Minors: Those Young Pitchers
…given matt’s post from earlier today, about the team’s young pitching, it makes sense to dig deeper and take a look at the young arms they are apparently so high on…
Here’s a look of some of the top pitchers the Mets have nabbed in the past two June amateur drafts (in no particular order):
Scott Moviel, RHP (2nd round, 2007): Drafted in the second round out of high school this past June, Moviel went 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA for the GCL Mets, tossing 40 innings and allowing 45 hits, but walking only 11 and striking out 37. He’s a power pitcher with a strong feel for his breaking stuff. His ceiling is considered amongst the highest of the Mets’ pitching prospects, and not just because he stands six foot seven.
Brant Rustich, RHP (2nd round, 2007): Rustich is a big (6′6, 225) reliever with big stuff. He began his short debut season with Kingsport of the Appy League, appearing in five games while posting a 0.87 ERA. In 10.1 innings he allowed six hits and a walk, striking out ten. After moving up to Brooklyn, he tossed 12.1 frames in ten games, allowing ten hits. He struggled a bit in Hawaiian Winter Baseball, but the Mets think he had some of the best stuff in last june’s draft, and he could move quickly as a reliever. They also may try him out as a starting pitcher, as he has three plus pitches.
Nathan Vineyard, LHP (1st round supplemental, 2007): A lefty out of Georgia, Vineyard has middle of the rotation potential, to go along with an already plus-slider. His fastball is in the low 90′s and can improve, as he has the size (6’3, 200 lbs) and pitchability to do so. He didn’t fare so well in his pro debut (0-3, 5.27 ERA in 27 IP in the GCL), but is as solid a prospect as you’ll find a year removed from high school.
Nicholas “Cole” Abbott, RHP (25th round, 2007): A lanky, under the radar righty from Utah, Abbott already boasts a low 90′s fastball and a decent breaking ball, despite the lack of experience that comes with growing up in a less than baseball crazy state like Utah. He got beat up in his pro debut (0-3, 7.31 in 10 games), though he pitched mostly from the bullpen. He won’t be on any fast track, but he’s a sleeper type prospect.
Guilluame Leduc, RHP (6th round, 2007): Even lankier at 6’4 and 190, Leduc is a raw talent, coming out of Montreal, where they play only a few months a year and the instruction is less then world class. Still, he has a low 90′s fastball and a decent spinner, and has some potential with ample work.
Nick Carr, RHP (Draft and Follow, 2005): Carr was 5-2 with a 3.80 ERA for Brooklyn. He tossed 66 innings, only allowing 55 hits, and while he tended to lose command at times, walking 27, he struck out an impressive 74 NYP league hitters. He has dominating stuff, though with a herky jerky motion that could eventually send him to the bullpen. He should be in one of the two Class A Leagues this season.
Phillips Orta, RHP (10th round, 2006; signed as DAF, 2007): Born in Venezuela, Orta pitched for Western Nebraska Community College before signing with the Mets. He has a potential plus fastball at 89-94 mph, and can throw a good slider at times. He didn’t put up good numbers in his pro debut, but is another sleeper to keep an eye on as he starts his first full season in pro ball in 2008.
