If there’s one thing that’s missing from the Mets it’s impact positional prospects. Since the days of David Wright and Jose Reyes, the Mets have produced several impact pitchers like Matt Harvey, Jon Niese and even Mike Pelfrey to an extent. What they haven’t been able to do is find major league caliber hitters in their own system. According to Mets vice president of player development Paul DePodesta, that might be ready to change.
Specifically, Mets shortstops are currently on display at the Florida Instructional League. Amed Rosario, Gavin Cecchini and Milton Ramos are the #6, #10 and #11 ranked prospects in the Mets system and they are part of a bright future for the infield.
“Those are three pretty good-looking kids, all of whom are still college age,” DePodesta told MLB.com’s Teddy Cahill. “It’s a pretty exciting group of shortstops.”
It’s interesting to see so much talent, at such a low level of the farm system, all at the same position. Having too much weight at one position is something DePodesta is very aware of. Here’s what he had to say about that:
“It’s gotten to the point where it’s something we need to manage. I don’t think it’s ever a problem when we have a shortstop playing both shortstop and second base. It becomes a problem if someone’s not getting everyday at-bats. We don’t want to get to that point.”
“But we’re thrilled with the depth we have at shortstop, second base and even at third base in the lower levels. It’s a really good group and, at least right now, there’s no end in sight.”
Cecchini is the veteran of the group coming in at age 21 (as of opening day 2015). The other two will turn 19 before opening day. Cecchini is also the only one that has played a game above Single-A – literally one game for Binghamton. There’s no doubt that these kids are still years away. Still DePodesta is happy with the situation.
Three shortstops like this all coming up together and playing well is something the Mets front office can hang their hat on. They’ve done a good job of retooling the minor league system and now are hoping a few of these kids can make an impact in Queens…eventually.
