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Kingsport Mets Season Review: More Than Just Szapucki Coming

By John Sasso

September 15, 2016 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Allen Greene Photography

Photo Credit: Allen Greene Photography

At the start of the month of September, the former Mets infielder Luis Rivera led Kingsport Mets capped off a come from behind, with an extra inning walk-off win. That exciting victory brought a finish to the season with a record of 27-41, 12 games out of the division. A record that belied a season that was exciting as it’s finish.

The season started with an unknown 2015 fifth round draft pick from William Dwyer HS in West Palm Beach taking the Appalachian League by storm. Thomas Szapucki would not be long for the Appy League as he was promptly and deservedly promoted to the NY Penn-League where he continued his mastery of batters. Maybe it was due to the deafening noise that Szapucki’s skyrocketing ascent generated, but very quietly Jordan Humphreys has himself great season as well. Striking out 76 in 69.1 innings. Earning himself a late season promotion to Brooklyn.

Other noteworthy prospects who were promoted to the Cyclones team included infielder Franklin Correa, whose three homers and 25 RBI ranked second on the team at the time of promotion. Joining him was C/1B Anthony Domino who would have finished among the top five for the batting title with enough plate appearances.

There were other performances that stood out that didn’t translate into promotions for one reason or another (mostly overcrowding). With his quick bat and true center field speed, Ricardo Cespedes showed why he received the highest bonus among the impressive class of 2013/14 IFA players the team signed. Among that same IFA class, the compact and stocky Walter Rasquin played like the spark plug he is.

Not to be outdone, the 2016 draft was also well represented on the field; Jeremy Wolf was comped to Kevin Kaczmarski on draft day, and didn’t disappoint. An undrafted NY native also made a name for himself just as T.J. Rivera was paving the path to Queens for him. Reed Gamache went to SUNY at Binghamton, and hopes to return to his old stomping grounds in a few years.  

Batting Leaders

184 PA needed to qualify for league leaders, top ten rankings in parentheses

On the rubber there were some solid performances aside from those listed above, with 15 pitchers striking out at least a batter per inning, the Kingsport Mets staff led the league in strikeouts. Highlighted individual performances include: Sixto Torres, who started the season in the GCL and was promoted to Kingsport. Where his 2.70 ERA in 36.1 innings proved that he belonged. 2015 GCL Mets Sterling Award winner Adonis Uceta struck out 63 in 61.1 innings, and a third lefty from the 2015 draft class, Jake Simon struck out 66.

Not to be outdone the 2016 draft class was well represented as well, Placido Torres was outstanding out of the bullpen striking out 26 in 18 innings. Chris Viall played to his reputation as a fireballer who hasn’t mastered his delivery yet with a 12.2 SO/9, yet a 1.59 K/BB ratio

Pitching leaders

54.1 IP required to qualify for league leaders

  • Wins: Jordan Humphreys, Max Wotell, Jose Carlos Medina, & Adonis Uceta 3
  • Innings: Jordan Humphreys 69.1 (third in league)
  • Qualified ERA:  Jordan Humphreys 3.76 (tenth in league)
  • Non-Qualified ERA: Thomas Szapucki 0.62
  • Qualified WHIP: Jordan Humphreys 1.15 (fourth in league)
  • Non-Qualified WHIP: Thomas Szapucki 0.86
  • Strikeouts: Jordan Humphreys 76 (Led the league)  
  • Saves: Colin Holderman 3 (tied sixth in league)
  • SO/W: Jose Carlos Medina 7.00
  • SO/9: Thomas Szapucki 14.6

There was a few notable names that disappointed, Yeffry De Aza struggled for the first time in his brief career. Along with speedster Raphael Ramirez who fell below the mendoza line in repeating the level.

Hidden among the players who made names for themselves Blake Taylor, part of the return for Ike Davis, returned successfully to the mound. Just another reason of hope and excitement coming out of the Tennessee Valley. There is some good ball players headed climbing up the system.

Previous season reviews: Binghamton, DSL , GCL, Las Vegas, Columbia 

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