Photo Credit: Tracy Proffitt of MiLB.com

The New York Mets selected outfielder Jarred Kelenic with their first round pick in June and the early returns have been impressive for the 19-year-old.

Kelenic was viewed as the top prep bat when the Mets took him with the sixth overall pick from Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The left-handed hitter and thrower got his career off to a fantastic start in the Gulf Coast League when he slashed .413/.451/.609 in 12 games. Kelenic received a a promotion to the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League.

His first 20 games for Kingsport didn’t go as expected with a .610 OPS and 21 strikeouts.

August was a completely different story for the recently turned 19-year-old, he hit .321/.368/.509 with seven doubles, two triples, three homers, 22 RBI and five stolen bases.

Overall, the athletic center fielder hit .286/.371/.468 with 10 doubles, six triples, six homers while walking 10.4% of the time and striking out 19.9%. He has a rocket for an arm which is backed up by the nine outfield assists he had in only 52 games.

Another Mets 2018 high pick finished his first pro season strong with Kingsport, second rounder right-hander Simeon Woods-Richardson.

Woods-Richardson, SWR for short, didn’t allow an earned run until his final appearance of the season on Tuesday. Overall, the hard throwing 17-year-old finished with a 1.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and struck out 26 batters compared to only four walks in 17.1 innings.

The Kingsport Mets begin their playoff series tonight at home with right-hander Willy Taveras on the mound against Elizabethton.

The post Kelenic Finishes First Pro Regular Season Off Strong appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets spring training facility and the home to their Class-A affiliate the St. Lucie Mets has changed it’s name to First Data Field. The complex formerly known as Tradition Field, also serves as the home for the GCL Mets of the Gulf Coast League.

A new 10-year deal with First Data was announced by the Mets. First Data is a global payment technologies solutions company from Atlanta, Georgia.

“It is an exciting time for our organization to have a world-wide leader in their field such as First Data to be our new naming rights partner,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.

“First Data is going to be a terrific partner of ours for years to come and we are thrilled to have their name on our stadium.  All parties look forward to providing a great environment for Mets fans and the community.”

“We are proud to expand our partnership with the Mets, a world-class organization committed to winning on the diamond and providing an outstanding fan experience in the stands, whether at Citi Field or at First Data Field,” said Frank Bisignano, First Data Chairman and CEO.

“While we root for the Mets under the Florida sun, our payments technology will help to power commerce for the Mets and their legion of fans.”

First Data is one of the world’s leading commerce technology companies, powering more than two trillion dollars in payment transactions for six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions around the world.

Last season, First Data sponsored the “Veteran of the Game” at each Mets home game. As part of that program, a Mets player presented the selected veteran with an American flag that had flown over Citi Field.

First Data Field seats 7,000 fans. It was built in 1988 when the Mets moved their spring training operation to Port St. Lucie. The stadium was named Thomas J. White Stadium up until 2004 when Tradition acquired the naming rights for its first time. Tradition reacquired the naming rights in 2013.

First Data Field will host 18 spring training games in 2017. Opening Day is February 25th vs. the Washington Nationals.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Randazzo, Jim F.)

The post Mets Spring Training Home Renamed First Data Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

We’re chugging along and going into the final 14 of our very very long prospect list, and have come across a very old name that has been a top prospect since 2012. Gabriel Ynoa continues to take the long approach for our consideration as a top prospect, and we are very close to seeing the fruits of his labor. He is our #14.

No.14 Gabriel Ynoa, RHP

Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 160 B/T: R/R

Age: 5/26/1993 (22) Age Dif: -2.6

Acquired: International Free Agent, 2009 out of the Dominican Republic

Statistics AA – 25 G, 24 GS, 152.1 IP, 3.90 ERA, 157 H, 31 BB/82 K, .265 BAA

If you could describe Gabriel Ynoa with one word, it would be control. No, I don’t mean political control, or that remote you use to surf your channels. I’m talking true precision and control. Ynoa knows exactly where he wants the ball to go and then he just locates it there, no questions asked. In his career in the minor leagues, he has had a rate of 1.3 walks per 9 innings, which compared to any other of our other starters is truly incredible.

Signed in 2009 at the age of 16, and despite dominating the Dominican Summer League in 2010 with a 1.99 ERA, and doing well in Kingsport and Gulf Coast League in 2011, Ynoa burst onto the scene truly in Brooklyn in 2012 when he had a 2.23 ERA in 13 starts as a 19 year old. Armed with a fastball already in the low 90’s Ynoa was a hot commodity when he reached full season ball in Savannah and took full advantage of Old Grayson’s cavernous surroundings, posting a 2.72 ERA.

However, when he arrived to St. Lucie in 2014 he started to give up hits a-plenty, giving up 10.3 per 9 innings which in a pitcher’s league like the Florida State isn’t good. When he was promoted after 14 starts, he did a little worse, giving up a similar amount of hits and more runs. In 2015, he did a little better, giving up less hits and less earned runs but he struck out even less.

Gabriel Ynoa pitches now in the low to mid 90’s and bumps 96 at times. However, while the fastball will find any quadrant, it has found itself to be hittable. At times his changeup has graded out as plus, but it does not garner the swing and misses you’d like to see enough, nor do his curve or slider.

Ynoa has a lot to prove in general, posting mediocre ERA’s and giving up too many hits as of late. Not missing many bats either with it dwindling to 4.8 strikeouts in 9 innings. As that continues to drop, which it very well might when he takes his turn in Vegas’s dry heat, he might be not be viable for a starting role anymore despite the Mets’ insistence. However, if he can find his way to strike out more guys, he could keep his starting status and be one heck of a replacement for one of the big five should one go down for injury.

Ynoa had a good showing this spring in big league camp with a breaking ball that had more tilt on it than during the 2015 season. Maybe the mastermind Dan Warthen finally got to work with the young pitcher.

Previous prospects in the top 30:

#15 Ali Sanchez, #16 Luis Guillorme, #17 Chris Flexen, #18 Max Wotell, #19 Milton Ramos, #20 Akeel Morris

MMO Top 30 Prospects: #30-26

MMO Top 30 Prospects: #25-21

If you would like to see the rest of our series, please tune into MetsMinors.net where we covered the Top 80 Mets Prospects.

The post MMO Top 30 Prospects: No. 14 Gabriel Ynoa, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Rafael Montero tossed three scoreless innings on Monday, allowing just three hits while striking out four batters for the GCL Mets.

Montero continues to make progress as he seeks to return from a sore rotator cuff. He’s been out since April 29.

July 14

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports that Rafael Montero logged an inning of work in the Gulf Coast League on Tuesday.

Montero had been placed on the 15-day disabled list with “rotator cuff inflammation” back on April 30. At the time, Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins initially said it was “nothing serious.”

Montero was originally set to be sent down to Triple-A Las Vegas after his last start on April 18 against Miami, but that was rescinded and he was placed on the major league disabled list instead, accumulating major league service time.

In five games for the Mets this season (one start) Montero pitched 10 innings, allowing nine hits on five earned runs.

In his two starts for the 51’s this year, he pitched 7 and 2/3rd’s innings, with a 5.87 ERA.

The post Rafael Montero Tosses Three Scoreless Innings appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets wrapped up the 2015 Amateur Draft, finishing with 39 picks from rounds 2 through 40.

After forgoing their first round pick to sign Michael Cuddyer, the Mets were left with an MLB low $3,587,800 to spend on their picks, making getting high-upside picks much more difficult to acquire without some creativity.

What they did was go for college seniors early to gain more money to spend on higher upside players in rounds of 11 to 40.

Also unique of this draft was their selection of 10 lefty pitchers, from as early as the 3rd round, which was something that Sandy’s regime had not done before. Since 2011, they have drafted just 16 left-handed pitchers and not many were starters.

Here is the breakdown of positions chosen:

C: 3
2B: 1
3B: 2
SS: 1
OF: 4
RHP: 17
LHP: 10

In my recap, I’ll go through every pick and give as much information as I can, as well as commitments if they are a high school student, slot values,  likely destination, and signability.

2, 53: Desmond Lindsay, OF, Out-Of-Door Academy (FL), R/R, 6’0, 200, 1/15/97 $1,142,700

Mets’ first pick of out a relatively small school in Florida, he was a 1B/3B in high school, which were uncharacteristic positions, considering he has above-average to plus speed. He has great bat speed, and the potential for above-average to plus power, but has some swing and miss to his game as well.  His athletic ability will allow him to be used in center field, which is a new position to him, but he’s just 18, so he has time to learn the position. However, his arm is below average, so it won’t be a cannon from center.

While he is unranked on MLB’s top 200, he is ranked 102 on Baseball America’s top 500, and 71on Keith Law’s top 100, as well as 75 on Scout.com, so it’s not as much of a “reach” on the draft board. I’m not going to buy Depo’s “Hitting Machine” and “We got a first rounder in the second round”, however, until he swings a bat with authority in the Minors. Instead, I’ll label him High Risk, High Reward.

Why he slipped, considering his upside and value, however is because he had only played 7 games due to a hamstring injury, so while his upside is considerable, another perk of drafting someone like him gives the Mets the chance to pay him a below-slot bonus on a pre-draft deal and get creative with higher upside in the draft. As for Lindsay, I believe he’ll start at either Gulf Coast League or Kingsport, in the Appalachian League.

3, 88: Max Wotell, LHP, Marvin Ridge HS (NC), R/L, 6’3, 180, 9/13/96 $666,500

6’3” projectable lefthander with a funky delivery, who can run his fastball up to 93. He throws with a lowish arm slot, and has a curve he needs to improve, and feel for a changeup.

Said via Twitter that he’s ready to go, but we won’t know until someone reports the ink is dry. Gulf Coast League or Kingsport are his likely assignments, should he sign.

4, 119: David Thompson, 3B, Miami, R/R, 6’1, 220, 8/28/93 $474,800

Thompson has a lot of power, hitting 19 homers this past year with the University of Miami. However, he has not had a lot luck staying on the field, with two surgeries to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, depleting his throwing strength, as well as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which required him to  remove a rib.

This year, he was finally healthy, playing third base for the Hurricanes, but he does not figure to stay there due to his throwing arm, and instead move to the other corner of the diamond, or left field, where his plus power will play just fine. While he has plus power, there are some worries about his bat speed and whether or not he will catch up to premium velocity. He does have a good eye at the plate, however, and had more walks than strikeouts this year. Should he sign, he will likely bat cleanup in Brooklyn.

5, 149: Thomas Szapucki, LHP, William T. Dwyer HS (FL), R/L, 6’2, 190, 6/12/96, $355,500

High School lefty has a fastball that has reached 95, and stays steadily 92-93, with a slider that has a chance to be plus. His changeup also could be average. He struggles with control, but among young lefties, that is common. He does throw with a little effort, and from a low arm slot, making questions about his ability to stay a starter. Still a high-risk, high reward lefty. He lives near St. Lucie and has indicated that he is going to sign via Twitter. I’d bet on him being in the Gulf Coast League rotation.

6, 179: Chase Ingram, RHP, Hillsborough CC (FL), R/R, 6’3, 190, 4/17/95 $266,200

Righthanded pitcher out of Junior college, he has a fastball that reaches 92, but also a plus curve and an average changeup. He has usually pitched from the stretch, but has been a starter his entire career. He could be either a back of the rotation starter or a fast-moving reliever going forward. He has indicated he is signing via twitter

7, 209: Corey Taylor, RHP, Texas Tech, R/R, 6’1, 250, 1/8/93, $199,500

College senior who throws 91-95. He went 4-0, 0.31 era, but projects as a reliever. Likely signing, as a below-slot senior sign. He’ll fit in nicely in Savannah or Brooklyn’s bullpen.

8, 239: Patrick Mazeika, C, Stetson, L/R, 6’3, 210, 10/14/93 171,900

Career .348 hitter as a lefthander with some good patience at the plate. He might not be long for Catcher with an average arm and large frame for a Catcher. Likely signing, and you’ll see him at both 1B/C at Kingsport.

9, 269: Kevin Kaczmarski, OF, Evansville, L/R, 6’0, 190, 12/31/91 $160,700

Has minor league bloodlines with a father who played in the Padres’ farm system a few years in the 80’s. Kevin is a 5-year, redshirt senior who missed the season in 2011, and has never been drafted. While those aren’t in his favor, he is a good hitter, having a .465/.543/.746 line, and a solid gap-to-gap approach. He also gives the Mets flexibility to spend more in later rounds. He is probably signing, since he has no leverage, and could be an outfielder in Brooklyn.

10, 299: Witt Haggard, RHP, Delta State, R/R, 6’2, 205. 12/09/91 $150,000

Former walk-on quarterback at Missisippi who didn’t play in 2 seasons, and then transferred to Meridian Community College to play baseball, before moving to Delta State. He runs his fastball into the low 90’s but doesn’t have much control as a reliever, nor much experience due to playing football. He is likely another guy saving them money signing below slot so they can go after more upside later in the draft. He is probably slated for Kingsport.

11, 329: Jake Simon, LHP, Galveston Ball HS (TX), L/L, 6’2, 175, 1/21/97

A lefty with a chance to fill out and gain velocity, he sits 87-89 right now. He also has feel for a changeup and a breaking ball. He however, might be hard to sign, as he has a commitment to Rice. Should the Mets give him a nice bonus, he could be going to Kingsport or Gulf Coast League

12, 359: Joe Shaw, RHP, Dallas Baptist, R/R, 6’4, 240, 12/20/93

As a college reliever, before, Shaw showed a plus fastball around 96-97, but that dropped significantly when he was converted to a starter for his junior year, and was instead throwing 88-92, with the occasional 93-94. His breaking ball and changeup are iffy at best, so he might be a reliever going forward. Definitely seems signable, and would probably be heading to the Brooklyn Cyclones.

13, 389: PJ Conlon, LHP, San Diego, L/L, 6’0, 175, 11/11/93

A soft-tossing lefty with a good slow curve who will likely sign and dominate the New York-Penn League

14, 419: Vincent Siena, 2B, Connecticut, R/R, 5’10, 190, 12/24/93

Had an inconsistent career at Uconn, starting out with a season over .300, and then struggled in the cape league, and then as a sophomore, before hitting .362/.424/.519 as a Junior, with 7 homers. He has above-average bat speed and is a good gap hitter, and if he had performed in his sophomore year, probably would have been drafted much earlier. He also has a plus arm, and could play 2nd, 3rd, or the outfield. Should he sign, he should be slated for Brooklyn.

15, 449: Thomas Hackimer, RHP, St. John’s, R/R, 5’11, 190, 6/28/94

Converted shortstop who pitches from a side-arm slot, that gets up to 91 miles per hour. He has a good slider that’s an asset. He could be a fast-rising reliever. He could be signable, and would probably have an advanced assignment in the minors.

16, 479: Dillon Becker, RHP, Angelo State, R/R, 6’3, 225, 4/21/94

Don’t have much info on his stuff, but he is a college reliever with good college stats. He seems signable, and would likely be heading to Brooklyn or Kingsport.

17, 509: Sixto Torres, LHP, Faith Baptist Christian HS (FL), L/L, 6’4, 220, 3/31/96

Lefty that sits in the low 90’s and hits 94, with even more in the tank. His slider could become plus and change could likely be average or better in offerings. His command could be inconsistent, but that is expected. Although he is committed to Alabama State, people have considered him signable, and the Mets will likely give some of that extra bonus to this high-upside lefty.

18, 539: Jordan Humphreys, RHP, Crystal River HS (FL), R/R, 6’1, 190, 6/11/96

Don’t have much info on him except that he throws in the low 90’s. Not sure how signable he is.

19, 569: Nic Enright, RHP, The Steward School (VA), R/R, 6’3, 205, 1/8/97

A guy who was ranked at MLB.com at #132 and Baseball America at #231, who lost draft standing because his usual 94 mile per hour fastball, and above average curve didn’t show up last spring. He is committed to Virginia Tech and seems unlikely to sign.

20, 599: Thomas McIlraith, RHP, Oklahoma JR, R/R, 6’4, 185, 2/17/94

Not much info on him, but struggled out of the pen at Oklahoma. Seems signable, likely Kingsport-bound.

21, 629: Taylor Henry, LHP, Centenary, L/L, 6’2, 185, 7/6/93

Senior Lefty Reliever with good stats, definitely signable.

22, 659: Nick Blackburn, RHP, Illinois JR, R/R, 6’2, 205, 7/10/94

A righty college reliever with solid stats and only 20 innings under his belt. Seems unsure whether or not he will sign.

23, 689: Kenneth Bautista, OF, Puerto Rico BB Academy, R/R, 6’3, 210, 8/7/97

Large kid from Carolina, Puerto Rico with some great power potential. Really glad to see the team is drafting more Puerto Ricans players. He could be signable, and if so, will likely go to the Gulf Coast League.

24, 719: Jordan Verdon, 3B, Granite Hills HS (CA), L/R, 6’3, 190, 1/7/97

A good hitter with a nice left-handed stroke and some good power potential. Unlikely the team will buy him out of a San Diego State commitment.

25, 749: Dylan King, RHP, Riverdale HS (TN), R/R, 6’3, 190, 12/5/96

Not much information, but has touched 91 in the past, and is a Belmont University Commit, so he could sign and head to Kingsport or Gulf Coast League.

26, 779: Shane McClanahan, LHP, Cape Coral HS (FL), L/L, 6’1, 165, 4/28/97

Thanks to a growth spurt that shot him up 8 inches in the last year and a half, he gained velocity that took him from pitching in the mid-80’s, to 90-94, with more in the tank. He also has a potentially plus curve, and good changeup. He is committed to University to South Florida, but will go pro, based on the dollar amount.

27, 809: Jake Higginbotham, LHP, Buford HS (GA), L/L, 6’0, 175, 1/11/96

A lefthander that throws in the high-80’s, to low 90’s, and could add more strength, and has a curve and change that could be at least average offerings. His control is above average, but he is committed to Clemson, with some possible leverage of being eligible for the draft again in his sophomore year. Signing remains unlikely. Nice Name

28, 839: Anthony Dimino, C, Belmont Abbey SR, L/R, 5’11, 180, 8/5/93

Not much information except that he hit .452 this past year, but has indicated that he is signing. Likely headed for Brooklyn.

29, 869: Seth Davis, LHP, Augustana, SR L/L, 5’10, 185, 5/8/93

Left-handed Starter, senior, likely going to sign.

30, 899: Jackson Wark, RHP, Bellerose Composite HS (AB), L/R, 6’6, 215, 5/23/97

Tall, projectable Canadian high school pitcher who already reaches the high-80’s. Gulf Coast League possibility. He is committed to Saint Louis University.

31, 929: Tanner Dodson, RHP, Jesuit HS (CA), R/R, 6’1, 160, 5/9/97

Not signing, as tweeted last night.

32, 959: Dustin Beggs, RHP, Kentucky, R/R, 6’3, 180, 6/14/93

College Senior who throws in the high-80’s to low 90’s, with an above average curve, as well as a slider and change, and great location and deception. He’s a senior so he’s definitely signable, and could possibly go to Savannah.

33, 989: Brendan Illies, C, Puyallup HS (WA), R/R, 6’0, 195, 9/28/96

Very smart catcher with plus defensive skils, and a feel to hitting with some power. However, at the 33rd round, with a University of North Carolina commitment, he is probably not going to sign.

34, 1019, LT Tolbert, SS, IMG Academy (FL), L/R, 6’3, 175, 6/7/96

A line drive hitter with a decent left-handed stroke, who has some good power projection. However, committed to University of South Carolina, and it will be very hard to buy him out of that.

35, 1049: George Thanopoulos, RHP, Columbia, R/R, 6’1, 205, 1/18/93

14 G, 13 GS, 75.2 IP, 69 H, 31 ER, 28 BB, 68 K, 3.69 ERA in Ivy League Baseball this year as a senior.

36, 1079: Anthony Gordon, OF, Terra Nova HS (CA), L/R, 6’3, 185, 8/28/97

No information available on this guy, if he signs, he goes to the Gulf Coast League.

37, 1109: Geoff Hartlieb, RHP, Lindenwood, R/R, 6’6, 210, 12/9/93

Tall Redshirt Sophomore with a College Senior’s age. Signable.

38, 1139: Jacob Wyrick, LHP, Cleveland State CC, L/L, 6’0, 165, 11/14/95

Youngish lefty community college starter. Unsure about him being signable or not.

39, 1169: Chad Luensmann, RHP, Bellwood Antis HS (PA), L/R, 6’3, 208, 2/4/97

Has a heavy 88-90 Fastball and a funky delivery, and a sharp slider, and a slow curve and changeup. He is committed to the University of Nebraska.

40, 1199: Nick Conti, 2B, Dr. Phillips HS (FL), R/R, 5’9, 160, 2/14/97

Grandson of Guy Conti, with good defense. Unsure about commitment or signabilty.

The post Mets 2015 Draft Analysis: The Year of the Lefty appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

4:30 PM

A Mets farmhand suffered a serious injury in a Gulf Coast League game today. Dominican native Manuel Hilario was injured on a play where he over slid second base and was hit in the head when colliding with the opposing player covering the bag.

Hilario, 22, was unconscious for several minutes before he went into a seizure on the field. He was dazed and did not know where he was once he regained consciousness.

There have been several unconfirmed reports from bystanders that were in attendance however we don’t feel it is appropriate to report on that until we have more information.

Hilario was airlifted to a nearby hospital where they are running further tests on him. The game was suspended indefinitely in the wake of this horrible incident.

Mets VP Paul DePodesta said he could not yet share details other than to say he’s at the hospital, and they’re running further tests on him.

We at Metsmerized wish him a safe and speedy recovery. 

The post Manuel Hilario In Good Spirits, Could Be Discharged Saturday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets have finally completed the Ike Davis trade, acquiring left-handed pitching prospect Blake Taylor from the Pirates.

Taylor, 18, was selected by the Pirates in the second round (51st overall) last year, signing exactly a year from today. Draft picks cannot be traded until a year after they sign, meaning Taylor had to stay with the Pirates until today. The Mets also acquired right-handed pitcher Zack Thornton in the trade.

In 21 innings in the Gulf Coast League last season, Taylor has a 2.57 ERA while walking 9 batters and striking out 13 in his first professional experience. Pirates Prospects ranked Taylor as the system’s 16th best prospect this offseason. Here’s what else they had to say about him:

Overall Taylor has a good fastball with the frame to add velocity and one day sit in the low-to-mid 90s. He has the makings of a plus curveball to pair with that fastball.

He’s going to need work on his fastball command and changeup. Those are two big priorities in the lower levels of the Pirates system, so it’s likely he will spend the next few years focused on improving those two pitches. If he can improve in those two areas, he’s got the upside to at least be a middle of the rotation starter.

Reports indicate Taylor was a raw prospect coming out of high school, as his assignment to the Gulf Coast League would suggest. He will be sent to the Gulf Coast League again this season.

(Photo: Dana Point Times)

The post Mets Acquire LHP Blake Taylor From Pirates To Complete Ike Davis Trade appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

I thought I’d give everyone an updated status on the players that we have drafted. I have found who has signed on, and who I feel might not sign, or is a possibility. If you want to know about these draft picks, you can click here to go to my previous post, which has information on almost all 40 draft picks.

Round 1: OF Michael Conforto, College, Jr

Close to signing

Round 3: SS Milton Ramos, HS

Signed, Per Adam Rubin

Round 4: 3B Eudor Garcia-Pacheco, Community College

Close, Per Adam Rubin

Round 5: RHP Josh Prevost

Signed

Round 6: C Tyler Moore, College JR

Signed, on Brooklyn Roster

Round 7: LHP Brad Wieck College JR

Signed, on Brooklyn Roster.

Round 8: 1B Dash Winningham, HS

Signed, Headed to Gulf Coast League

Round 9: OF/1B Michael Katz, College JR

Signed

Round 10: LHP Kelly Secrest, College Senior

Signed

Rd 11: RHP Connor Buchmann, College Jr

Signed

Rd 12: RHP Alex Durham, HS

Signed

Rd 13 RHP Eric Manoah, HS

Signed, Headed to Gulf Coast League

Rd 14: C Daryl Knight, College Jr

Signed

Rd 15: RHP Gabriel Llanes, HS

Signed

Rd 16: LHP Joel Huertas, HS

Possible, no college commitment works in our favor

Rd 17: LHP David Roseboom College Senior

Signed

Rd 18: OF Raphael Ramirez HS

Unsure

Rd 19: RHP Bryce Beeler, College JR

Signed

Round 20: RHP James Duff, College JR

Signed

Round 21: Luke Bonfield, OF, HS

Indicated indecision

Round 22: William Fulmer, 2B, College Senior

Signed

Round 23: RHP Richard Moesker, HS

Possible, Committed to Miami-Dade CC

Round 24: RHP Tyler Badamo, College Senior

Signed

Round 25: RHP Nicco Blank, JR College

Signed

Round 26: C Tommy Pincin, HS

Unlikely

Round 27: RHP Alex Palsha, College Senior

Signed

Round 28: RHP Keaton McKinney, HS

Asking for 7 figures

Round 29: RHP Matt Blackham, College JR

Signed

Round 30: Tucker Tharp, OF, College Senior

Signed, headed to Brooklyn.

Round 31: LHP Kurtis Horne, HS

No

Round 32: RHP Chris Glover, HS

Possible

Round 33: RHP Brady Puckett, HS

Tweeted no

Round 34: C Jordan Hand, HS

Would need a large bonus to pry him away from Cal State Fullerton

Round 35: RHP Jonathan Teaney, HS

Doubt it

Round 36: RHP Garett King, HS

No idea.

Round 37: SS Tristan Gray, HS

Unlikely


Round 38: RHP Kyle Dunster, HS

Probably not, Committed to Boston College.

Round 39: CF Arnaldo Berrios, HS

Yet to be seen, hope so


Round 40: SS Dale Burdick, HS

Committed to Mississippi State, it’ll take a lot of money.

The post Official MMO Draft Tracker appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

DePodesta touched on many players while addressing the state of the farm system, but one name of particular interest to me was righthander Marcos Molina.

Molina, who turns just 19 today, has caught the attention of scouts and writers alike after his solid performance for the Mets of the Gulf Coast League in 2013. For his efforts he was recently named the Mets’ 10th best prospect by Baseball Prospectus.

Here’s what DePo had to say about the 6’3 Dominican native:

“We signed [Molina] in January 2012, down in the Dominican Republic, another guy who’s a super-good athlete, also repeats his delivery well. At the time, he had a nice little sinker, showed some feel for the baseball. But it wasn’t big power or anything like that. Since then, he’s continued to grow. Last year in the Gulf Coast League he was up to 96 miles per hour, typically pitching at 92, 94, has a feel for three pitches.”

“His numbers weren’t off the charts last year. There was some inconsistency. There would be times that he would have one rough inning and then cruise through the rest of the outing. So his outing might look like five innings, three runs, four strikeouts, but most of it was done in one inning. And at other times he was dominant. We had some scouts who saw him during the course of the summer—amateur scouts—who told us that if he had been a high school player he would have been a first-round pick in 2013.

“He’s still a long way off, obviously. He’s only pitched in the Gulf Coast League, but the foundation is there for a pretty good prospect.”

The Mets have had plenty success internationally in recent years, especially with Dominican pitchers. Players like Rainy Lara, Gabriel Ynoa, Domingo Tapia, and Luis Mateo have added to a stable of pitching prospects that already includes Jenrry Mejia, Rafael Montero and Jeurys Familia. It appears Molina has thrown his name into that ring as well. It’ll be interesting to see how Molina continues to develop as he moves up the ranks.

The post Mets May Have Unearthed Another Gem In Molina appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

15. Michael Fulmer

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Overshadowed by Oklahoma high schoolers Archie Bradley and Dylan Bundy at the time, Michael Fulmer was taken in the supplemental first round of the 2011 draft. He’s a big kid weighing in at 200 lbs. and standing at 6’3” with room to fill out. His fastball already sits in the low to mid 90’s and as he gets older and stronger, he could certainly add some more velocity. His slider has the potential to be an above average major league offering but his changeup will ultimately determine if he ends up a starter or reliever. It is below average as of now but he’s still just 20 years old so there’s room for it to develop into a major league average pitch.

Last season, after just 2 starts in the Gulf Coast League, the Mets sent Fulmer to play full season ball in St. Lucie. Across both levels, he pitched to a 3.33 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. His K:BB ratio (42:19) suggests that his control could use some work but as of right now, it’s not nearly anything to worry about as he is still a very raw prospect. Just be glad that the strikeouts are there already.

Outlook: He’ll most likely start the year in St. Lucie, but if he finds success, there’s an outside chance he could move up to AA by the end of the season. If all goes well with Fulmer, he’ll likely inherit the ‘top power arm’ status of the organization once Noah Syndergaard graduates. His fastball and slider have the chance to be at least above average pitches which would be enough to excel in the bullpen, especially with his bulldog mentality. If he can develop his changeup into at least an average offering and improve his command, his ceiling could be as high as a number 2 or 3 starter. This is a big year for Fulmer because if he improves on his success from last season, his name will start to ring out and he could find himself as a top 10 prospect by the start of next season.

25. Wilfredo Tovar, SS

24. Juan Centeno, C

23. Cory Mazzoni, RHP

22. Jeff Walters, RHP

21. Jack Leathersich, LHP

20. Luis Mateo, RHP

19. Jayce Boyd, 1B

18. Domingo Tapia, RHP

17. Gabriel Ynoa, RHP

16. Vic Black, RHP

15. Michael Fulmer, RHP

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The post 2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 15 Michael Fulmer, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.