Next on our list of projections is Double-A Binghamton where you’ll see a few interesting bats in the infield, while seeing some underrated guys in the rotation and the bullpen. The BMets won’t have too many interesting names, but will produce a fun squad. Yesterday we projected the 2015 Las Vegas 51’s squad. It really is a shame that it sounds like Amed Rosario will spend the first month or so of the season back in St. Lucie.

Starting Pitching

Scarlyn Reyes – Another Mateo-type pitcher who throws in the mid-90’s and is older.

Mickey Jannis – A knuckleballer who did well in the AFL. Throws a hard knuckleball thanks to some Charlie Hough tutelage.

Logan Taylor – Throws in the low 90’s, with some interesting stuff. Might be a solid Relief convert in the future.

Robert Gsellman – One of the top right-handed prospects with a low 90’s fastball and plus curveball.

Andrew Barbosa – Tall lefty free agent signing that did well in the Dominican Winter League.

 

Relief Pitching

Jimmy Duff – Mets fan who has a low-90’s fastball and plus control.

Kelly Secrest – Senior Sign Lefty in 2014 with a 90-94 fastball and slow breaker.

Kyle Regnault – Lefty who pitched in the Arizona Fall League, and the Can Am League the last 3 years.

Robert Coles – Ground ball pitcher that has allowed only two homeruns in 131 career innings.

Akeel Morris – Has held hitters to a .163 average in his pro career, possesses a great changeup.

Beck Wheeler– Has steadily climbed the system since being drafted in 2011.

Rainy Lara – We project he’ll finally be converted to reliever. Throws low 90’s with an iffy slider.

Catchers

Xorge Carrillo– At this point, he is a depth catcher with good defense and a bit of pop.

Raywilly Gomez– Free agent catcher with an 80 name.

 

Infield

Dominic Smith– Florida State League Player of the Year, and top first base prospect. It’s a no-brainer he’s starting at Double-A.

L.J. Mazzilli– Son of Lee Mazzilli who will be repeating there after a down season.

Phillip Evans– An overslot bonus guy in the 15th rounder in 2011 who has not lived up to billing.

Matt Oberste – First baseman who will back up Dominic Smith. He can hit.

Jeff McNeil – We’re split, because there is some speculation he is going to Triple-A, but got just a cup of coffee last year with Binghamton. He is a versatile utility infield type.

Niuman Romero– Utility infield/outfielder free agent with another great name.

Outfield

Derrik Gibson – Free agent signing in the winter who can play all three outfield positions.

Jared King– Switch-hitting 2013 5th rounder who is repeating the level.

Maikis De La Cruz– Dominican outfielder signed in 2010 who has not performed well, but is a plus defender.

Victor Cruzado– Switch-hitting outfielder with plus defense in right who has climbed the system level by level.

Kyle Johnson – Traded to the Mets for Colin Cowgill,  he has plus speed and is a solid defender.

 

Analysis:

Dominic Smith, the Mets top first base prospect, won the Florida State League Most Valuable Player award in 2015, slashing .305/.354/.417 with 6 home runs. He hopes to up his game in the state of New York, and hit for more home runs. What will help him is a smaller league and park to work with. Amed Rosario held his own, hitting .257/.302/.329 with 20 doubles in 105 games as the youngest player in the league, but didn’t provide the real pop he has dormant.

As for pitching, Scarlyn Reyes and Rob Gsellman are very interesting. Reyes throws in the mid-90’s, but does not have much control, while Gsellman is a finesse pitcher who throws in the mid-90’s with a plus curve. Taylor with a low-to-mid 90’s fastball, and above average curve is someone to watch, as well as Mickey Jannis, who throws harder than most knuckleballers. Relievers such as Smoker and Morris are guys to watch as flamethrowers who have excelled, but might be blocked at Triple-A.

Other players you could see in Binghamton in 2016: OF Stefan Sabol, RHP Mike Hepple. RHP Michael Gibbons, C Colton Plaia, and top third base prospect Jhoan Urena.