With all the talk about the Mets minor league system being dry (heard that before) 2 potential stars who are on the fast track made their debuts in AA last week.
Â
Brad Holt:  After the promotion of Fmart and Niese’s struggles,  Holt actually could garner the #2 slot in the Mets minor league system. Holt’s debut came on Friday against the Connecticut Defenders. He pitched 6.1 innings giving up 2 ER, 3 BB, 2H and striking out 3.   1 of the 2 ER was an inherited run that was given up when Holt was replaced after giving up a walk in the 7th inning.  A quick look at his minor league stats (from baseball-reference.com)
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
 
Â
Â
Jenrry Mejia:Mejia started out the year in the #7 spot but this 19 year old kid’s (Yes 19 friggin years old) stock is quickly rising. Jenrry’s debut came on Saturday also against the Connecticut Defenders. He pitched 7 complete innings giving up 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 H, and striking out 5.  A quick look at Mejia’s minor league stats (also from baseball-reference.com)
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
What will the future bring for these two? Will Holt be on the fast track and make a Parnell like apperance this summer? Could both of these kids make their way in to the 2011 rotation? Will either have to be used to gain that power bat the Mets so desperately want? No matter how you answer these questions you can not say the Mets farm system is dry. It may be shallow but there is water left in the pool.
46 comments
GravediggerHebner
6/8/2009-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
I’m very glad you chose to mention these two guys specifically. I’m very intrigued by both of them. Had the pleasure of seeing Mejia live once at Brooklyn, he started off gangbusters then got a little wild IIRC but for a few innings it was awe inspiring.
I’ve been a Met fan since the mid-’70s but only began to really pay attention to prospects with the signing of Scott Kazmir. I bought all kinds of minor league magazines and followed him through the system waiting for the day he arrived in the majors. We know how that turned out. I hope I get to see at least one of these guys come up as a Met.
Kingman 26
6/8/2009-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
I remember following Straw and Gooden in the minor leagues in the days before constantly updated internet stats…remember when the Sporting News used to be printed like a small newspaper? Back in the Dark Ages, they used to have minor league stats, and I would SO look forward to getting that every week to check out the week-old or so stats from Kingsport TN and Jackson MS when Straw was there, and I think Lynchburg VA for Doc….
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
I started following with the drafting of Kazmir as well. Here you had a lefty starter who threw in the mid-90s. At the very worst, if he developed a 2nd pitch, he could have been a closer….still not over that one. I remember Milledge as well.
ghostofshea
6/8/2009-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
I stiill say we shouldve kept lastings. He couldve thrived in a (healthy) mets lineup. Sad how things r for him but playin with the nats he or anyone shouldnt expect much help from he team. I was mad at that trade.
ghostofshea
6/8/2009-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Good post trs. Nuthin better then prospects on the rise. Although fmart has been pretty good given his age and playin in nyc and the pressure right now for someone to become the hero, hes been fine, but…nuthin amazin as ive been hearing so much of. I hope he becomes this monster ive heard so much of. The mets need to build within their own staff as in better draft picks n new owners (haha). And a new set of doctors. But now drafting n prospects r more popular than eva. Time to step it up.
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
I think the results haven’t been there for FMart, but if you watch a little closer, he seems to be getting better everyday. His bat is so quick, when he matures as a hitter, he won’t strike out often. I think he is going to be very good.
ghostofshea
6/8/2009-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
I believe so too. Im just an anxious mets fan. But ive noticed his rbi doubles the past few games.
So theres a start
darknova306
6/8/2009-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
He’s been giving us SOME production, but the important thing is that he’s showing loads of potential and has grown even within the small amount of time he’s been with the big club. He seems to have the talent, the right attitude, and (so far) the mental toughness to play in NY. It’s going to be interesting to watch him grow and mature as a player.
trs86
6/8/2009-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, sometimes even tougher to rush a catcher than anyone else. They not only have to hit and field well but call a good game as well.
stickguy
6/8/2009-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t know about Mejia and 2011, but if Holt continues thi slevel of production, I expect to see him as the #5 man in the rotation in 2010. If not out of ST, shortly after (think: Pelfrey, but hopefully with better results).
And, don’t forget how well Thole is doing. The bat has been great all year, and the reports on his development behind the dish have been encouraging. He’s another dark horse for 2010, but a legit option for 2011.
I keep reading tha baseball has become a young mans game. Well, i would rather see Thole than Schnieder, that’s for sure! And why pitch a Redding over Holt if Holt seems ready?
Also, Hot is 22 or 23 already (actually older than Neise), and is built like a horse, so the only reason to keep him in the minors is if his pitches aren’t quite ready. If they are, get him up.
Hey, that Bastard guy On Philly got fasttracked up to fill a need, and he is only 23. And that seems to be working out OK so far!
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
Which Bastard guy? There are 26 of them including the manager.
trs86
6/8/2009-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
The one with an O at the end of his name. LOL.
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t wait for tomorrow. Love these games vs. the Phils. We seem to have their number head to head (aside from losing 11 in a row to them in 2007 – but i’d consider that an anomaly). Getting them in a big ballpark neutralizes their offense. Yanks will have trouble scoring runs at Citi Field too.
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/8/2009-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
LET’S GO METS!!
darknova306
6/8/2009-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
Great stuff, TRS. It’s nice to see guys rising fast, but we need to make sure we temper our expectations. I’d love to see at least one of these guys be able to make a solid contribution in 2010 or 2011, but A and AA are nothing compared to AAA and MLB. Let’s give them time to grow in the minors before jumping on bandwagons. Pelfrey didn’t have immediate success and there all sorts of people yelling to trade or cut him. He developed in a normal pace for a young pitcher, but being in NY gave him no breathing room to make mistakes.
trs86
6/8/2009-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
True, there is just something about these kids though Dark. Also, I think they will be highly sought after in any trade we plan to make.
darknova306
6/8/2009-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, they look really good. If we go out and trade them, (assuming they reach their potential) we’re shooting ourselves in the foot long term, which is why I hate the ‘win now’ mentality of this market.
trs86
6/8/2009-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, I am afraid we are going to have to guess on which one to trade. We usually guess wrong.
darknova306
6/8/2009-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
Well, we could always NOT trade away the future for a dubious run at the playoffs… but that’s too much to ask for this organization.
ghostofshea
6/8/2009-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Does anyone know who the mets plan on drafting tomorrow? Hopefully a hidden gem, a la piazza (for LA).
trs86
6/8/2009-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.
I am sure they have a few players on their board but at #72 it’s all about who picks what ahead of you. At that point you just take the best player. Hopefully someone who fell because of salary and you go above slot.
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/8/2009-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
hidden gem plus steroid
smooth
6/8/2009-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
hey guys i just posted the link to the updated ASG voting results in the comments on the other thread. Beltran is back in the top 3! but rollins is winning the SS .220 3hr 18rbis
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
Rollins deserves it. He has had one good year in his career. I want to get a t-shirt, The Legend of Jimmy Rollins.
I would say Hanley, Theriot, and a few others who i can’t think of right now because i have to run and drop a deuce…brb
CaseStreet
6/8/2009-1:43pm at 1:43 pm (UTC -4)
I’m eating, bastard.
Kingman 26
6/8/2009-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, I am surely guilty of going off-topic on here, but that is REALLY getting off-topic….
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/8/2009-1:02pm at 1:02 pm (UTC -4)
Off Topic,
Moyer vs Redding game. Over/Under 15 total runs scored? I say Under.
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
Under. Both will be out after 10 and the bullpens will be solid.
saltygary
6/8/2009-1:35pm at 1:35 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry if I blow-up the comments section but I thought this would be a good read for folks that don’t have a ESPN insider account.
BP Daily: The Mets’ best trade options
In the wake of the injuries to Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes and J.J. Putz (not to mention the disastrous performance of Oliver Perez, the Mets need to do something. So we convened a roundtable to discuss the most pressing trades the team should pursue.
MATT MEYERS, ESPN THE MAGAZINE
The Mets should target a corner guy who can play first base for now, and then shift to the outfield if/when Delgado comes back. The potential upgrades at shortstop (Jack Wilson, David Eckstein) aren’t so much better than Alex Cora that they are worth paying a premium in prospects and salary. The Mets could probably swing a deal for Aubrey Huff without having to give up much from the farm, as long as they are willing to eat what is left of his $8 million salary. Huff would be a major upgrade over Daniel Muprhy at first, and could move to the outfield upon Delgado’s return.
WILL CARROLL, BASEBALL PROSPECTUS
The ideal would be to get Mark DeRosa and Victor Martinez from Cleveland, but I don’t think the Indians would give up Martinez lightly. So, instead, they should go after DeRosa — who can play virtually ever position save for catcher — and then get Ryan Garko, who’s stuck behind Travis Hafner and Martinez at the DH/1B slot. Garko fills in at 1B, then caddies once Delgado comes back. I don’t think they have to give up much if they take on the salary — a couple B-level prospects might do it.
A second possibility would be to try and pry Max Ramirez loose from Texas. Jon Daniels isn’t going to give him up easily either, but he could play 1B and then get in the mix at catcher if Omar Minaya can come up with the deal.
JAY JAFFE, BASEBALL PROSPECTUS
I agree — Cleveland has lots of parts which might fit, with DeRosa and Garko both seemingly realistic.
If I’m the Mets throwing Livan Hernandez and Tim Redding out there in the same rotation, though, an arm is more pressing. I’d start to sniff around the Mariners’ Erik Bedard and see what it would take to acquire him. Granted, he’s fragile, but he’s certain to be available this summer, and he’s pitching about as well as he ever has been.
Bullpen-wise, LaTroy Hawkins is a name that comes to mind. He was pretty much run out of town by the Yankees last year, but he’s done fantastic work with the Astros (47/13 KBB in 43.2 innings, with just two homers allowed), and while he’s currently closing games in Houston, the Astros are going nowhere.
MATT MEYERS
It seems to me like the rotation is the least of the Mets’ worries right now. At some point, can we accept that Livan is having a good season and doesn’t need to be replaced? Or is there no way this isn’t a fluke?
KEVIN GOLDSTEIN, BASEBALL PROSPECTUS
It’s a little flukey, but you’re right — they have more pressing needs. But, if you can pick up a potential monster like Bedard, you go do it.
WILL CARROLL
By monster, do you mean the one that destroyed the Mariners last year? It’s amazing how quickly people are willing to turn the page on two seasons of issues due to 10 starts of varying qualities.
Look, the Mets aren’t the Nationals. They’re a couple games back despite these issues.
CHRISTINA KAHRL, BASEBALL PROSPECTUS
I like Jay’s thinking on Bedard. The Mets’ biggest issue in terms of contending down the stretch — once everyone is healthy — is fixing up that rotation.
Right now, the Mets are 14th in terms of their rotation’s rank in support-neutral winning percentage (.514). That’s with the benefit of Livan ranking 30th in the majors among all starters with five or more starts, with a .579 SNWP. I don’t think any of us expect that to last. So, whether it’s Bedard or someone like Jarrod Washburn, I like that proposition. Dealing with Jack Zduriencik comes with risks (he might see something in one of the Mets’ group of low-minors prospects that you haven’t), but that’s the cost of doing business, and after the Putz deal, I think it might be safe to say that he and Minaya can work something out.
JAY JAFFE
Even conceding the point that Hernandez has been serviceable (and 4.29 FIP is certainly that), you’ve still got Redding, a very flawed John Maine, a broken Perez, and a Mike Pelfrey pushing a 5.00 ERA (though that’s one bombing coming off five straight quality starts). Maybe they don’t break the bank for a Bedard, but they need another solid starter given that it’s Johan Santana and a whole lot more going wrong than right.
Back to the hitters for a second — the Nationals’ Nick Johnson would certainly fit the bill at first base, as would the Pirates’ Adam LaRoche. Both are pending free agents on teams that could use prospects. Josh Willingham might be an attainable fallback plan given the glut of outfielders the Nats have.
MATT MEYERS
The problem with guys like LaRoche and Johnson is that there is still hope of a Delgado return. If he does come back, then you’re stuck with two high-quality hitters limited to first base. It seems to me like they should target a bat who can play first base and the outfield, no?
WILL CARROLL
If the price is right, you can still consider a 1B-only guy. At worst, you have a way of spotting Delgado out a couple days a week and strengthening your bench.
JAY JAFFE
While there is hope of a Delgado return, the timeline and level of effectiveness are hardly a guarantee. If you’re really concerned about it, Willingham fits the 1B/OF bill at a much lower price than Johnson. Or, you concede the 1B situation as a 4-6 week problem you’ve got to patch through, and you simply try to get by with the in-house combination of Murphy and Tatis while putting your resources elsewhere, like pitching.
MATT MEYERS
So let’s say a deal can be made. Kevin, who might have some value in the Mets’ system that they would be willing to deal?
KEVIN GOLDSTEIN (author of ESPN.com’s MINOR LEAGUE REPORT)
The Mets do not have a very good minor league system, but they have a few pieces they could deal, mostly at AA Birmingham. The first name teams will ask for is Jenry Mejia, a right-handed pitcher. He’s only 19 years old with a power arm and is showing significant progress in his secondary stuff and command. Josh Thole, a catcher, has been lacing line drive and drawing walks all year. He’s not a great defender and has little power, but the ability to play baseball’s scarcest position and hit makes him valuable. And shortstop Ruben Tejada will never blow anyone away on a tools level, but he’s looking more like a sure-fire big leaguer due to outstanding fundamentals and defensive versatility. He’s 19 and already at AA.
JAY JAFFE
So Kevin, I take it the Mets would consider Fernando Martinez untouchable in a deal?
KEVIN GOLDSTEIN
I can’t see him moving unless it’s a massive blockbuster.
CHRISTINA KAHRL
I guess this is why I like the suggestion of Willingham or Garko or even Huff in what ought to be lesser deals. Not that Garko’s really an outfielder or Huff’s much more than a potted plant at any of the four corners, but once Delgado’s back, the Mets might plausibly employ them at other positions, which you can’t do with Nick the Stick.
Check out Baseball Prospectus on the web, and every day on ESPN Insider.
trs86
6/8/2009-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting banter between them.
I can’t see how SP is of a larger concern at THIS point. July 31st? Who knows?
stickguy
6/8/2009-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
SP is always a crap shoot, and you never know when someone goes down. But, hopefully it holds together.
I would rather see another salary dump deal (iow, no decent prospects) for a guy like Marquis.
Hey, didn’t we lobby for him in the off season?
So, trade some nobodies + use the budget cushion for Huff + Marquis, and suddenly the team looks pretty darned just fine again.
And really loaded if Perez, Delgado and Reyes come back at some point!
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/8/2009-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
I like the Huff idea. His power numbers are not as good as Dunn’s, but he can definitely hit more HRs than what we have now…
CaseStreet
6/8/2009-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
wow, good stuff. so pretty much the same disdussion that we have on here. There’s no clear answer.
saltygary
6/8/2009-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
Most mid-season SP trades don’t generally produce great results. I would rather them get some offense. Derosa would be great and Huff coming over would probably also benefit my fantasy teams.
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
possibly one of the greatest and most appreciated posts ever. thanks man.
stickguy
6/8/2009-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
So, I see yo udropped a couple of decades and are back to ’09? or is that 3009?
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
2109
saltygary
6/8/2009-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks but def not greatest. The authors around here and been doing a amazing job. I think my only criticism is there is almost too many posts, but who the hell wants to bring down their enthusiasm.
If I see more insider stuff I’ll post it. Bob Klapish from the Bergan County record usually does a great piece for ESPN about the Mets every couple weeks.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2009-5:56pm at 5:56 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, please don’t say ‘too many posts’. I too wouldn’t want to dampen any enthusiasm. I’ve very quickly become addicted to this site – lol. I love the posts each day and look forward to the many different perspectives each brings!
stickguy
6/8/2009-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, cheaper than a subscription…
Of these names mentioned, “Willingham or Garko or even Huff,” all wouldn’t hurt. And as long as they came for B/C level prospects (with the Mets taking on salary instead), sure won’t hurt. They can help now, and if Delgado actually comes back, bench strength.
ALthough don’t discount Murphy. He is starting to hit again (and a sophmore slump for a guy with about 300 ML ABs isn’t that unusual), and looks surprisingly good at 1B.
I was at the game yesterday, sittin geven with 1B, and he really looked good on the one DP and getting the lead runner at 2B another time. And hit the ball hard.
F Mart also made nice contact, and went the other way consistantly, and seem to drive the ball far even on a fly out. He could end up being very good.
trs86
6/8/2009-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
Hey guys, going to make a post on this but the Bisons had a 10:30 game, yes a 10:30 game, and Figgy pitched excellent. That being said, Willie Mo was pulled in the 4th for unexplained reasons.
saltygary
6/8/2009-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
Willie Mo needs to get back on the roids and help us out. I would much rather see Figgy than Redding.
stickguy
6/8/2009-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Or he is coming up.
There's Always '09
6/8/2009-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe he’s part of a deal for Matt Holliday…rolling eyes.
CaseStreet
6/8/2009-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
Is it me or does Mejia look a little like Easy E?
saltygary
6/8/2009-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Great Call!