10-10-11: - https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/132edccbf718965f - The Mets picked up Allan Dykstra in exchange for Eddie Kunz back in March, and the big guy did a nice job playing nearly everyday at first for Binghamton. Dykstra, who turned 24 in May, hit .267/.389/.474 with 19 homers, and 69 walks against 131 strikeouts in 121 games. His 69 walks were tied for fifth in the Eastern League, and he closed down his dramatic platoon split from 2010. I don’t think he’s an impact big leaguer (he whiffed in 28% of his Binghamton plate appearances) but he’s certainly better than Eddie Kunz. Kunz, by the way, ran a 4.30 ERA in 73.1 innings for the Padres’ double-A affiliate with an almost impressive 34 walks against 27 strikeouts.
10-17-11: - http://baseballinstinct.com/2011/10/17/prospect-instinct-matt-harvey-rhp-new-york-mets - Matt Harvey has a plus curveball with a borderline plus fastball. The slider is average. His changeup should be an average or better pitch as well, so he has a four pitch mix that makes me confident to call him a future big league starter. His command has come along as well, so while he was a #2-#3 starter going into the season, the command has put him in the elite level of pitching prospects and he has a chance to be a frontline starter. His frame says that there is a workhorse 200 inning eater here as well. The only thing that can hold him back from reaching a successful #2 starter or better will be his mechanics. The changes that have been made are a step in the right direction and he’ll need to hold that upgrade going forward while maturing as a starter. We should see Harvey some time in 2012. He could start the season in Triple-A and be with the Mets by the All Star break.
Ronny Paulino’s 2011 season was more or less a “success”–depending on what you expect out of a backup catcher. He hit well–as advertised–against left-handed pitching (.289/.363/.389 line), but also posted his highest career contact rate (85.3%), and a superb 73.3% O-Contact% (contact rate for pitches outside the zone), which was 11.5% above his 2010 rate. However, Paulino’s defense was a little suspect. Among catchers with at least 200 innings, Paulino posted the eleventh worst caught-stealing percentage, throwing out just 20.3% of runners. He also had 6 pass balls, which ties him with Yadier Molina–but in 639 less innings than Cardinals’ defensive-wiz. It’s a safe assumption that the Mets will not tender Paulino a contact, and might look for a better defensive upgrade for their backup catcher in 2012 (i.e. Kelly Shoppach). Given Josh Thole‘s struggles behind the dish, it might make more sense to have a more defensive-minded backup than a pure platoon partner like Paulino. - http://risingapple.com/2011/10/17/2011-season-in-review-ronny-paulino
10-17-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/10/mmo-top-20-mets-prospects-20-danny-muno-ss.html - Danny Muno is a “gamer”, and does all the little things it takes to win, bunting, situational hitting, moving runners over, and playing solid defense at 2B and SS. He will more than likely open the season next year as the starting shortstop at Savannah, although a jump all the way to St. Lucie and the Florida State League is not out of the realm of possibility for a player with his advanced skills and experience. Choosing number 20 for this list was very hard. There are several deserving players that could have also sneaked into this spot. Players I have ranked just outside the Top 20 include: Cory Vaughn, Jack Leathersich, Tillman Pugh, Domingo Tapia, Tyler Pill, Logan Verrett, Albert Cordero, Taylor Whitenton, Brad Holt, Erik Goeddel and Zach Lutz. Perhaps we should have made a Top 30!
In a down year for NL third basemen, the Mets received decent contributions at the hot corner. Still, a sub-.800 OPS and poor defense from Wright was disappointing, and it will be tough to justify paying big money for that kind of production going forward. His trade value isn't all that high right now. Regardless, the front office should explore interest from other teams. It's boring to repeat but any opportunity to make a move that improves the team should be entertained. It's merely an educated guess but I doubt David Wright is traded this winter. Here's to a healthy, restful offseason for Wright and his regaining that 2005-2008 form at (renovated?) Citi Field. - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/10/17/2494781/2011-postmortem-third-base
