Posted on 09 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 215 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/30/86
Carp was a key addition to the trade that sent former All-Star J.J. Putz to the New York Mets. Carp rebounded from a lackluster 2007 season to become an Eastern League All-Star at AA Binghamton, hitting .299 with 17 HR 72 RBI 29 doubles and a sterling 79 BB/88 K ratio. His fluid left handed swing and evolving power potential evokes comparisons to Lyle Overbay and John Olerud. Defensively, Carp is a decent 1B and has spent some time in the outfield as well. Like Overbay and Olerud, he is a below average runner and fringe average athlete. He doesn't have the prolific power that other 1B prospects do, but his blend of patience and good line drive rates should prove to be valuable for a franchise that is in a rebuilding mode.
2009 Projection: Carp has looked very sharp in early spring training action with the Mariners, but the club seems set on giving Russell Branyan and Bryan LaHair the most playing time this season. This should land him at AAA Tacoma until roster room clears either via injury or roster expansion in September. Carp has the potential to hit for 20-25 HR per season and his LH bat is a nice fit at Safeco Field. Watch to see if he is able to replicate his numbers from last season. If so, he will figure prominently into the plans for the M's in 2010.
Key Mike Carp Baseball Cards:
- 2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
- 2007 Bowman Chrome
- 2007 Bowman's Best
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Jersey Auto
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
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
