As we approach the trade deadline, Mets prospects such as Michael Fulmer, Gavin Cecchini, and Brandon Nimmo have been swirling in rumors.
Fortunately for me, during my visit to New Britain Stadium Wednesday afternoon, all these players were in the game. Gavin was starting at shortstop, batting 2nd. Brandon was in the lineup, too, playing centerfield. And Michael was on mound.
I decided to do away with everything I ever heard about these three and to observe them without any predisposition or prejudice. Or basically do what most scouts and experts do after catching just one glimpse and providing their front office a scouting report.
Given the timing, I chose to evaluate these three prospects to determine whether each player provides more value to the Mets through trade or if they are true building blocks critical to the Amazin’s future.
Michael Fulmer — Building block
It is very tempting to throw Michael Fulmer on the trading block due to the superb stable of young pitching the Mets are blessed with. However, I would hold off on trading the Mets’ 2013 first round selection; Fulmer’s repertoire is just too good.
He has no trouble controlling his fastball, which sits in the mid-90s. His change-up is an average to above-average offering that he throws with great deception to get hitters off balance. And his slider was nearly unhittable in his start against the Rock Cats.
And while Fulmer has had his share of arm injuries, his frame (6-3, 200lbs) and great extension on his delivery (which allows him to put less effort into his pitches) make me think he can stay relatively healthy in the future. I really like Fulmer. I think he has major league ace potential. He has great size, a great delivery, great stuff, and an attacking mentality necessary for a frontline starter. He is not the guy to trade at the deadline.
Gavin Cecchini —Trade bait
I have to admit, this classification was the toughest of the three. Yes, Cecchini will never be an offensive superstar. Still, given the Mets struggles at the shortstop position, it seems reasonable to hold onto perhaps their most valuable shortstop in the organization.
But after watching Gavin live, I have to say that I am not too bullish on either his offense or defense. He has good hands and a linear swing, which should bode well for line drives, but I do not see the power there as of yet. Further, most of the balls he connected with during the game were flares or mishits to right.
On the fielding side, while I still believe Gavin will stick at SS, it is going to take time. On a grounder right at him against the Rock Cats, he backed up instead of charging it, then made a flat-footed throw to first. His league-leading 24 errors indicate that such misplays happen rather frequently.
Cecchini might be able to hit .270 or .280 sometime in the major leagues along with serviceable defense and a good OBP. But, save for a few batting average points, that’s not a whole lot better than Ruben Tejada. I think now is the time to trade Gavin while he’s young and producing in the Eastern League. With the shortstop position especially down these days, the Mets should be able to fetch good value in return for their 2012 first round pick.
Brandon Nimmo — Trade bait
If a player can be too selective at the plate, Nimmo definitely fits the bill. The 22-year-old has a fantastic eye that enables him to take pitches mere inches off the plate. However, far too often have I witnessed Brandon pass on a fastball in a positive count that he might be able to drive.
In one at-bat, I saw him take a 2-0 fastball straight down the middle at around 90 miles per hour. And, even when he does swing, Nimmo is very inconsistent. He has the ability to barrel up the ball. Sometimes, though, he simply misses hittable pitches due to his bat movement.
In the outfield, the Wyoming native has a very good arm and decent range. He can play all three outfield positions well. Overall, I have a hard time believing Nimmo can hit in the .270s with the pitching talent around the league now-a-days. He will get on base and play good defense, but his best value will come from a trade right now. Like Cecchini, the lack of offensive talent in the majors should help the Mets get good compensation for trading an all-around outfielder like Nimmo.
