Lol, JK.

But after an injury plagued year in which Fernando put up average numbers in AA (which is still impresive considering his age) he was sent to winter ball to get more AB's..

After getting off to a somewhat poor start, Fernando has gotten extremely hot, and for the first time in a long time, has gotten in a real groove at the plate.

I know, it's winter ball, but it's still nice to see him hitting and staying healthy..

.394/.438/.652/1.090 with 9 XBH in 66 AB

If the Mets weren't overloaded with left handed batters, I wouldn't put it past the Mets to start him in LF this year.. However, they are, so he'll start in AAA, and prob be the first call-up in case of injury..

1. Fernando Martinez
2. Wilmer Flores
3. Jon Niese
4. Brad Holt
5. Daniel Murphy
6. Eddie Kunz???
7. Nick Evans
8. Bobby Parnell
9. Mike Carp
10. Brant Rustich??
11. Tobi Stoner??
12. Ezequiel Carrerra??
13. Scott Shaw??
14. Dillion Gee
15. MATT BOUCHARD??
16. Ruben Tejada
17. Juan Lagares
18. Micheal Antonini
19. REESE HAVENS
20. Greg Veloz
21. Shawn Bowman
22. Scott Moviel
23. Zach Lutz
24. JENRRY MEJIA
25. Ike Davis
26. JEFRY MARTE
27. Dylan Owen
28. Eric Niesen
29. Francisco Pena
30. Lucas Duda
31. Robert Carson
32. JOSH THOLE
33. Kirk Nieuwenhuis
34. Jeurys Familia
35. Rafael Fernandez
36. Josh Stinson
37. Raul Reyes
38. MAIKEL CLETO
39. Elvin Ramirez
40. Sean McCraw
41. Nick Carr
42. Cesar Puello
43. Kyle Allen
44. Eric Beaulac
45. Jeff Flagg
46. Stephen Clyne
47. Guillaume Leduc
48. Sean Ratliff
49. Junior Guerra
50. Eric Brown

So after Murphy tore up AA and continued his dominance in the majors he was sent to the AFL to improve his 2B defense.

 However, it's pretty hard to ignore the line he has put up thus far..

.414/.507/.638/1.145 (24 for 58, 21 runs, 7 2b, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 13/5 BB/K)

Obviously, he loses some pazzaz because he doesn't have a defensive position, but if you had to rank him purely on hitting ability, where would you put him amongst all prospects (i know he as 2 AB's over limit)

Awesome

ADD:

AA: .308/.374/.496

MLB: .313/.397/.473

And unless Murphy is a complete butcher at 2B the Mets will be STUPID to not give him the 2B job going into next year.

After switching back and forth between 1B/C the Mets finally gave Thole a chance to play everyday as a catcher in the FSL.

Thole posted high OBP's early in his career, but this year was able to get his average up to .300.

His line for the year was .300/.382/.427 as a 21 year old, and though he only hit 5 HR he had 25 2B's. Thole doesn't strike out and had more BB's than K's (45:38).

Interestingly, Thole hits lefties (and always has) much better than righties.

EDIT: I know he sucks defensively, but with this being only his first full season catching he should get better.

His numbers are pretty similar to Lou Marson who's considered a pretty good hitting catcher, so I'm beginning to wonder if Thole is close to being an above average catching prospect. He's no Wieters, but he's not to shabby.

Grade C? Thoughts?

Josh (NC): Mets #1 Prospect-Fernando Martinez or Wilmer Flores?

Jim Callis: Wilmer Flores.

Can't agree here. Wilmer has put up some gaudy numbers but I can't jump off the F-Mart bandwagon yet. I still believe Fernando will be a solid big league player, borderline star at times, while the jury is still out on Wilmer. I really, really, can't believe someone such as Jim Callis would make this kind of statement. Usually, they don't put much stock into the rookie ball stats.. And I mean, it's not like Fernando struggled as a 19 year old in AA..

Obviously, with Fernando, he needs to stay healthy. He only got what? 350 AB this year, so the Mets are putting him in Winter Ball to get that closer to 500 in a season.. IMO, I'd say F winter ball and get him on an OD workout program and fill out his body quick.

Would anyone here rank a 17 year old doing it in Rookie ball above F-Mart?

I know, I know, you guys get tired of the Mets post, but there is a lot of information being floated out there about Daniel Murphy these days and it seems the organization is incredibly high on him. First of all the kids a 6'4 3B who recognized last year that he wouldn't be able to continue to play 3B, he actually threw the idea out of him playing 2B and he has now played there multiple times this year. The kid can absolutely rake, and nobody seems to question that. Here are some quotes from MetsMinorLeagueBlog;

Murphy hit .308/.374/.496 with 13 HR, 26 2B, and 67 RBI in 357 AB. Not to mention he stole 14 SB.

I don’t like to call the stuff, but there’s a pretty good chance that he might play in the big leagues this year.

B-Mets Hitting Coach Luis Natera on Dan Murphy

He’s got a lot of ability and he wanted to get better. We’ve spent a lot of time together. Three days ago, I saw Murphy a little down, and I asked him, ‘do you have any doubt that you’re the best hitter in this league?’ He just lifted his eyes, and I told him, ‘you can’t have any doubt.’ Maybe he’s not leading the league in hitting, but to me, he’s the best hitter in the league right now.

Before, to hit to right field, he had to cheat. Now he just reacts. He learned how to pull his hands in through it, and now he pulls the ball by reaction. … before, [to get to] that pitch he was cheating and he would hook it…

To me he’s going to be a great hitter at the major league level.

Murphy:

In 2008, the Mets began moving him with moving him around the diamond, finding him time at leftfield and first base before second. Murphy enjoys the experience, “I just come in every day and it’s a surprise where I play. It’s exciting to tell you the truth. The fact that I get to play multiple positions – I think the organization is showing a lot of faith in me.”

Fact:

Just to put into perspective the years that these guys are having in AA ball. (Evans still has enough AB's to qualify) In the entire Eastern League there are only four players under the age of 24 who have a batting average over .300, and an OPS over .800. Carp (22 years old), Murphy (23), Evans (22) and Lou Merson from the Phillies system, who is 22 as well. In the other two AA leagues, the Texas League and the Southern League, there are a grand total of 5 in each league who are accomplishing the same thing. Many of those are prize prospects like Dexter Fowler from the Rockies, or Mat Gamel, and Alcides Escobar from the Brewers farm.

Me:
Basically, I believe Murphy is a average prospect playing 1B/3B/OF, but at 2B I believe he's an above average prospect. The kid can rake, there is no questioning that, and I think he'll put in enough work to become an average defensive 2B. I could see him 15 HR and stealing 20 bases in the big leagues and at second base that would be amazing. Poor mans Chase Utley

It's nowhere near to what Josh Hamilton had to overcome, but it'll be a story to be heard if 3B Shawn Bowman ever finds his way to the big leagues.

You may remember the name Shawn Bowman but you don't know why.. Well I'll tell you.

The Mets drafted Bowman in the 12th round of the 2002 MLB player draft out of high school with high expectations. After a miserable pro-debut between Kingsport and Brooklyn in 2002 Bowman went on to hit 19 HR in the SAL in 2003 and 17 HR in the FSL in 2004. Bowman, a defensive wizard, was compared to the likes of Brooks Robinson at third base, and so many believed Bowman would eventually force David Wright to First Base.

But from there things went downhill for Bowman, who has struggled with back problems since 2005. After missing a season rehabbing a back injury in 2005, Bowman attempted a comeback in 2006, but after just 32 games was shut down with another back injury. Bowman played winter ball later that year, but had to shut it down towards the end of the season because of pain. The pain didn't go away and after just 6 games in 2007 Bowman was forced to have season ending surgery on his back.

Now here is Shawn Bowman in 2008. He's now 23 year old and finally healthy. After rehabbing his back, Bowman joined the St. Lucie Mets around mid-season and did nothing but rake (.342/.376/.506) in 22 games, earning himself a promotion to AA Binghamton. Bowman made his debut for Binghamton tonight and went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBI's in his debut.

Three years of back injuries have hampered his career but they haven't derailed it. No, he won't be moving Wright to 1B, but that doesn't mean he won't be a successful big leaguer one day.

From www.metsprospectus.com

Just finished creating my list of Mid-Season top 25 Mets Prospects for my site Mets Prospectus. If you click each link you can read a paragraph description on each prospect, basically my thoughts along with short scouting reports and some stats.

TOP 5:
http://www.metsprospectus.com/2008/07/mets-prospectus-mid-season-mets-top-25.html
TOP 10: http://www.metsprospectus.com/2008/07/mets-prospectus-mid-season-mets-top-25_12.html
Top 25:http://www.metsprospectus.com/2008/07/mets-prospectus-mid-season-mets-top-25_16.html

Look how far this system has come. Back in April guys who are at the bottom of this list were inside my top 10 Mets prospects. It's going under the radar, but the Mets are quickly building this system back up. Look out of the pitching prospects in the lower part of the farm system.

Actual list:
1. Fernando Martinez
2. Jon Niese
3. Ike Davis
4. Reese Havens
5. Wilmer Flores
6. Eddie Kunz
7. Mike Carp
8. Daniel Murphy
9. Bobby Parnell
10. Nick Evans
11. Scott Moviel
12. Jefry Marte
13. Michael Antonini
14. Brad Holt
15.BRANT RUSTICH
16. Nathan Vineyard
17. Angel Calero
18. Maikel Cleto
19. Ruben Tejada
20. Francisco Pena
21. Lucas Duda
22. Greg Veloz
23. Cesar Puello
24. Dillion Gee
25. Dylan Owen

Yeah, that's right. Metsblog.com is reporting that before the Indians shipped left handed pitcher CC Sabathia to the Brewers, Indians GM Mark Shapiro called Omar Minaya and expressed interest in sending the big left hander to the Mets. The trade would of most likely consisted of prized prospects Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese, and possibly Eddie Kunz or a lesser prospect such as a Carp/Murphy/Evans.

This is why I feel like scouts overrate how bad the Mets farm system is. They've been saying since the Santana trade that the Mets don't have anything left and won't be able to make a big splash at the trade deadline. Now, I think that the Mets WON'T make a big splash at the trade deadline, not because they don't have the prospects, but because they can't afford to trade their prospects.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the Mets rushed Mike Pelfrey to the big leagues WAY before he was ready. He never got the chance to develop his secondary pitches, and he never really learned how to pitch.

Fast forward to 2008 and though Pelfrey still has problems with the consistency of his slider, and can't throw his changeup AT ALL, he's beginning to get results. The difference (watching his starts) has been Pelfrey using his 4-seam fastball more often. He went through a period of throwing his 2 seamer/sinker going for location, and really seemed to lose his good hard fastball that he could just throw past hitters.. But he's been using that good 4-seam fastball along with his hard sinker and has been able to get the job done.

so far this season Pelfrey is 4-6 with a 4.30 ERA. In June, Pelfrey is 2-0 in 4 starts with a 2.81 ERA in 25.2 IP.

Here's my question.. Looking at his other numbers, K/9 ,his walk rate, hit rate, is this just a fluke, or do you believe Pelfrey has truly turned a corner?

I'd like to see John do an update on Pelfrey to see his thoughts on his progression.. I thought I remember hearing that John was big on Pelfrey out of college and bla bla bla..

PS: and to John, Mets new pitching coach has told Pelfrey he's open to him throwing his curveball again.

He might not of been a "top prospect" but Mike Carp was defeintley starting to appear on the radar after his 2006 season in which he "Hit .287 with 17 homers, 88 RBIs and 69 runs scored in 137 games with Class A Advanced St. Lucie. ... Finished third in the Florida State League in total bases (221), second in RBIs, fourth in hits (141) and second in games (137). ." Carp did all of this at the age of 20, which is a bit young (not by much) for A+. very impressive. The problem of course, was that he had a hard time hitting left handers, and wasn't the best 1B.

Then in AA during the 2007 season, Carp got off to a slow start, and later got hurt. He never fully recovered, and discovered a huge hole in his swing while watching video in winterball. Carp's been mashing in AA ever since, thanks to the help of teammate Daniel Murphy; who pointed out Carp was a much better hitter when he cut down his swing with two strikes--Carp now does that all of the time--

The biggest thing for me, is his new found ability to hit lefties--which probably comes with the shorter swing. So far this season he's hitting .321 against lefties, while hitting .355/.409/.555 with 9 HR, 15 DB, and 38 RBI in 211 AB overall. He has a decent k/w ratio, with 33 k's and 18 walks in those 211 AB's.

The thing to remember is even though he's repeating AA he's still just 22 year old. He's also gotten some reps in LF this year to make him more versatile.. What do you guys think about Mike Carp and his future?

A successful rehab start for Pedro Martinez who threw 6 very solid innings tonight for Port St. Lucie. Pedro gave up all four hits (and both runs) in the fourth inning. He had to work around some defensive miscues, but overall should be happy with the results. If his shoulder responds well he should be pitching for the Mets on Tuesday in San Fransisco. The only negative.. He was out pitched by #1 pick in last years draft David Price, who has thrown 6 shutout innings allowing just one hit while striking out 9.

Game Notes:

It's kind of weird to think that Pedro Martinez WON'T be the most watched pitcher in tonight's A+ game. I mean this is a guy with 200+ wins, 3,000 + k's, and the best winning % in history. But, tonight, for Vero Beach, David Price, the first pick from last years draft, makes his second start of the season.

PEDRO INNING ONE: Two ground outs, and a fly out, as Pedro works around an error by Ruben Tejada to start the inning.

David Price Inning One: What do you know.. Showing up the old man.. Price out does Pedro by having a 1-2-3 inning while striking out two batters.

PEDRO INNING TWO: 1-2-3 inning from Pedro, matching Price's first--and striking out two.

David Price Inning Two: Price allows a single with one out, but then gets a double play ball to end the inning.

PEDRO INNING THREE: Another 1-2-3 inning from Pedro, this time striking out one.
So far: 3 IP 0 H 0 BB 3 K's

David Price Inning Three: Matching Zero's is David Price.. Another 1-2-3 inning, again striking out two batters. His line so far: 3 IP 1 H 0 BB 4 K's

PEDRO FOURTH INNING: First blemish on the night for either pitcher.. Pedro gives up 4 hits and 2 ER in an inning that was prolonged by another St. Lucie error.

David Price Fourth Inning: Easy Peasy for Mr. Price. Another 1-2-3 inning, ending off the fourth with a strikeout of Lucas Duda.

PEDRO FIFTH INNING: Nice bounce back by Pedro.. 1-2-3 inning including a foul pop out and a strike out.

David Price Fifth Inning: Price works around a 1 out single by Robinson Cancel, and strikes out two in the inning. 5 IP 2 H 0 BB 7 K's

At this point in the game you have to wonder how much longer each starter will stay in the game.

PEDRO SIXTH INNING: Pedro has another 1-2-3 inning and while doing so, most likely striking out the last hitter he'll face before making his return to the majors next week.

David Price Sixth Inning: This guy is just nasty.. I'm not even watching the game and I can tell. Price struck out the first two hitters of the inning, and then got an easy groundball to get out of the game. I'm guessing he's done too.

From BA's Hot Sheet:

No. 7 FERNANDO MARTINEZ, CF, METS

Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern)
Age: 19
Why he's here: .360/.370/.720 (9-for-25), 4 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBIs, 1 BB, 5 SO
The Scoop: He's the youngest player in Double-A—heck, if he were in high Class A, he would still be the second-youngest player at that level. Teenagers in Double-A shouldn't be hitting for power, a skill that normally blossoms later in a player's career. But that's exactly what Martinez did last week, as four of his nine hits went for extra bases, highlighted by yesterday's two-homer game, the first multi-homer game of his career. It's not as though Martinez is dominating the league—in 144 at-bats, he's hitting .264/.297/.403—but his ability to drive the ball against much older competition is encouraging as he starts to take advantage of his prodigious tools in game situations.[/quote]

From Mets Prospectus

The Mets have signed 21–year-old German Catcher Kai Gronauer to a two-year minor league contract. Just by taking a look at his stats, you can tell the kid is quite the athlete. While playing for Germany in multiple tournaments and things of that sort he has excelled in every category. Now obviously, I can't tell you what the competition was like, because I simply don't know. But, as I look through his stats, he really reminds me of Dodger catcher Russel Martin.

To go along with his hitting abilities (who knows if that will transfer over) Gronauer showed a rare ability from catchers, the ability to steal bases. Also, while playing for Germany, Kai showed great defensive skills behind the plate, as he leaves Germany with the highest fielding percentage of any player in the history of their National team at .992. Not to mention the absolute cannon for an arm he has, gunning down nearly 50% of runners who attempted to steal off of him.

~What do you guys think about this kid? I heard he was one of the best (if not the best) player from Germany. Also heard he had an offer from the Pirates, but declined them and signed with the Mets.

I was waiting to see if John was going to write something on Pelfrey before posting this, but because he's not I thought I'd bring the conversation in here..

I really thought Mike Pelfrey turned a corner in September last season. Then the Santana trade, and Pelfrey wasn't involved (The Mets said they wouldn't trade him) and Peterson was on TV saying that he expects a much improved Mike Pelfrey this season..

Well then spring training came, and it was the same old Mike Pelfrey.. Well not completely.. His velocity was down around 92-93, instead of the 95-96 he was throwing when he first came up. But he still can't throw strikes, and he can't control his  off-speed pitches. We've seen what happens when Pelfrey is able to throw that pitch for strikes, but the odds of that happening are slim to none.

Somehow after being rocked in spring training, and looking like he gave up in his final two appearances, he made the team as the #5 starter.. What do you think of Mike Pelfrey going forwards? Have you given up on him? Still think he can be a successful major league pitcher? How long until we see the real Mike Pelfrey? Or maybe we never will..