Bubby Rossman had dreams of reaching the majors someday. He just never anticipated it would come as a pitcher.

The California native was an outfielder while playing at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he displayed a strong arm. He recorded seven assists in right field his senior year, which culminated in winning a Division II Rawlings West Region Gold Glove Award.

Rossman, 30, got the chance to pitch a few innings in college. His strong arm in right translated to sitting in the low-90s on the mound, enticing major league clubs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Rossman in the 22nd round of the 2014 MLB Draft. While some clubs were interested in drafting Rossman as a position player with the idea of transitioning him to the mound if his offense didn’t translate, the Dodgers only wanted Rossman to pitch.

In his first full season with the organization in 2015, the right-hander made 29 appearances out of the pen for their Single-A affiliate, posting a 2.26 ERA with a strikeout rate of 24.1% and inducing ground balls at a 51.1% clip.

Following a triceps injury in which Rossman’s velocity was slow to return, the Dodgers released Rossman near the end of the 2016 season.

Thus began a five-year journey of keeping his dreams of making the majors alive by playing in several independent leagues, including in Canada and Mexico.

Rossman sought out the tutelage of renowned tech-driven baseball outlets such as Driveline, Tread Athletics and Beimel Elite Athletics (co-founded by former major league reliever Joe Beimel). It was at these facilities that Rossman fine-tuned his pitch design, pitch usage and offspeed stuff.

He got his second opportunity in affiliated ball in 2022, when the Philadelphia Phillies signed Rossman to a minor league deal. In a combined 44 games between their Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, Rosman posted a 4.11 ERA, 27.4 strikeout percentage and 14.1 swinging strike percentage over 70 innings pitched.

On July 13, 2022, a 30-year-old Rossman finally made his major league debut, appearing in the eighth for the Phillies against the Toronto Blue Jays on the road. Rossman replaced Kyle Gibson on the roster, one of four Phillies who were placed on the restricted list who did not meet Canada’s Covid-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers.

Rossman allowed a leadoff walk to Alejandro Kirk, followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Teoscar Hernández. Rossman regained his composure and retired the next three batters on nine pitches, including recording his first career strikeout against Matt Chapman on a 99-miles per hour fastball.

Following the 2022 season, Rossman was a free agent and looking for his next chance in affiliated ball. He committed to play on Team Israel for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a chance to represent his Jewish heritage while also using the tournament as a potential showcase for interested teams.

The hard-throwing righty made two appearances in the tournament, facing tough lineups in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. In total, Rossman tossed two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out three. He averaged 96.9 miles per hour on his four-seam fastball in the tournament, and touched 99.

Rossman parlayed his impressive performance for Team Israel into a minor league contract with the New York Mets. Afforded another opportunity in affiliated ball, Rossman is appreciative and eager to continue living out his childhood dreams.

Resiliency at its finest.

I had the privilege of speaking to Rossman after signing with the Mets, where he discussed playing multiple sports as a kid, working with Driveline and Tread Athletics and getting to pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

MMO: Who were some of your favorite players growing up?

Rossman: I was never a pitcher growing up. I grew up playing third base, so my favorite player was Chipper Jones because I was a switch hitter. My favorite outfielders, once I converted, were Ryan Braun and Bryce Harper.

MMO: Your father, Charley Rossman, is an actor. What was it like growing up with an actor as a dad?

Rossman: His biggest movie was “Superbad,” and that came out my freshman year of high school. Everyone came up to me and was asking me questions and stuff like that. I think that’s when it kind of blew up.

I’ve been in two baseball commercials in the past few years too. I was in a StubHub commercial in 2017 and Bank of America in 2020, just a small baseball commercial. His agent knows I play baseball and would say, “Audition for this baseball commercial.” They would find out that I actually play baseball, and it became an easy hire.

Everyone always asks about him, so it’s a good conversation starter. He’s met a lot of A-list celebrities. It’s obviously cool, but I’ve never met any. [Laughs.] He always tells me stories, though.

MMO: Your birth name is Charles Rossman III. Where did “Bubby” come from?

Rossman: It originated from Bubby Brister, an NFL quarterback in the nineties for the Steelers and Broncos. Because I’m the third, my dad’s nickname growing up was Buddy and my grandpa’s was Bud, so it was always Big Bud, Little Bud.

My parents were watching football and saw Brister, and my mom’s like, “That’s a close name to yours. Why don’t we just call him that?” That stuck since I was a baby.

I don’t think my parents thought it was going to last this long. Having Jewish heritage and bubbe meaning grandma in Yiddish is a play on words, I guess.

I can’t complain about that, but it’s obviously super weird that I introduce myself as Bubby to new people. Some don’t even know my real name is Charles that I’ve known for years working out in the offseason. They think my real name is Bubby. It’s funny when they’re like, “Who’s Charles?” [Laughs.]

MMO: You were a multi-sport athlete growing up. Did you have a favorite to play?

Rossman: My parents threw me in every sport possible growing up. I think the only sport I never played was lacrosse. I did swimming, football, soccer, basketball and ice hockey.

I’d say my best sport growing up was definitely ice hockey and then baseball. Once the physical aspect of it started adding up when I got older, I had a late growth spurt, so I literally went from the first line to the fourth line. It sort of killed my drive for ice hockey by just not playing as much.

I didn’t know I was going to be this big or I probably would’ve stuck with ice hockey honestly; just the physical aspect of it would’ve been a lot easier for me. But you can’t go wrong. To make the big leagues playing baseball, [I] can’t complain anymore.

MMO: You mentioned that you were an outfielder, and that’s where you primarily played while in college. Did you ever envision that you’d make pro ball as a pitcher instead of position player?

Rossman: If you would’ve told me when I was in college or high school that I would’ve been a pitcher in pro ball, I would’ve been like, ‘I’m going to find a new sport.’ [Laughs.] I’ve pitched before, and my arm was sore for a week, so it was not fun.

I would throw guys out from the outfield my sophomore/junior years, and I won a Gold Glove my senior year just from my outfield assists. They (coaches) were like, “Let’s throw you on the mound, we have a couple pitchers redshirting.” I was like, ‘I might as well if I only have to throw one inning every now and then.’

I hit 90 my first time on the mound, and then I think I was low-90s in the six or seven innings that I pitched in. I had no idea how to throw an offspeed pitch or anything like that, but scouts were interested, and I got drafted by the Dodgers.

There were a couple of teams that wanted to draft me as a hitter and were going to give me a couple of years, and if it didn’t work out then I can switch to pitching. I was all about that, but I got drafted by the Dodgers, and they wanted me to pitch right away. I was like, ‘Okay, great. Let’s see how this goes.’

I had an up-and-down first year, and then once I focused on it and had my first offseason, I put up pretty good numbers in my first full season. I was like, ‘This is something that I can actually do.’

Obviously, the last five or six years learning a whole bunch of stuff, just how to prepare and what works for me, and getting better every season. I just got my third [professional] contract with the Mets, so can’t complain about that.

MMO: You brought up the difficulties of throwing offspeed pitches. Would you say that was the toughest transition going from a position player to pitcher?

Rossman: There was a lot going on. I remember the first outing I had I did really good where I went 1-2-3. Then that second outing I gave up a couple of hits, and I was just like, ‘I have no idea how to hold guys.’

I was playing my first night game under the lights, and my heart sped up ten times. I gave up a couple of runs and got out of it eventually. That was not fun for that first actual stressful pitching situation.

In terms of the offspeed pitches, this is my ninth year pitching, and I’d say the last couple of years were the first time I was comfortable throwing my offspeed pitches. It was usually a struggle of what kind of pitch I need to throw, if I should throw a slider, curveball, changeup, split and always messing around with those.

The last year or two was the first time where I was confident in locating my offspeed [stuff] and throwing it way more. I think my first couple of years with the Dodgers I was throwing 90 percent fastballs. It’s definitely gone down to an average of 60-to-70 percent where I know I can throw that slider or changeup five or six times; double, triple, quadruple up on it if I have to.

MMO: Were the offspeed pitches something you worked on when you were with Driveline and Tread Athletics?

Rossman: Yeah. I was throwing a curveball for three years, and right before I went to spring training with the Phillies, I went to Tread for a week and they were like, “Your curveball’s good but you’re not throwing it hard enough. Try this slider.”

They gave me a grip and I tossed a few and they were in the low-to-mid eighties. They said, “This is going to play way better.” I trusted them, and the whole spring training I threw it.

In the first outing, I struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with it, and I’m like, ‘Okay, this is a pitch that can definitely play once I get more comfortable with it and can throw it where I want to.’

This was the first offseason throwing with it. In the World Baseball Classic, I threw it a lot and did pretty good with it; got a strikeout and a lot of weak contact with it. It’s definitely a pitch that’s been improved in the last year where I kind of was never really confident in throwing a curveball or slider in my first seven or eight years playing pro ball.

MMO: At what point did you work with Driveline?

Rossman: I was with them in 2018. It’s pretty funny because Kyle Rogers and Eric Jagers are coaches [with the Mets], and they were my two coaches when I was there in 2018.

Today (Sunday, March 19) was my first official practice, and I got to see them and give them a hug. It was a little five-year homecoming. It’s pretty awesome how it came around full circle.

MMO: Can you talk about some specific work you did while with Driveline?

Rossman: I actually did pitch design a couple of times with Eric when I was there. I don’t think I ever threw on a Rapsodo before that offseason, and learning about what my pitches did was super interesting. It’s pretty common now, but when I was with the Dodgers, I don’t think we did it one time. And now, with some teams, you can’t throw if you’re not on Rapsodo.

I always knew I had a good fastball, and the numbers showed, so I didn’t really have to mess around with it. But definitely messed around with a lot of those offspeed pitches when I was there and some mechanical issues and stuff I needed to improve on.

Every pitcher has some mechanical deficiencies, so I’m just trying to be more consistent where I don’t actually have to think about it when I’m on the mound. Just be confident in my stuff.

MMO: I read that you also sought out tutelage from both Tom House and former reliever Joe Beimel.

Rossman: I’ve been with Joe Beimel’s place in L.A., that’s where I usually train in the offseason when I’m in L.A. I did work with Tom House for a couple of years in San Diego, too. I’m still using some Driveline techniques, Tom House techniques and all of the stuff I like and do it in my pre-routine every day.

MMO: The number of tech-driven outlets you’ve utilized in your development is pretty impressive.

Rossman: Yeah. I’ve been with Tread for the last couple of years and I like them just because they’re kind of a more customized program for me. That’s why I stuck with them the last couple of years.

It’s awesome just to get to work with some of the best and biggest names out there. A lot of guys can’t say they’ve done that.

MMO: After your release from the Dodgers, you went on to play for five seasons both nationally and internationally. What kept you motivated to continue chasing your baseball dream?

Rossman: Seeing some teammates get that second chance in affiliate ball, I knew that I always was good enough to get a second opportunity. That’s kind of what I wanted to do, to just get another chance with an affiliate and prove that I belong there. That’s pretty much my biggest goal.

It was a grind; it wasn’t fun playing indy ball for all those years. [Laughs.] I’m sure everyone has a story of, not how bad you’re treated, but it’s not a billion-dollar company that you’re working for. There’s a lot of pizza and hot dogs for food every day. There’s no such thing as nutrition in indy ball, it’s go on the dollar menu and save up your money from the offseason.

It was obviously fun just traveling and meeting a bunch of new guys and playing baseball all over the U.S. and Canada and Mexico.

MMO: During that period, were you only pitching? Or did you also play the field?

Rossman: There was a couple of times where I played the field just because of an injury or they didn’t have enough guys. But for the most part, it was just pitching.

MMO: You have your own website, where you list your stats, career bio and scouting videos. When did you create that site?

Rossman: I’m pretty sure it was during Covid. I was just trying to get my name out there, and have a website where I could send scouts to where I don’t actually have to email them. I could just give them my website and just click on it and view.

MMO: I read that you put together a highlights video and that your agent sent that out to teams, and that’s how the Phillies came to sign you to a minor league deal for the 2022 season. Is that right?

Rossman: Yeah, my agent actually sent it to their front office because he was friends with someone there. They sent it to their scouts, and they decided to bring me in for a spring invite but said there was no guarantee.

I pitched well in spring training, and then they sent me to Double-A.

MMO: What are your memories from your major league debut on July 13, 2022?

Rossman: It was very surprising just because I got called on an off day. The first day was not fun going to Toronto because there were five-to-six hours of flight delays and a flight canceled. That first day, I didn’t even get there until game time. I just met everyone and watched the game.

I hadn’t thrown for a couple of days because we had an off day and I pitched three innings on Friday, so I took it light those next couple of days.

I threw after the game in Toronto. They kept the lights on for me, and I talked to Rob Thomson and he said they were going to activate me and hopefully get me in the game tomorrow. I was like, ‘Zack Wheeler’s pitching, there’s no chance.’ [Laughs.]

He didn’t have his A-game that day, and I got to pitch in that last inning. It was a great time! My dad and brother were able to come out and watch me.

It wasn’t a typical flight and all that stuff, it wasn’t perfect. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. That’s what you grow up wanting to be is a professional baseball player in MLB. It’s awesome that I can say that for the rest of my life.

MMO: Finally getting the call that you were going to the majors must have been so surreal, especially given all you went through to get to that moment.

Rossman: It was awesome! When I got the call, I thought I had an asthma attack even though I don’t have asthma. I literally could not breathe and was breathing through my mouth. It was pretty funny. Then I got to call all my friends and family. It was an awesome experience.

MMO: Talk to me about your recent play with Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. What was that overall experience and atmosphere like?

Rossman: We flew into Miami and then went to Jupiter and met everyone. There were a few guys that I played with in Italy for the European Championships a couple of years ago, so it wasn’t like I was going in there not knowing anyone. It was pretty awesome to see Joc [Pederson], who I worked out with in the offseason when I was with the Dodgers, and Garrett Stubbs, who caught me in my debut, and being teammates with them and a few other guys that I played with.

It’s kind of funny, the first day walking into loanDepot park and meeting everyone and scrimmaging them the next day, and did pretty good in that scrimmage. Went to Miami and it was the loudest stadium I think I ever heard in my life! It was a ninety percent Latin crowd and ten percent Jewish crowd, which was obviously not what you wanted to see, but playing in Miami, that’s what you’d expect.

I did not think it was going to be that loud, which was probably the most awesome baseball scene that I could have imagined in my lifetime. It was literally like pitching in the World Series, which is what you could compare it to.

It was awesome getting to face some of the biggest stars for Dominican and Venezuela and getting them out. That was able to give me a contract. The Mets called the next day, my agent negotiated with them and got the deal done in 24 hours, and the next morning I flew out to Port St. Lucie. It was a quick 48 hours after we got eliminated, but [I’m] glad to be here.

MMO: It’s awesome that players get to represent their countries for the WBC, but another big draw has to be for free agents to get the opportunity to showcase their stuff on a big stage. Duque Hebbert, a pitcher for Nicaragua, also got signed to a minor league deal with a major league club (Detroit Tigers).

Rossman: I think I did pretty good with the Phillies last year, and I thought they were going to re-sign me, or another team would. There were a few that were interested and never pulled the trigger, which was disappointing.

In terms of the World Baseball Classic, every player wants to play in the World Series, but every team won’t get there. I heard Mike Trout compare it to the best he’s ever played under.

Mike Trout. Photo via MLB/Team USA

It was an awesome experience to say that you got to play with some superstars and future Hall of Famers and compete against the very best. That’s what you want to do as a pro athlete is prove that you can hang with those kind of guys who are making millions of dollars.

MMO: Is it true that you met Cody Decker and Ty Kelly in 2019, and they gave you some guidance in terms of playing for Team Israel?

Rossman: Yeah. I’m pretty sure Cody Decker is a part owner of Beimel Athletics. Decker, Kelly and Zack Weiss, I met all of them at Beimel’s facility.

Cody Decker was trying to help me get on Team Israel a few years ago, and was vouching for me. I was trying to get on the Olympic team for 2020, but they said the roster was full. A lot of the guys retired after that, which is how I was able to get on the team like a month later.

I know they’re playing in Prague for the European Championships at the end of September this year, but I don’t know the conflict being with the Mets. Obviously, the goal is to be in the big leagues. The goal is to not be playing in Prague at that time. [Laughs.] It’s to be helping the Mets make a playoff push.

MMO: Thanks so much for some time, Bubby. Best of luck this season.

Rossman: I appreciate it.

The post MMO Exclusive: Reliever, Bubby Rossman appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Ed Delaney, MMO

Good morning, Mets fans!

Kodai Senga said that he’s confident that he could pitch through the tendinitis in his index finger right now, but he’s being cautious. Senga was scratched from his start on Saturday because of the injury. Buck Showalter said that if this were the regular season, Senga likely would have made the start.

Kodai Senga is confident that he could pitch now if needed, but he's being cautious as he deals with tendinitis at the base of his index finger: pic.twitter.com/MN68xwpmBt

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 12, 2023

WBC Scores

Japan 7, Australia 1

Italy 7, Netherlands 1

• Former Met Matt Harvey: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 K, W

Israel 3, Nicaragua 1

• Former Met Ty Kelly: 0-for-1, BB
• Former Met Robert Stock: 1 IP, 2 K, SV

Canada 18, Great Britain 8 (F/7)

Venezuela 9, Puerto Rico 6

• Francisco Lindor: 1-for-4, R
• Former Met Javier Báez: 0-for-4, RBI
• Eduardo Escobar: 0-for-5
• Former Met Andrés Giménez: 2-for-5
• Former Met Hector Santiago: 2 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 K

Mexico 11, USA 5

• Pete Alonso: 0-for-4, 2 K
• Jeff McNeil: 1-for-4
• Adam Ottavino: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB 1 K
• Former Met Aaron Loup: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Australia 8, Czech Republic 3

Latest Mets News

The Mets fell in their spring training contest with the Rays, 10-4. Carlos Carrasco pitched four innings, allowing four hits (two home runs) and two earned runs, walking none and striking out four. The Mets had two players leave the game due to injuries. Starling Marte exited the game early after getting hit in the helmet by an Elvin Rodriguez fastball. His initial test showed he was negative for a concussion.

Bryce Montes de Oca‘s velocity was down noticeably, and he walked three straight batters before leaving the game with the trainer. Showalter said the hard-throwing righty will undergo imaging on his forearm area.

The Mets have placed Rule 5 Draft pick Zach Greene on outright waivers. He’s struggled this spring, allowing seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. If he clears waivers, the Mets will have to offer him back to the Yankees for $50,000.

After a disappointing 2021, Jeff McNeil thought he wouldn’t be on the Mets in 2021. He spoke with Tim Healey of Newsday on how he bounced back in 2022.

Latest MLB News

Justin Turner spoke to reporters on Sunday, saying he’s progressing well after getting hit in the face by a pitch last week.

“I got pretty lucky, all things considered. Every day, I’ve been getting a little bit better. I actually got the last of the stitches removed today and starting to do some baseball activities, so that’s encouraging,” Turner said.

Craig Stammen suffered a torn and strained the subscapula in his right shoulder on Friday, and he told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that his playing days are likely over. Stammen was able to pitch at the end of the 2022 season after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection. This latest injury would sideline Stammen for four-to-six months if he opted not to undergo surgery.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer looks at the battle for the final spots in the Mets’ bullpen.

Anthony Gabbianelli recaps the Mets’ loss to the Rays.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Endy Chávez hits a two-run homer, the second he’s hit in as many days, as Venezuela downs Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic, 6-0.

Birthdays: Terry Leach (69), Jorge Fabregas (53), Johan Santana (44)

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Mets fans, an all-new episode is here!

This week Mike and I are joined by former Mets utility man, Ty Kelly!

We had some great discussions with Ty about his time in New York and being the last Met with a postseason hit, the announcement of the minor league players union, playing in the World Baseball Classic and Olympics for team Israel, and more!

How surprised was Kelly over the news of the minor league union? Very, but in a great way:

“It’s incredible, but also very surprising to me [that it happened so soon]. Before last year I remember people asking when I thought the guys would get housing, and I was like maybe in a couple of years it will happen and they will come around on it, and it was like boom they’re getting housing next year. Then earlier this year if you would have asked me when the minors would be unionized I would have said hopefully in five years from now we can start to get everyone together and get on the same page, and then boom again it’s just happening all at once now…it’s truly crazy.”

Watch and subscribe to the MMO YouTube channel here.

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Good morning Mets fans! Today is the first day of winter and thus we are one season away from Opening Day.

Latest Mets News

Former Met and current Mets-killer Daniel Murphy has left the Mets’ division to sign a two-year, $24 million contract with the Colorado Rockies according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

John Delcos of Forbes considers the Mets to be an improved team, but not that much better than last year’s team.

Hannah Withiam of The Athletic wrote a piece about Steven Matz whose durability in 2018 was a step in the right direction.

Latest MLB News

Baseball Prospectus created a video that explains their new advanced hitting metric: Deserved Runs Created Plus (DRC+).

Eno Sarris of The Athletic tried answering the question of “How many good young players does a team really need in order to compete?”

The St. Louis Cardinals were closing in on a deal with Andrew Miller on Thursday night as first reported by Rosenthal.

Likewise, the Oakland Athletics were closing in on a deal for Joakim Soria according to Rosenthal.

A big brawl ensued in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s Venezuelan winter league game between La Guaira and Caracas.

Latest NL East News

The Washington Nationals signed Anibal Sanchez to a two-year, $19 million deal with an option for 2021.

Manny Machado met with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

Freddie Freeman and Charlie Culberson of the Atlanta Braves volunteered some of their time at a pet adoption center.

Latest on MMO/MMN

Ty Kelly wrote the third installment of his series: “My Baseball Life.”

Matt Musico wrote about the NL East race which is already looking like a good one due to the improvements made and the urgency to win by four out of the five teams.

Tim Ryder called on the Mets to aim higher than players like Adam Jones and Melky Cabrera.

Liam Quinn graded Noah Syndergaard‘s 2019 campaign.

John Sheridan emphasized the importance for the Mets to address the depth of the team.

Sheridan also wrote about Luis Carpio who may be poised for a breakout 2019 season.

This Day in Mets History

1998: The Mets signed Pat Mahomes to a two-year deal. Mahomes is the father of current Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

2005: The Mets signed Chad Bradford to a one-year deal. He pitched to the tune of a 2.90 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over the course of 70 appearances and 62 innings during the 2006 season.

Birthdays: John Mayberry Jr. turns 35, Taylor Teagarden turns 35, Philip Humber turns 36, Royce Ring turns 38, Dicky Gonzalez turns 40, Buddy Carlyle turns 41, LaTroy Hawkins turns 46, Roger McDowell turns 58, Dave Kingman turns 70 and Elliott Maddox turns 71.

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The Mets have placed third baseman Todd Frazier on the 10-day disabled list after he suffered a left rib cage strain during an at-bat yesterday. In a corresponding roster move, Ty Kelly has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas.

This is the second time Frazier has been placed on the disabled list this season, as he missed a month earlier in the year due to a hamstring injury. In 61 games, Frazier is hitting .217 with 10 home runs and 32 runs batted in.

Kelly has been enjoying a nice season down in Vegas, hitting .272/.352/.453 with 17 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home urns, and 38 RBI’s. He also brings some versatility to the Mets in the field.

Mickey Callaway told reporters that slugging minor leaguer Jeff McNeil was obviously an option for the team. However “one thing with him is he is purely a second baseman, and obviously Cabrera is kind of holding that down for us right now.”

The post Frazier Lands on DL, Mets Recall Ty Kelly appeared first on Metsmerized.

Andres Gimenez/Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Las Vegas (23-33) 2, Reno (24-32) 1   Box Score

• Todd Frazier 3B: 1-3, .333/.333/.333
• Dominic Smith 1B: 1-4, 2B, .269/.362/.390
• Phillip Evans SS: 1-4, RBI, 2 K, .248/.318/.519

The 51s were being no-hit until the seventh inning, when Frazier broke it up with a leadoff single in his second rehab game. After being pinch-hit for in the sixth inning in his first rehab game Thursday night, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning last night as the team eases him back into shape. Smith then doubled as he looks to get his bat going again. Evans got an infield hit to the Reno first baseman Christian Walker, and a second run scored on a throwing error by Walker. After Ty Kelly was ejected after striking out, the 51s loaded the bases but Christian Colon flew out to end the threat. It wasn’t the prettiest offensive game, but it was just enough.

• RHP Cody Martin (0-1, 4.20 ERA): 5.0 IP, 5 H, R, 3 BB, 8 K
• RHP Anthony Swarzak (W, 2-0, 0.00 ERA): 1.0 IP, H, 0 R, BB, K
• RHP Drew Smith (3-1, 3.00 ERA): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K
• RHP Jacob Rhame (0-1, 4.38 ERA): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K

Martin pitched a solid game despite being a little around the strike zone. He wasn’t super efficient as he threw 91 pitches in five innings, 54 of which were for strikes, but he struck out eight and gave up just a solo home run to the first batter he faced. Swarzak made his second rehab appearance and coincidentally got his second win, pitching around a single, a walk, and three wild pitches to throw a scoreless inning. After a great May, Smith continued his excellence with two hitless innings. Rhame closed out the tight one-run affair to earn his third save and lower his Vegas ERA to a respectable 4.38.

Binghamton (28-24) vs. New Hampshire (33-19)

The Rumble Ponies were scheduled to play a doubleheader against New Hampshire, but both games were rained out. The two teams will play doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday to make up the two games.

St. Lucie (22-25) 3, Fort Myers (20-31) 2  Box Score

• Andres Gimenez SS: 2-for-4, 2B, BB, .292/.361/.435
• Desmond Lindsay CF: 1-for-1, RBI, SB, .227/.344/.303
• Dan Rizzie C: 2-for-4, R, RBI, BB, K, .261/.325/.304

This game was started on May 19, but had to be suspended due to rain with the game tied 2-2 in the sixth inning. The team scored their first two runs in the fourth inning on RBI single by Rizzie and Jacob Zanon. After the game resumed on Friday night, Lindsay quickly broke the tie with an RBI single in the seventh. Gimenez is hitting .400 over his last ten games and is coming off a very successful May in which he hit .303/.375/.434.

• RHP Gabriel Llanes (2-5, 5.27 ERA) 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K
• RHP Harol Gonzalez (0-3, 3.15 ERA) 3.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K
• RHP Joseph Zanghi (W, 2-0, 1.44 ERA) 3.2 IP, BB, 2 K

Gabriel Llanes made the start and quickly allowed two runs in the first inning. He would settle in during the second inning, but his outing was cut short as the game was suspended for the first time. When the game resumed the next day, Gonzalez came into pitch and threw 3.1 scoreless innings. However, his appearance was also cut short, as the game was suspended due to rain for a second time. When the game resumed on Friday, Zanghi, who returned from a brief cameo in Triple-A Las Vegas, threw 3.2 scoreless innings as the game was finally completed.

St. Lucie (22-25) 6, Fort Myers (20-31) 3  Box Score

• Dan Rizzie C: 4-for-4, R, RBI, .261/.325/.304
• Andres Gimenez SS: 2-for-4, R, RBI, SB, .292/.361/.435
• Michael Paez 3B: 2-for-4, RBI, K, .259/.329/.378

St. Lucie’s offense had a very solid game as they pushed across six runs on thirteen hits.  Paez is hitting .314 with two home runs over his last ten games. Gimenez stole his 17th base of the season, which ranks second in the Florida State League.

• RHP Gabriel Llanes (2-5, 5.27 ERA) 6.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 7 K
• RHP Thomas McIlraith (W, 1-1, 5.71 ERA) 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K
• RHP Adam Atkins (1-1, 2.83 ERA) 1.0 IP, K

Llanes had one of his better starts of the season as he struck out a season high seven batters and allowed just a single run over six innings. Llanes’ ERA is quite high, but it has been skewed by two very poor starts. Llanes has allowed three earned runs or less in seven of his first nine starts so far in 2018. McIlraith made his return from the disabled list and struggled through two innings. Atkins continues to pitch very well for St. Lucie by closing out the game with a perfect ninth inning.

Rome (32-22) 7, Columbia (28-24) 1  Box Score

• Raphael Gladu RF: 3-for-4, 2B, .283/.339/.358
• Rigoberto Terrazas 3B: 1-for-4, RBI, K, .201/.254/.232
• Quinn Brodey CF: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K, .212/.295/.375

The Fireflies offense had just four hits in the game, three of which came off the bat of Gladu. Columbia’s lone run came in the ninth inning, when Terrazas drove home Brodey with a single. Gladu’s big night extends his hitting streak to an impressive 17 games. He has been one of the few players in the Columbia lineup who has been hitting well recently and hit .325/.398/.429 in May.

• LHP Anthony Kay (L, 2-3, 4.40 ERA) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
• LHP Taylor Henry (0-1, 1.08 ERA) 1.2 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, K
• RHP Jeff Diehl (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, 3 K
• RHP Yeizo Campos (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, K

Kay struggled in his start, allowing six runs and throwing 91 pitches through just 4.1 innings. Kay has been very inconsistent upon returning from Tommy John Surgery, which is to be expected. In four of his starts, Kay has allowed one run or less, but he has also had a handful of starts like this one. Diehl, a former outfielder, made his first appearance as a full time pitcher and had a very successful outing. The hard-throwing righty struck out the side on 16 pitches.

Las Vegas portion of recap done by Mojo Hill.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Gimenez Has Big Day for St. Lucie appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jeremy Vasquez/Allen Greene Photography

Week In Review

The Las Vegas 51s (11-20, fourth in the Pacific Coast League Pacific Southern division) lost Sunday’s scheduled starter P.J. Conlon to the Major Leagues, so Drew Smith made his first professional start in his 100th career game.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies (13-13, fourth in the Eastern League Eastern division) were swept in a doubleheader on Saturday, which was the first time such an event occurred under the team’s current moniker. The Ponies played 14 doubleheaders without being swept in 2017.

The St. Lucie Mets (12-16, sixth in the Florida State League South division) scored seven runs on Saturday for the first time since April 14. Their 13 runs allowed on Thursday was the highest total of the season.

The Columbia Fireflies (17-13, third in the South Atlantic League Southern division) have won five straight to jump above .500, thanks in part to six-run innings on Saturday and Sunday.

Mets Minors News & Buzz

Peter Alonso was named as the Eastern League’s Player of the Month for April after the 23-year-old hit an astounding .408/.505/.776 with seven home runs in the period.

The Mets signed veteran third baseman Cody Asche to a minor league contract and assigned him to Las Vegas. In 390 major league games with the Phillies and White Sox, he has hit .234/.293/.376 with 32 home runs.

A major factor in the signing of Asche was a significant injury to Las Vegas third baseman David Thompson, who suffered a hairline fracture in his left hand after a hit-by-pitch. The Mets’ fourth-round draft pick in 2015 had already gotten off to a slow start, hitting .258 with six extra-base hits in 66 at-bats.

Fireflies infielder Walter Rasquin was suspended by Minor League Baseball for 50 games after testing positive for methamphetamines. The 22-year-old was already on the disabled list following a broken finger but had been hitting .298 through 13 games.

Baseball America updated their top 100 prospects list, and Andres Gimenez remained the only player in the Mets’ organization to be represented. However, the shortstop did move up from 91 to 85.

Las Vegas outfielder Bryce Brentz left Sunday’s game after fouling a ball off his foot.

Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s hot: 

Jeremy Vasquez was drafted to hit, and that’s all he’s done since the Mets took him in the 28th round last June. In 335 professional at-bats, the numbers look like this: .293/.400/.475, 47 extra-base hits, 15% walk rate.

Of course, every team would take any sliver of production from the 28th round, but the 21-year-old has greatly exceeded expectations. Vasquez’s hot start in 2018 has been highlighted by his 29-game on-base streak (32 dating back to last season), which has led to the 15th-best OBP in minor league baseball (.472).

Vasquez has done a great job of getting the ball in the air, using all fields (he’s actually gone the other way more than he’s pulled it), and putting together all-around solid at-bats (his wOBA is currently 125 points above league average). Coupled with solid defense, the Mets have another first base prospect behind Dominic Smith and Peter Alonso developing in the minors. Of course, he really should be in St. Lucie at his age, and until he gets there it’s generally unfair to paint a major league future on him.

Who’s not: 

Zach Borenstein is eight for his last 40 with 16 strikeouts. Gabriel Llanes was shelled for ten runs in 3.1 innings on Wednesday, his sixth outing of eight runs or more in his career.

Organizational Leaders

AVG — Peter Alonso .370 (BNG), Jeremy Vasquez .357 (COL), Blake Tiberi .323 (COL), Ty Kelly .313 (LVG)

OPS — Alonso 1.189, Vasquez 1.053, Jeff McNeil 1.046 (BNG), Kelly 1.002, Scott Manea .893 (COL)

HR — Alonso 8, Zach Borenstein 7 (LVG), Bryce Brentz 7 (LVG), Kelly 6, McNeil 6

RBI — Alonso 23, Quinn Brodey 23 (COL), Borenstein 22, Brentz 21, Kelly 21

SB — Andres Gimenez 9 (STL), Ian Strom 8 (STL), Jacob Zanon 6 (STL), Champ Stuart 5 (BNG), Dale Burdick 4 (STL), Gene Cone 4 (STL)

STARTER ERA — Scott Copeland 1.74 (BNG), Joe Cavallaro 1.93 (COL), Justin Dunn 2.13 (STL), Nabil Crismatt 2.28 (BNG), Anthony Kay 3.42 (COL)

RELIEVER ERA — Joseph Zanghi 0.00 (STL), Joshua Torres 1.00 (BNG), Aaron Ford 1.35 (COL), Carlos Hernandez 1.35 (STL/COL), Stephen Nogosek 1.42 (STL)

SO — Drew Gagnon 40 (LVG/BNG), Tony Dibrell 37 (COL), Chris Viall 36 (COL), Crismatt 32, Cavallaro 28, Dunn 28

SV — Tyler Bashlor 4 (BNG), Trey Cobb 4 (COL), Eric Hanhold 3 (BNG), Stephen Villines 3 (COL), Three tied with 2

WHIP — Ford 0.30, Nogosek 0.79, Hernandez 0.83, Joshua Payne 0.86 (COL), Cavallaro 1.00

Transaction Report

4/30

David Thompson and Kevin McGowan placed on Las Vegas’ disabled list….Corey Oswalt and Jacob Rhame added to Las Vegas’ active roster.

5/1

Andrew Church placed on Binghamton’s disabled list….Marcos Molina added to Binghamton’s active roster.

5/3

Walter Rasquin placed on Columbia’s restricted list….Cody Asche signed as a minor league free agent, assigned to Las Vegas.

5/4

Justin Dunn placed on St. Lucie’s disabled list….Gary Cornish activated from St. Lucie’s disabled list….Cody Asche added to Las Vegas’ active roster….Matt Purke placed on Las Vegas’ temporarily inactive list.

5/5

Hansel Robles recalled from Las Vegas.

5/6

P.J. Conlon selected from Las Vegas….Gerson Bautista transferred from Binghamton to Las Vegas….Johnny Magliozzi activated from Binghamton’s disabled list.

Upcoming Schedules

Las Vegas: @ Salt Lake (5/7), Fresno (8-11), Albuquerque (12-15)

Binghamton: @ Hartford (5/7-9), @ Portland (10-13)

St. Lucie: Florida (5/7-9), Lakeland (10-12), OFF (13)

Columbia: Lakewood (5/7), OFF (8), @ Hickory (9-11), Delmarva (12-15)

As a reminder, all 51s, Rumble Ponies, and select Fireflies games can be seen on MiLB.tv.

The post Mets Minors Weekly Report: Vasquez’s Streak Reaches 29 appeared first on Metsmerized.

Week In Review

The Las Vegas 51s (9-15, t-third in the Pacific Coast League Pacific Southern division) took four of five from Albuquerque, including a series-opening 7-0 shutout. P.J. Conlon (6.2 IP), Matt Purke (0.2), and Drew Smith (1.2) combined on the effort.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies (11-9, third in the Eastern League Eastern division) head to Akron having just swept Erie in their own park. On Friday, the Ponies posted a season-high 13 runs, thanks to three-RBI performances from Peter Alonso, Patrick Mazeika, and Jhoan Urena.

The St. Lucie Mets (10-13, sixth in the Florida State League South division) battled a power outage on Saturday, but their offense has continued to be lights-out; their 162 hits are dead last in the FSL.

The Columbia Fireflies (12-12, fourth in the South Atlantic League Southern division) have lost eight of their last 11 contests.

Mets Minors News & Buzz

Peter Alonso has continued his destruction of Eastern League pitching. He homered in four straight games from Wednesday through Sunday and is now slashing .403/.500/.778.

Vance Worley, signed as a minor league free agent on April 18, and Buddy Baumann, claimed off waiver from San Diego on Friday, made their organizational debuts on Sunday for Las Vegas. Worley took the loss after allowing five runs in three innings while Baumann tossed a scoreless frame with a strikeout.

Jeremy Vasquez has earned a reputation as an on-base machine. He’s reached safely in all 23 games this season, good for the longest streak in the minors and a .455 on-base percentage.

Walter Rasquin suffered a broken finger and was placed on Columbia’s disabled list. The 22-year-old enjoyed a solid start to the 2018 season, hitting .298 with five extra-base hits and nine RBI.

The Mets released Kelly Secrest on Sunday. The left-handed reliever was the team’s tenth-round draft choice in 2010.

Jamie Callahan is on Las Vegas’ disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.

Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s hot: 

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Gavin Cecchini is tearing the Pacific Coast League up. In his third Triple-A season, the 24-year-old has been red-hot, slashing .347/.402/.547.

Cecchini is currently on a nine-game hitting streak, during which he’s hit .425 (17-40). The most ironic number on the stat sheet is that he’s been hitting more fly balls than at any point in his career, but to this point, that’s only translated into one home run.

It’s not clear when Cecchini is going to get his next major league look, but it doesn’t appear that it will be coming anytime soon. You have to wonder whether he’ll ever be able to convert minor league success into meaningful major league production, or if a Quad-A player is simply what he is.

Down in Columbia, Chris Viall is beginning to look like the imposing fireballer he’s been touted as since the Mets drafted him from Stanford in 2016. Through four starts, the 6’9″ right-hander has struck out 34 batters, the best total throughout the organization.

While inconsistent mechanics have previously troubled him, Viall has looked sharp in April, spotting his mid-to-upper 90s fastball well, mixing in an average change and effective slider.

Who’s not: 

Quinn Brodey, last year’s third-round draftee, has not been seeing the ball well, having struck out in 37% of his at-bats, including 13 in his last six games. Sidearmer Stephen Villines has struck out 19 batters against two walks for Columbia in 12.2 innings. As a professional, he has a 60/3 K/BB rate.

Organizational Leaders

AVG — Peter Alonso .403 (BNG), Gavin Cecchini .347 (LVG), Jeremy Vasquez .325 (COL), Ty Kelly .308 (LVG)

OPS — Alonso 1.278, Kelly 1.006, Vasquez 1.000, Jeff McNeil .961 (BNG), Zach Borenstein .955 (LVG)

HR — Alonso 7, Borenstein 6, Kelly 6, Bryce Brentz 5 (LVG), Matt den Dekker 4 (LVG), McNeil 4

RBI — Borenstein 20, Alonso 18, Kelly 18, Vasquez 17, Brentz 15, Quinn Brodey 15 (COL)

SB — Ian Strom 7 (STL), Andres Gimenez 5 (STL), Dale Burdick 4 (STL), Gene Cone 4 (STL), Champ Stuart 4 (STL)

STARTER ERA — Nabil Crismatt 1.21 (BNG), Justin Dunn 2.13 (STL), Joe Cavallaro 2.25 (COL), Chris Viall 2.33 (COL), Anthony Kay 2.70 (COL)

RELIEVER ERA — Joseph Zanghi 0.00 (COL), Carlos Hernandez 0.79 (STL/COL), Tyler Bashlor, 0.96 (BNG), Trey Cobb 1.13 (COL), Matt Pobereyko 1.74 (STL)

SO — Viall 34, Drew Gagnon 33 (LVG/BNG), Tony Dibrell 31 (COL), Dunn 28, Crismatt 27

SV — Bashlor 4, Cobb 3, Eric Hanhold 2 (BNG), Ryder Ryan 2 (STL), Drew Smith 2 (LVG/BNG), Stephen Villines 2 (COL)

WHIP — Hernandez 0.79, Stephen Nogosek 0.92 (STL), Ryan 0.92, Villines 0.94, Cavallaro 0.96

Transaction Report

4/23

Gerson Bautista added to Binghamton’s active roster….Briam Campusano transferred from St. Lucie to Extended Spring Training….Michael Gibbons transferred from Binghamton to St. Lucie.

4/25

Jay Jabs transferred from Columbia to Extended Spring Training….Marcel Renteria activated from Columbia’s disabled list.

4/27

Corey Oswalt optioned to Las Vegas….Jacob Rhame recalled from Las Vegas….Hansel Moreno transferred from Extended Spring Training to Columbia….Nicolas Debora transferred from Columbia to Extended Spring Training….Conner O’Neil activated from Columbia’s disabled list….Walter Rasquin placed on Columbia’s disabled list….Logan Taylor activated from Las Vegas’ disabled list….Buddy Baumann optioned to Las Vegas.

4/28

Scott Copeland transferred from Extended Spring Training to Binghamton….Johnny Magliozzi placed on Binghamton’s disabled list….Jacob Rhame optioned to Las Vegas.

4/29

Buddy Baumann added to Las Vegas’ active roster….Vance Worley transferred from Extended Spring Training to Las Vegas….Kelly Secrest released from Las Vegas….Marcos Molina transferred from Las Vegas to Binghamton.

Upcoming Schedules

Las Vegas: Sacramento (4/30-5/3), @ Salt Lake (4-7)

Binghamton: @ Akron (4/30-5/2), New Hampshire (3-6)

St. Lucie: OFF (4/30), @ Charlotte (5/1-3), @ Palm Beach (4-6)

Columbia: OFF (4/30), Lexington (5/1-3), Lakeland (4-7)

As a reminder, all 51s, Rumble Ponies, and select Fireflies games can be seen on MiLB.tv.

The post Mets Minor League Weekly Report: Cecchini Among PCL’s Best appeared first on Metsmerized.

Las Vegas (2-6) 10, Albuquerque (5-3) 3 Box Score

• Brandon Nimmo CF: 2-for-4, 2 R, HBP, RBI, (.500/.600/.500)
• Ty Kelly RF: 3-for-5, 3 R, 2 3B, HR, 3 RBI, (.440/.481/1.200)
• Zach Borenstein LF: 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI (.259/.333/.667)
• Gavin Cecchini SS: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 BB (.381/.458/.571)

The 51s had their second offensive onslaught in two days, scoring ten runs against the Isotopes. Zach Borenstein started the scoring off with a monster home run to right in the first inning. A strange play occurred in the third inning when two consecutive pickoff throws from Albuquerque’s catcher went for errors, which allowed two 51s to score. Kelly has 23 total bases over the last two games including missing the cycle by a single on Wednesday.

• RHP Chris Flexen – 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 5 K, 1 BB (1-1, 4.91 ERA)
• LHP Matt Purke – 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R ( 0-0, 9.82)
• RHP Jamie Callahan – 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

After an miserable first start, Chris Flexen had something to prove in this game and he did, throwing six innings of two-run ball. Matt Purke relieved Flexen and recorded a strikeout in his only inning. Even though he permitted a run in the ninth inning, Jamie Callahan successfully closed out the game.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies were off yesterday. They play in Portland tonight, our own Mike Mayer will be covering the games on Saturday and Sunday. 

St. Lucie (4-4) 8, Tampa (3-5) 4 Box Score

• Jacob Zanon CF: 3-for-5, 3B, 3 R, (.229/.250/.371)
• Andres Gimenez SS: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, HBP, SF, R (.321/.394/.536)
• Dash Winningham 1B: 1-for-5, 3 RBI (.222/.267/.444)

Highlighted by a four-run fifth inning, the St.Lucie Mets defeated the Tampa Tarpoons. The Mets were behind for most of the game, but their offense managed to fight back. Dash Winningham provided a two-run single in the fifth to give the Mets the lead. Andres Gimenez continued his hot start, recording two singles and an RBI. Despite showing almost no power in his pro career, Luis Carpio launched a solo shot in the seventh frame to extend the Mets lead. Anthony Dimino also homered while Jacob Zanon had three hits.

• RHP Josh Prevost 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 K, 2 BB (1-1 7.20 ERA)
• RHP Thomas McIlraith – 1 IP, o H, 0 R, 1 K, 2 BB (0-1 2.25 ERA)
• RHP Stephen Nogosek-1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, (0-0, 3.60 ERA)
• RHP Matt Blackham – 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (1-0, 1.50 ERA)

Despite a nasty changeup, Josh Prevost allowed four runs in five innings. The bullpen managed to do its part, allowing no runners to score in the last four frames. Matt Blackham was particularly effective, recording two scoreless innings. MMN’s own Ernest Dove noted that Stephen Nogosek was reaching up to 96 mph.

Columbia (5-3) 7, Asheville (1-7) 5 Box Score

• Edgardo Fermin SS: 2-for-6, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 4 RBI (.313/.333/.500)
• Matt Winaker LF: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 BB (.250/.367/.250)
• Giovanny Alfonzo DH: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB (.286/.375/.357)

It was the Edgardo Fermin show at Columbia yesterday. Fermin had a huge game, hitting his third triple of the year, which cleared the bases. He also doubled home Giovanny Alfonzo in the tenth inning to give the Mets the lead. Combined,the Mets 3-4 hitters, Matt Winaker and Jeremy Vasquez walked six times.

• RHP Joe Cavallaro(1-0, 2.08 ERA) 7 IP, 4 H, 5 R (ER), 4 K, 1 BB
• RHP Stephen Villines (1-1, 6.43 ERA) 3 IP, 0 H, 5 K

Even though Joe Cavallaro allowed five runs in seven innings, it was a decent night for the 22-year-old. Only one of the runs were earned and his only real mistake was a pitch to Ramon Marcelino, who took it yard for a grand-slam in the fourth inning. The submariner Stephen Villines finished off the night with three scoreless innings.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Offense Provides a Sweep appeared first on Metsmerized.

Ed Delany, MMO

The Las Vegas 51s have released their initial roster for the 2018 season, their last as the New York Mets’ Triple-A affiliate.

The 51s will be led by new manager Tony DeFrancesco, he spent last season as the Houston Astros’ Triple-A manager. He will be joined by former Binghamton Rumble Ponies pitching coach Glenn Abbott  and hitting coach Joel Chimelis who spent last season in the Astros organization as well.

Infielders – 5

Gavin Cecchini – After a lost 2017 season, Cecchini seems to have revamped every aspect of his game. He will look to better his 2016 .325/.390/.448 batting line and will look to steal a career high in bases.

David Thompson – Thompson finished the year slugging .546 over the last month of the season, and he repeated it by slugging .569 in the Arizona Fall League. He will now enter a hitting environment well-suited for his newfound power stroke.

Luis Guillorme – Lost in Guillorme’s incredible defense is his ability to get on base. He has a career .361 OBP with a .376 OBP for Binghamton last year.

Matt Oberste – Gets his first taste of Triple-A after slashing .284/.360/.389 with 27 doubles and five home runs for Binghamton in 2017 over 516 plate appearances. Played 103 games at first base and does have 37 games of experience in his career at third base.

Ty Kelly – During Kelly’s last stint with the 51s, he hit .328/.409/.435, which all but forced an injury prone 2016 Mets team to call him up to the majors. Ultimately, he would find himself on the Mets Wild Card roster that season.  Kelly wasn’t able to repeat those stats last year hitting .193/.260/.341 for the Phillies in 69 games.

Outfielders – 5

Matt den Dekker – After being traded away from the Mets in 2015 to obtain Jerry Blevins, den Dekker is back to provide the Mets with outfield depth and for him to continue his good outfield defense.

Zach Borenstein – The powerful Borenstein is coming off a year where he mashed hitting .279/.351/.573 with 24 homers and 91 RBI for the Reno Aces. He will look to put up similar numbers in the PCL again this year.

Patrick Biondi – Speedster with 131 career stolen bases that plays a good center field is minor lesgue depth at this point. He hit .284/.360/.389 with 26 stolen bases in 2017 for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Bryce Brentz – Right-handed slugger that the Mets picked up on waivers last month then slipped through waivers. He popped 31 Triple-A home runs last season for the Red Sox. He’s hit .287/.313/.377 in 90 major league plate appearances. He plays both corner spots.

L.J. Mazzilli – The now utility man hit only .217 in 16 games with the 51s last season.

Catchers – 3

Colton Plaia – The 27-year-old hit .241/.342/.314 as the back-up to Tomas Nido in Binghamton last season.

Jose Lobaton – An expert pitch framer, Lobaton was brought in as catching depth for the organization. Considering Travis d’Arnaud‘s injury history, we may very well see him called up at some point next season.

Jeff Glenn – The eight season minor league veteran has spent the last two seasons with the 51s as he acts as a coach that gets activated when needed.

Pitchers – 13

Zack Wheeler, RHP – The Mets followed through on their promise to carry their best pitchers by putting the struggling Wheeler in Triple-A.  In his last six starts last year, he had a 9.89 ERA and 2.197 WHIP before getting shut down with injury.  In five Spring Training appearances, he had an 8.10 ERA and 2.400 WHIP.

Chris Flexen, RHP – For this first time for a Mets pitcher since Mike Pelfrey in 2006, Flexen made the jump from Double-A to the majors. As a result, his first pitch in 2018 will be the first ever pitch he throws in Triple-A.

Corey Oswalt, RHP – The Eastern League Pitcher of the Year looks to repeat his 2017 breakout season in the much more difficult Pacific Coast League pitching environment.

Mickey Jannis, RHP – The 30-year-old knuckleballer will be pitching in Triple-A for the first time in his eight year career. He went 8-7 with a 3.60 ERA and 1.25 WHIP for Binghamton last season. Followed that up with 2.33 ERA in 27 Arizona Fall League seasons.

Jamie Callahan, RHP – While many struggle in the Pacific Coast League, Callahan had a 1.80 ERA there in nine appearances after the Mets obtained him as part of the Addison Reed trade. He will look to put up those numbers as he tries to make his way back to the majors.

P.J. Conlon, LHP – Out of the bullpen, he could be utilized much like how the Mets utilized Sean Gilmartin in 2015, or they can attempt to make him a LOOGY.  Last year, he limited left-handed pitchers to a .252/.273/.358 batting line.

Kevin McGowan, RHP – The Mets were quick to bring McGowan back to the organization after he was designated for assignment at the end of the year.

Matt Purke, LHP – After holding left-handed batters to a .192/.314/.212 batting line in the International League last year, the Mets brought Purke into camp with a chance to claim a roster spot as the second left-handed pithcer in the pen.  His chances took a significant hit when he was sent home early in camp due to illness.

Kyle Regnault, LHP – Regnault has pushed himself into consideration for a LOOGY role with his limiting left-handed hitters to a .255/.318/.347 line while mostly pitching for Vegas last year. He also had a dominating Arizona Fall League stint that saw him post a 0.71 ERA and a 0.947 WHIP.

Tim Peterson, RHP – The 27-year-old allowed five runs in 2.2 innings last season in his first Triple-A experience. He fared much better in Binghamton with a 1.14 ERA in 55.1 innings then followed it up with a strong 0.87 ERA in 10.1 AFL innings.

David Roseboom, LHP – The lefty missed most of the 2017 after having foot surgery. He looks to regain his 2016 form when he had a 1.87 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 14 saves for Binghamton.

Kelly Secrest, LHP – Another lefty for Vegas that looks to have a rare bullpen controlled by lefties. The 26-year-old allowed only two runs in seven innings for the 51s last year after posting a 4.03 ERA for Binghamton. He posted a 1.66 WHIP overall between the 51s and Rumble Ponies in 2017.

Logan Taylor, RHP – The right-hander missed the second half of last season after he was attacked by a homeless man which resulted in a concussion. He had a 4.57 in 45.1 innings for the 51s before the injury.

Analysis

Couple of notable names not on the roster here including right-handed pitcher A.J. Griffin, left-handed pitcher Fernando Abad, first baseman Dominic Smith, outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski and outfielder Jayce Boyd.

Griffin signed a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason and actually got a start late in major league camp. No word yet on if he exercised an opt-out to leave the team.

The Mets reportedly signed the veteran Abad a few weeks ago. Smith was placed on the major league disabled list and is expected to miss the beginning of the season.

Kaczmarski suffered an injury late in camp and is expected to begin the season on the DL. Boyd looks the liek casualty of adding Brentz.

Pitching is certainly lefty heavy and given current roster construction it looks like Conlon, previously reported to moving to the pen, could be in the rotation to start the season.

The rotation of Wheeler, Oswalt, Flexen, Jannis and Conlon should be a strength on this 51s team.

The infield will get crowded once Smith is back and Phillip Evans is likely optioned when Michael Conforto is added to the major league roster.

Outfield depth in Las Vegas has improved significantly with the additions of den Dekker and Brentz.

The post Triple-A Las Vegas 51s Release 2018 Roster appeared first on Metsmerized.