The New York Post highlighted some Mets prospects that could become exposed in the Rule 5 Draft this Winter unless they are added to the 40-man roster.
They are:
Reese Havens (Mets first-round pick in 2008): The second baseman, taken four picks after Ike Davis, has suffered through one injury after another practically since the day he was drafted after playing every single game of his career at South Carolina. But it would be a stunner if the Mets chose not to protect a player that could become their long-term answer at second base as soon as next season.
Brad Holt (Mets supplemental first-round pick in 2008): The right-hander from UNC-Wilmington rocketed through the minors for the first year of his pro career. But after reaching Binghamton in June 2009, his career has come to a dead stop. After back-to-back rough seasons in Double-A, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Mets take a chance and leave him unprotected.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets third-round pick in 2008): Nieuwenhuis was tearing through the International League for Triple-A Buffalo this spring when he was lost for the second half of the season with a shoulder injury. Like Havens, expect the center fielder to be kept, and possibly have a shot at winning a starting job for the Mets next season.
Other prospects that could become exposed include: Mark Cohoon, Dylan Owen, Robert Carson, Allan Dykstra, Jeurys Familia, Kai Gronauer, Juan Lagares, Collin McHugh, Sean Ratliff, Eric Beaulac, Wilmer Flores, Francisco Pena, Cesar Puello, Brant Rustich and Stefan Welch.
This is not the complete list, just some of the more recognizable prospects in the Mets farm system.
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In other news from the Mets minors, minor league pitcher Brandon Moore has been suspended 50 games for a second violation of baseball’s minor league drug policy. Moore’s infraction involved a drug of abuse. The right-hander plays for the Double-A Binghamton Mets.
His suspension will be effective at the beginning of next season.
