No Moncado for the Mets?

I will admit that I have had issues with the Mets lack of interest in the Cuban market(link). And initially with all the hype of Yoan Moncado and his path to becoming a free agent my thoughts didn't change. However, this kid while displaying the tools is going to potentially cost a $30 million contract and on top of that a 100% tax to the team. For all you math challenged folks that's $60 million for a player with not a lot of real elevated playing experience. Essentially a $60 million prospect.

A few years ago the Mets spent their first round draft pick on Gavin Cechinni. And while I have read about some potential character flaws he appears to be progressing through the system as he should. Then you have Amed Rosario who according to Keith Law (espn.com 2.1 via MetsBlog) has crazy potential based on his tools and he was signed a year ago for $2 million.

My point is, Cechinni and Rosario can only be viewed as prospects at this point as they are unproven but Moncando really can't be viewed as much else. The other Cuban players that have been signed in recent years all had several years of experience in their respective leagues and were in their mid twenties so those gambles would have made more sense but $60 million is a huge risk. I just wish the Mets would have take a gamble on one of the others.

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Prospect Profile: L.J. Mazzilli, 2B

With their fourth pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, the New York Mets selected L.J. Mazzilli, son of former Mets player Lee Mazzilli.

Mazzilli started the season playing with the Brooklyn Cyclones, joining second year shortstop Gavin Cecchini in the middle-infield.

Mazzilli is an offensive-minded second baseman who is a well-rounded player, although no tools will jump off the page at you. He has good speed and decent gap-to-gap power. He is the type of player who can provide a spark with his bat, so look for Mazzilli to hit at the top of the order, probably settling into the No. 2 hole.

Mazzilli has a nice, short, and compact swing which generates solid bat speed through the zone. There are some questions regarding his defense, which could ultimately determine if he becomes an everyday player, or a utility type. His range is excellent and is arm is solid for second base, so with his excellent baseball IQ, he should be able to work out any defensive inadequacies.

Due to his pedigree, his ability, and his work ethic, there is a better chance of Mazzilli making it to Flushing someday than there is of him washing out.

2013 Stats

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	G	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2013	22	Brooklyn	NYPL	A-	70	273	24	76	12	4	34	3	22	53	.278	.329	.381	.710
1 Season					70	273	24	76	12	4	34	3	22	53	.278	.329	.381	.710

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/31/2013.