Baseball America has ranked the Mets top ten prospects and right-handed pitcher Jenrry Mejia tops the list for 2010.
Mejia just turned 20 last month, but he’s already got Jerry Manuel’s interest. The Mets’ manager flew out to Arizona to watch Mejia’s Arizona Fall League debut so he could evaluate the possibility of Mejia being able to help out in the bullpen in 2010.
Long-term, Mejia is expected to be a starter — one with ace potential. Mejia’s fastball ranges from 93-96 mph and has hit 98 mph in Arizona, according to ESPN Insider Keith Law. He also has a plus changeup and is working on a curveball.
For all that potential, Mejia doesn’t have a lot of experience. He’s only thrown 210 innings total in his three years in the Mets farm system. I would hope that he gets an invitation to Major League spring training this year, but he should be reassigned to minor league camp as soon as his future teammates report. Mejia should start the 2010 season in Binghamton, not in Jerry Manuel’s bullpen.
The Mets have rushed far too many of their prospects to the majors before they were ready; I don’t want to see them make that mistake here.
It’s interesting to take a look at the top prospects of the past. Outfielder Alex Escobar was Baseball America’s pick in 2000 and 2001. Aaron Heilman got the nod in 2002. Jose Reyes had the honor in 2003, and somehow Kazuo Matsui received the distinction in 2004. Lastings Milledge was regarded as the top prospect in 2005 and 2006. Mike Pelfrey had the honor in 2007, and Fernando Martinez had the honor for the last two years.
Reyes turned out to be a star, and the jury is still out on Milledge, Pelfrey and Martinez. But Heilman and Matusi were average at best, and I don’t even think you could say that much for Escobar. So it’s probably not something to put a lot of stock in.
On the other hand, I think it’s more fun to think about the potential of Mets’ prospects than wonder which over-the-hill free agents will be the beneficiaries of Omar Minaya’s fondness for “proven veteran” talent this year.
| Jenrry Mejia |
I've been a Mets fan for about 20 years. I'm holding out hope that 2010 will be a better season for my favorite team.
hmm, i guess fernando wasnt what he was cut out to be? quick, trade him!
By: gobigpelf34 on November 7, 2009
at 4:48 pm
Until he manages to stay healthy and play a full season, I don’t think he has much value to anyone anymore. He’s been hurt and missed significant time each of the past four seasons.
In other words, he’s the perfect Met.
By: Paul on November 7, 2009
at 5:19 pm