Scouting Scale for Starting Pitchers:
#1 Starter: Two plus pitches, average third pitch, plus-plus command, plus makeup
#2 Starter: Two plus pitches, average third pitch, average command, average makeup
#3 Starter: One plus pitch, two average pitches, average command, average makeup
#4-5 Starter: Average velocity, consistent breaking ball, decent changeup, command of two pitches
Jeremy Hefner and Dillon Gee are fighting for their spots in the rotation over their next 1-2 starts as Zack Wheeler readies himself for his Mets debut.
I put up the basic scouting scale for a starting pitcher and wanted to give my thoughts.
Going into the season most scouts viewed Matt Harvey as a #2 because his command was average. However, he has since showed that his command is plus and that his slider might actually be a second plus pitch so he is a borderline #1/#2 starter.
Wheeler has a plus-plus fastball and his curve and slider are above average. His curve has a shot a plus. His command has been average in the minors like Harvey, but if he can make that a plus he moves to the #1/#2 borderline and joins Harvey. Right now, I’d say he he is an overall #2 projection.
Jon Niese has a plus-plus curve and an average fastball with average command and makeup. If his command moves to plus like last year, he’s a #2/#3 borderline. For now, he’s a #3
Shaun Marcum has a basket full of average breaking balls and fastball. His plus command and makeup make him a #3.
Hefner fits the #4/#5 slot and Gee as well, although I think Gee has #3/#4 possibilities with improved command.
Rafael Montero is a prospect that already has plus-plus command, a plus breaking ball, an above average fastball and plus makeup. He can be a #2/#3 borderline.
Noah Syndergaard is far away, but I’d put him in the Wheeler range with better command but slightly less on the curve.
To summarize:
- Matt Harvey – #2/#1
- Zack Wheeler – #2
- Jon Niese – #3/#2
- Shaun Marcum – #3
- Dillon Gee – #4/#3
- Jeremy Hefner – #5/#4
- Rafael Montero – #2/#3
- Noah Syndergaard – #2
So it’s possible that a rotation of Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Syndergaard and Montero could easily be as many as five #2 starters in a future Mets rotation. And all them are 25 or younger.
Who wouldn’t sign up for that?
Now just sign some free agent bats.
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This Fan Shot was contributed by MMO reader El Sid in our comment threads, where some of the best Mets insights can be found daily. Have something you want to say about the Mets? Share your opinions with over 16,000 Mets fans who read this site daily. Send your Fan Shot to [email protected]. Or ask us about becoming a regular contributor.
