Mets Prospect Countdown: No. 21-30

by John Vittas (@JohnVittas3)

40. OF Darrell Ceciliani
39. RHP Luis Cessa
38. RHP Cameron Griffin
37. SS Jeff McNeil
36. OF Joe Tuschak
35. 1B Matt Oberste
34. RHP Hansel Robles
33. RHP Akeel Morris
32. OF Champ Stuart
31. OF Ivan Wilson

To read John's breakdown of Prospects No. 31-40, click here.


30. RAINY LARA - RHP

Bani, Dominican Republic - signed as International free agent

Opening Day Age: 23

Projected Opening Day Assignment: High-A St. Lucie

General Numbers: 26 walks in 129.2 IPs, 1.42 ERA in 8 SAL starts

Relevant Numbers: K/9 dropped from 9 to 6.1 when he jumped levels

Positives: Rainy led the Minor Leagues in ERA for much of 2013 and was downright dominant in A-ball this year. His fastball has late, arm-side run at 90-92 which helps him miss the barrel of the bat. He throws strikes and disguises his changeup well. At 6-4, there’s still some projectability here.

Negatives:  Lara’s motion isn’t pretty and a bit stiff. He’s primarily fastball/changeup. He’s gotten outs with his slider but it isn’t going to fool many Big Leaguers. His ERA jumped from 1.42 to 3.76 upon his promotion to the FSL so unless he can develop a bigger breaking ball, expect him to become more hittable as he ascends through the system. He projects as a strike-throwing long reliever.

Style: Sidney Ponson

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 23

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 9

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

29. LUIS MATEO - RHP

Nizao, Dominican Republic - signed as free agent

Opening Day Age: 24

Projected Opening Day Assignment: Rehab

General Numbers: 57 hits allowed in 73 IPs in Brooklyn in 2012

Positives: Mateo has been ranked as high as the No. 4 prospect in the system. He lives in the mid-90s with a slider that was unanimously tabbed as the “Best in the System” in 2012.

Negatives: Luis barely pitched in 2013 and was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in May. He’s 23 years old and has yet to pitch 150 Minor League innings, which is a major issue. Assuming he won’t pitch until mid-season, this most recent setback could seal Mateo’s fate as a reliever. If he’s not effective this season, it could be the end of the line for the talented Dominican.

Style: Edinson Volquez

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 18

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 40

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: 15

28. DUSTIN LAWLEY - OF

University of West Florida - 19th Round of the 2011 Draft

Opening Day Age: 24

Projected Opening Day Assignment: Double-A Binghamton

General Numbers: 26 HRs, 96 RBIs in 128 games (mostly High-A St. Lucie)

Relevant Numbers: .513 SLG with a .481 career mark (guy’s got pop)

Positives: It might be time to start taking Dustin Lawley seriously. He led all Mets prospects in home runs, extra-base hits and total bases this season. His numbers were flat out eye-popping and Lawley’s late-season promotion to Triple-A shows that the Mets’ executives are going to give him a shot.

Negatives: Age, age and age. Lawley is a 24-year old A-ball hitter. Doubters will attribute his 2013 success to his advanced age. He has a hitch in his swing and too much wasted motion in his lower body. Clearly, this hasn’t been a problem for Dustin thus far.

Style: Chris Johnson

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 31

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 26

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

27. ADERLIN RODRIGUEZ - 3B

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - signed as International free agent

Opening Day Age: 22

Projected Opening Day Assignment: High-A St. Lucie

General Numbers: only walked 11 times in 62 games (High-A St. Lucie)

Relevant Numbers: second straight year with an average above .260 (batted .221 in 2011)

Positives: Rodriguez hit for power with St. Lucie (.167 IsoSLG) this year and generates big-time bat speed. Many say he has the most raw power in the Mets system. He’s also slimmed down which has helped him defensively (now listed at 210 lbs).

Negatives: A-Rod missed the whole second half of the season due to injury, and in effect, probably still has more to prove at the A-ball level. His slow development has put him behind the 8-ball in terms of age, and a .194 average in the Arizona Fall League won’t help his prospect status, either. The other issue is he plays third base and will have to learn a new position if he ever sniffs the Major Leagues.

Style: Adrian Beltre without the high average

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 16

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 28

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

26. JARED KING - OF

Kansas State University - Fifth Round of the 2013 Draft

Opening Day Age: 22

Projected Opening Day Assignment: High-A St. Lucie

General Numbers: 1.030 OPS at K-State this year

Relevant Numbers: 21 SB and 42 XBH in 119 games in 2013

Positives: King was a premium NCAA hitter, and will benefit greatly from leaving early. After a good showing in his first dose of pro ball, Jared could skip ahead to St. Lucie in 2014. He’s a switch hitter with solid all-around tools. His swing from both sides is nearly flawless, displaying good balance and rhythym. Keep an eye on King as a potential break-out guy in 2014.

Negatives: Despite being a respectable defensive outfielder, King doesn’t have one position that he excels at. He’s athletic enough to play some center, but projects better as a left fielder due to a sub-par arm.

Style: Nick Swisher

Across the John Preseason Top 100: Not in System

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 32

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

25. MILLER DIAZ - RHP

Caracas, Venezuela - Signed as International Free Agent

Opening Day Age: 21

Projected Opening Day Assignment: A-ball Savannah

General Numbers: 2.03 ERA over 12 starts, 44 hits allowed in 66 innings (A Brooklyn)

Relevant Numbers: 11.75 K/9 - No. 1 of all starting pitching prospects

Positives: Diaz has gradually been able to turn his gifted arm into a strikeout machine over his four years of pro ball. Turning in his best season of his career in 2013, Diaz led all starting pitching prospects in both H/9 (5.9) and K/9 (11.75). His fastball is consistently in the mid-90s, and he personally told me he touched 98 this summer. All of his offerings are swing-and-miss caliber pitches,with the fastball being the moneymaker.

Negatives: Per the status quo for guys like Diaz, he needs more consistent command with all pitches and should continue to refine his off-speed pitches. Scouts say his breaking ball is a little too loopy and his changeup is recognizable. If he knocks out those kinks, Diaz can be an impact Major League arm.

Comparison: Edward Mujica?

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 40

ATJ Midseason Top 50: Not Ranked

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

24. JOHN GANT - RHP

Wiregrass Ranch HS (FL) - 21st Round of the 2011 Draft

Opening Day Age: 21

Projected Opening Day Assignment: A-ball Savannah

General Numbers: .206 opponent average; allowed only 51 hits in 73 innings

Relevant Numbers: 1 of 2 pitchers of the NYPL to eclipse 80 Ks this season

Positives: After two years of grooming, the Mets have made John Gant into a dominant professional pitcher. They paid overslot to yank him away from his LIU Brooklyn commitment, and have turned his potential into reality. The sky is the limit for Gant, as his wiry 6-3 frame gives him all sorts of advantages on the mound.

Negatives: His offspeed pitches were rated as average-at-best by many scouts when Gant was drafted. Considering he’s not terribly overpowering, it’s pretty clear he’s improved his curve and change.

Style: Bronson Arroyo?

Across the John Preseason Top 100: 99

ATJ Midseason Top 50: Not Ranked

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

23. LJ MAZZILLI - 2B

Univ. of Connecticut - 4th Round of the 2013 Draft

Opening Day Age: 23

Projected Opening Day Assignment: High-A St. Lucie

Basic Numbers: .970 career OPS at UConn with 101 XBH and 60 SBs in 212 games

Relevant Numbers: led the Cyclones in AVG and RBIs in 2013

Positives: The younger Mazzilli was the Big East Player of the Year after a .354 season. The kid can flat out hit. All he’s ever done is put up numbers and be a leader. He has surprising speed and is polished at the plate. He should have no problem handling A-ball and is on the fast-track to the upper levels.

Negatives: Some say his ceiling is low and he’s not athletic enough to be a Major League middle infielder. But if he hits, he’ll be there.

Style: Ian Kinsler

Across the John Preseason Top 100: Not in System

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 46

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

A little local news piece on LJ

22. CORY MAZZONI - RHP

North Carolina State University - 2nd Round of the 2011 Draft

Opening Day Age: 24

Projected Opening Day Assignment: Triple-A Las Vegas

Basic Numbers: 4.36 ERA over 12 Double-A starts; 70 hits allowed in 66 innings

Relevant Numbers: K-rate went from 6.5 in 2012 to 10.1 this year

Positives: Mazzoni has mid-90s heat and a reliable slider-splitter combo that could make him an excellent late-innings reliever. He throws strikes, having only walked only 14 batters in 66 innings.

Negatives: He battled injuries throughout 2013 and was only able to make 12 starts. It’s looking less and less likely that the NC State grad will be a Major League starter. Opponents hit .275 off him this year in the pitching-friendly Eastern League. It stands to reason that his arsenal might be more effective in relief.

Style: Brian Wilson (just the pitching)

Across the John Preseason Top 200: 22

ATJ Midseason Top 50: 27

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: 12

Watch: Cory Mazzoni - SNY Mets Minor League Report

21. TYLER BASHLOR - RHP

South Georgia College - 11th Round of the 2013 Draft

Opening Day Age: 20

Projected Opening Day Assignment: Short-Season A Brooklyn

Relevant Numbers: 18 strikeouts in under 16 pro innings, but he walked 12 (R Kingsport)

Positives: Bashlor has a very live arm and has touched 96. When you factor in his sharp slider and unflappable mound presence, the Georgia native could be headed to a Big League bullpen some time down the road. If he continues to develop his curveball, there’s no telling how good he can be.

Negatives: Like most young fireballers, Bashlor needs to improve his control. Unfortunately, the only way he’s been able to do that is by taking mph’s off his heater. He's at least three years away.

Comparison: Jenrry Mejia

Across the John Preseason Top 100: Not in System

ATJ Midseason Top 50: Not Ranked

Jonathan Mayo Top 20: Not Ranked

Top 10 Mets Minor League Surprises of 2012

by John Vittas

10. John Mincone

When the Mets signed southpaw John Mincone as a Minor League free agent in 2012, they couldn’t have expected him to be much more than the local guy Long Islanders could root for when they made the drive to Brooklyn to see a Cyclones game.  The Mets rescued him from the Frontier League, where he was stinking it up for the Windy City Thunderbolts, and walking more hitters than he struck out.

But the Dix Hills native and former James Madison University standout found a level even he didn’t know he had. Not only did Mincone put up solid numbers in the New York-Penn League, he put up some of the best numbers in the entire Mets organization.

In 29 and one-third innings, Mincone allowed only six runs, while striking out 29 and walking only six. That’s good for an ERA of 1.82 and a walk rate that ranks in top ten of all Mets relievers.

But the best part of Mincone’s season was that he was nearly unhittable, giving up just 5.78 hits per nine innings, ranking fifth out of about 55 eligible relief pitchers in the system.

Mincone and his remarkable comeback may have just earned himself another chance at The Show in 2013.

John Mincone

9. Brooklyn Cyclones Rotation

The Brooklyn rotation was every bit of spectacular, splendid, sensational, whatever positive “S” word you select. Including six. The six-man rotation of young, Hispanic aces proved to embarrass every New York-Penn League opponent.

Hansel Robles was the best one statistically, although they all were great. Robles, a 22-year old Dominican, allowed just nine earned runs in over 72 innings, surrendering only 47 hits. That equates to a 1.12 ERA and a WHIP of 0.79. He led the league in ERA and opponent’s batting average (.184). Robles capped his monumental campaign with a 4-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts in a playoff game against the eventual NYPL champions, Hudson Valley Renegades.

Even though Robles has never pitched above A-ball, the Mets added him to the 40-man roster this winter, presumably to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

But it’s also a possibility Robles could be given a chance to make the Mets bullpen this year. His fastball reaches the mid-90s, he can throw four pitches and has very sound mechanics. So, the Mets could give him a fighter’s chance this Spring.

Gabriel Ynoa touched 93 on the gun and features a very effective changeup, making him unique to many of the Mets prospects.

At 19-years-old, Ynoa appears to be ahead of the game, also recording tremendous numbers in Brooklyn (2.23 ERA, 0.93 WHIP).

The third best starter statistically was Luis Mateo, who led the Cyclones in strikeouts, with a crazy-high total of 85 in 73 innings.

Mateo can dominate with his slider and mid-90s fastball, and could progress very quickly, potentially as a reliever.

Baseball America recently named his slider the best in the system and shockingly ranked him as the 4^th best prospect in the system. He hasn’t even sniffed the top ten in any other rankings, but if nothing else, it shows Mateo is starting to make some noise.

Rainy Lara also has a good changeup and Luis Cessa has shown solid command and good velocity as well.

Julian Hilario was the weak-link of the staff, posting a 3.24 ERA and a .500 record. I kid.

All in all, the Brooklyn rotation posted an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP right around 1. Downright dominating.

Cyclones pitching coach Marc Valdes deserves a ton of credit, as does the entire Mets pitching development staff. This group young pitchers is a true testament to the coaching the Mets have in their farm system. All of these guys have been nurtured by the team since they were signed as young teenagers.

Gabriel Ynoa dominated the NYPL at 19-years old

8. Cam Maron

Maron posted his third straight .300 season, but this time it was with a full-season team and in a league known for it’s pitching.

The South Atlantic League is usually a pitcher’s paradise, so Cam’s .300 average distinguishes itself nicely.

He still has a long way to go, but the Hicksville High School star is making his way up the latter by consistently hitting. Given his position is catcher, his progression will be brisk if Maron keeps hitting.

Kid’s a die-hard Mets fan, so you’ve got to root for him. He turned down college scholarships for 34^th-round money so he could play for the team he loved growing up on Long Island.

7. Dustin Lawley

In his first full professional season after being drafted out of West Florida in 2011, Dustin Lawley was a man of production in the pitcher-happy SAL.

The Alabama-bred righty occupied several positions on the diamond and was virtually never on the bench. Lawley finished top-10 in the organization in RBI (66), hits, at bats, doubles, runs and total bases.

After a long, healthy season, Lawley continued to flex his durability muscles by spending October in the Arizona Fall League, where he acquitted himself nicely against the game’s top prospects.

If Dustin shows the same type of production in St. Lucie in 2013, he could become a very interesting prospect as a reliable, utility-man.

Dustin Lawley in his West Florida days

6. Alonzo Harris

After four years slogging through the lower levels of the system, Alonzo Harris has finally made a name for himself thanks to a breakout season in year number five.

Harris had the rap of being a one-dimensional player, with that great trait being speed. Baseball America donned Alonzo the title of the best baserunner in the system, and with Jose Reyes and Angel Pagan a distant memory, nobody would argue with that.

The Mississippi missile stole a system-high 40 bases and legged out seven triples this past season.

But it’s not the speed numbers that surprised people in 2012; it was his hitting. Harris set new career-highs in many categories, including extra-base-hits, OPS, OBP, walks, stolen bases, triples and doubles.

When you look at his splits, the former football star is an even more encouraging hitter. Harris hit left-handed pitching at a .353 clip (!), which is something the Mets desperately need. He also got stronger as the season went along, batting .330 in the final month of August. Last but certainly not least, the McCombs High School grad raised his game with people on base, posting a .303 average in those crucial situations.

5. Jacob DeGrom

Often Tommy John surgery is a death sentence for Minor League pitchers, yet Jacob DeGrom has not only been salvaged, but improved.

The former Stetson star flashed a consistent mid-90s fastball after the surgery and got through the season healthy and effective.

How does a 9-3 record with a 2.43 ERA sound? How about a 7.36 H/9 and a walk rate so small you can barely see it? (1.62 BB/9) Well, that’s what DeGrom posted in his first year back from major surgery.

If he continues to refine his slider and changeup, this Florida boy could be an impact Major League pitcher within two years.

Jacob DeGrom

4. Steven Matz

Not sure what kind of fairy dust Dr. David Altchek keeps in his magical knife, but 2009 second-round pick Steven Matz has returned from Tommy John surgery good-as-new too.

His fastball has been clocked as high as 98 mph. this year and as you might expect, he dominated the Appalachian League with that kind of stuff.

Granted it was only six starts, but the Long Island phenom stuck out 34 batters in 29 innings and gave up just 16 hits.

The reason these kind of numbers are a surprise for a second-round pick is because most experts had written Matz off after he failed to reach a professional mound in his first three years since being drafted.

While he still has a very long way to go, it’s now clear that the Steven’s potential is still there.

3. David Wynn

Had he pitched more innings, David Wynn could have the biggest surprise in the system this year not just because of his results, but because of where he came from.

In his final season for Mid-American Christian University, the California native gave up 98 hits in 80 innings while recording an ERA of over seven!

With his career seemingly over, the Mets signed Wynn before the season in 2012. He took full advantage of the opportunity, adapting to the bullpen and earned a 1.44 ERA in Brooklyn this season.

Props to whichever scout found Wynn out in Oklahoma. It’s a great story that will only get better if David continues to succeed.

2. Rafael Montero

Montero has taken the ultimate fast-track through the system. He was signed much later than most Dominicans (Age 20) and has progressed through the six lower levels of the Mets system in a year and a half.

Some pitchers will take 3-4 years to get from the Dominican Summer League to the Florida State League, and Montero has done it in a shocking 16 months.

His best progress came this year when he dominated A-ball. Rafael made his first twelve starts with Savannah, going 6-3 with a 2.52 ERA and only walking eight batters.

His numbers in High-A St. Lucie were even better. Montero held opponents to a .196 average and improved his strikeout rate against even more advanced hitters.

His size (barely 6-feet) will always be a detriment to scouts, but his impeccable control and nasty changeup have propelled Montero into a top-10 prospect.

Rafael Montero

1. T.J. Rivera

It’s been a long and windy road for the Bronx native, but TJ Rivera is hitting his way to the up per levels of the Minor Leagues.

Rivera came out of Lehman High School and played two years for Wallace Community College before finishing off his eligibility at Troy University.

With seemingly no place to go upon graduation, Rivera got a call from the Mets and was signed to play rookie ball at the far-too-old age of 22.

Well Rivera is now 24 and has hit his way up to High-A ball. His 2012 campaign featured a .320 average and an OPS of .815.

He’s considered the biggest surprise because for a guy whose not even considered a prospect, his numbers are off the charts. His totals in RBIs, OBP%, Runs Scored, Total Bases, Doubles, Triples, OPS and strikeout rate all rank among the top-10 in the Mets system.

With numbers like that, he’s a prospect in my book. 

T.J. Rivera playing for Troy University