Posted on 03 February 2009
H/W: 6-2 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/90
The Mets' affinity for young, toolsy international position players prompted the Mets to select this Puerto Rico Baseball Academy grad in the 2nd round this past season. Rodriguez played for the Mets' GCL affiliate and struggled mightily, hitting just .193 with 1 HR 20 RBI and a 10 BB/27 K ratio. Rodriguez has an athletic frame that projects to add more bulk as he matures. His bat speed is good right now, but is projected to be excellent and a source of future power production. Rodriguez is a good outfielder right now with vast CF range and a plus-plus arm, but as he gains size, he will likely be shifted to RF. Like many young international hitters, Rodriguez is a very aggressive hitter with a rudimentary knowledge of the strike zone. The Mets will assuredly take their time in shaping his tools in to productive skills
2009 Projection: Don't be surprised to see Rodriguez spend time at extended spring training before joining one of the Mets' short-season clubs (likely Brooklyn). The looming specter of J-Rod's plate discipline is the proverbial fly in his developmental ointment. Another thing to watch is his body size, as Rodriguez is just 18 years old and not finished growing. With increased weight comes higher Home Run totals, and with more Home Runs comes increased attention from fans and collectors. As it stands right now, Rodriguez's Bowman Sterling autographs are low-cost, high-reward investments going into the 2009 season.
Key Javier Rodriguez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
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Posted on 29 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/20/86
The Mets took the University of South Carolina shortstop with the 22nd pick in the '08 draft after he had a breakout season with the Gamecocks hitting .359 with 18 HR 57 RBI and 76 runs scored in just 63 games. Havens has a strong athletic body and excellent bat speed that drives the ball to the gaps with enough power to hit 12-18 HR at the big league level. In college, Havens demonstrated spectacular plate discipline (58 BB/44 K), but his brief stint with short season Brooklyn rendered less positive results (11 BB/ 27 K in 23 games). Defensively, Havens has good instincts, soft hands, and a strong enough arm to play 3B, which may come in handy as his below average foot speed limits his range and may force Reese to find a new infield position down the road.
2009 Projection: Havens will start the '09 season at Low-A Savannah with a move to High-A St. Lucie quite likely if he finds success in the early going. Havens needs to rediscover his plate discipline that he displayed last season at USC. If he can boost his BB/K ratio and keep his SLG% above .450, Havens should find himself on the fast track to New York. Also, the Mets are loaded with top-flight talents on the left side of the infield but, aside from Greg Veloz, there are not real 2B talents. Don't be surprised if the Mets decide to shift Havens over there in the future.
2008 Key Reese Havens Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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Posted on 19 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 225 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 2/3/86
Duda has a statuesque build, but thus far has been unable to harness his natural strength into tangible power production on the diamond. He has a natural line drive swing and he has a firm grasp of the strike zone, though he strikes out more than what is acceptable from someone who hit just 11 HR. Defensively, Duda has average skills at 1B and can also play in the OF corners if needed. He is not a threat on the basepaths, as testified by his 2 SB in 9 attempts. Long term, if he can discover how to generate more loft from his swing, Duda can realize a power increase similar to what Marlins OF prospect Bryan Petersen accomplished this year. If he doesn't, his chance to develop into a major league player dims significantly.
Key RC's:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold RC #/250
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Posted on 10 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/13/86
In his final start at UNC-Wilmington, the Mets' '08 supplemental 1st round pick threw 149 pitches in a complete game win. Even more impressive was the fact that Holt's last pitch sizzled the radar gun at 94 MPH. Holt continued to impress at short season Brooklyn where he compiled a 5-3 record with a 1.87 ERA and 90 K's in 72.1 IP. Armed with two plus pitches, a 93-96 MPH fastball and sharp power curveball, Holt has rapidly become the best pitching prospect in the Mets' farm system. He has drawn rave reviews from officials within the organization for his athleticism, makeup and work ethic as well. While there aren't many glaring flaws in Holt's skill set, he still needs to develop a more reliable third pitch to enhance the effectiveness of his fastball, and his curveball can be inconsistent at times.
2009 Projection: Given his outstanding debut and overall polish, it is conceivable that Brad could skip a level and begin the '09 season at High-A St. Lucie. The Mets had Holt on a strict 80 pitch limit in his outings last season. Watch to see if they decide to open him up a little bit more this year. If Holt handles this challenge with similar results, he will move quickly through the Mets' system.
Key Brad Holt Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads By the Letter Auto #/240
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/432
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Posted on 03 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 215 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 3/22/87
Davis was the sixth 1B selected in the 1st round of the '08 draft. He quickly signed at slot money and played extensively at short season Brooklyn. Davis' numbers were somewhat lackluster, hitting .256 with 0 HR and 17 RBI in 58 games. Davis has a decent left-handed swing that the Mets believe should develop more power with some fine tuning. As a pro, he has hit left-handed hitting more effectively than right-handers. Despite his size, Davis has slightly above average speed and a strong arm that profiles well in RF. Davis has good MLB bloodlines as his father Ron was a pitcher with the Twins in the 1980's.
Detractors to Davis' skills feel that he is inconsistent in his approach at the plate and sometimes plays with a low level of energy. The power potential, at this point, has not manifested itself into actual game production and should only be fringe average at its apex.
2009 Projection: Davis should start at full season Low-A Savannah. Watch his power numbers. If he starts driving the ball with authority, Davis may earn a promotion to High-A at some point in the season. Davis doesn't have the power potential to be a standout 1B and his overall skill set does not differentiate himself that much from other Mets' 1B farm hands like Mike Carp, Nick Evans, and Lucas Duda. Davis' best chance at success is to be able to stick as a corner OF.
Key Ike Davis Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra #/995
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Posted on 27 November 2008
H/W: 5-11 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/1/89
The Mets aggressively pushed Tejada this season and it showed. Tejada played the full season at High-A St. Lucie skipping a level. Not surprisingly, Tejada struggled to maintain his sterling BB/K ratio and SB numbers. Tejada's glove is ahead of his bat right now as he possesses above average range and arm strength to play SS at the MLB level. His baserunning speed is good, though his SB numbers decreased from 35 in '07 to just 8 this season. Tejada will never hit for much power, though his plate discipline is advanced for a player his age and could produce a solid average suitable for a top of the order hitter. Additionally, Tejada is a mentally tough "grinder" whose work ethic has been lauded by team officials.
2009 Projection: Tejeda was the victim of an overly zealous organization that tends to rush its prospects too quickly through their system. Expect Tejeda to repeat at St. Lucie with better results. Watch to see if he can develop a little bit more extra-base pop while increasing his average. Tejeda is very young still and has quite a way to go before realizing his projectible skills. Temper your expectations, but do keep an eye on his development.
Key Ruben Tejada Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
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Posted on 25 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/6/91
Flores competed in his first pro season at three different levels as a 16 year old! Flores started with short season Kingsport and ended up at full season Low-A Savannah combining to hit .307 with 8 HR 42 RBI and 40 runs scored in just 56 games. Flores made great progress in building strength to compliment his quick hands and good bat speed. Unlike most young prospects, Flores has an adept knowledge of the strike zone and he is difficult to strike out. Flores has a long, athletic projectible frame that should build more power and bulk as he ages, which may force him to move to 3B. Flores struggled a bit defensively making 19 errors, largely due to his cannon arm that became erratic at times. Wilmer has average speed that is adequate to make plays defensively and run bases effectively, though he will not be a basestealing threat, especially after his body develops. Baseball America rated Flores as the #1 prospect in the Mets system, beating out super prospect Fernando Martinez. Given his young age and limitless ceiling, Flores could well fulfill those expectations.
2009 Projection: Next season should provide a good challenge for Flores as he will compete in his first full season campaign at Low-A Savannah. The South Atlantic League has historically been a pitcher-friendly league, so Flores has his work cut out for him. Flores' ultimate value is as a SS and the Mets would love to see him stay there as a future replacement for Jose Reyes. Watch to see how he fields the ball this next season and also keep an eye on his body develops. If he adds much more bulk or continues to be error prone, expect him to shift to 3B Regardless of where he ends up, Flores is a elite prospect who could become a perennial all-star. His cards are sure to scorch in the online market, especially his Donruss Threads and Bowman Chrome autographs.
Key Wilmer Flores Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Wilmer Flores Auto Redemption #/99
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
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Posted on 22 November 2008
H/W: 6-3 210 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/1/85
Murphy was a well-travelled man this season playing at four different levels including a highly successful debut with the New York Mets. Murphy batted .313 with 2 HR 17 RBI and 24 runs scored in 49 games. After the regular season, Murphy then went to the Arizona Fall League where he tore the cover off of the ball, hitting nearly .400 with 2 HR 18 RBI and 13 BB/7 K's. Murphy has a silky-smooth stroke from the left side that generates 15-20 HR power while hitting for a high batting average. Murphy has very good plate discipline and he doesn't strike out often. Defensively, Murphy has a strong arm, but his footwork and range may limit him to 1B or a corner OF spot at the major league level. Murphy has been playing 2B in Arizona as an experiment, but his lack of range may not allow him to stick at that position.
2009 Projection: Murphy showed enough in his stint with the Mets to earn thorough consideration for a spot in their lineup. The knock on Murphy is that his power production is not enough to play 1B or a corner OF spot. If Murphy can stick at 2B, his value increases considerably as he will be one of the better hitting 2B in the N.L. However, expect Murphy to make the move to 1B or OF. Regardless, he will be a solid #2 or #6 hitter for some years to come.
Key Daniel Murphy Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Finest Redemption
- 2008 E-Topps
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption
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Posted on 17 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/10/88
Martinez had a 2008 season that was strikingly similar to his 2007 season. Martinez started the year again at AA Binghamton when a hamstring injury put him on the shelf for a while. Upon his return, Martinez rehabbed at the Mets' GCL team briefly before returning to Binghamton to finish the season. From a distance, Martinez's numbers are somewhat pedestrian (.286 8 HR 43 RBI 27 BB/73 K 86 games) until you do the math and realize that he is just 19 years old. Martinez has one of the most exciting offensive ceilings in all of minor league baseball. His bat speed is special and his power ranges from foul pole to foul pole. He makes good contact and his plate discipline is improving. Martinez has average speed and he profiles better as a LF than as a CF at the major league level. He will not steal many bases, though he will not clog the bases either. One area of concern is the fact that Martinez has missed sizable chunks of time over the past two seasons due to injuries. In 2007, a wrist injury limited him to just 63 games, and this season the hamstring injury hampered his production considerably. Players who are often injured at a young age tend to have more difficulty in reaching their potential as they age. The Mets seem optimistic that this will not be a problem for Martinez.
2009 Projection: Martinez has wreaked havoc on pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League and has stayed healthy throughout. Expect the Mets to give F-Mart a long look this spring to assess where he is at in his development. It is doubtful that he will serve a third stint at Binghamton, so an April debut at AAA New Orleans seems in order. Keep an eye on Martinez's health this spring. If he can avoid injuries and prolonged slumps, it is very likely that he will get some late season AB's in a Mets uniform. That could only prove to be beneficial for many of his 2007 Bowman autographs.
Key Fernando Martinez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Fernando Martinez Auto
- 2007 Bowman's Best Fernando Martinez Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Fernando Martinez Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage Fernando Martinez
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H/W: 6-2 165 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/4/90
