Three Mets Prospects Land In MLB.com's Top 100

Another day and another prospect list!  This time is Major League Baseball's Jonathan Mayo ranked the top 100 prospects in major league baseball.  Three Mets made the cut and none are names that should catch you by surprise.

The highest name on the list should come as a surprise to no one.  Noah Syndergaard came in at number eleven on the list.  Anyone who's been paying any attention knows that Syndergaard is poised to be the next major prospect to make his debut.  He figures to challenge Matt Harvey for the role of ace on the staff.  If and when that time comes, it will be a good problem to have for the Mets.

Next up was Travis d'Arnaud, who managed the twenty-second spot.  Despite making an underwhelming debut last season, d'Arnaud will enter 2014 as a "rookie".  He'll assume the role as starting catcher out of spring training and will be off to the races.  Multiple outlets have pegged him as the best catching prospect in baseball, this list was no exception.

Finally was Rafael Montero, who fell all the way to eighty-fifth.  Lets not get crazy.  Montero is a strong prospect and figures to make his debut in 2014 as well.  Although his ceiling isn't as high as Noah Syndergaard, he projects as high as a number three in the rotation.  If he sticks, he could be right in the middle of what figures to be one of the best young rotations in baseball.

Despite just three prospects making the list, that still represented the eighth best total in all of Major League Baseball.  The front office has worked to renovate the farm system in recent years.  Syndergaard and d'Arnaud are part of the renovation.  These three players represent the best the young players the organization has to offer.  Beyond them is a bit of a drop off, but its important that the system is now regularly graduating talent to the major league level.  Young, premiere, afforable talent will be a benchmark of the New York Mets for years go come.  This list indicates that they remain on track to make that vision a reality.

Three Mets Prospects Make The Top 100

Today Scout.com released its list of the top 100 prospects in the minor leagues.  Kiley McDaniel, who comprised the list, explains that he excluded any player expected to be a starter opening day which is why Mets fans won't find Travis d'Arnaud anywhere on the list.

Three Mets however did make their way onto the list, with the obvious choice, Noah Syndergaard, landing at number 16 overall.  As nearly everyone knows, Syndergaard is one of the most highly respected pitching prospects in baseball right now, possessing a skill set that could project him as a #2 or better.  He is likely to slot into the team's rotation mid-summer and could be the punctuation  mark on a rotation that includes he, Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey for years to come.

From there you have to scroll all the way down to 74 where you'll find first baseman, Dominic Smith.  This is a strong showing for Smith who has played only 51 games of professional baseball after being drafted last summer in the 2013 Amatuer Draft.  He figures to be the team's best position prospect for some time as he navigates the minor league system.

The final Mets prospect to appear is Rafael Montero at 78.  Montero too is expected to make an impact on the 2014 season and could be ready to contribute by mid-summer as well.  Although he doesn't project as high as Syndergaard, he could round out what is an already formidable starting rotation.  If nothing else, he figures to be a comfortable backup plan should a starter go down to injury as the season progresses.

Three in the top one hundred probably seems a little short, but its fair to note that d'Arnaud would have joined this group if he wasn't expected to break camp with the team.  Its also worth nothing that this is a Mets system that recently graduated Matt Harvey as well.  Overall, while the organization's farm system remains in a state of repair is has already and looks as if it will continue to contribute to the big league roster.

Mets Shouldn't Even Consider Santana For 2014

I love Johan Santana. He was a gamer for us when healthy. He was electrifying to watch. Whether it was striking guys out, diving for bunted balls or swinging out of his shoes at the plate, he kept you watching the game. Besides pitching the team's first no-hitter, he also got laid on a golf course. It would have been nice if we had won more with him here, but I appreciate everything he did for this organization.

Early in the offseason I was all for bringing Santana back. However, even if only for a minor league deal, the Mets do not need Santana back. Frankly, I don't think it would benefit either party. After the surprising signing of Bartolo Colon, the Mets currently have 4 rotation spots solidified. Coming back to camp this year will be Jenrry Mejia. I'd love to see him grab the 5th spot, especially after the way he performed in his short stint last season. However Mejia has failed to prove he can stay healthy.

You don't know what you're getting from Johan this year. He's missed most of the last 3 seasons. Between him and Mejia, there would be no guarantee in that 5th spot of the rotation. The Mets have proven to not promote players until it is fiscally beneficial or out of desperation. And in reality, this is the right thing to do considering the position they've been in the last few seasons. The last thing the Mets should do is start the clock on Montero or Syndergaard prematurely. As exciting as this offseason has been in regards to the Mets making some solid acquisitions, most level headed fans are probably not expecting the Mets to be serious contenders this year.

The Mets need stability. All they need is a low cost veteran pitcher to come in and compete and give them some starts. Maybe Mejia wins the job outright and you can keep this veteran in the pen as a long man spot starter or accept an assignment in AAA. Either way, it's time for the Met and the fans to get past the story and the nostalgia and just part ways with Santana. Johan should go find a team that will give him a legitimiate shot to make their rotation and a chance to win a ring.

Filling the SS Gap: Jean Segura

Segura was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2013.

With the additions of Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon this past week, Sandy Alderson has fortified two of the major holes the Mets faced going into the offseason.

The most gaping one remaining is at shortstop. Ruben Tejada's mediocre production in 2013 in addition to his poor ability to stay healthy and lack of hustle have led the front office to shut the door on that experiment.

Finding the first suitable replacement for Jose Reyes at short has been a problem Alderson has faced since Reyes' departure in 2011. However, it's the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers who appear to be able to satisfy each other's needs in that department.

The Brewers acquired all-star shortstop Jean Segura from the Angels in 2012 in a deal that sent Zack Greinke to Anaheim. At 23, Segura tore it up in 2013, batting .294/.329/.752 in 146 games at short for the Brewers. Appealing, is he not?

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, the departure of Corey Hart and the uncertain future of Ryan Braun leaves a gaping hole at first base. Missing out on James Loney and Mark Trumbo could leave Ike Davis as a very real possibility for the Brewers to fill that need.

I would project a fair trade as Segura for Davis, Rafael Montero, and if need be, Wilmer Flores or Cesar Puello.

If you're the Mets, you're getting a proven shortstop for a first baseman in need of a change in scenery, one of many pitching prospects you already possess, and one mid-level prospect if you really have to. If you're the Brewers, you're filling first base with a high-ceiling player and getting needed starting pitching.

While general managers thus far haven't taken any of my previous advice, this trade is one that makes a deal of sense to both parties. Here's what the 2014 Mets would look like with Segura in the lineup:

Segura - SS
Young Jr - LF
Wright - 3B
Granderson - RF
Murphy - 2B
Duda - 1B
Lagares - CF
d'Arnaud - C
(Pitcher)

If Sandy Alderson can get this done, things may be looking up Queens much sooner than fans could have hoped.

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The Mets Are A Shortstop Away

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

Before you prepare to jump down my throat, I'm not about to tell you that the Mets are a shortstop away from being a World Series contenders.  They are however a shortstop away from a few different things.

First and foremost, with the additions the front office has made to date the lone remaining hole on the roster is at shortstop. While that's not to say improvements can't be made upon the players elsewhere on the roster, there seems to be a plan in place for every position but shortstop.  Is it possible that the Mets could enter the 2014 season without so much as one obvious glaring void in the lineup?

Next, its refreshing to say that should the Mets upgrade the shortstop position, they'll have accomplished all of the major goals they set forth for this winter.  In a free agent market that most agree went through the roof, Sandy Alderson was able to address both outfield corners and obtain a quality starting pitcher.  Addressing the team's needs at shortstop would effectively complete the roster renovation fans had been craving.

In the long term the Mets still have work to do.  In addition to Matt Harvey getting healthy, the team awaits the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero.  There are still questions to be answered with it comes to Juan Lagares and Lucas Duda.  The Mets aren't prepared to contend in 2014, but they will be a whole lot closer than last year if Alderson can finalized the offseason in dramatic fashion.

Its a process.  It didn't take a year or two to create the mess that is the New York Mets, and it'll likely take more than a year or two to rectify it.  However for the first time in a long time, the progress is apparent.  The Mets appear able to spend in the free agent market and have a farm system that is producing major league caliber players.  For the first time in a long time, things are looking up in Queens.  Sandy Alderson is one shortstop away from taking that next step.

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The Mets Still Have Time To Improve Upon Offseason

As we push into the latter half of the third day of the MLB Winter Meetings, the Mets are yet to do anything with improves the 2014 roster.  Hopes of unloading Ike Davis reportedly appear to hinge on decisions of others.  The team's demands for Daniel Murphy, the only other position players likely to be traded this week, have cooled his market.  And finally, the Mets appear to only be in on one year, very low risk starting pitcher to round out the rotation.

Things aren't looking good.  And yes.. I get your frustration.  Several years of waiting have lead up to this winter and as other players come off the board, you fear that the Mets will fall short.  However, there is still time.  Take a hypothetical walk with me for a minute.

Now that Cory Hart has decided on the Mariners, it opens up the possibility for a deal that sends Ike Davis to the Brewers for Tyler Thornburg.  It accomplishes two things.  It removed a little more than three million in payroll and slots Thornburg into the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation.  Where do the Mets go from here?  Some times its the move after the first move that is the end game, and in this case there are two options.

Thornburg's acquisition may make other pitchers, in this case we'll say Rafael Montero, expendable.  The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are seeking starting pitching, have a backlog of quality shortstops.  Is it possible that the Mets could unload a player like Montero in exchange for the shortstop piece they entered the offseason so desperate to find?  The other more obvious route would be that the payroll freed up by trading Ike Davis can assist the Mets in acquiring the likes of Stephen Drew.

What I'm getting at is, although you have to look closely, the writing remains on the wall that the Mets can still accomplish their goals this season.  They have money remaining, and may have more than originally thought once moves are made.  I'm not saying this will necessarily happen, but its certainly possible.  This offseason has been slow, but its not as if Sandy Alderson's methodical approach should be new to anyone.

The Mets still have plenty of work to do if they intend to field a much improved roster next year.  Its not going to be easy, but its still possible.

GM Meetings: Expect Rumors, Not Action

This morning marks the start of the GM Meetings in Orlando, FL. The general managers and owners from each organization come together in November each winter to talk baseball. What is supposed to spur talk about in-game issues suck as instant replay and collisions at the plate, will also lead to a variety of rumors about trade talks and free agent acquisitions. Expect just that though, a lot of talk. 

The Mets are expected to, at the very least, speak with player agent Scott Boras about the likes of Shin-Soo Choo and Stephen Drew. While I believe the Mets to be honestly interested in Choo, his price has nearly doubled (now asking for 7/$126MM) from the initial estimates we heard during the season. As a result, it's been widely reported the Mets will go elsewhere. I expect the same with Drew, who has a pretty comparable option in Jhonny Peralta, who will come at a discount. 

The Mets will also assess the trade value of their available options, such as Ike Davis, Rafael Montero and others. Whether these guys get traded by themselves or become part of a package, there will be no better time than this week to get the ball rolling, as every team will be present. 

It can be a frustrating week for fans who are desperate for the first proverbial domino to fall. While its not unheard of for a substantial deal to be reached this week, it remains unlikely. The Mets have a lot to accomplish this winter. That will require them to stretch their resources as far as possible. That process will begin this week in Orlando..with a whole lot of talking. 

How Would You Rank The Mets Free Agency Needs?

A few days ago, Jason Lempert, of Bleacher Report took the time to rank what he thought were the Mets most pressing needs via free agency.  He ranked them as follows:

1) Starting Pitching
2) Catching
3) Shortstop
4) Outfielder
5) Relief Pitcher

Umm..alright, I suppose these would be the five areas that the Mets need to address this winter, but that isn't even remotely close to how I would rank them.  Here is what I'm thinking:

1) Outfielder
2) Starting Pitcher
3) Shortstop
4) Relief Pitcher
5) Catcher

Even with the injury to Matt Harvey, the Mets still have a plethora of young starting pitchers.  Does that mean that the likes of Jenrry Mejia, Jacob deGrom and Rafael Montero should be depended upon next year? No.  But the Mets most pressing need with unquestionably offense.

Its for that reason that I would select outfield as the first area that needs to be addressed.  If you looking for a guy who is good for a 25HR/100RBI season, certainly there are more to be had in the corners of the outfield.  Whether or not the Mets decide to spend what it takes to bring one of those guys in is another story, but the fastest way to add pop to the line up is going to be via an outfielder.

Second, I would agree that starting pitching is a definite area of concern.  The Mets and their young pitchers would greatly benefit from the acquisition of a veteran teaching type.  Lempert brings up Bronson Arroyo, whose name has come up frequently so far this winter.  I'm not 100% sure Arroyo is the best answer, but I think he's the right type of player.

Third is a supposed replacement for Ruben Tejada and/or Omar Quintanilla.  I think this spot needs to be addressed, but more so because there are going to be legitimate upgrades available.  Ruben Tejada at his best (which may already be behind him) doesn't provide the lineup presence someone like Jhonny Peralta does.  This is an area the Mets should definitely look into if they have the funds after addressing the first two areas.

Fourth is the bullpen.  I think this lands an nearly every team's list this winter.  Bullpens are always a crap shoot for lack of a better term.  The Mets' pen ended the year on a pretty good note.  Lempert suggests that Parnell's questionable health is the reason for his high ranking, but I anticipate the Mets have other in house options that can temporarily fill this roll, just as LaTroy Hawkins did in 2013.

Finally, a veteran catcher.  I think this a fair assessment.  The Mets don't need Travis d'Arnaud as their lone major league caliber backstop, nor can they count on his health.  The reason I don't stress this area is that I think backup catchers are almost a dime a dozen (sounds crazy to say that having endured years of Josh Thole).  The Mets will find someone, whether it be Henry Blanco or the recently traded John Buck to fill this role.

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So that's what I think... And more importantly why I think it.  How would you rank them?  Do you agree with Lempert's assessment of things or am I more in line?  Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle.  Either way, let us know in the comments section below!

NYDN Harper: Mets Should Build Around Young Pitching

In Saturday's New York Daily News, John Harper had a fresh and interesting take on the Mets future, suggesting that the team follow the example of the Cardinals and Dodgers. He had this to say on the subject:

In a baseball post-season that so far has been defined largely by young, power pitching, the Cardinals won Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers here by using seven pitchers, five of whom are age 26 or younger. 

Picture by @lets86it. Check out her work on Twitter

Now they'll start a 22-year old, Michael Wacha, on Saturday, then likely another, Shelby Miller, in Game 4. 

And somewhere, Sandy Alderson dreams of an October sometime in the next few years when the Mets are in a similar position, trying to win a championship on the strength of their young pitching... for now at least, this pitching-dominated post-season has further convinced the Mets' brass that it needs to be very careful about trading any of its young pitching.

This Harper guy seems like a real genius. Somewhere, in his office, Alderson read this article, surrounded by posters of Harvey, Wheeler, Montero, Mejia, Syndergaard, and whoever else you want to throw in there and thinking, "Oh... pitching. Thanks John Harper!"

Seriously, yes, this team should build around its young pitching talent. It's just that I find the writing of this article to be a bit... stupid, because I haven't heard anyone argue that the Mets shouldn't build around their pitching. They built a pitcher's park, have traded for and groomed what could potentially turn into the best rotation in the majors and we have to tell them to build around pitching? Just seems a little goofy to me is all.

A more interesting take from Harper would have been which one of these pitchers is the most expendable in a deal to fill some of the team's other holes. Including Niese in the long term, and even Dillon Gee in the short term, the Mets have more than a rotation's worth of very good pitchers in the system and plenty of other places they could use some real talent. On the flip side, I guess we do have an entire long winter to discuss that...

Prospect Profile: Rafael Montero

Bio: 6'0" 170 lbs from the Dominican Republic. Age 22.

Drafted: Undrafted.

Acquired: Signed as an international free agent in January 2011. 

Scouting Report:

The word on Montero is 'control'. His primary pitch is his fastball which usually registers 92-94 mph, but features late movement that makes it his best offering. His secondary pitches include both a slider and a change-up that comes in at 81-84 mph. Both pitches grade as average. In reality it is Montero's control that makes up for his weak secondary pitches, as he is likely to pitch to contact without a true 'strikeout pitch'.

2013 Stats (to date):

Binghamton (AA): 7-3, 2.43 ERA, 51 H, 18 ER, 72 K, 10 BB (11 starts)

Las Vegas (AAA): 5-4, 3.05 ERA, 85 H 30 ER, 78 K, 25 BB (16 starts)

Potential:

Due to a lack of above average secondary pitches, Montero projects as a middle of he rotation starter. His control figures to be his best quality, and as a result he is well regarded amongst scouts. 

What's Next:

Montero's future with the Mets is in some question. If the organization explores the trade market this winter, he figures to be much discussed in any package the Mets put together, especially if the Mets are sincere about their unwillingness to trade Noah Snydergaard. If he does survive the winter, expect Montero to compete for a spot in the 2014 starting rotation.

Twitter: None.