pitching prospects, the Sand Gnats’ Collin McHugh. Check it out.

I believe that with the trade of Jeff Francoeur last night to the Texas Rangers, the Mets have essentially conceded the season. Not that I truly believed there is a “chance” that things could turn around, but you can never tell with baseball.  I guess I’m a bit naive that I refuse to give up hope until mathematical elimination is complete.  However, I am not going to go so far as to say the trade of Francoeur specifically was white-flag waving.  He is a likable guy, cannon of an arm, lousy hitter.  On this team, unfortunately, offense is key and if he wanted to play every day, well don’t let the door hit you.

Let’s just be thankful that we got a warm body for him at this point.  Although Joaquin Arias isn’t really anything to warm up to, with a lifetime .322 OBP over four partial season (ouch), he can at least play some second-base.  Much like the stomach being the way to a man’s heart, playing second base is the quickest way of getting to the big club these days.

However, I’m not going to lament the loss of Jeff Francoeur, simply because it was bound to happen, and it may as well have been now.  The proverbial waving of the white flag has occurred indirectly, though, and that is in the fashion of the focus on the “kids,” specifically the September 1st callups.

Photo credit by Sharon Chapman

Lucas Duda is starting in left field against the Braves tonight, and Jenrry Mejia will be making his first major league start on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.  They are not the only homegrown talents not named David Wright or Jose Reyes who are playing regularly.  Mike Pelfrey is currently getting shelled at “press time” and Jonathon Niese made the start last night, also of a similar fate.  Ike Davis is our starting first baseman, and Josh Thole is the starting catcher. The Mets’ playing field is green, folks, and I’m not just talking about the grass.

With the Mets lineup on September 1st, we are seeing a lot of homegrown talent, specifically talent drafted and scouted by Omar Minaya & Co.

Isn’t this what we wanted?

It’s entertaining watching them play, to say the least.  I saw earlier a fudged play by young Thole, yet a redeemed play at the plate later on, halting a potential run scored by Rick Ankiel. The Mets did lose Rod Barajas to waivers recently; however, I know he was not figuring into the long-term plans of the team with Thole looming in the distance.

Jon Niese has incredible poise, but the occasional hiccup like a rookie should have.  I won’t argue if the coaches decide to limit his pitches for the rest of the season, but it has been refreshing to see him have a relatively successful rookie season.

Lucas Duda should have a nice cup of coffee with the team in September, at least keeping Jason Bay’s spot warm should he return in 2010 (I’m not holding my breath).  Several of my friends have seen him play on the B-Mets when they would visit the Trenton Thunder.

If ever there were a team Jenrry Mejia should make a start against, it’s the team with a higher payroll and a more disappointing team than the Mets, the Chicago Cubs.  I disagreed with his handling earlier this season, and I hope that has not hurt his development for the long-term.

What confused me though is the pick up of Arias in the Francoeur trade.  I understand the Mets won’t get someone like Josh Hamilton, per se, for Jeff Francoeur, but I wondered why there was a pressing need for a non-power hitting, no-walk taking first baseman who was a career AAAA-er.  I did see, though, the term “infielder” certainly applies to Arias, as he also plays second base and shortstop.  I hope injury-prone Reese Havens becomes less so and emerges as the Mets second-baseman of the future.  Is it too much to dream that perhaps the Mets are gearing up to eat Luis Castillo’s contract or at the very least eat a part of it?

I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing that the Mets are going with the youth-route. I do, however, think it’s a nod to the idea that the Mets are looking to play the role of spoiler, and not be competitive in the stretch.  “Meaningful games” indeed.

I guess the bright spot to this whole thing is that reports of the Mets’ farm system death have been greatly exaggerated.  To say the children are the future though…There’s certainly depth, and I’ll leave it at that.  A youth movement, and less of a dependence on veterans though…can we break bread on that at least?