Why Nimmo And Not A Pitcher?

The New York Mets need pitching, pitching and more pitching.

That’s why it’s quite strange that the team selected high school outfielder Brandon Nimmo with the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft.

I can echo Robert Knapel’s sentiments on the subject that this pick is odd.

First off, Nimmo, who is the highest drafted player ever from Wyoming, never even played high school baseball since the state does not have a high school baseball league. This isn’t too alarming, however, since the talent obviously must be there if the Mets took this much of a risk.

The interesting thing however is that the Mets went with a high schooler rather than a college player. Based on Moneyball, the Sandy Alderson and Paul DePodesta seemed to lean toward college players, thinking that they had more experience.

Of course, we won’t know anything about this pick until Nimmo puts on a uniform and plays. Therefore, I’m as excited as ever the Nimmo will turn into one of his idols—Ken Griffey, Jr. or Torii Hunter.

However, Georgia Tech lefty Jed Bradley was on the board at No. 13. Bradley has electric stuff and could have been on the fast track through the Mets minor league system. With Matt Harvey pitching well and Jenrry Mejia expected to eventually contribute at the big leagues, the Mets could have the makings of a solid 1-5 staff.

Unlike the NBA and NFL Drafts where some teams select players based on need, MLB teams usually take the best available player, since that player will have to be seasoned in the minors anyway. That’s why I won’t knock the Mets too much on this selection.

Nimmo is a good line drive hitter who can spray the ball in the gaps and might even develop some power. These skills can translate well to Citi Field.

Lots of luck to Nimmo as he embarks on hopefully a productive professional baseball career.

Note: The Milwaukee Brewers selected Texas righty Taylor Jungmann with the No. 12 pick—the pick right before the Mets. The Mets might have taken him if he was available.